Before you Sail, What to Expect
Get ready for your cruise with a few simple steps before you set sail.
Get ready for your cruise with a few simple steps before you set sail.
Your cruise is booked — how exciting! Now comes the fun part of getting ready for your trip. If this is your first cruise, you may be wondering what you need to do before you leave, what to pack, and what happens on embarkation day. Don't worry! A little preparation can make everything go much more smoothly.
Check Your Travel Documents
Make sure you have the required identification and travel documents for your cruise. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, and some destinations may have additional entry or visa requirements. Requirements vary depending on your citizenship and itinerary, so check the official guidance well before departure.
If you're flying to your cruise port, check your airline's travel requirements, too. It's always better to take care of these details early rather than discover a problem right before your trip!
Complete Online Check-In
Most cruise lines allow you to complete check-in online or through their app before your sailing. You'll typically provide passenger information, access your boarding documents, and select an arrival time if required.
Complete check-in by your cruise line's deadline, and have your boarding pass and required documents ready for embarkation day.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect you against certain unexpected situations, such as covered trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, or travel delays. Coverage varies by policy, so review the details carefully and consider what protection makes sense for your trip.
Review Your Cruise Line's Instructions
Before departure, check your cruise line's website or app for your final documents, terminal information, luggage tags, boarding instructions, and important deadlines. These details can vary by cruise line and sailing.
Packing for a cruise is similar to packing for any vacation, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
Keep Important Items in Your Carry-On
Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin immediately, so keep the essentials with you when you board.
Your carry-on should include:
Your passport or other required travel documents
Your boarding pass and cruise documents
Any medications you may need
Your phone, wallet, and other valuables
Anything else you'll need before your checked luggage arrives
Pack for Your Itinerary
Think about the destinations you'll visit and the activities you have planned. Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and chargers are good starting points.
You may also want to pack a nicer outfit or two for evenings, depending on your cruise line and personal plans. Check the cruise line's dress guidelines and packing restrictions before you go.
Don't Overpack!
You don't need a completely different outfit for every hour of your cruise. Choose versatile clothing you can mix and match, and leave a little room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Embarkation day is the day you board the ship, and it's an exciting part of the adventure!
Arrive at Your Assigned Time, approximately
Your cruise line will provide your port terminal and check-in information. Follow your assigned arrival time and allow plenty of time to get to the port, especially if you're traveling from an airport or staying in a hotel beforehand.
If you're flying to your departure port, consider arriving at least a day early when practical. A flight delay on the day your cruise departs could cause you to miss the ship.
Check In and Board the Ship
At the terminal, you'll go through the cruise line's check-in and security procedures. Keep your travel documents and boarding pass easily accessible.
Once you're onboard, take a moment to enjoy the excitement — you're officially starting your cruise!
Your Cabin May Not Be Ready Right Away
You may be able to board before your cabin is available. Keep your medications, travel documents, valuables, and anything else you'll need right away in your carry-on.
Use the time to explore the ship, grab something to eat, or get familiar with the onboard layout.
Complete the Required Safety Briefing
Every cruise includes a required safety briefing, often called the muster drill. Your cruise line will explain how to complete it and where to find your assigned muster station. Be sure to follow the instructions and complete all required safety steps.
Here are a few things to do early in your cruise to help you settle in and avoid surprises.
Put your phone in airplane mode. Your phone may connect to the ship's cellular network at sea, where calls and data can be very expensive. If you want to use the ship's Wi-Fi, follow your cruise line's instructions and check your phone settings. Don't assume your regular cellular plan covers you at sea.
Download the cruise line's app, if available. It may provide your daily schedule, dining information, ship maps, and activity details.
Explore the ship. Locate the main dining room, buffet, guest services, elevators, and other places you'll use during your cruise.
Check your dining arrangements. Find out when and where you're scheduled to dine, if applicable.
Review the daily schedule. There may be activities, entertainment, and special events you don't want to miss.
And remember, you don't have to do everything on your first day. There's plenty of time to explore, relax, and enjoy your vacation!
Preparing for your first cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. Once you know what to expect, you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time looking forward to your vacation.
Have questions about cruising or getting ready for your first sailing? I'm always happy to help!