Cruises can be great…you get the relaxation and a stress-free atmosphere all while visiting multiple countries and experiencing multiple cultures in a short time frame. Once on-board 99% of the stress of vacation planning falls away, you don’t have to worry about transportation, time frames, parking, finding your destination, etc. However, it can take a great deal of planning prior to the cruise to ensure that the trip is as stress free as possible. Here is a timeline and some planning tips to make the process a little easier and more enjoyable for you:

Cruise Planning Timeline

18 months before sailing

• Book the cruise. While you can generally book a cruise anywhere from abut 18 months to a week before the cruise sets sails, you will want to do it well in advance to ensure adequate time for payments and planning. Last minute getaways are great a well, but planing ahead can reduce the stress and frustration of trying to do in a rush.
• Plan out your cruise budget, taking into account the cost of the cruise, airfare, transportation, any hotel costs, on board activities, shore excursions, food/drink, tips, and any port activities if you are spending some time in the port city.

12 to 18 Months Before Sailing

• Make sure you have bought travel insurance, if you are going to. I would highly recommend it, you never know what might happen and if a situation arises where you need it the last thing you want is to have to regret not having it.
• Check the expiration date on your passport. You will want to make sure your passport is good to get you through your trip, if not make sure you renew or in the case that you don’t have one-order one. This will ensure that you will have it in plenty of time before departure. (Do note that for most closed loop cruises (cruises starting and ending at the same port) you do not need a passport-but be sure to check with your cruise line).

6 to 12 Months Before Sailing

• Verify required travel documents and make sure you have all needed documentation (such as passport, visas, birth certificates, photo ID, etc.). Check with your cruise line and destination ports for required documentation.

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3 to 6 Months Before Sailing

• Make sure you have made the final payment on your cruise.
• Book shore excursions.

1 Month Before Sailing

• Confirm all reservations.
• If needed, arrange for a house sitter, pet sitter, or child care.
• Make sure you have made reservations for any applicable on board activities, such as photo opportunities or spa treatments.
• Ensure that you have checked health alerts for the destinations you will be visiting and have received all recommended vaccinations.
• Check your wardrobe and make sure you have everything you will need. Purchase anything you may not have.

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2 to 4 Weeks Before Sailing

• Make sure that you have your needed travel documents (cruise line documents, airline documents). Ensure that all information is accurate.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of all prescription medications. If needed obtain a written statement from your physician on the need for the medication.
• Exchange some money for local currency of the destinations you will be visiting.
• Make photocopies of all important travel documents.

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One Week Before Sailing

• Pack
• Verify any house sitters, babysitters, and pet sitters.
• Notify your bank that you will be traveling with dates and destinations.
• Arrange to have your mail held at the post office.
• Print a copy of your itinerary and leave it with family or friends.

One Day Before Sailing

• Attach your cruise line luggage tags
• Make sure your electronics (cell phone, camera, etc.) are charged and ready to go. Pack the chargers.
• Check in online for your flight.
• Double check to make sure you have packed everything you will need.
• Get rid of perishable foods.
• Make sure all bills are paid as needed.
• Get a good night’s sleep so you are ready for your big adventure!

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Tips For Your First Cruise

• Arrive to the port early. If you are booking your flight separate from the cruise, be sure to plan your arrival extra early. I would recommend planning on arriving the day before in case of delays, you don’t want to be late-the cruise won’t wait for you.
• Be prepared for sea sickness-get an over the counter remedy just in case you get sea sick-it may save your vacation. Another option for preventing sea sickness is reserving a cabin higher up. The higher up the cabin the less likely you are to experience the motions that cause sea sickness.
• Choose your cabin type wisely-if you are claustrophobic make sure you choose a room with a window or balcony room.
• Pack a day bag with all your essentials. When arriving to the port your luggage will be taken to your cabin, likely before you are allowed access to the cabin. Make sure you have all your essentials in a day bag, including your travel documents, cell phone, wallet, medications, etc.
• Make sure you check the dress codes. Some cruises have themed nights and require certain apparel. If you do not dress appropriately you will likely be turned away.
• Skip the elevators. While on board, use the stairs over the elevators. Elevators tend to be overly crowded and you will waste valuable time waiting for them. Plus…taking the stairs will give you some extra exercise!
• Plan a couple extra days to explore the port city. Plan on arriving early or staying a couple days after the cruise to explore the city. There is plenty to do and see and most cruises even offer excursions in the city that you can book through the cruise company.

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Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa