Booked A Cruise, Now What?

Created by Reese Killpack, Travel Expert             Ver 1.3, Feb 12, 2020

Congratulations, you just booked an awesome vacation.  If you are a newbie or an experienced cruiser you will find the information in this document very helpful.

It is very important to review your cruise contract and agency terms and conditions.  Check the passenger's names for accuracy, cruise dates, cruise ship, cabin number and location, dining selection, port destinations, etc.  Please contact us for any questions or concerns.  Read/sign & send the agency cruise booking terms and conditions.

Note:  This document contains active links.  These links are in BOLD UNDERLINED CAPITAL words.  Use the links to be directed to additional websites and important information.

BETWEEN 18 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE

Review your travel documents:  Check your passport or any identification documents for expiration.  All passports when used must be valid at least six months after travel.  Ensure all documents have not expired or obtain a new one.  Passports can be requested by following the instructions from the U.S. State Department at this site:  PASSPORTS.  You can also apply for a passport through your local Post Office.  Country enter Visas may be required for some cruise destinations or cruise originating countries.  Passengers wanting to spend some pre or post travel on some of these countries, check CIBTVisas for Visas requirements.  The cruise line should provide a list of countries visiting with Visa requirements.  Most cruise destinations allow US citizens traveling on a cruise ship to visit these countries without a Visa.  US visitors can enter for a short period of time, but not more than 60 to 90 days or longer stays.

Travelers without a passport and desiring to get one, most requests for a new passport may take around 10 weeks to process.  Renewal can be processed in a shorter period, usually around 4 to 6 weeks.  Visit the Department of State website PASSPORTS for more information about the passport application.  Local post offices are approved locations to process your passport application.  Ensure to sign the documents in front of the official and follow the instructions properly.  If you need faster processing, CIBTVisas can expedite your request even on the same day.

Tell others about your plans: Invite friends and family using Facebook or by just calling them.  Going on a cruise with friends and/or family is a great idea unless you are looking to get away from friends and family.  It is understandable if you just want to spend some quality time alone with your spouse or a family trip.  But my experience tells me, the total cruise experience enhances 10-fold when traveling with those you care about.  Refer your friends and family to your agent for quotes and information.

Ensure everybody going on the trip has time off during the travel days:  I am sure you already requested time off from work and all your other members have permission to be absent from either work or school.  However, because it may be a bit too far from the actual departure date, that we assume you will be able to travel without any issues.  Be surprised, how many people must cancel their plans because of the assumption was wrong.

Estimate your actual travel days:  Going on a cruise requires first to travel to the cruise port and to return either by car or airplane.  You have to add the extra travel days or time for travel.  If traveling from another state to the cruise port requiring to fly, consider the logistics involved.  At this time, you may not know if you will be traveling on the same day of the cruise or not.  But you need to start thinking about it.  It will allow you to better plan for unexpected changes; for example, flight delays or cancellations.

Consider adding a few hotels stays either pre or post-cruise at the port city:  Cruise ports are located on some very attractive cities; for example, San Diego, New York City, Miami, Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tokyo, etc.  Would you want to take advantage of being there?  Adding a day or two on either end of your cruise trip makes a ton of sense.  Ask your agent for recommendations and he or she may book your extra stays for you.

Combining one vacation with another:  If you are traveling a long distance like a European city, maybe consider adding a complete vacation to compliment your cruise.  Vacation packages or land tours are available to incorporate with your plans.  Many tour companies offer specialized land vacations to combine with your cruise, ask your agent for details.

Create a payment plan:  Depending on the total cost of your trip, establishing a payment plan makes sense.  All vacations are a significant expenditure or investment (depending on how you see it).  The good news is, that many cruise lines allow making payments as long everything is paid in full at least 90 to 180 days before departure.  If you booked the cruise far in advance you can take advantage of this free interest loan.  You can make payments weekly, monthly based on your capabilities.  However, ensure the full cruise cost is paid in full before the final payment date.  Your agent can assist by completing this payment or you can use our online tools to submit payments.  Visit your MyTrips account to access these tools: MYTRIPS

Make a doctor’s visit: Ask your doctor about any possible medical issues that can prevent you from going on this trip.  Going on a cruise is not the type of travel that can be dangerous to your health, but remember, you will be traveling outside of the country.  Visiting your doctor is only for prevention, check your latest immunizations or maybe a prescription for motion sickness if you tend to get sick.

Consider travel insurance:  As you know, travel insurance is just in case.  Hopefully, you will not need to use your insurance, but it is nice when something happens to rely on insurance to recover your investment.  If you like to learn about your options, ask your agent for a quote.  The agent usually provides a quote anyway when a reservation is created.  Provide all the parts of your trip you want to be insured, like your air tickets, transfers, hotels and of course your cruise.  Click this link to learn more about travel insurance:  ALLIANZ TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Start reviewing shore excursions:   There are several options for shore excursions.  The cruise line offers excursions as well as third party providers.  Visit our recommendation shore excursion company SHORETRIPS for excursion options.  

Consider enrolling in one of the Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs: TRUSTED TRAVELERS PROGRAM offers members to use expedited lanes at the U.S. airports, and when crossing international borders.  TSA Prev and Global Entry are used by leisure and business travelers.

BETWEEN 6 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE 

All of the previous points above also apply. 

Book your flights, hotels, and transfers, if flying to the port: (skip if you are not flying to the port) If you must fly to the port, airlines published flight itineraries 6 to 8 months before the departure date.  Also, the farthest you book your flights a better chance for better pricing and seat availability.  If you find the right flight, do not wait and book it.  However, flight costs are non-refundable, so it is important to be clear about the travel plans.  If you prefer, we can assist in finding and booking your flights.  Add a hotel if flying the date before the cruise.  Rule of thumb try to arrive at least one day prior to the cruise departure date.  This will avoid any flight delays/cancellations that could affect you getting to the cruise port on time.  Remember, there are some cruise ports for about an hour or two from the airport. 

Buy travel insurance:  -OPTIONAL- Travel insurance is optional, but it is highly recommended.  Depending on your circumstances, if you foresee a possibility of a cancelation, buy cancel anytime insurance.  Travel insurance covers your investment, and it is based on the total cost of the trip and the age of the traveler.  To learn more about the different types of travel insurance, click on the links below:

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PROTECTION

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PROTECTION WITH CANCEL ANYTIME (available before final payment date)

Complete your last payments:  All payments must be completed prior to the final payment according to the cruise line contract.  Make sure this gets done prior to that day.  As the cruise contract indicates, if you fail to make the final payment, you will be within the penalty period and you will be exposed to penalty charges.  Please review the cancellation policy found in the confirmation or visit the cruise line website for more information.

Purchase your shore excursions:  -OPTIONAL- We recommend purchasing your excursions at least 3 months before departure.  All excursions have limited slots available and if you wait, you may not be able to get the excursions you want.  

Purchase a beverage or dining package:  -OPTIONAL- Most cruise lines offer a variety of beverage packages, alcohol or non-alcoholic packages are available.  If the cruise line offers an alcohol package and you want to buy it, you need to buy it for all the adults in your cabin regardless if the person drinks or not.  Prices vary depending on the cruise line.

Internet Package Add on:  Internet packages are available for purchase at the cruise line website. Some cruise lines offer a discount if purchased prior to boarding, preferably two or more weeks before departure.

Add Special Celebration Gifts:  If you are planning a special celebration for your significant other, you can order cakes, wine, or room decorations by visiting the cruise website.

Pre-book spa treatments and specialty dining reservations:  -OPTIONAL- Regular dining is part of the cruise price, however, most cruise ships have additional dining options, which are Specialty Dining.  These dining reservations are extra fees, which can also be purchased in a package. 

Complete your cruise online check-in:  Visit the cruise line website and complete the online registration or check-in.  After completing your registration, you will have access to your boarding pass and luggage tags.  Use this link and find your cruise line page:  ALREADY BOOKED-REGISTER ONLINE

A WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE    é All of the previous points above also apply.  é

Draft a packing list:  Use our packing recommendation by using our recommended list:  PACKING TIPS & CHECKLIST

Locate port parking information and directions if you’re driving:  Familiarize with the port address if you are planning to drive.  Most ports have parking, and they are very safe.  Calculate your travel time to the port and try to arrive not later than 2 PM.  Use common sense when leaving valuable items in the vehicle.  Most parking is between $10 to $22 per day.  Disabled Veterans may receive reduced or free parking depending on the port.

Call your bank and credit cards to alert them to your travel plans:  Ask your bank to place your credit cards on alerts while traveling.

Sign up for an international calling plan for your cell phone:  Optional – Your cell service company may be able to provide a temporary plan for the countries you may visit. 

Stock up on reading material (magazines, e-books, library books, etc.): 

ONE DAY BEFORE THE CRUISE     All of the previous points above also apply.

Check the weather at your destination:  This will give an idea of the type of clothing to pack or if you may need to bring raining gear.

Pack:  Don’t overpack.  Most people take too much and unnecessary clothes.  Pack smart and use our recommended packing list.

Acquire some foreign currency or small bills for tipping the day before your cruise.  Get foreign currency if traveling in Europe & Asia.  Most cruise ports in the Caribbean and in Central America accept US dollars.

Make a list of anything you need to pack the morning of your cruise

Check-in on your flight

Charge all your electronics – then pack the chargers

Set an alarm (or two) if you have an early departure

EMBARKATION DAY

Attach cruise line luggage tags:  You can wait to attach your luggage tags until arrival to the cruise port if the luggage will be handled numerous times.  This will avoid the luggage tags being removed by mistake.  Assemble travel snacks or any soda/water/wine you’re bringing aboard.

Arriving at the terminal:  Many transportation options are available, from cruise buses, Uber, Taxis or private transfers.  If traveling on the same date of the cruise, try to get to the cruise port not later than 2 PM.  The recommended arrival at the cruise port and start your boarding is between 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Drop off your luggage first:  Porters will collect your luggage at the terminal.  Give a couple of dollars or local currency per piece for tips.  Porters are not paid by the cruise lines, they work for tips.

Muster drill:  This is is a mandatory safety exercise with the objective to familiarize all guests and crew with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. Expect the drill to start prior o departure while at the port.  During this drill, additional safety information isn't presented.  Do not skip the drill, if you don’t want to have a wrong start on the cruise.

Have fun:  Take some time when onboard to do some ship exploring before searching for your cabin.  Cabins should be getting cleaned and changed prior to your arrival.  An announcement will be made to allow you to access your cabin, when ready.  Suites passengers are allowed to their cabins immediately when boarding.  Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin(s) in the evening after departure.

CRUISING

Enjoy:  Ensure to review all the activities on board.  Every evening at your cabin, you will have a detailed description of the activities for the next day.  This will help you plan for each day.

Visit the ship cruise next office:   All cruise lines offer their best offers while on a cruise.  Visit this office while onboard if you are planning to cruise again in the near future.

On disembarkation day:  Planning your disembarkation is also very important.  On the evening before the ship returning to the departing port, pack all your belongings and have a plan on how to proceed with disembarking from the ship.

POST CRUISING

Call your agent and start planning for your next cruise.