Cruise Tips: What to do Before You Leave on Your Cruise

We fell in love with cruising on our first one!  But I will say I was TERRIFIED before we left!  It was a whole new world of vacationing for us and I didn’t know what to expect.  I began to research and put together a list of tips.  Since we have been cruising for a while I have revisited our list and expanded on it tremendously up to 101 tips!  I have broken this up into sections for these posts and videos.  First up… What to do before you leave on your cruise.

Check-In Online

Complete online check-in as soon as possible!  Some cruise lines, like Carnival, will let you choose your boarding time, so the earlier you check in the more likely you will get the boarding time you want.  Also, print and READ all of your cruise documents!

Get Organized

Make a copy of everything and put in a folder.  This includes copies of your passport or birth certificates, copies of health insurance, copies of credit cards and picture id (in case wallet is lost or stolen) and copy of the itinerary and anything you pre-booked before boarding (excursions, drink packages, etc)

Questions???

If you are unsure of a policy or a procedure, look on the cruise line’s website – all answers are there!  Every cruise line will have different policies so verify before you head to the port.

Don’t lose your luggage!

Attach a luggage tag to each checked bag and also put one inside in case it gets torn off.

Make your luggage stand out

Make sure your suitcase is easily spotted – tie a bright ribbon to the handle, etc.

Don’t over pack!

Once you have everything ready to pack, rethink the amount of clothes and shoes and remove some – don’t over pack!!!

Pack a carry-on

Pack swimsuits, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sea-bands or patches for seasickness, & medications in a carry-on – it may be a while before your checked bags are delivered to your room.

Kids Clubs

Pre-register your kids for the onboard kids’ camps.  This goes for your teens too so they can straight to their area when they are ready.

Pre-order your drinks

Order any beverages for your cabin.  This includes bottled water and bottles of alcohol along with sodas or juices for mixed drinks.  Also your drink package – these are typically cheaper if pre-booked.

Don’t be late!

Plan your travel so you arrive in plenty of time – the ship will leave you!  If flying to port it’s best to arrive the day before in case of delays.

Consider travel insurance  

This can be bought through the cruise line or from an outside carrier.  This will protect you in case you miss your trip or have to cancel last minute due to an emergency.  And lost luggage.  Also, it provides health insurance outside the US, so if you are ill and need to see the ship’s doctor or worse need a hospital in port.  

Parking

Look into parking before you leave for the cruise, there are alternatives to parking at the port which are cheaper, especially if booked online in advance. Also, some hotels have ‘stay & park’ deals.

Let your bank know

Make bank and credit card companies aware you are traveling out of the country.  It can be really frustrating when you go to make a purchase and it is denied!

Know your ship

Get familiar with the layout of the ship.  Shipmate app has all deck plans and there are ship tours on YouTube.  Shameless plug… Here are my ship tours for the Carnival Dream & Carnival Freedom.

Get to know your shipmates

Find the Facebook group for your cruise and join it!  You will get to know your fellow cruisers before you even leave and it helps to get excited! There are usually fun activities planned as well.

I hope you find these tips helpful!  Be sure to check out our other posts for: extras to pack; what to do once onboard; food, dinner & drinks; ports & excursions; shopping; tips & gratuities and activities not to miss on a Carnival cruise.

If you want all 101 Cruise Tips, click here:

Want to see these tips live:  Here is the video:

Want more cruising posts?  Here is our full list.

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Thanks,

Alisa

EECC Travels