Booking that cruise is just the first step to ensuring a smooth, stress-free trip.
Finally completing your cruise booking is an exciting milestone, but several steps must be taken right after securing your reservation to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
➡️ If you think your travel agent will tell you most of this…they won’t.
➡️ If you expect the cruise line to help guide you, they won’t.
We learned this through our experience from taking nearly 50 cruises, and we still learn something new every time we sail!
Do These Steps Immediately After You Book
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the crucial post-booking phase:
1. Check Your Documentation
- Passports and Visas: Verify that your passports are valid for at least six months and check if you need any visas. Do not assume the cruise line will handle visas, especially for international trips.
2. Book Your Flights Early
- Timing: Secure your flights as soon as possible to save money. Aim to arrive at the embarkation city the day before your cruise departs. This helps you to avoid missing the ship due to travel delays.
- Hotel Stay: Book a refundable hotel near the port so you can relax the night before your cruise. Bonus Tip: Check back once per month – you’d be surprised how often hotel rates go down. If it does? Cancel your booking, rebook and save!
3. Download the Cruise Line App
- Features: The app provides essential information such as daily schedules, deck plans, and onboard services. Users can also pre-book activities and dining.
- Download Now: Often you can use the app during the cruise… but if you wait until you get onboard to download it, it could be too late. Do it in advance!
4. Complete Your Online Check-In
- Early Check-In: As soon as you make your final payment (around 60 days prior to sailing), complete the online check-in. This allows you to secure an early boarding time, thus maximizing your first day on the ship. Put a note on your online calendar to remind you.
5. Make Specialty Dining Reservations
- Advance Booking: Reserve seats at specialty restaurants early to get your preferred times and enjoy early booking discounts. Otherwise you might get that highly uncoveted 9:00 pm slot.
6. Book Shore Excursions Early
- Cruise Line Excursions: Some excursions are best booked through the cruise line, and they fill up quickly. Don’t hesitate to book in advance. However, be sure to watch our video where we show you how to save thousands on shore excursions: How I Saved $3,096 on My Cruise Shore Excursions
7. Join Cruise-Specific Forums or Social Media Groups
- Networking: Connect with fellow passengers, share tips, and arrange group shore excursions to save money. Just search Facebook by your Cruise Ship Name and Date of Voyage.
8. Create a Personalized Packing List
- Planning: Tailor your list based on the cruise itinerary, dress code, and activities. Remember essentials like power strips and magnetic hooks, and be sure to check if there are theme nights you want to dress for.
- Gear Guide: Check out our gear guide to see what we take on every cruise.
9. Plan Your Onboard Activities
- Pre-Book What You Can: Research and pre-book shows, fitness classes, and spa treatments as soon as possible. Early boarding helps secure these reservations.
- Shore Excursions: Not sure what to do? See our article here on how we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to do the hard work for us!
How to Save Money on Cruise Excursions: A Personal Guide
10. Decide on Internet Plans
- Connectivity: Choose a suitable onboard internet plan for email, uploading photos, and maybe even streaming videos.
- Cellular Data: Ensure your cell phone provider offers international coverage. Consider eSIM options for affordable data. Airalo is a fantastic choice for data eSIMs all over the world. Just make sure you have an “unlocked” phone to use them. Find out more about Airalo here.
11. Notify Your Bank
- Fraud Alerts: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid credit card issues like declines due to fraud alerts while abroad. Trust us, it will happen. Even if your bank says it won’t. Take extra cards in case one or two get locked temporarily. Also, note that American Express is not as widely accepted as Mastercard and Visa, so plan on bringing at least one of those. Better yet, get a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and start earning travel rewards.
12. Keep an Eye Out for Upgrade Offers
- Bid on a Stateroom Upgrade: Watch for emails from the cruise line about cabin upgrades. Even a low bid can potentially secure a better room.
13. Evaluate Drink and Dining Packages
- Cost-Effectiveness: Calculate whether drink, coffee, or dining packages are worth it based on your consumption habits. Many times, they are not. Make sure the math works. You can pay as you go instead.
14. Prepare for Motion Sickness
- Medication: The motion of the ocean isn’t always so relaxing. Consider bringing Meclizine (non-drowsy Dramamine) for motion sickness. Start taking it before boarding. Once per day, you are likely set.
15. Bring Extra Cash for Tipping
- Gratuities: While gratuities are sometimes included, it’s nice to tip extra for exceptional service. Keep notes on standout staff members for your post-cruise survey. Their compensation and promotion can be greatly influenced by your comments.
Watch our complete video where we take you through all the steps here:
Bonus Tips:
- Be proactive with planning and bookings to avoid last-minute stress.
- Participate in onboard activities and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Following these tips will ensure you are well-prepared so you can fully enjoy your cruise without unnecessary stress. Have a fantastic cruise!
