There’s a lot to be said for the all-inclusive travel opportunities offered by cruise lines and yachting companies. When you travel by boat, the price of your fare obviously includes transportation and lodgings.

But you’ll also be provided with meals and you’ll have access to all kinds of free amenities such as sun decks, swimming pools, and even entertainment like live bands, for example.

Of course, there are also extras like spa and salon services, night clubs and bars, and shore excursions that you’ll likely have to pay extra for.

But if you’re looking for a way to plan a relaxing vacation where there’s actually very little planning involved, and you want to see various ports of call along the way, traveling by yacht or booking a cruise is a great option. However, you will want to make sure that you’re prepared for this form of travel.

Here are a few ways to get all of your ducks in a row before you set sail, so to speak.

1.Renew your passport.

Any time you’re on a boat it’s a good idea to have your passport with you. You may have no plans to stop at foreign ports, but you might venture into international waters, and if your ship experiences difficulty and has to make an unscheduled stop, you don’t want to be stuck on the boat. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to take your passport along when you plan to take a cruise or travel by yacht.

2.Refill prescriptions.

It’s not like you’re going to have access to a pharmacy while you’re at sea, and even when the boat docks, you might not have time to find a pharmacy and fill a prescription. In short, failing to bring needed medications could end up ruining your trip.

So make sure you have enough medication to last through your planned trip, plus a little extra just in case. You should also ask your doctor if you need any immunizations for the area you’re traveling to. And if you suffer from motion sickness, you might want to pick up some patches or a couple boxes of Bonine.

3.Pack appropriately.

You may be on your way to a tropical locale, but depending on where your boat is leaving from, it might be a good idea to bring some cold weather gear along for the ride. Remember that the temperatures away from land are bound to be at least a few degrees colder than on shore.

So while you might be sporting nothing more than a bikini or board shorts once you reach your destination, having a few warm items of clothing is probably wise.

4.Leave your itinerary.

Any time you travel it’s a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend, and this is especially important if someone is house sitting or pet sitting for you.

This lets people know where you’re supposed to be so that they know where to start looking if you don’t come back. It’s not a bad idea to check in regularly, as well, like on days when you reach ports of call.

5.Learn about ship safety.

Any time you board a boat the captain and/or crew should cover yacht or cruise ship safety so that you know exactly what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. This information could save your life, so pay attention!

If you were on your own boat, you would be responsible for implementing safety features like secure railing, lifeboats, and ample illumination via Apex lighting solutions.

But since you’re relying on others to keep you safe, it’s a good idea to listen to what they tell you where safety is concerned.