How to Prepare for a Cruise: Tips for Beginners

ByKathy Ava Updated onSeptember 3, 2024

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How to prepare for a cruise? Booking a cruise is half the fun. Preparing for a cruise is the other half of the excitement.

We’ve been there—our first cruise was a combination of excitement and lack of readiness. We forgot hubby’s swimsuit, booked no shore excursions, and, even worse, had not researched anything on the ports of call and things to do. Spontaneity didn’t work for us at the time. I don’t even think we purchased travel insurance.

In this guide, we discuss cruise prep tips for first-time cruisers. We offer practical, tried-and-true advice based on personal lessons learned from our first cruise 20+ years ago and beyond. We’ll cover everything from getting travel insurance to preparing for port-of-calls. A cruise preparation checklist is also included.

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

The following cruise preparation tips are designed to assist you, whether you’re a first-time or seasoned cruiser. The things to do before a cruise may become routine after booking multiple cruises, but returning to this list in the future serves as a helpful reminder for all.

Table of Contents

Travel Insurance is a Must

paper cut outs of a family with luggage with the word protected at the top and a box checkarmed in red

Please don’t overlook the importance of travel insurance; it’s a top priority for any cruise. While cruise lines may offer their own insurance, it’s wise to explore other options for comprehensive coverage. We learned the hard way by sticking with the cruise line’s insurance and faced losses because insurance policies are written to protect the cruise line’s bottom dollar.

The most important things your insurance should cover are:

Medical
Evacuation
Trip cancellation

Start your search on InsureMyTrip.com to compare options, ensuring they cover important aspects like medical emergencies.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as you have made the final payment, at the latest. That does not mean you can’t get travel insurance at the last minute; you may run into limited plans and higher costs.

Passports and Visas Check

Always confirm passport and visa requirements with your cruise line based on your itinerary. If your passport is near its expiration, renew it well before your cruise. Different destinations may have unique visa requirements. Sometimes, even shore excursions that cross a border into another country may require a vis. This simple step can save you from any last-minute travel hiccups.

If you are a US citizen and do not have a passport and are boarding a closed-loop cruise that departs and returns to a US port, a valid government-issued ID and birth certificate will be necessary for boarding. We recommend double-checking with your cruise line. The requirements are also listed in the first print of your cruise contract.

Travel Tip: Keep a scanned copy of your passport on your phone, online hard drive, or a hard copy.

Booking Flights Needed to Get to Your Cruise

kathy, excited, sitting in plane seat for a flight to take a cruise

On the plane, I’m excited for our flight to Italy for our Mediterranean cruise.

Aim to arrive a day before your cruise to buffer against any flight delays. We once took a risk with a redeye flight that arrived early on embarkation day. It worked out, but it’s a gamble with today’s travel uncertainties, and if you don’t want to stress, give yourself enough time.

For your return, avoid booking early morning flights on disembarkation day. While most cruises start disembarking at 8 am, there is a risk of delays, so a flight that leaves at noon and beyond is safer. Read our tips for a hassle-free disembarkation day.

Cruise Prep Tip: If you have extra vacation time, plan to spend time a few days before or after at the port-of-call.

Book Accommodations for Your Pre-cruise or Post-Cruise Stay

King Size Bed Room at airfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Central Park

Our pre-cruise hotel room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in New York. We arrived one night ahead of our Norwegian Joy cruise.

Whether you arrive a day before embarkation, leave a day after disembarkation, or extend your stay, you’ll need to book a hotel.

Choose a Convenient Hotel: For the day before embarkation, pick a hotel close to the port or in a nearby city for easy access.
Look for Shuttle Services: Check if your hotel offers a free shuttle to the port, saving you transportation hassle.
Look for Parking Deals: If you’re driving to the port, seek hotels with ‘stay and park’ rates, which allow you to leave your car safely while cruising.
Breakfast Included: Opt for a hotel with free breakfast; it’s a cost-effective way to start your day before heading to the port. Just save some appetite for the cruise.

Prepare for a Cruise by Joining a Roll Call

Joining a roll call for your cruise, found on sites like Cruise Critic or Facebook groups, is an optional step but one that can enhance your cruise experience. It offers a chance to meet fellow cruisers who are as excited and ready to cruise as you are. Groups are known for sharing tips, organizing group shore excursions, and other fun activities on the ship. It’s a great way to make new friends and get insider knowledge from seasoned cruisers.

However, if you prefer a more solitary cruise experience or have a busy itinerary, participating in a roll call might take up valuable relaxation time. Ultimately, whether to join a roll call depends on your cruise style and preferences.

Familiarize Yourself With the Cruise Ship

Get to know your cruise ship before you set sail. Study the cruise deck map. Research its features and amenities. This way, when you get on the ship, you’re completely lost and have some sense of where to go and what to do.

Look for information on:

Alternative Dining: Where else to eat besides the buffet on embarkation day?
Laundry Facilities: Availability of self-serve laundry.
Included Restaurants: Dining options that are included in your fare.
Specialty Dining Reservations: How to book and how soon can you book them?
Formal Nights: The number of formal nights scheduled.
Unique Ship Activities: Special events like brunches or afternoon teas.
Shows and Experiences: Can you make advance reservations for any?
Tendering Process: Procedures for early tendering at ports.
Onboard Amenities: Details about fitness centers, pools, spas, and adult-only areas.
Kids’ and Teens’ Activities: If traveling with family, see what age-appropriate activities and kids clubs are onboard.
Accessibility Features: For those needing assistance.

You can start by checking the cruise line’s website. Cruise blogging sites, Facebook Groups, Pinterest, and YouTube are great for finding first-hand information. Being well-informed means you can fully enjoy what your cruise offers without missing out.

Cruise Amenities and Extras You May Want to Book or Purchase in Advance

Continue planning your cruise by booking certain amenities and extras before you embark. Many cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages and specialty dining packages if booked pre-cruise, which can lead to significant savings compared to onboard prices.

Drink Packages: Soda and alcoholic drinks are not typically included, so a booking before your cruise may be cost-effective.
Specialty Dining: Secure your reservations for specialty dining early. It’s easier to cancel or change your plans once onboard.
Spa Services: Specific spa services can’t be booked until you are onboard. You can purchase Spa Suite Passes (if the cruise ship has one) before embarkation day.

Remember to check the cancellation policies for these bookings, offering you flexibility if your plans change.

Planning for these extras will make your cruise experience much better. Leave the stress at home.

Cruise Prep Tip: Download your cruise line’s mobile app and log into your account. The app is a handy tool for accessing a wide range of cruise information and features, including available upgrades, activity schedules, shore excursions, and dining reservation options.

Prepping for Cruise Port Days

kathy sitting by window on white pass train in skagway enjoying the views

I independently booked an excursion on the White Pass Railway in Skagway, Alaska. Admiring the views.

As cruisers who prioritize the cruise ports, we can’t emphasize the importance of planning and researching. Some of the best days of your cruise vacation will take place off the ship at port. Our first cruise taught us that wandering aimlessly at ports means missing out on unique local experiences.

Before you embark, research the port destination and consider what you want to experience at each port. You can plan your day and do it yourself or book a shore excursion.

DIY vs. Guided Tours

Exploring independently at port allows you to go at your own pace and make your discoveries.
Guided tours are more structured. They can maximize your time at port and provide in-depth insights and access to spots you might miss alone. You can book a shore excursion independently or with the cruise.

Renting a Vehicle

One of our favorite things to do at a port destination is renting a car. For efficiency, we suggest planning on Google Maps in advance. Note that this is not always an option and is not recommended at all ports.

Local Transportation Options

Use taxis for local transportation and even custom tours. Tip: Always negotiate the rate before getting in the vehicle or make sure the meter is on.
Buses, trains, and ferries can be a great alternative to getting around, if available.

Cruise Tip: Always prioritize returning to the ship on time. The ship staff will remind you of the necessary return time. Aim to be back at the port at least an hour before all aboard time to avoid the stress of rushing at the last minute. This ensures you’re not left behind, as the ship will adhere strictly to its departure time.

Bring Money on a Cruise

Your credit card will be linked to your cruise card, which handles most transactions onboard. However, having some cash on hand is essential for certain situations.

Tipping: Cash tips are appreciated by luggage porters, crew on the ship, and tour guides.
Port Expenses: Sometimes, credit cards are not accepted. Cash for taxis, souvenirs, or local food on the ship is recommended. Most Caribbean and Mexico destinations accept US dollars, but if you’re traveling in Europe or other international destinations, you may need to prepare for the right currency.
Casino Use: If you’re inclined to gamble, having cash is necessary.
Emergency Cash: Always good to have in case of unexpected situations or in locations where credit cards aren’t widely accepted.

We recommend keeping smaller denominations for ease of use. Getting cash before embarkation is advisable to avoid high ATM fees on the ship. Another trick to get cash on a cruise is at the casino: insert your cruise card into a slot machine, charge a certain amount of play money to your cabin, and then cash it out.

Travel Tip: Use a travel credit card to maximize reward points and benefits.

Check-in, Print All Travel Documents and Luggage Tags

cruise luggage tags on suitecase handles

Download the Cruise Line’s Mobile App

Before embarking, download the cruise line’s mobile app and sign in.
Some cruise lines may offer access to your check-in through the app, making it a streamlined process.

Print Your Documents and Luggage Tags

With today’s technology, the app will generally have all your check-in documents ready for embarkation day. However, we recommend printing them and saving them as PDFs on your phone, email, or online drive. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
When ready, print your documents and luggage tags.

Attach Luggage Tags

Attach luggage tags to your bags on embarkation day using a stapler to your luggage handle or cruise luggage tag holders.

Pack for Your Cruise

This is the moment when it all starts to feel real—the one when you get to pack for your cruise. Regarding packing for a cruise, that depends on the cruise line’s dress code, the destination, the length of the cruise, the weather, and the activities and events you plan to participate in. The most important thing is that you pack what you’re comfortable wearing, including the outfit for a chic/formal night.

You will also want to bring some cruise essentials, like comfortable walking shoes for port days, necessary medications, and a swimsuit. Don’t forget the swimsuit like we did on our first cruise. You can download our packing list for these key cruise items here.

Travel Health And Safety Tips to Be Aware Of

Vaccinations and Health Requirements: While proof of vaccinations for the Big C is a thing of the past, check if any specific vaccinations are required for the destinations you’ll visit. Usually, the more offbeat locations may require certain vaccines.
Safety Measures Onboard: Familiarize yourself with the cruise ship’s safety protocols, including participating in the muster drill. The muster drill is required of ALL cruise passengers on embarkation day. The ship can’t set sail without it being completed. We recommend reading and watching the muster drills video you emailed before embarking. Make sure to check in with your muster drill station upon embarking.
Sanitation: Sanitizing your hands consistently and routinely is vital, and you will always be reminded on the ship as they’d like to prevent the spread of any illnesses. We suggest bringing your travel sanitizer, although sanitizing stations are posted throughout the ship.
Medications: As mentioned above, bring any necessary prescriptions and keep them in a bag close to you at all times; do not check them in. Also, consider packing a small first-aid kit.

Printable Preparing for a Cruise Checklist

To help you tackle the most important aspects of preparing for a cruise, we’ve created a printable checklist (PDF). Check off items as you complete them. Before you know it, you’ll be cruise-ready.

Print cruise Preparation checklist PDF

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.