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before-your-cruise

Before Your Cruise: Essential Planning Tips and Packing Checklist

Getting ready for a cruise can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment you step on board. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan and pack for your cruise, including what to do before you set sail and a list of commonly packed (and often forgotten) items.

Preparing for Your Cruise

Before you embark on your cruise adventure, there are several important steps to take to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch:

  • Check Your Travel Documents: Ensure that all your travel documents are in order. This includes:
    • Passports and Visas: Many cruise destinations, especially international ones, require a valid passport. Check the expiration date and ensure you have the necessary visas for any countries you'll be visiting.
    • Cruise Tickets: Print out or have a digital copy of your cruise ticket or boarding pass, as you'll need it to board the ship.
    • Identification: Bring a government-issued photo ID for domestic cruises. For some cruises, a birth certificate may be required if a passport isn't necessary.
    • Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events.
  • Health and Vaccination Requirements: Some cruise destinations may require vaccinations or specific health clearances. Check with your cruise line for any health advisories or vaccination requirements related to your itinerary, including COVID-19 guidelines.
  • Set Up Onboard Accounts: Most cruise lines offer online check-in before departure. Set up your onboard account, which you'll use for purchases on the ship, excursions, and gratuities.
  • Plan Your Shore Excursions: Review the shore excursions offered by the cruise line and book in advance. Popular excursions can sell out quickly. If you prefer independent excursions, research and plan those in advance as well.
  • Arrange Transportation and Accommodations: Ensure you have arrangements for getting to and from the port. If you're flying in, consider arriving a day early to avoid any delays. Book any necessary pre-cruise or post-cruise accommodations in advance.
  • Notify Banks and Credit Card Companies: Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any holds on your accounts due to suspected fraudulent activity while abroad.
  • Prepare for Seasickness: If you're prone to motion sickness or are unsure how you'll react to being at sea, consider bringing medication or remedies like seasickness patches, wristbands, or ginger tablets.

Packing Essentials for Your Cruise

Packing for a cruise requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need. Here's a comprehensive packing checklist that includes items people commonly pack as well as those frequently forgotten:

Important Documents and Essentials
  • Passport and Photo ID: Ensure they are easily accessible during boarding.
  • Cruise Tickets and Itinerary: Printed or digital copies.
  • Credit/Debit Cards and Cash: Some destinations may require local currency.
  • Travel Insurance Documents: In case of emergencies.
  • Vaccination/Health Certificates: If required by the cruise or destinations.
Clothing and Accessories
  • Casual Wear: Lightweight, comfortable clothing for daytime activities (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses).
  • Smart Casual Wear: Button-down shirts, polos, designer jeans or khakis, dress, skirts, and/or long pants. Smart casual is the most common dress code for evenings.
  • Formal Attire: Most cruises have optional formal nights, so pack formal wear such as a cocktail dress or suit and tie to dress your best.
  • Swimwear: Consider packing two swimsuits if you prefer to use the pool often to ensure you always have a dry one.
  • Cover-Ups and Sarongs: For when you're walking around the ship or heading to shore from the pool.
  • Activewear: If you plan on hitting the gym or participating in active excursions.
  • Outerwear: A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
  • Sleepwear and Undergarments: Enough for the duration of the cruise.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes, and formal shoes.
  • Hats, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen: Essential for sun protection.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
  • Travel-Size Toiletries: Be sure to pack your toothpaste, contacts and eyewear, and deodorant. The cruise line provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc., however, you can pack these items if you prefer your own brands.
  • Medications: Prescription medications in their original bottles, as well as over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, allergy medicine, antacids, and seasickness remedies.
  • First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, motion sickness pills, dental repair kit, and any other necessary health supplies.
  • Makeup and Skincare: If desired, including moisturizer and after-sun lotion.
  • Hair Care Items: Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, and styling products. The cruise line will provide a hair dryer. Ask your stateroom attendant if one is not available.
Electronics and Entertainment
  • Camera/Smartphone: For capturing memories, along with extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Chargers: For all your electronic devices.
  • E-Reader or Books: For some quiet time or relaxation by the pool.
  • Portable Charger: To keep your devices powered up during excursions.
  • Headphones/Earbuds: For listening to music, audiobooks, or movies.
Beach and Pool Gear
  • Beach Bag: For carrying items to the pool or beach excursions.
  • Towels: Most cruise lines provide beach towels, including for excursions. You can leave your towels at home.
  • Snorkel Gear: If you plan on snorkeling and prefer using your own equipment.
  • Waterproof Phone Case: To protect your phone during water activities.
Frequently Forgotten Items
  • Sunscreen: Often forgotten but essential to avoid sunburn. Be sure to bring reef safe sunscreen for beach, snorkeling, and diving adventures.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Useful for staying hydrated on excursions.
  • Lanyard or Cardholder: For carrying your cruise key card.
  • Mesh Laundry Bag: To separate dirty clothes from clean ones.
  • Watch: A waterproof or inexpensive watch for keeping track of time without relying on your phone.
  • Ziploc Bags: For storing wet clothes, snacks, or keeping valuables dry.
  • Small Backpack or Day Bag: For carrying essentials during excursions.

Last-Minute Pre-Cruise Tips

  • Double-Check the Dress Code: Review your cruise line's dress code and make sure you've packed appropriately for both casual and formal nights.
  • Secure Your Home: Arrange for mail pickup, pet care, and home security while you're away.
  • Leave a Copy of Your Itinerary: Give a copy of your travel itinerary to a friend or family member in case of an emergency.
  • Relax and Look Forward to Your Cruise: Once you've packed and prepared, take a moment to relax. You're about to embark on a fantastic journey!

With careful planning and this comprehensive packing list, you'll be well-prepared for your cruise. By considering both the essentials and those easy-to-forget items, you'll ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable vacation from start to finish.

Download our easy to use Preparing and Packing Checklist to stay organized as your prepare for your cruise.