Verify the information on your cruise documents as soon as you get access, usually no later than one week before departure. Double-check the spelling of your name, your appointed cabin and departure date. Contact your travel agent or cruise line provider if you notice any mistakes.
Check the validity of your passport. Your passport has to be valid and should not expire within six months of the cruise. Carry your passport for proof of citizenship and identification purposes. Your passport has to display the same name as your cruise documents.
Inquire with your travel agent or cruise line provider about current required visas and vaccinations for the destinations you will be visiting because these regulations periodically change. Bring proof of any acquired vaccinations with you on the ship.
Schedule a pickup service or arrange for someone to drive you to the cruise port. You may also need to arrange a plane flight if the cruise departs from another state or far away location.
Reserve shore excursions. Call your cruise line's customer service department or log into your online cruise account to set up shore excursions before your cruise. Avoid making reservations on the ship because shore excursions often have a limited number of available spots.
Pack appropriate clothing and place identification tags on each piece of luggage. Bring casual clothing, smart-casual clothing and formal clothing. Pack mostly casual clothing, such as pants, skirts, shorts or sundresses for women. Pick out sporty shirts, shorts and slacks for men. Include smart-casual clothing, such as pantsuits and dresses for women, and ties and jackets for men. Pack formal clothing, such as a tuxedo for men and a cocktail dress for women. Bring shoes for shore excursions; sneakers, sandals and flip-flops are common cruise attire. Bring swimwear to wear poolside and workout clothing if you plan to exercise.
Put your essential items in your carry-on bag because it may take a while before your luggage arrives at your cabin after checking in. Keep your money, medications, jewelry and breakable items, in your carry-on bag. If you don't want to wait for your bags to arrive, pack swimwear or workout clothing so you can start enjoying the ship.
Set aside traveler's checks and some cash or a credit card to pay for on-board expenses and on-shore purchases. On many ships, you use your cabin's key card to charge expenses to your room. At the end of your cruise you have to pay for your expenses
Arrange for someone to watch your house, water your plants or feed your pets while away.
