If you’re planning a cruise, you may be wondering what has to be done in advance of the trip. Even though cruise lines are fun and bring laid-back holidays, there are certain crucial pre-cruise trip planning procedures to take. Here is a recent list of ten things that cruise travelers should do in the week before their cruise, not only to ensure a smoother holiday but also to ease the transition back to everyday life after that amazing voyage.

01.                  Ensure that your travel documents are complete.

Even if it’s not necessary for the ports you visit, it’s usually a good idea to cruise with a passport if you’re going anywhere abroad. In the unlikely event that you need to schedule an unforeseen return trip while on your cruise, having a passport will make things considerably simpler. Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months after your cruise has ended and hasn’t expired. Make sure you can enter each country when you arrive by reviewing the procedures for obtaining a visa.

02.                  Online check-in

When checking in for a cruise, a lot of paperwork is required. For example, many cruise lines require you to fill out forms with personal information like your name, address, gender, date of birth, and nationality. You also need to provide emergency contacts and your pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements schedule. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a photo of yourself and create an onboard account. You’ll be able to board your ship faster if you do everything online beforehand, as many lines now demand, than if you wait to do so at the pier.

03.                  Tuck your swimsuit in your carry-on luggage.

Porters will usually welcome you and take your stuff away when you first arrive at a ship, even before you take off. Later on in the day, it will be brought to your room. Since you won’t have to drag your baggage through the full check-in procedure, this is a huge benefit. However, it also implies that on your first day on board, you might not be able to retrieve your luggage for some hours. Make sure your carry-on bag has everything you could need for these initial hours of your vacation. This means bringing stuff that will enable you to jump right onto the pool deck and begin having fun.

04.                  Make Travel Arrangements.

Consider and make appointments for transportation from the airport to the cruise ship and back to the airport at the last moment of your trip if you haven’t already purchased a package that includes port transfers through your cruise company. To travel to and from the ship, adventurous cruisers frequently use ride-sharing applications like Uber and Lyft. However, it’s worth spending a few minutes learning about any local information on where and how to get such rides, as well as whether there could be better choices freely accessible.

05.                  Consider booking through a travel agency.

The cruise lines frequently invite cruise expert travel consultants to stay on board, so they will know which ship best suits your needs. Never assume that using a travel agency will result in more expensive rates. In some situations, you can save money by combining their regular promotions with those offered by cruise lines. Among other things, a knowledgeable agent can help you plan for onboard reservations and recommend the finest shore excursions in the area.

06.                  Reserve restaurants, spas, and shows in advance.

Plan for as much fun as you can, but also allow time for impromptu decisions. Bigger cruise ships may have extensive wait lists for those wishing to reserve onboard entertainment and recreational options like spa treatments or evening concerts. The good news is that reservations for these entertainment options may be made well in advance of sailing day, over the phone, or online at the cruise line’s website.

07.                  Bring beverages with you when you travel.

Many people who have never cruised before believe they are not allowed to carry alcohol on board. However, a lot of lines allow this, generally with some restrictions. Given how expensive drinks can be on cruise lines, this is one method to cut costs. At the beginning of a cruise and each port of stop, adults are allowed to carry onboard ships up to two bottles of unopened wine, Champagne, or beer. Keep in mind that you must bring carry-on baggage for these beverages.

08.                  Put your phone on airplane mode.

You may use many foreign telecom networks while cruising, which might result in expensive charges for roaming because your phone will be downloading data automatically. If you want to use the ship’s Wi-Fi, which normally costs between $15 and $40 per day, or if it’s included, it’s recommended to keep your phone in flight mode.

09.                  Explore the ports

Making a thorough itinerary with every hour of the day is not necessary, but it is a good idea to take some time to research your ports of call before you leave. It can help you determine if you want to pay for expensive ship excursions, self-guided tours, or just take your time exploring the area. Pay special attention to the port’s accessibility to your specified destination.

10.                  Pick à la carte instead of buffet.

Because dining on a cruise is all-inclusive, it’s quite simple to overindulge. It appears that a large number of newcomers spend breakfast, lunch, and supper camped out in the buffet restaurants. Instead, making the most of your time in the main dining room or rooms is a far better option. In general, the atmosphere is considerably more relaxed and the cuisine, service, and presentation are all of better quality.

It might seem like a daunting task to remember all of your necessary paperwork, grasp cruise line policy, and pack. But there’s one crucial thing to keep in mind you’re finally taking a cruise. For more travel-friendly tips visit Thecreativewannabe!