Beat the Summer Heat: How to Handle the Heat on a Cruise

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The summer months, i.e., between June and August, are generally not ideal for cruising, owing to the extreme temperatures in most popular cruising destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, etc. But summers are ideal for family vacations, as this is the time when schools close for holidays. So, if you are planning a summer cruise holiday with your family but are looking for ways to beat the heat, you are at the right place. Here we have some useful summer cruise tips that will help you to handle the heat and enjoy your cruise holiday at the same time.

Useful Summer Cruise Tips to Beat the Heat

Dress for the Heat

The way you dress on your cruise holiday is extremely crucial to handle the heat on the cruise. Here are some things you should remember while packing your bags.

•  Pack clothes that are light and breathable. Cotton and linen fabrics are your best friends for your cruise holidays, especially for port visits and time on the deck.
• Opt for lighter colors than darker ones, as the latter absorb more heat.
• T-shirts, shirts, shorts, loose pants, summer dresses, etc., are some of the comfortable outfits for cruises.
• Summer is not the time to pack light, as you will need to change your clothes at least once during the day. Alternatively, you can also use the laundry services on the cruise, although this could be expensive.
• Do not forget dressy outfits for your evenings on the cruise. You do not need too many of them, as you can repeat these outfits.
• Accessories like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are extremely important to protect yourself from the sun.
• Do not forget to pack your jacket or sweater for the chilly air conditioners inside the cruise.

Hydration is Key

This is a complete no-brainer. When it gets too hot and humid, you need to stay hydrated to keep your body cool. Hence, it is important to ensure that you have water with you at all times. This stays true for both onboard and off-board.

•  Bottled water is available on cruises. But do not assume that they are included in your cruise holiday packages. If you have purchased a drinks package, bottled water would be included in it.
•  It is best to get a reusable bottle (one bottle for every person). You can refill this bottle at water dispensers available at different areas on the cruise like main dining rooms, buffet areas, pool deck areas, lounges, common areas, fitness centers, cafes, and snack bars. You will also find drinking water dispensers in most tourist places during port visits. These are usually free of cost.
•  If you are on the cruise, you can sip on fresh fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. While drinking coffee, alcoholic drinks, and even sodas may seem a great idea to beat the heat, consuming them in high quantities can cause dehydration. So, it is best to minimize consumption of these drinks.
•  If you have port visits during the daytime, carrying an electrolyte drink would be a good idea to replenish your body when it becomes too hot to handle.

Prepare for Your Port Visits

Port excursions are one of the most exciting parts of cruises. It would be a complete waste if you did not venture outside to explore the ports because of the heat. With some planning you can enjoy the port visits without enduring the overwhelming heat. Here are some tips on how to stay cool on a cruise.

•  Schedule your port visits to early in the morning and late in the afternoon. This way you do not have to handle the severe heat that usually comes during midday. Checking the ports and the timings of arrival and departure are the things to know before booking a cruise.
•  When visiting ports, opt for indoor attractions like museums, galleries, etc., anything that does not involve you staying under the sun for a long time.
•  If the port is close to the city center, you can go back on the cruise for an afternoon nap or to simply enjoy the pool area when the heat becomes too much.
•  You can also opt for beach visits, water sports or activities, or water parks to stay cool during peak hot days.

Stay Indoors Onboard

There would be days during your cruise holiday when you would be at sea between port visits. Use these days to stay indoors and enjoy the cool of the air-conditioners. Looking for cruise activities is one of the things to do after booking a cruise.

•  The best part is that the cruise is full of activities and attractions designed to engage and entertain you. Check out the cruise’s website or app to find activities that would keep you engaged. It could be workshops, trivia games, clubs, and more. Dance classes, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, etc., will keep you entertained as well as cool.
•  Most cruises have Broadway-style shows and musicals. Reserve your seat in advance, so that you do not miss the opportunity.
•  Look for spaces on cruises where you can stay cool while enjoying your time. Lounges, indoor pools, theaters, libraries, cafes, etc., are places you can relax on the cruise.
•  Use the air-conditioner in your room in the right way to stay cool. Keep the temperature at a comfortable temperature. Close the curtains or blinds in your room during the day, so that the sun does not overheat your room.•
• If you are staying on a balcony suite or cabin, save the balcony visits to early morning and late evening, when the air is cooler.
•  Taking regular showers would also help you to keep your body temperature stable, especially after visiting the decks, pools, and other outdoor areas of the cruise.

Do Not Underestimate Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to cruising during the summers. You must use it liberally for port visits and when you are spending time on the deck of the cruise.

•  Your sunscreen should be SPF 30 or SPF 50. Apply it at least 30 minutes before stepping out of the ship. It is also equally important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when you are outside.
•  Just like applying sunscreen, it is also important to take care of your skin after exposing it to the sun. Applying aloe vera gel or a soothing lotion would be a good idea.
•  Apart from applying sunscreen, there are other ways to protect your skin. Choose to sit in shaded areas of lounges or cabanas near the pool to enjoy the outdoors while remaining cool. Make use of umbrellas and sun sails that most cruises offer.

Things to Pack for Your Summer Cruise Holiday

Here is a list of additional things you can include in your hot weather cruise packing.

•  Carrying a portable fan would be a great idea to stay comfortable in a hot and crowded environment. You can get a rechargeable or battery-operated portable fan.
•  Cooling neckbands can help you stay cool for 3-4 hours. Getting these with you on your cruise holiday would be a good idea. Alternatively, you can also carry cooling towels.
•  Light weight cotton coverups and scarves are also useful things to carry for your summer cruise holiday.

What Not to Pack for Summer Cruise Holiday?

Here are some of the things you should not pack for your cruise holiday.

•  Keep thick clothing like jeans, dark colored clothes, and heavy knits at home. These can make you extremely uncomfortable in the heat.
•  A heavy bag or bag pack is not something you should carry for your cruise holiday. This could make you feel hotter and sweaty during your outings. It is best to take a small daypack or crossbody bag.
•  Check your list thoroughly and cross out all the things that are not absolutely necessary.

Following the tips given here would help you beat the heat on vacation and enjoy a memorable summer cruise holiday. However, if the heat is still a problem but you do not want to skip the cruise holiday, it would be best to go for Antartica or Alaska cruises, where the summers are milder.