Traveling as a group is an exhilarating experience, especially for sea travel, which has been steadily rising in the past few years. Coordination is the best way to keep everyone on track for the entire trip, but how exactly can you do that?
Some travel buddies may be experienced sea travelers, and it may just be someone’s first time. Without proper coordination, you might encounter problems. To avoid hectic passenger ship travel situations together, here are a couple of valuable group travel tips you should remember.
8 Group Travel Tips for Passenger Ship Travel
1. Book your ferry tickets in advance
It is a must to book your ferry tickets ahead of time, especially if you are traveling in a large group. Avail of discounts and promos provided by shipping companies to save on costs, especially during peak seasons. Research the price range for the route and accommodation you plan to take together. You can access schedules and rates for Starlite Ferries here.
As an added bonus, Starlite Ferries offers discounts, free upgrades, and vouchers if you register and book via Chelsea Loyalty.
2. Settle for a group accommodation
Most passenger ship travel companies offer accommodation for group travel. Booking a room that fits everyone usually saves you a lot of money. For example, Starlite Ferries offers a cabin for up to 5 people, which is air conditioned and can give your group more privacy. There is also a choice for economy (non-air conditioned) and tourist bed bunks (air conditioned) if you don’t mind having neighbors in the same area.
3. Coordinate packing together
Traveling with more people doesn’t mean compromising your luggage space. If you are traveling for a few days, pack lighter and assign group members to handle certain items. For example, one brings medicine and the other, snacks. If you plan to stay longer or are visiting home together, you might have to bring back bulky packages. Again, you can assign someone to handle particular packages so you don’t end up relying on a single person.
4. Prepare medications against sea sickness
Whether you are a frequent sea traveler or not, you never know when motion sickness may hit. Bring medication for seasickness that covers the whole group, at least two pills per person will do. If anyone experiences such, make sure they get adequate rest until the ship reaches the destination.
5. Bring extra money
Emergency situations might require you to shell out extra cash. Each member of the group should have their own extra money in case you need it.
6. Know your medical and dietary restrictions
It is important to know if your sea travel vessel has food or drinks that group members with health restrictions can take. As much as possible, coordinate with the shipping line. You can also bring your own snacks just in case.
7. Set a meeting place
It is wise to set a meeting point for the entire group, especially in unfamiliar places. During sea travel, there are two places where you need to set a meeting point: at the port and on the ship. Ports have many areas, which can make things confusing for newcomers. Ships will always have exits in case of emergencies. Plan your place and make sure it is easily visible and close to an exit.
8. Pay attention to passenger safety demonstrations
Part of the most important group travel tips is to be mindful and safe at all times, especially during sea travel. Once you are on board, pay close attention to the passenger guidelines and safety demonstrations. Listen for and locate the nearest emergency exit points to your cabin.
Make your trip as memorable as possible by exercising caution and follow these group travel tips. Ensure a coordinated sea travel expedition together so that you can reach your destination safely.
ALSO READ: 4 Essential Ferry Travel Tips when Getting Around the Philippines
Looking for a passenger ship travel partner? Starlite Ferries is ready to take you through the islands anywhere from Batangas, Cebu, Caticlan, Mindoro, Siquijor, Bohol and Surigao. View our schedule and book with us today.