Online Check In
You can check in online for your cruise approximately 45-90 days before it sails.
- The timing will depend on the cruise line
- You’ll need your passport (or other accepted form of ID) and info for an emergency contact
- Some cruise lines also let you do things that will speed up in-person check in on the day of your cruise (e.g. upload a photo for identity verification, input a credit card for your onboard expense account, etc.)
Try to check in as soon as it becomes available
- This will maximize your time to solve any issues before your cruise (such as needing vaccinations, a medical form, etc.)
- If your cruise line assigns boarding times, this will likely be part of the online check in process. The earlier you check in, the more options will be available.
Packages and Perks
Most cruise lines allow the following to be purchased pre-cruise. (Some may be included with your cruise fare, and these can usually also be purchased onboard).
- Beverage Packages: these cover sodas, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages up to a certain cost. They can come in various forms (such as non-alcoholic only or differnt maximum covered costs). Water, tea, and simple juices are usually free.
- Internet Packages: ships use satellite internet (slow for streaming, but allow browsing, chatting, and wi-fi calls). Packages can be for unlimited use (either by day or for the whole cruise) or for a certain amount of minutes.
- Dining Packages: besides at least 1 included (i.e. free) dining location, many ships also have specialty restaurants that require a cover charge or are a la carte. Packages reduce cost by buying multiple meals in advance.
- Spa Packages: pre-booking spa services can save money (and ensure you get the day/time you want), but sometimes even better deals can be found onboard if you’re not picky about the type of service you receive or timing.
- Gratuities: these are paid to stateroom attendants, waiters, etc. If not part of the base fare, gratuities are charged daily. Pre-paying usually does not reduce the cost, just means there’s one less thing on your bill at the end of the cruise.
Packing
Under- or over-packing are easier than packing well.
DOs | DON’Ts |
Know the Dress Code Some ships require formal dress in the main dining room. Some just require country-club attire. And some cruisers only eat in the buffet to avoid dressing up at all. | Don’t Pack Individual Dinner Outfits for Every Day This is an easy way to save space. You can reuse dress pants, tops, or cardigans (you’re only wearing them for a couple hours each time). |
Consider the Climate Ships are usually well heated or air-conditioned, as appropriate. The great outdoors aren’t. Layering is usually the best approach. | Don’t Forget You Can do Laundry Onboard The facilities will vary between ships; some have self-wash, some have a laundry service (for a fee). But you don’t need a lot of “just in case” clothes. You can also use your sink if needed. |
Use Packing Cubes These are great both in your suitcase and in your stateroom to keep your clothes (or other items) organized and save space. | Don’t Fill Your Suitcase To The Brim If you think you’re going to buy souvenirs, you’ll need some room for them. Also, clothes always take up more space on the way home. |
Check Airline Baggage Rules Look for both size and weight limits. | Don’t Forget to Weigh Your Suitcase It’s always best to know in advance if you’re going to have an extra bag fee. |
Consider Your Plans In one day, you could do a wide variety of activities (hit the gym, go on an exercusion, lounge by the pool, and attend a formal dinner) | Don’t Buy a Lot of Travel-Size Toiletries For items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, sunscreen, etc. it is more cost effective to get full size bottles and pour out what you need into generic, reusable travel size containers. |
If you have preferred brands of toiletries, bring them It can be hard to find some US brands in other countries. | |
Bring Febreze (or something similar) Most important if you’ll be hitting the gym or reusing clothes. |
Loyalty Programs
Repeat cruisers with the same line become eligible for loyalty points and benefits
- Benefits will vary between lines, but can include:
- Discounts on beverage packages, internet packages, the spa, or specialty dining
- Free snacks (like gelato or desserts) or services (like a bag of laundry)
- Special events just for members of a certain loyalty tier
- Cruise lines owned by the same parent company (i.e. Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Cruise Lines) may have reciprocal loyalty status agreements. This will give you benefits even if you’ve never sailed on a specific line before.
If you’re a repeat cruiser, check your account on the cruise line website to see your loyalty status and associated rewards. You don’t want to miss out on any benefits you’re due!