Cruise Preparation Timeline

3 to 4 Months Before Sailing

• • Check with your travel agent or the State Department for the identification required for your cruise.
  • If you’re cruising, but your kids are staying home, be sure to make child care arrangements.
  • Gather the necessary identification you need. If you need to replace a lost birth certificate, apply for a new passport, or renew one that’s about to expire, start the paperwork now. Doing it at the last minute is stressful and often costly.

60 to 75 Days Before Sailing

• • If you’ve only put down a deposit, make the final payment on your cruise fare. Failure to submit the balance on time can result in the cancellation of your reservation.
  • Make a packing list for each person you’ll be packing for; begin your wardrobe planning and shopping for any missing items now.
  • If applicable, arrange for a house sitter and make kennel reservations for your pets. (If you’re traveling during a holiday period, you may need to do this even earlier.)

30 Days Before Sailing

• • Make appointments for any personal services, like a haircut or a manicure, that you wish to have prior to your cruise.
  • Get out your luggage and check the locks and zippers; if you need new or additional luggage, purchase it now.

2 Weeks Before Sailing

• • Receive your cruise documents through the travel agent, or download them online. Examine them for accuracy (correct cabin number, sailing date, and dining arrangements); make sure names are spelled correctly. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask now.
  • Pay any routine bills that may be due while you’re gone.
  • Read all of the literature in your document package for suggestions specific to your cruise.
  • Go over your personalized packing list again. Finish shopping.

1 Week Before Sailing

• • Finalize your packing list and continue organizing everything in one area.
  • Refill prescription medications with an adequate supply.
  • Get cash at the bank; get a supply of $1 bills for tipping as needed.
  • Arrange for lawn and houseplant care or snow removal during your absence (if necessary).
  • If traveling with young children, pack small games or toys to keep them occupied while en route to your embarkation port.
  • Buy digital media (or film) and check the batteries in your camera.
  • Make two photocopies of your passport or ID and credit cards. Leave one copy with a friend or family member and carry the other copy separately from the originals.
  • Arrange to have your mail held at the post office or ask a neighbor to pick it up.
  • Leave your itinerary, the ship’s telephone number (plus the name of your ship and your stateroom number), and a house key with a relative or friend.
  • If you haven’t already done it online, complete any other paperwork that the cruise line included with your documents (foreign customs and immigration forms, onboard charge application, etc.).

3 Days Before Sailing

• • If applicable, confirm your airline flights; departure times are sometimes subject to change.
  • Fill out the luggage tags that came with your cruise document packet and follow the instructions regarding when and how to attach them.
  • Add a luggage tag with your name, address, telephone number, and itinerary with each bag.
  • Pull out the luggage and begin packing.

The Day Before Sailing

• • If applicable, take pets to the kennel and water houseplants and lawn.
  • Pay any last-minute bills.
  • Dispose of any perishable food in the refrigerator.
  • Finish packing and lock your suitcases.

Departure Day

• • Adjust the thermostat and double-check the door locks.
  • If flying, arrange to be at the airport a minimum of two hours before your departure time (follow the airline’s instructions).
  • Slip your keys, parking claim checks, and cruise and airline tickets in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in checked luggage.
  • Turn off the water if there’s danger of frozen pipes while you’re away.
  • Have photo ID and/or passport securely on your person and ready for check-in.