How to prepare for your cruise

You've done your research (and hopefully worked with your favorite TA) to book a fabulous cruise to your dream destination. Whether it's Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean, going to Alaska, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, preparing for your dream vacation remains the same. Read on for some tips and tricks for how to best prepare for your cruise!

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After you book:

1. Book your flights to arrive at least 24 hours before embarkation, and secure your lodging. For the return flight, make sure you leave plenty of time for disembarkation, getting your bags, going through customs, and making your way to the airport.

2. Check any passport requirements and make sure that your passport is not about to expire!

3. Research and choose your excursions, and book them in advance. I have a post all about how to choose, and while is for Alaska, it applies to any type of cruise.

4. Read up on your ships dining policy and if reservations are required. For Princess Cruises, for example, you have the option of "Dine Your Way" or to set a same time each night. We opted for the more flexible option, since excursion return times varied and we didn't wan to lose any time at the ports.

5. Do your research on your specific cruise line: Poke around the website, look at the ship maps, and start to familiarize yourself with what's on board!

6. Download the app for your cruise line to your phone.

7. Complete all your necessary check-in and registration information, which may include entering your passport information, a security photo, and ordering your medallion or key cards.

8. Join a Facebook group for your cruise line for additional tips and tricks.

Right before your cruise:

1. Double check to make sure you're completely checked in and nothing is missing to avoid any delays at the pier.

2. Print out all of your confirmations for the cruise, your excursions, and any luggage tags.

3. Know your cellphones data policy so that you aren't caught surprised by any crazy charges when you return. In Alaska, we kept our phones off in airplane mode the entire time and just turned them on when we were in the ports.

4. Make sure you have all your necessary medications and consider creating a "kit" of any toiletries/items you need. Mine included cold meds, anti-nausea medications, pain meds, bandaids, Pepto, etc. We didn't use everything but I was glad we had it for just in case!

5. Pack a carry-on with anything you might need the first day including a swimsuit or change of clothes. We also kept our camera with us and anything valuable. You may not get your bags right way! We were lucky and got our bags within the first few hours, but it can vary.

6. Check your embarkation time, and consider pre-reserving a cab or Uber from your hotel room to the pier. We had a large group and ended up having to take both a cab + and Uber because we had so much luggage, but it worked out just fine.

And most importantly -- be flexible and enjoy your vacation! It might not be perfect, but you'll be making amazing memories and seeing new places!

Are you thinking about taking a cruise and overwhelmed by the options + processes? That's what I'm here for! Reach out today for your complementary quote and to start planning your dream vacation.