Booking your cruise is the easy part; all the planning for your departure is what takes the most effort! Careful planning will help ease last minute stress and assure that you have everything you could possibly need when you are ready to set sail.
Three to Six Months Before Departure
The time period of three to six months before your cruise departs is an important time period. You will need to find out what documentation you will need for your cruise. A passport is not always necessary, but is highly recommended. Be sure to check with your cruise line. If you need to apply or renew your passport do it early. If you wait too long you risk not receiving it in time. You will also need to apply for any visas you may need for countries you are visiting.
Two and a Half Months Before Departure
60-75 days before departure is when you most likely will have your final payment due. Each cruise line is different and you certainly will not want to miss this payment. Also during this time you will want to make your packing list, go through your wardrobe and shop for any clothes you plan to purchase for the trip. Make kennel arrangements for your pets and arranging for a house sitter is also recommended at this stage.
One Month Before Departure
30 days prior to your cruise you will want to double check your airfare and check into getting seat assignments if your airline allows it. No later than 30 days prior to departure you will also want to make hair, manicure, pedicure and any other personal appointments to ensure you can get an appointment before you go if this is important to you. Digging out your luggage is also recommended in case you discover you need to replace any of your luggage pieces.
Two to Three Weeks Before Departure
2-3 weeks before your cruise you should receive all of your cruise documents. Be sure to look them over for accuracy. The cruise line also usually sends along important cruise information that you should read.
One Week Before Departure
1 week before finalize your packing list and start to gather items you will need. Get your camera ready with extra batteries. Make a trip to your bank for cash or travelers checks. Fill any prescriptions you will need. Making photocopies of your passport and other ID’s is also recommended. Leave a copy at home. Around one week before departure you should also arrange to have your mail and paper deliveries stopped and make a copy of your itinerary to leave with family or friends.
Three to Four Days Before Departure
3-4 days before departure you should confirm your airline tickets, fill out luggage tags, complete any cruise paperwork for boarding and complete any last minute laundry. It is now time to start packing.
The Night Before Departure
The day before departure drop your pets at the kennel, pay any last minute bills, water plants, set indoor light timers and clean out your refrigerator. Organize your wallet, leaving anything at home that is not necessary for traveling. Finish packing your suitcases.
The Big Day!
On departure day wake up excited and ready to go. Adjust your home thermostat; turn off the water and complete any other last minute things around the house. Be sure to head off to the airport with more than enough time to make your flight. Make sure you have your flight information, cruise documents and identification ready. There is now nothing left to do but to enjoy your trip.
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