From booking to the last morning
Timings are typical. Your cruise line's own instructions take priority.
Several months out
Pick a style and itinerary. Check passport expiry dates against the entry rules of every country on the route.
When you book
Read what the fare includes, the cancellation terms and the documents the line requires. Consider travel insurance now.
Six to eight weeks out
Check entry requirements and vaccine advice for each port. See a doctor if you have health conditions or need refills.
A few weeks out
Complete online check-in, print or save luggage tags and your boarding document, and plan transport to the port.
The day before
Arrive in the departure city if you are flying. A missed flight can mean a missed ship.
Embarkation day
Check in at your set time, keep a carry-on with essentials and find the safety briefing details.
The last night
Pack, settle your account and, if the ship asks, put tagged bags out by the stated time.
When you book
Read what the fare includes. Some trips include drinks, tips, tours or Wi-Fi and others charge for each. Check the cancellation terms and the deposit and payment dates. Note the documents your line requires for the route, and check passport expiry dates for everyone traveling. Travel insurance bought early can cover cancellations for covered reasons, so look at it now rather than the week before.
Embarkation day
Most lines give you a check-in time. Arriving at your slot keeps the queues short. At the terminal you hand over checked bags, go through security, show your documents and receive your cruise card, which serves as room key, charge card and ID. Keep your carry-on with you, since your other bags may arrive later in the day.
Once on board, find your muster station, check your cabin, and look at the daily program to see when restaurants open. Book any shows or specialty dining you care about early, as popular times fill up.
Settling in
- Walk the ship from end to end so you learn where things are.
- Set your watch or phone to ship time, which can differ from local time.
- Check your onboard account in the app or at guest services every couple of days.
- Read the next day's program each evening for port times and all-aboard.
The last night and morning
On the last night, pack and settle your account. Many ships ask you to put tagged bags outside your door by a set time, so keep out clothes, documents and medicines for the morning. Guests usually leave in groups at set times. If you have an early flight, ask about leaving with your own bags, which can be faster.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Flying in on the morning of sailing, with no room for delays.
- Packing medicines or documents in checked bags.
- Booking too many tours and getting no rest.
- Cutting it close on port days. See the ports guide.
- Skipping the deck plan when picking a cabin. See the cabin guide.
New words on board? The cruise glossary explains the common ones.