The Ultimate Cruise Planning Checklist
So you’re planning a cruise for 2023? That’s exciting! Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel.
But did you know that most of the planning happens after you book your trip?
There’s paperwork to gather, excursions to book, activities to research, dining reservations to make, and more!
Keep reading for your ultimate cruise planning checklist! (But if you’d rather let a professional handle it all, let me help! Click here to get started.)
Check Your Passports
You might remember from an earlier blog post that a passport is always required when your cruise leaves from a non-US port or if the cruise ends in a non-US port.
They aren’t required for “closed loop” sailings. (Cruises that start and end in the US even if they make stops in other countries.)
(Regardless, I always recommend my clients carry a passport on their cruise. You can learn why here.)
So, as soon as your cruise is booked, check your passport.
If you don’t have one, start the application process ASAP. As of October 2022, the current routine passport processing time is 6-9 weeks from start to finish, and it may take up to two weeks from the day you apply until your application is “in process,” according to The Department of State.
And this is important: your passport’s expiration date needs to extend 6 months beyond the date your cruise returns to port.
That’s why “obtain passport” is the first item on our cruise planning checklist!
Book Excursions, On Board Activities, & Dining
Now it’s time to book the fun stuff! Once you’ve checked the passport off your list, you should book excursions, on-board activities, and dining. (This is where a travel professional can really come in handy!)
Each cruise line differs with the timing for which you can book these fun options.
Your booking timeline depends on your
Loyalty status with the cruise line (For example, Disney Cruise Line’s Platinum Castaway Club members can book activities 120 days before the sail date, while first time guests can book 75 days in advance.
Room category (For example, Virgin Voyages: Rock Star [Suite] Sailors can book 15 days before guests in other categories)
Payment status. (For example, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line allows you to book excursions/activities as soon as you make a reservation, while Disney Cruise Lines requires your reservation to be paid in full.)
Book Transportation & Pre-Cruise Accommodations
If you have to fly to your port of call, now is the time to book that flight! I recommend getting to your port of call at least one day before your cruise departs.
Why? Oftentimes, cruise lines will have fun, pre-cruise excursions at the port of call. For example: check out the Kennedy Space Center before your Norwegian Cruise sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida.
You could also book a four day tour of Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Seward before your Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise.
But, most importantly, arriving early gives you room for error. What happens if your flight is delayed or, if you’re driving, you have car trouble? Planning to arrive at least a day early gives you lots of wiggle room!
If you need more convincing, I wrote an entire blog post about this topic. Check it out here.
Make Final Payment and Check-In Online
Most cruise lines will require the final payment at least 4 months before your cruise departs.
And once you’ve made the last payment, the final step on your cruise planning checklist is checking in online. You’ll need to make sure you have all of your cruising documentation, including COVID cards, passport information, health questionnaire, etc.
You’ll also be asked to pick a port of call arrival time. (Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel to the port of call.
Prepare for Travel and Prepare Your Home
During the cruise planning process–especially as you get closer to your departure date– you’ll want to prepare for travel and tie up loose ends at home.
Here are a few blog posts to help you get started:
5 Air Travel Tips for Parents of Infants and Toddlers
What to Pack: Cruise Carry On Bag Edition
How to Prep Your Pet for Your Vacation
3 Travel Hiccups (And How to Handle Them)
What Every Parent Needs to Do Before Traveling Without Their Kids
My Top 5 Home Security Tips for Travelers
Is Your Home Ready for Vacation?
To Sum It Up
A lot goes into planning a cruise vacation! So refer back to this blog post and keep this cruise planning checklist in mind:
✔️ Check Your Passports
✔️ Book Excursions, On Board Activities, and Dining
✔️ Book Transportation and Pre-Cruise Accommodations
✔️ Make Final Payment and Check-In Online
✔️ Prepare for Travel and Prepare Your Home
If all of this seems daunting, you might want to hire a travel professional to help you plan your cruise vacation. Let me help. My services are free! Fill out my Travel Quote Request Form to get started and download The Ultimate Cruise Planning Checklist below.