8 Pre-Boarding Cruise Checklist Questions

8 Pre-Boarding Cruise Checklist Questions

Taking a cruise for the first time can be intimidating at first, it’s probably vastly different than any other vacation you’ve ever taken. First-time cruisers have many questions ranging from what documentation is needed to get on the boat to what time do I board the ship to which terminal will the ship be located at in port? Check out these 8 Pre-Boarding Cruise Checklist Questions to ask yourself and make sure you are prepared!

Have You Set-Up an Account on the Cruise Line’s Website?

Cruise lines are no longer offering printed documents unless specifically requested. To read over all of the regulations and documentation, you will need to create an account on the cruise line’s website and download the cruise line’s rules and regulations as part of your documentation packet.
You will also need to create an account to make shore excursion and specialty dining reservations.

Have You Checked-In and Registered on Cruise Line’s Website?

You will need to check-in online prior to your cruise. During online check-in, make sure all names match exactly to photo identification. After you check-in, you will need to print out your luggage tags and the forms you need to take with you to the port. This will expedite your time at embarkation and get you on the boat faster!

Have You Attached Luggage Tags to Bags Prior to Arriving at Port?

After you check-in online and print out your luggage tags, you will need to attach one luggage tag per bag. This can be done several ways – you can simply print it out and loop it around your suitcase handle and staple it, you can also put clear packing tape on the entire tag and loop it around you suitcase handle and tape it together (this is good in case of rain), or you can buy a few reusable clear plastic luggage tags. You can buy these for Carnival, Princess, Norwegian and Holland America or these for Royal Caribbean or Celebrity.

Do You Have Proper Documentation to Board?

One of the most important items on your pre-boarding cruise checklist, make sure you have the proper documentation. You will either need state issued photo identification AND a certified copy of a U.S. passport OR a passport. For overseas cruises, you may also need a VISA for certain ports. For closed-loop cruises (cruises that leave from a U.S. port and return to a U.S. port), you will just need state issued photo identification AND a certified copy of your birth certificate.

However, I recommend ALWAYS bringing a passport. If you are in a foreign port and need to return home for an emergency, you will not be able to board an airplane without a passport. You will need to contact the U.S. Embassy in the country you are in and plead your case. So, why not just take the extra step and get a passport and save yourself the hassle!

Do You Know What Time Boarding Begins?

Some cruise lines will let you pick the time of day you check-in at the port and others will just let you show up whenever you want between a certain time. Either way, do yourself a favor and show up near the latter part of that time window. Most people will want to get to the port as soon as they open and wait in line to be some of the first people on the ship. Well, we’ve done that and I’m here to tell you it’s absolute madness. On top of that, you can’t even get into your cabin around 2pm so you’re stuck with your carry-on and whatever else you brought lugging it around the ship until your stateroom is ready.

Have You Checked the Cruise Line’s Drink Policy?

Many cruise lines now allow passengers to bring a certain amount of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Usually this is limited to 12 cans or bottles of water or soda and 12 cans of beer or 1-2 750ml bottles of wine. All beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, must be in your carry-on bag and not your checked luggage. Not all cruise lines allow this so make sure you read your cruise documentation before sailing.

Have You Bought a Carry-On Bag?

Make sure to pack a small carry-on with items you may need before your luggage arrives to your stateroom. For instance: medications, passports, cruise ship documents, bathing suit, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, etc. In addition, some cruise lines allow you to bring a certain amount of alcohol on board per stateroom but that alcohol must be carried on, it cannot be in checked luggage.

Have You Downloaded the Cruise Ship App?

Most cruise lines now offer an app that you can download and use on board without using Wi-Fi. You can use this app to check out what’s happening throughout the day, make dining reservations at specialty restaurants, text other people on the ship who have the app, and check hours of shops and restaurants. Make sure you download the app before you get on board!

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Check out these 8 Pre-Boarding Cruise Checklist Questions to make sure you are prepared for your first cruise! #cruise #cruisechecklist #checklist


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