While many aspects of a cruise vacation are taken care of for you by the cruise line, you will still have to figure out your cruise parking situation on your own. If you are not familiar with a port and its parking, then you will definitely want to research ahead of time and have a plan for parking in place. Unforeseen costs and delays can potentially spell ruin for your dream vacation, so knowing what to expect ahead of time is crucial. To help you find your way to your port parking space without issue, we’ve got the breakdown on what to plan for when trying to find parking during your cruise.
Research Parking Options
Options for cruise parking can vary from port to port, so it will be necessary to research ahead of time what options are available. Determine if the port offers on-site port parking, or if you will need to go with a nearby parking garage or other off-site parking facilities. On-site parking might seem like the best option, but you should compare pricing with other available facilities to make sure that you aren’t overpaying. You may also need reservations, especially during peak travel times, so researching ahead of time is absolutely crucial. If you are having a hard time figuring out what your options are, do not hesitate to call the port directly to ask them what your options are, what the cost will be, and whether or not you’ll need a reservation.
Consider Transportation to the Port
If there is not on-site port parking, or if you determine that an off-site facility would be cheaper, then you may need to use a shuttle service or ridesharing option to get to the port. Oftentimes, shuttle services will be readily available to transport you back and forth from an off-site parking garage. If such a shuttle is not available, using a rideshare service is always a good alternative. With a rideshare, you can choose where to be dropped off, and you may even be able to save some cash, so it may be a good option even if there is a shuttle service. Consider both the cost and the potential conveniences of either option to determine the best way to get from your cruise parking spot to port.
Arrive Early for Peace of Mind
No one wants to be rushing to catch their cruise and risking missing their departure time. It is for this reason that it is generally advised to arrive a day before your cruise departs. The same logic applies to cruise parking, so you should definitely arrive well before departure. You never know what kind of hiccups can come up while trying to get to your parking space, so you’ll be happy to have the extra time. As an added benefit, you will also have an easier time finding a good spot if you arrive before everyone else. Finding your way to your port parking spot is one of the last potentially-stressful moments that you will have to deal with before leaving on your cruise, so give yourself plenty of time to avoid any last-minute hair pulling!
Secure Valuables and Necessary Items
Your car is going to be left at the port parking lot for the duration of your cruise, so you will want to make sure that anything you leave is secured and hidden. If you are leaving any luggage behind, or any other valuable that might be tempting to potential thieves, be sure to lock it in the trunk or somewhere else that is not visible. Your best bet is to take any valuables with you so that you don’t have to worry about someone breaking into your car. Finally, make sure that you don’t accidentally leave anything that you will need for departure, like your cruise tickets, identification, or other necessary documents. You won’t want to have to shuttle back to your cruise parking spot because you forgot to bring your ID, so make a checklist before you go and be sure you’ve got everything you need before leaving your car!
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