The Ultimate Guide on Preparing for a Cruise
- Amanda Abraham
- Jul 28, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Planning a cruise can be exciting but overwhelming. It's important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise, covering everything from travel documents to packing tips and excursion planning.
14 Topics to prepare you for your cruise:
1. Make Sure Your Travel Documents Are In Order
Before you set sail, ensure that all your travel documents are up to date:
Passports and Visas: Check the expiration date on your passport and apply for any necessary visas well in advance.
Whether you need passports and visas for a cruise depends on your itinerary and nationality. U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport for closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port. However, you must carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Traveling with a passport is strongly recommended, even for closed-loop cruises, to cover unexpected situations like medical emergencies or unscheduled ports of call. A passport is required for international cruises that start or end in foreign ports. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your trip.
Some countries may require visas for entry, even if you do not plan to disembark. Additionally, certain countries have health requirements, such as vaccinations. If you travel internationally and visit specific countries in Africa and South America, consult your cruise line for any essential information.
Cruise Tickets and Boarding Passes: Print out your cruise tickets and boarding passes or save them on your phone.
Vaccination Records: As stated above, Some destinations may require proof of vaccinations, so ensure you have these documents handy.
2. Contact Banks
Notify your banks and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions. Notifying your banks and credit card companies will also prevent your accounts from being flagged for suspicious activity.
3. Bring Small Bills for Tips
It's a good idea to bring small bills for tipping. USD or Euros are usually accepted in most ports. Small bills can be handy for tipping porters, drivers, and tour guides. Extra cash is a good idea for recognizing exceptional service on a cruise. Crew members often go above and beyond, so a personal tip can show your appreciation directly.
4. Create Your Packing List
You can grab a free downloadable Cruise packing list guide from our shop!
Packing for a cruise requires careful planning. Here are some tips:
Check the Cruise Line's Luggage Policy: Each cruise line has specific luggage allowances and prohibited items. Be sure to review these guidelines to avoid bringing items not allowed onboard.
Carry-On Essentials: Pack a carry-on with important items like travel documents, medications, a change of clothes, and any valuables. This is crucial as your checked luggage may take some time to be delivered to your cabin.
Layer Your Clothing: Bring clothes you can layer. Temperatures can vary widely from ship to port of call. Include a mix of casual wear, swimwear, and formal attire if your cruise includes formal nights.
Comfortable Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes for excursions and casual shoes for onboard activities. If your cruise has formal nights, don't forget a pair of dress shoes.
Swimwear and Cover-Ups: Bring at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one. Don't forget cover-ups, hats, and sunglasses for poolside lounging or beach days.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items: Most cruise lines provide basic toiletries (sometimes all-in-one products), but you might prefer your own. Pack travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other personal care items.
Formal Attire: If your cruise includes formal nights, pack accordingly. Men might need a suit or tuxedo, and women should consider evening gowns or cocktail dresses (see theme nights section below for more information).
Power Adapters and Chargers: Bring power adapters suitable for the cruise ship's outlets if traveling internationally. Also, remember to bring chargers for all your electronics.
Reusable Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle is handy for staying hydrated on the ship and during excursions.
Medications and First Aid: Ensure all your prescribed medications are in original containers. Bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medications.
Pack for the Destination: Consider the climate and activities of your cruise destinations—for example, pack light, breathable clothing for tropical destinations and warmer layers for cooler climates.
Don't Overpack: Cabins on cruise ships have limited space. Try to pack efficiently using versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Some cruisers like packing cubes or drawer organizers to keep things organized.
Bring a Day Bag: A small backpack or tote bag is helpful for day trips and excursions. It can hold your essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Cruise-Specific Items: Items like magnetic hooks for additional hanging space, a lanyard for your cruise card, and a small fan for extra ventilation can make your cruise more comfortable.
Check Dress Codes: Some cruises have dress codes for dining areas and evening activities (though sometimes not enforced). Check these ahead of time to pack appropriate attire.
6. Join Cruise Forums/Groups: Connect with other travelers on forums for insider tips. There are also cruise-specific forums and groups where you can plan events and interact with fellow cruisers on your trip. You can search for your specific cruise on Facebook to join a group dedicated to your sailing. Most people join these groups to interact with fellow travelers before the cruise begins. The groups are where you can share excitement, meet new people, keep up to date, and even share experiences and excursions with new friends. Some groups even set up events that people in the groups organize. One popular event is a Stateroom Crawl.
A Stateroom Crawl is organized so you can visit other staterooms and see the different categories. Usually, the organizer will ask members who don't mind sharing their stateroom to volunteer, and they'll put together a list with a specific time and day when all those staterooms are open for visitation.
7. Travel Considerations
Decide whether you will drive or fly to the port.
Driving: If you decide to drive, you must account for parking fees, ranging from $15 to $25 per day at the port. Off-site parking lots might offer slightly cheaper rates with shuttle services to the terminal, but these costs still add up throughout your cruise. Additionally, fuel costs, tolls, and potential hotel stays for long-distance drives can significantly increase your expenses. Don't forget the wear and tear on your vehicle, which can lead to maintenance costs after your trip.
Flying: Airfare can vary greatly depending on when you book and which airline you choose, with last-minute bookings often being more expensive. Most airlines charge for checked bags, and these baggage fees can add up quickly if you're traveling with a lot of luggage. Once you arrive at the airport, you'll need to arrange transportation to the port, whether by taxi, ride-sharing service, or shuttle, all of which can be costly, especially if the airport is far from the cruise terminal. Similar to driving, you might need to book a hotel if you arrive a day early or have a late return flight, adding to your overall travel expenses. Meals and other incidentals during your travel can also add up, particularly if you have long layovers. Additionally, if the airport is far from the port, you might consider renting a car for a one-way trip, including rental fees and a drop-off charge.
8. Pack a Day Bag for Embarkation Day
On embarkation day, you won't have access to your checked luggage immediately. Pack a day bag with essentials like:
Important documents
Medications
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A swimsuit and a change of clothes
Snacks and water
9. Plan Your Excursions and Onboard Activities
Start planning excursions, restaurant bookings, internet packages, dining times, spa appointments, and other onboard activities. Booking in advance can save you money and ensure availability to secure your preferred times. Coordinate with travel companions if you're planning activities together.
10. Theme Nights
Cruise ship theme nights are special evenings during which passengers dress up and participate in themed events, often including themed dinners, entertainment, and activities. Participation in these nights is completely voluntary, adding an element of fun and variety to the cruise experience and allowing guests to immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere. Most cruise lines share details about their sailings on their official websites, including the schedule of themed nights. You can find this information under your specific sailing under the "Entertainment" or "Activities" section. Other passengers often share details about themed nights and other activities in cruise groups.
Popular Examples of Cruise Ship Theme Nights:
Formal Night/Black Tie Night:
Description: Passengers are invited to dress in their finest formal wear, such as tuxedos and evening gowns. The evening usually features a special dinner with gourmet cuisine, followed by elegant entertainment such as live music or a theatrical performance.
Popular Activities: Captain's cocktail reception, professional photo opportunities, ballroom dancing.
Pirate Night (Popular on Disney Cruise Line):
Description: Guests of all ages dress up as pirates. The ship is decorated with a pirate theme, and the evening includes pirate-themed activities, entertainment, and cuisine.
Popular Activities: A pirate deck party with a show, fireworks at sea, a meet-and-greet with Disney characters in pirate attire, and a themed buffet and menu.
These theme nights enhance the cruising experience by providing guests with memorable and engaging activities beyond the usual vacation itinerary.
11. Get to Know Your Ship
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship:
Watch YouTube videos
Study ship maps to locate entertainment areas, bars, lounges, and dining options.
12. Stock Up on Medication
Bring both over-the-counter and prescription medications in travel sizes. Over-the-counter medications can be expensive onboard (e.g., $10 for a small bottle of ibuprofen).
Medical services on the ship can be costly, and evacuation may be necessary and expensive in severe emergencies.
13. Hand sanitizers are your friend
Cruise ships are places where a lot of people are in close quarters, making it easy for germs to spread. According to the CDC, the overall rate of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships has been estimated to be less than 1% of passengers. Most cruise lines now require passengers to undergo health screenings, implement enhanced cleaning and hygiene stations, and upgrade HVAC systems to improve air filtration and circulation in order to help prevent illnesses on board.
Here are some reasons why using hand sanitizer often is beneficial:
Preventing Illness:
Frequent hand sanitization helps prevent the spread of illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, and gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus, which can be prevalent on cruise ships.
Convenience:
Hand sanitizers are quick and easy to use, making it convenient to maintain hand hygiene, especially when soap and water are not readily available.
High-Touch Surfaces:
Cruise ships have many high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons, and door handles. Hand sanitizer after touching these surfaces reduces the risk of transferring germs to your face or food.
Dining Areas:
Hand sanitizer before eating or drinking can significantly reduce the risk of ingesting harmful germs.
Shared Facilities:
Cruise ships have many shared facilities, such as pools, gyms, and theaters. Hand sanitizers help maintain hygiene in these communal areas.
While the risk of illness exists, many passengers enjoy cruises without any health issues, particularly if they adhere to recommended hygiene practices and take advantage of the preventive measures provided by the cruise lines.
14. Check-In Process
Online Check-In: Complete this before your cruise to save time at the port. Log into the cruise line's website or app a few weeks before your departure. You'll need to provide personal information, including your passport details, emergency contact, and any health information required. Set up your onboard spending account by linking a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit. You'll also select your preferred boarding time if the cruise line offers this option. Once all the information is submitted, you can print your boarding passes and luggage tags or save them to your mobile device. Completing online check-in in advance can save time at the port and make your boarding experience smoother and faster.
Embarkation Day Check-In: Arrive at the port early to avoid long lines and follow your assigned boarding time if given. If you're driving, park in the designated terminal lot and drop off your checked luggage with the porters. Don't forget to tip them. After going through a security screening similar to airport procedures, head to the check-in counter to verify your documents, set up your onboard spending account, and receive your key cards (some ships will have your room key in your stateroom when you arrive). Once you're on board, take some time to explore the ship, locate dining options and pools, and enjoy the start of your adventure while waiting for your luggage to reach your stateroom.
15. Arrival at the Port
Here's what to expect on embarkation day:
Dropping Off Bags: Porters will take your checked luggage.
Parking: If driving, park in the designated areas.
Tipping: It's customary to tip porters.
Security and Check-In: Go through security and check-in before boarding the ship.
16. Know What You Can Bring Onboard
Alcohol: Many cruise lines allow a limited amount of wine or champagne. Check specific policies as they vary.
Soda: Some lines permit passengers to bring non-alcoholic beverages like soda or bottled water.
Exceptions: Always verify with your cruise line for specific regulations.
Prohibited Items
General Prohibited Items: Firearms, ammunition, realistic replicas, sharp objects, knives, illegal drugs, candles, incense, coffee makers, irons, hot plates, hoverboards, martial arts gear, self-defense gear, flammable liquids, and explosives are prohibited on almost all cruise lines.
Some Line-Specific Prohibited Items (see actual cruise line for all line-specific Items):
Royal Caribbean International: Scissors (except personal grooming items with blades less than 4 inches), CBD products, clothes steamers, heating pads, sports gear, handcuffs, pepper spray, nightsticks, lighter fluid, fireworks, hookahs, water hookah pipes, HAM radios, electrical extension cords, power strips, dangerous chemicals, bleach, paint, perishable food, meat products, alcoholic beverages (except one bottle of wine or champagne per person).
Top Items Confiscated
Commonly confiscated items on cruise ships include alcohol (if not permitted), irons, and surge protectors. Surge protectors are banned due to fire hazards and potential disruption of the ship's electrical system. Irons are prohibited due to fire risk in the confined ship environment.
Security Measures
Some cruise companies employ drug-sniffing dogs for security checks and to ensure safety onboard by detecting drugs, explosives, and other contraband.
Plan your dream cruise effortlessly with DnA Escapes. Visit www.dnaescapes.com for expert advice on excursions and onboard activities tailored to your preferences.
Following these tips will prepare you for a fantastic cruise adventure. Bon voyage!
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