15 Things You Need to Do Before Boarding Your Next Cruise
Planning a cruise is like getting ready for the ultimate adventure at sea. You’ve picked your destination, counted down the days, and maybe even imagined yourself lounging by the pool with a plate full of snacks. But before you step onto that massive floating city, there are a few things you have to get done. Trust us, forgetting one of these steps could turn your dream cruise into a bit of a mess.
From last-minute packing tips to knowing how to breeze through check-in, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, being prepared makes all the difference. No one wants to be the person scrambling for their passport or realizing they left their favorite sunglasses at home. With these 15 must-dos, you’ll be ready to board like a pro and start living your best life at sea right away!
Prepare All Travel Documents
Travel documents might not sound exciting, but trust me, they’re your golden ticket to cruise paradise! Before you even think about stepping on board, double-check that you’ve packed all the essentials—passport, ID, or any other paperwork your cruise line requires. Losing these would be a total vibe-killer, so make sure they’re good to go before you leave the house.
Once you’ve sorted them out, stash them in your carry-on bag where they’re secure but super easy to grab. You don’t want to be that person holding up the line digging through a suitcase! Keep it smooth, and you’ll be boarding like a pro in no time.
Check-In Online
Skip the stress and check in online before your cruise—it’s a total game-changer! By filling out all the boring stuff early (name, emergency contacts, travel plans, blah blah blah), you’ll save yourself from dealing with paperwork chaos when you arrive at the pier. Plus, most cruise lines now make it super easy to do ahead of time.
Think of it like a VIP pass that gets you to the fun faster. No long lines, no hassle—just straight to enjoying your epic adventure. Oh, and pro tip? You can probably do it days—or even weeks—in advance, so why wait?
Have The Cruise Schedule Saved
Before boarding, make sure you’ve got the cruise schedule saved—consider it your ultimate cheat sheet for day one! Most cruise lines have handy apps that spill all the details, from where to grab lunch to when the muster drill happens. Spend a few minutes scrolling through so you don’t miss out on anything exciting, like evening shows or special events.
Once you’ve checked it out, save the schedule so it’s easy to find later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when everyone’s scrambling for info, and you’re already a step ahead, knowing what’s up and where to go!
Find Out Where Your Cabin Is Located
Finding your cabin is one of the first mini-adventures on your cruise! Before you even board, check out the cruise ship map or app to get a sense of where your cabin is located. Knowing whether you’re near the pool, the buffet, or tucked away in a quiet corner can help you plan your first day like a pro.
Once you’re on board, head to your room and check it out. Even if your bags haven’t arrived yet, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your space. Is there enough room to stash your stuff? Does everything look clean and ready for your stay? If you spot anything weird or out of place, don’t just shrug it off—report it to the staff right away. They’re there to help! Knowing where your cabin is (and that it’s all set) lets you start relaxing ASAP.