Preparing for a cruise can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially in the final 24-48 hours before you set sail. As much as you may plan and pack in advance, those last moments are crucial to ensure a smooth start to your vacation.
Whether you’re a new or experienced cruiser, this pre-cruise planning list will help you prepare for your cruise vacation.
In this post, I share a detailed list of what to do in the last day or two before embarkation day. This includes last-minute things to do before leaving your house to head for the cruise ship!
17 Things to Prepare 1-2 Days Before Boarding Your Cruise
1. Organize Your Important Documents
First and foremost, ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready. This includes your passports, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and shore excursion details.
Keep your important documents together in a designated folder or travel wallet. If you’re using digital copies, save them as PDFs on your phone for offline access.
Printing them is also highly recommended as you may lose Wi-Fi, or your phone battery can die.
Pro cruiser tip: keep a list of any medications you’re taking and have your travel insurance details accessible.
2. Double-Check Your Packing
Even if you’ve done most of your packing in advance, now’s the time to finalize everything. Be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination, as weather conditions can change, and you might need to adjust your wardrobe.
Depending on last-minute updates, throw in a jacket or an extra pair of shorts. This way, you’ll have enough clothing for your cruise vacation.
Also, having a detailed packing list is a good idea to ensure you leave everything behind, including your swimsuits, shoes, and cruise-specific outfits (like formalwear for special nights).
You might also want to pack an extra outfit in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed.
3. Carry-On Essentials
When it comes to carry-on bags, remember to pack your cruise essentials, such as an extra outfit, toiletries, and medications. Packing cubes are handy tools for organizing these items and saving space in your luggage.
A small first-aid kit should also be part of your carry-on, including bandages, pain relievers, antacids, and seasickness medication.
Additionally, if you wear glasses or contacts, just bring a spare pair. A small glasses repair kit is also a smart addition.
Related: How to Pack Carry-on Only for a Cruise: 13 Tips, Hacks & How-tos
4. Charge Your Electronics
A couple of days before your trip, make sure to charge all your electronics, including phones, tablets, and portable chargers. Download any media you’d like to enjoy while traveling like movies, tv shows, and music.
Remember that even if you purchase the Wi-Fi package, streaming may be limited while you’re onboard. Also, download the cruise line’s app before you embark, as it will help you manage your onboard experience.
Don’t forget to pack a non-surge-protected power strip for your electronics. Many cruise cabins only have a couple of outlets, and a power cube with USB ports can help charge multiple devices at once.
Related: 25 Genius Travel Gadgets & Tech Items to Bring on a Cruise
5. Flight and Road Trip Preparations
If you’re flying to your cruise port, check in online within 24 hours of your flight and confirm the details. Double-check your luggage’s weight to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
A portable luggage scale can help with this, or a bathroom scale can be used as a quick fix. For those driving to the cruise port, make sure your car is road trip-ready, and plan out your route in advance.
6. Entertainment and Technology
In addition to your phone and charger, download Google Maps and any offline maps you might need for your destination. It’s also a great idea to save recommendations for restaurants and attractions offline, just in case you lose connectivity during your trip.
7. Final Personal Bag Prep
Pack your personal bag in advance with travel snacks, gum, a pill organizer, and any seasickness med ication. You’ll want to keep this bag on the plane or in the car, and it should be packed with everything you might need within reach.
It’s important to never check this bag once you arrive at the cruise port, as you don’t want to risk losing any important medications or personal items.
8. Confirm Your Transportation
One of the first things you need to finalize is your transportation to the airport and from the airport to your hotel or cruise port. If you’re driving to the airport or port, ensure your car is ready for the trip, with a full tank of gas and your GPS set to the correct destinations.
If you’re using a service like Uber or a taxi, double-check the timing and make any necessary reservations in advance. It’s also important to have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations.
If a friend or family member is giving you a ride, confirm the details the day before to avoid any last-minute confusion.
For those planning to drive to the cruise port the night before departure, setting your GPS with your hotel and the cruise terminal addresses is a good idea. This allows for a smoother transition, especially when time is of the essence on embarkation day.
Related: 37 Long Flight Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-on
9. Financial Preparation
Traveling often requires small cash transactions, so it’s wise to carry an assortment of bills with you. One-dollar, five-dollar, and ten-dollar bills can come in handy for tipping, especially for cruise terminal porters or small services like taxis and restaurants.
Tipping customs can vary depending on the country or region, but having cash ensures that you’re prepared for any situation.
Additionally, if you’re traveling internationally or haven’t been on a trip in a while, it’s crucial to notify your credit card company that you’ll be abroad. Many banks and credit card companies flag unusual purchases as a fraud prevention measure, which could lead to an embarrassing situation at a shop or restaurant.
Call your credit card company to avoid any potential issues and inform them of your travel dates and destinations. This quick phone call can save you from having to deal with a locked credit card while trying to make purchases overseas.
10. Self Care and Grooming
As you prepare to travel, don’t forget your self-care and personal grooming appointments. Often, we get so caught up in packing and planning that we neglect our regular beauty or grooming routines.
If you usually get your hair trimmed or colored, make an appointment a few days before your trip so you feel your best when you board the ship. Men should also consider a fresh haircut or beard trim before traveling.
If you’re crunched for time, even a simple blowout can make a big difference in how you feel during the early days of your cruise.
Aside from hair, don’t forget to take care of other beauty appointments like pedicures, manicures, or waxing. These can make you feel more comfortable and put together while lounging by the pool or heading out for formal dinners on the ship.
Interestingly, many couples use vacation prep as a time to do joint self-care activities, like getting a pedicure together. It’s a fun and relaxing way to kick off the vacation mood while ticking an item off your to-do list.
11. Health Precautions
Staying healthy while traveling is key, and a little pre-planning can go a long way in ensuring that you feel good during your trip. One common issue for air travelers is sinus pressure, which can make flights uncomfortable.
Many frequent travelers recommend taking sinus medication about an hour before their flight to help alleviate ear pressure and sinus congestion, especially on longer flights. If you’re prone to motion sickness on a plane, in a car, or on the ship itself, pack some motion sickness medication or remedies like ginger chews to keep symptoms at bay
Also, remember to pack a small health kit with essentials like pain relievers, band-aids, and prescription medications. Many people overlook health-related preparations, but making sure you have these items can save you from scrambling to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.
Related: 31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have
12. Home Preparations
Leaving your home for an extended trip requires some thoughtful preparation. One of the first things you’ll want to do is thoroughly clean your home.
Nothing is more welcoming than returning to a clean, organized house after a trip. Change your bed sheets before you leave so that you return to a fresh, cozy bed. You’ll also want to change out all the towels in the bathroom, giving you one less thing to worry about upon your return.
Some people like to take it a step further by preparing a few meals in advance and freezing them. This way, you don’t have to worry about cooking when you get home.
If you have a yard, mow the lawn and tidy up the exterior to keep your home looking neat while you’re away. You can also set your lights on a timer for added security, making it appear as if someone is home.
Informing your neighbors that you’ll be gone and asking them to keep an eye on things is a good extra precaution.
Finally, make sure to stop your mail delivery or arrange for a neighbor to pick it up while you’re away. A mailbox overflowing with letters and packages is a sure sign that no one’s home and could attract unwanted attention.
13. Pet Sitting Arrangements
If you have pets, making sure they’re well cared for is essential. Arranging for a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter to care for them while you’re gone is a must.
You can also prepare a little “travel bag” for your pet, packing their favorite toys, treats, and medications. Don’t forget to leave detailed instructions on feeding, medication schedules, and emergency contacts, including your veterinarian’s information.
14. Final Packing Checklist
As you get closer to departure, creating a last-minute packing checklist is a good idea. This list should include essential items like toiletries, medications, and electronics you might need to grab at the last moment.
Keep the list handy to quickly check off items as you pack. Having this list ensures you won’t forget anything important in the final rush out the door.
Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise (Packing List & Tips)
15. Watch the Cruise Safety Video
Many cruise lines now allow cruise passengers to watch the mandatory safety video on their app before boarding the ship. You can save about 15 minutes during the boarding process by watching the video in advance.
This small time-saver can be especially helpful on embarkation day when you’re eager to explore the ship and start your vacation.
16. Luggage Prep
Your luggage should be cruise-ready well in advance of embarkation day. Make sure you’ve printed out your luggage tags, which are usually provided by the cruise line.
While it’s possible to staple these paper tags directly onto your bags, it’s much more secure to use plastic luggage tag holders. These holders are waterproof and help prevent your tags from getting damaged in transit.
Attach the tags to your luggage the night before or on the morning of embarkation day to avoid any last-minute confusion.
17. Hotel and Embarkation Day Prep
Arriving in your embarkation port city a day early is always a good idea. This extra time acts as a buffer in case of any unexpected delays in your travel plans.
Use this time to relax, explore the city, or enjoy the amenities at your hotel. Many travelers like to research restaurants, sights, or nearby activities to enjoy before their cruise begins.
Having a loose plan can make this day more enjoyable, whether you want to explore or prefer to lounge by the pool.
If you decide to dine out, having a few restaurant recommendations is helpful, but don’t feel pressured to make strict reservations. Sometimes, you may want something more casual or prefer a quiet evening after a day of travel.
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Final Thoughts On Things to Prepare 1-2 Days Before Boarding Your Cruise
The final 24-48 hours before your cruise are important to ensuring you’re fully prepared for your cruise vacation. By preparing properly, you’ll start your cruise on the right foot.
Remember to use handy cruise essentials like travel organizers and packing cubes to make your cruise embarkation day smoother.
When is your next cruise vacation? Please let me know your experiences in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.