Pre-boarding a cruise line requires showing numerous forms. You must have passports, visas, medical histories, immunizations, government IDs, and entry and exit forms. Keep these forms in a safe place in your cabin while on board, and remember to take your passport if you decide to leave the ship. "When a passport is required, ensure it is valid for up to six months after the last day of your cruise and that it contains blank pages for entry/exit stamps," Princess Cruises advise.
Bring proper clothes for different destinations. For example, it may be snowing in Norway but sunny and warm in Mexico. Include all of your personal and dental hygiene toiletries. Bring a camera along with any chargers or batteries you might need. Some cruise lines have formal nights or dinners where women wear gowns and men wear suits and ties.
Emergencies happen. Let your friends and family know that you are going on a cruise and leave numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Most cruise line websites have a phone number that allows people to call directly to the ship. Bring stationary and envelopes so you can send postcards to those you care about. Also use the stationary to keep a journal of all visited destinations.
Cruise companies and travel professionals recommend getting insurance before disembarking on a cruise. Insurance will save you in dire situations. For example, if you have a delayed flight and miss the cruise departure, your insurance will pay for your flight to the next port of call. Many insurance companies will reimburse a certain amount, sometimes up to 100 percent, if your luggage gets lost or stolen. Check with your local travel agent to find an insurance company with the best benefits.
