The Ultimate Pre-Cruise Checklist

Imagine this: You're standing at the cruise terminal, bags packed, Mai Tai practically in hand... and security won't let you board because your passport expires in 5 months instead of 6. It happens more often than you'd think. The weeks before a cruise are critical. From managing new travel documentation rules to prepping your home, missing a step can lead to stress, or worse, denied boarding. Luckily, we've been in your position before, so we've come up with a handy checklist of all the things you should do one week before your vacation. So read on for our tips as a reminder of what you need to do before your vacation.

Master Your Documentation

First things first, get your travel documents in check.

Passport Check

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your return date; many countries will deny entry if you have less time remaining. If you are close to the expiration date, expedite a renewal immediately.

Match Your ID Exactly

Verify that the name on your cruise booking matches your government ID character-for-character. If you’ve recently married or legally changed your name, carry the bridging documentation (like a marriage license) to avoid issues at the pier.

Smart Digital Backups

Don't just take a picture of your passport. Do store copies of all essential travel documents securely. Save digital versions in encrypted cloud storage or a password-protected file so you can access your passport, credit cards, driver's license, and ticket confirmations from any device. Make physical copies too, and leave them with a trusted emergency contact back home. If your documents are lost or stolen during your cruise, you'll have the details needed to get emergency replacement documents from an embassy or consulate.

And don't forget to save our contact information! Keep your cruise consultant's phone number and email handy so you can reach us if you need help before, during, and after traveling.

VISA Requirements

Check with your cruise line AND the embassy/consulate websites of countries you're visiting, as requirements change and vary by citizenship. While cruise lines typically inform you of visa requirements when you book, we always recommend that you double-check entry requirements since some countries require visas even for a quick day in port.

Need help navigating the details? That's exactly what we're here for. Our Cruise Experts at The Cruise Web stay on top of the latest travel document requirements so you don't have to stress about the paperwork. Give us a call—we've got you covered.

Tech & Banking Prep

A little phone and banking prep now saves you from expensive surprises later.

Download Essential Apps

• Install your cruise line's app for online check-in and daily schedules.
• WhatsApp is great for staying in touch over Wi-Fi (note: cruise ship Wi-Fi typically costs extra, but you'll find free Wi-Fi in many ports).
• Download offline maps in Google Maps for your ports—while you can see your location via GPS, having the maps downloaded helps you navigate even without a data connection.

Notify Your Banks

Use your banking app to set travel notifications to prevent your cards from being flagged for fraud.

Pro Tip: If traveling with a partner, carry different credit cards; if one is lost or compromised, you still have a backup funding source.

Secure Your Phone Plan

Contact your carrier to clarify international roaming rates, or purchase a cruise-specific eSIM for affordable data in port. This prevents you from accidentally connecting to expensive maritime cellular networks while at sea.

Strategic Cash

Withdraw small bills in local currency or USD before you leave. You'll need cash immediately for taxi rides and tipping porters at the terminal before you have a chance to find an ATM.

Health & Wellness

A healthy you means a happy cruise!

Prescription Buffer

Order refills at least 7–14 days out and always pack an extra 3–5 days' supply in your carry-on bag. If you encounter travel delays or are stuck at sea longer than expected, you do not want to run out of essential medication.

Boost Your Immunity

Start taking Zinc and Vitamin C now to fight off "airplane crud" before you board. A little preventative care ensures you don't spend the first few days of your vacation feeling under the weather.

Medical Special Requests

If you use a CPAP machine or require medical supplies like sharps containers for injections, contact your cruise line's special access desk before your trip. Notifying the cruise line in advance means you won't have to carry heavy gallons of distilled water through the cruise terminal on embarkation day. While some cruise lines provide complimentary distilled water for CPAP users, others may charge a small fee (advance notice typically ensures the best availability and service).

The same proactive approach applies to mobility equipment, oxygen concentrators, and other medical necessities. Always review your cruise line's current medical and accessibility policies on their official website, or contact The Cruise Web's Cruise Experts, who can help you navigate all special accommodation requests and ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Home Security & Maintenance

The last thing you want is to worry about what's happening back home while you're relaxing at sea.

The "Water Rule"

Turn off your home's main water supply to prevent catastrophic leaks while you are away. We’ve heard horror stories of travelers coming home to flooded kitchens—don't let that be you!

Mail & Pet Logistics

Place a hold on your mail and newspaper delivery so your home does not look empty. An overflowing mailbox is a universal sign that no one is home.

If you have a pet, you will need to have a plan in place to ensure your pet is well cared for when you are away. If that plan includes having a pet sitter or a neighbor come over to check in on your furry one, make sure to meet with that person to go over what you expect them to do and where they can find your pet food and other essentials. This will also remind you to purchase any pet food or supplies that your sitter might need. Make sure to go over a list of emergency contact numbers your sitter can use, including a way to reach you and your vet.

Lighting & House Keys

Create the appearance of an occupied home by setting up light switch timers or smart bulbs to turn on during evening hours. This simple security measure can deter potential intruders while you're away.

Important: Keep your Wi-Fi router plugged in if you're relying on smart home security cameras or sensors to monitor your property remotely.

Leave a spare key with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. While they may never need to access your home, having someone available to handle unexpected emergencies—like a burst pipe, triggered alarm, or package delivery—provides invaluable peace of mind during your cruise.

The Clean Sweep

Empty the fridge of perishable foods, take out the trash, and run the dishwasher before you leave. There is nothing worse than returning from a luxury vacation to a smelly house or a pest problem.

Cruise Logistics

Now for the fun part—getting ready to actually board your ship!

Online Check-In

Complete this 15–30 days before to get the earliest possible embarkation arrival time. The sooner you get on the ship, the sooner your vacation starts with a cocktail and lunch by the pool!

Check For Upgrades

Keep an eye on your email for upgrade bidding offers from the cruise line. If you see one, try bidding the minimum amount. If the ship isn't full, you might score a better suite for a fraction of the price.

Luggage Tags

Print your luggage tags at home if your cruise line allows it (to be safe and save time), then secure them in plastic luggage tag holders with steel loops. Paper tags that are just stapled on can easily tear off during handling, leaving your bag stranded in terminal limbo.

Pre-Book to Save

Book your Wi-Fi, drink packages, and shore excursions online before you board. Cruise lines often offer pre-cruise discounts of 10–20%, and you’ll avoid the long lines at Guest Services on Day 1.

Pre-Cruise Activities

Research and plan your pre-cruise activities to make the most of your vacation! There are many things to do at the port while you wait to board your ship.

Also, make your specialty dining reservations if you haven’t done so already! Some cruise lines will allow you to make dining reservations before your cruise, enabling you to ensure you have the time you want. Don't forget to notify them of any allergies you or your guest may have.

Tip: Don't skip booking just because your preferred time isn't available. Reserve whatever slot you can during pre-cruise booking, then visit guest services once you're onboard. They often have access to additional times that weren't showing in the online system and may be able to switch you to your preferred slot—especially if you're open to different evenings.

Smart Packing Strategy

Pack smart now, and you'll avoid the most common cruise packing regrets later.

The 50/50 Rule

If traveling with a companion, split your clothes evenly between two checked suitcases. If one bag gets lost by the airline, both of you will still have half your wardrobe rather than one person having nothing.

Weather Check

Keep an eye on the weather 7-10 days before your cruise, to see if you need to adjust your packing.

Embarkation Day Bag

Pack a backpack with your passport, wallet, medications, electronics, and a swimsuit. Checked luggage can take hours to arrive at your cabin, so keep your essentials with you to start enjoying the ship immediately.

Last-Minute Haul

Grab magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal) to hang hats and lanyards, and towel clips to keep your towel from blowing away on deck. Also, consider packing a non-surge-protected power strip, as cabins often have limited outlets.

Final Pre-Departure Tips

Ready to turn off your brain and turn on vacation mode?

By handling these logistics now, you can breeze through embarkation and get straight to the fun. Remember, cruising should be relaxing from the moment you leave your house. A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring smooth sailing (literally!).

The night before you leave, do one final sweep: double-check that your passport is in your carry-on, your phone is charged, and your home is secure. Set your out-of-office email reply, silence non-emergency notifications, and take a deep breath. You've done the work, now it's time to enjoy the reward.

And here's the best part: once you're onboard, all of this preparation fades away. No cooking, no cleaning, no errands—just ocean views, incredible food, and whatever adventure you choose that day. That's the magic of cruising, and you're about to experience it.

Still have questions about preparing for your upcoming trip? Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit us at cruiseweb.com.