You booked a cruise – now what?

T

his post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Make sure booking information is correct

Check everything from the spelling of the names on the booking to the cruise dates. It is easy in the excitement of booking to click on the wrong year or month. This is a good time to make sure it’s all correct to save you some frustration later on.

This is especially important if you use a Travel Agent, as they will have to make the changes for you and mistakes do happen.

Make sure your passport or other boarding documents are current.

This should actually be done before you book…you don’t want to be waiting for a passport to come in the mail when your cruise date is rapidly approaching.  But this is still a good time to at least double-check and make sure you’re documentation is current.

Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of the end of your cruise.  Applying for a new passport or requesting a renewal can take up to 6-8 weeks…that does not include mailing time both directions. Don’t put it off….apply or renew now!

Names must match exactly with the booking information, so if you have recently had a name change, be sure that your booking is in the name on your current passport or other boarding documents. I have seen so many newlyweds arrive and not be allowed to board because the passport name and reservation name do not match…not the way to begin a honeymoon.

If traveling internationally to certain countries, you will want to check on visa requirements and apply for those as well. Visas are the responsibility of the cruiser, not the cruise line.

Read more: What cruise documents do you need to board?

Mark your calendar with important reminders

Whether you want to use your phone’s reminder application or write down the dates on a calendar, take note of important dates like when final payment is due and when you can begin check-in for your cruise.

Some cruise lines, like Disney, have specific dates when you can begin booking additional add ons. If your cruise is on one of those, be sure to not that on your calendar. You don’t want to miss your window of opportunity.

Download the ship’s mobile app and join their loyalty club

If you don’t already have an account with the cruise line, you should get one as soon as possible. You want to make sure you earn points for each cruise you take and receive the benefits on subsequent sailings. For an example, check out this link to see what Celebrity Cruises offers.

The cruise line’s app serves many functions. You will be able to see the ship’s daily schedule, make reservations, check your onboard spending, view menus, see a deck plan and chat with other passengers. Port arrival and departure times will also be noted here.

Save yourself time by doing this now and not having to hurry and to download the app while in the terminal.

With most cruise line apps, when checkin opens, you can do this right on your phone, making the whole process a breeze as well.

Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club

Consider purchasing travel insurance

This is extremely important. We did not purchase travel insurance for many years. Let me just say…..we are VERY lucky we never needed it. Medical assistance onboard is very expensive and fairly limited. If you need a hospital or specialized doctor while at sea, you would need to be airlifted. If onshore while in port, you would have to depart the ship and go to a hospital in that country. Your medical insurance from home will not cover that or any other expense you would incur….hotels, food, transportation home, etc.

You can purchase travel insurance through the cruise line or through private carriers. We have decided to purchase an annual policy, which we have found to be cheaper than buying one for each trip. A 3^rd party travel insurance plan might offer more peace of mind if you’re looking for extra medical evac coverage or even cancel for any reason coverage.

Also, check with the credit card you used to purchase the cruise…they may offer some built-in protections already, such as trip delay, lost luggage, some medical coverage, etc.

Make travel and hotel arrangement

Air travel

If you don’t live within driving distance of the cruise port, you will want to start checking flights right away.

The longer you wait to book a flight, the higher the chance that the costs will go up.  However, this is not always the case.  I recommend starting to research airfare costs and then track prices over the next few days.  Be sure to book these well in advance of your cruise. Also, check and see if the airline is offering the ability to change the flights without penalty. Some have started doing this post-Covid, giving you flexibility in timing and price.

You can use a price tracker through Kayak or Google flight price alerts to stay on top of any fluctuations.

I like to look at flight costs and times before booking a cruise. Transportation can be a huge part of your travel budget.  Of course, if you find a good cruise deal first, you can always look for an affordable flight later.

Hotel arrangements

If flying to a cruise port (and sometimes even driving), we always get a hotel for at least one night before the cruise.  It would be horrible to miss your cruise due to a cancelled or delayed flight or traffic issues if driving.  Staying in a hotel ahead of time helps alleviate some of the stress of travel and allows you to arrive at the port rested and excited to begin your cruise.

You can often find hotels with free shuttle services to the cruise port.   Many hotels close to a cruise port provide extra services for cruise travelers like extended parking. Look for those options while booking.

If you are flying home after your cruise, why not book a hotel for one night post cruise. On debark day, you won’t need to rush off the ship and run to the airport. No need to add additional stress to the end of your relaxing vacation!

Join a facebook group for your cruise

Facebook groups can help you learn more about the specific ship and itinerary you are sailing on. You can find groups for your sail date, as well as the ship in general. Just use the search bar and input your ship and sail date. They are a great resource, even if you have cruised before!

Read what other cruisers recommend for excursions, dining experiences, show reviews and even hotel recommendations for before or after the cruise. 

You also connect with other people sailing on your cruise and join meet ups. It is not uncommon for passengers to arrange sail away gatherings, bar hops, slot pulls and cabin crawls. 

Start a packing list

Begin preparing a packing list based on the cruise length, weather conditions, any specific dress codes or formal nights and activities you have planned. Include essential items such as medications, travel adapters and other items that will make the cabin more comfortable.

Are you visiting Alaska, the Caribbean, Norway, Mediterranean? Each of these locations can require specific clothing. Start thinking and planning now!

If you wait until the week before to begin thinking about this, you may have to work with what you have instead of having an excuse to go shopping!

Packing lists: Alaska, Caribbean, Norway

Read more: Cruise Packing 101 and Which Cruise Lines Offer Self-service Laundry

Purchase cruise essentials

There are some helpful items that you should bring on your cruise. Items like magnetic hooks and an over the door organizer to help you organize your stateroom, a non-surge protected power bar that is “cruise line approved” to provide more outlets and wrinkle release spray are all good things to bring with you.

Many of them can be reused in the future. You do not need to take a cruise to use beach towel clips or benefit from having a Tide stain remover pen handy.

Read more: Cruise Packing 101 and 19 Essential Items for Your Cruise Cabin

Purchase ship packages

Most cruise lines offer beverage, wifi and dining packages. Do some research to see what is available on your ship. If you didn’t book with gratuities, beverages and/or wifi included, it is best to purchase these pre-cruise, as discounts may be available.

Make dining reservations

Did you book a set dining time or flexible dining times? Many ships are now offering a flexible dining….go to the dining room when you are ready to eat. If you have a specific time you want to go, check to see if you can make a reservation. This can usually be done online.

If specialty dining is on your list of must do, check to see if you can reserve it now. Each ship and cruise line has a wide range of options available. But don’t worry if the time you want is not available pre-cruise, you can also do this on the ship.

Read more: Specialty Dining – Celebrity Cruises

Tips for Cruising with Kids

Are you traveling with children? Help them prepare for the cruise by including them in planning. Where would they like to go? Ask what excursions they would like to do? What do they want to do while onboard? This will help make the cruise experience more enjoyable for the whole family.

Read more: Cruising with Kids and Tips for Cruising with Young Children

Do research on each port of call

Get to know everything you can about the various ports your ship will be visiting.  You don’t want to find out AFTER your cruise about something amazing you would have loved to have done had you only known about it!

This is one of my favorite parts of cruise planning.  I love doing the research and discovering all the cool, fun things to do. When I arrive at the port, I feel like I know the place and don’t waste time and money.

There are several articles on Zest4Travel about many popular ports of call if you’d like to use the search bar.  I also recommend checking out some videos of the ports so you get some visuals as well. One of our favorite channels is We’re Maddie and Ryan

Book shore excursions

Whether you like to book through the ship or through private providers, book before you board. Many popular excursions sell out….you don’t want to miss one because it was full. You can often receive a discount when pre-booking. Keep an eye on your sailing to see if there are any special offers.

Complete online check in

When online check in opens, do it! You will need passport information for all passengers and a photo for boarding. If you don’t have an acceptable photo, one will be taken at embarkation.

This is also when you will choose or be assigned your boarding time. Don’t wait till later to complete check-in….you risk having a late arrival time.

Make sure you know what items are prohibited onboard

There are items many cruisers try to bring onboard that are not allowed. Travel irons, clothes steamers, candles, weapons of any kind, alcohol other than wine and travel kettles are a few examples. If found, they will be removed from your luggage and held until the cruise is over.

You can read more about these items in Cruise Embarkation Day and What NOT to Bring.

Inform bank and credit card companies

If you plan to use a debit card while traveling, inform your bank where you will be. You don’t want to be denied usage while in a foreign county. Be sure to let your credit card company know also.

Check your cell phone coverage

Speak with your cell phone carrier to find out what type of coverage you will have. Most companies have either an international plan or the option to add one while you are gone. Without this, you may have a very large bill when you get home. Also, be sure to not use your phone while on the ship. Even with an international plan, using your phone while onboard is extremely expensive. If you have an internet package while onboard, you can make wifi calls at no additional cost

Make plans for home and pets

Do you have pets that need to be taken care of while you are gone? If you board your animals or use a house sitter, make reservations now! You don’t want your favorite one to be full.

Make arrangements for mail and other weekly/daily deliveries. Ask neighbors or family members to check on your home while you are gone.

Read more: 14 Things to Do Before Going on Vacation and Habits of Seasoned Travelers.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, these steps may vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary and personal preferences.  You may totally disagree with a few of these ideas and that’s totally fine. We all cruise differently and plan differently.  The important thing is that you don’t get caught off guard when it comes to being ready for that sailaway date!

Did I miss something on this list?  Let me know in the comment section below.

Related:  Embarkation day

Let’s connect:

Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising,  A Celebrity Cruises Forum,

 A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum and

A Celebrity RETREAT class forum.

You can also follow me at:

 YouTube at Travels With Mickey

 Pinterest at Travels with Mickey

 Instagram at Travels with Mickey

Please visit and follow my Amazon store* for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!