Although I’ve traveled to more than twenty-five countries, I recently took my first cruise and found myself discombobulated in unfamiliar territory. As with any mode of travel, cruising comes with its own set of challenges and surprises. Being a jet setter by choice, I’ve endured most travel bumps including the memorable mid-route Los Angeles to Pakistan mishap when a distracted flight attendant accidentally spilled a tray of beef stroganoff down the front of my white shirt. From this unforeseen mess sprung a slew of handy travel tips themed, “How to be Zen When Traveling.” Thus, each subsequent trip offered new opportunities to amend, refine, and develop new strategies. Navigating one’s way through a cruise can be easy(er) with a little preparation, a flexible disposition, and some Zen-preservation tactics. Otherwise, one runs the risk of doing the worst imaginable thing anyone could ever possibly do on a vacation: complain.
For my maiden sail, I chose Holland America’s twelve-day Mediterranean Romance aboard the Zuiderdam. The trifecta of breezy ocean air, hypnotic rippling waves and encompassing horizon lines unequivocally produced a tranquilizing meditative Zen like no landlocked hotel could … but first, one had to get to the ship. Seasoned travelers may be able to effortlessly adapt to a series of fiascos and remain calm, but for most novice globe trotters seeking a well-deserved getaway, the word vacation doesn’t include lost luggage, flight delays or missed ships. Not to state the obvious, but since people have, in fact, failed to show up in time for embarkation, handy tip #1 is to arrive in the port city two days prior to sailing. Consider the cost of the overnight stay in a Venetian hotel as insurance. Naturally, I allotted my standard two day buffer and thus had the luxury of giving up my airplane seat for a free ticket anywhere in the world and still arriving with a day to spare.
Much like fans who attend live sporting events and grumble about traffic, cruisers must get a grip in reality and discard the flawless vacation myth (#2). Just because one is going to paradise, doesn’t mean there aren’t bugs. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment as there is no magic ratio between the amount of time researching and planning a two week European cruise and the ensuing amount of seamless experiences. No need to voyage expecting a daisy chain of disasters, yet the mental preparedness of the possibility of long lines, kooky guests, and minor inconveniences—diminishes their impact. Hiccups are an integral parts of any floating hotel with 2,000 plus guests, so pack some mental remedies like a this-will-make-a-good-story-back-home attitude (#3) along with a travel mantra (#4). Mine goes something like this: “I’m on vacation and everything is fine.” Say it religiously, frequently and sincerely throughout the travel process, not just in moments of tension. Never underestimate the power of equanimity. Tactile tips, never wear white when traveling (#5) and always have a weekend’s worth of clothing/necessities in your carry-on (#6) are simple measures to make misplaced luggage less catastrophic. And to make one’s entire trip more manageable, pack light (#7). Two-week cruises stop in a multitude of ports, all of which boast treasures one might like to take home. Arrive with a half-full suitcase, so there is room to fill. Ship-board laundry services are not only economical and speedy, they magically turn a week’s worth of clothing into two.
Interestingly, cruising, gave me anxiety for a completely unforeseen reason. As it turns out, I was a bit of a scaredy-cat. I actually had to start using the, “Everything’s fine!” mantra while still on land since crazy visions of sinking and pirates and falling overboard seeped into my pre-sailing days. Once face-to-face with the vessel, I was newly intimidated by the monstrous size of the ship not to mention the thousands of pounds of guests and crew milling about. My capsizing suspicions were confirmed once I glimpsed forklifts swirling about the loading dock carrying tons (literally) of supplies. Deep breaths (#8). It sounds silly, but there is something to it, and most of us don’t do it unless exacerbated. All of those yogis are poised and composed for a reason- they practice deep breathing. This tool aids in most nerve racking situations, including bumpy flights, rocky tenders (those motorized boats that whisk cruisers to and from shore), and bickering tablemates. A sure thing for unruffling feathers.
