Things to Know before You go on a Cruise
Thank you for choosing CruiseBooking.com for your cruise plans. We’ve put together the following list of things you should know before you go.
As always, our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have.
- Review your reservation to verify that all names and birthdates match your proof of citizenship documentation.
- Check that your passport has a validity of at least six months from the first day of your cruise.
- Please check the Health and Safety protocols of the cruise line.
- Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. The decision to add Travel insurance may be done on or before the time of the final payment. Insurance can be purchased online at https://go.cruisebooking.com/insurance
- Please verify you have all proper visas and travel documentation based on your itinerary
Online Check-in and Cruise Documents
The cruise lines require all passengers to complete an online pre-registration before cruise documents can be issued. Online check-in ensures a smooth check-in process at the pier.
Registration and online check-in can be completed using the cruise line specific links below.
Although it varies by cruise line, this can be done starting 30-21 days prior to your sailing date.
You will need your reservation number noted in your CruiseBooking.com confirmation and passport details.
Check Out Our Curated Articles to find out What to Pack for your Cruise Journey
- Simple Cruise Packing Tips for a Comfortable Vacation
- Four Essential Items to carry with you on a Cruise ship.
- Cruise Packing Tips for First timers
- What to Wear On a Cruise: A Complete Guide
- What should I wear on my first night cruise?
- Embarkation Day: A Simple Guide of Your First Day on Cruise
- How to pick a cabin on a cruise ship?
- What types of cabins are available, and what are the differences?
Cruise Packing Checklist
Here's this interactive PDF for you to download. Use this as a travel checklist for your upcoming cruise journey. Simply checkmark the items listed using any digital device. You can also print this list for your own personal use.
| For packing and planning | Pack in Your Luggage | For travel and embarkation day |
| Carry-on bag | Activewear | Passport |
| Garment bag | Athletic/walking shoes | Credit card |
| Packing cube and vaccum sealed bags | Mouthwash | Local currency |
| Digital Luggage scale | Bacitracin or other first-aid ointment/alcohol swabs | RFID wallet |
| Bungee Cord | Band-Aids | Medications |
| Luggage Tracker | Shoes | Contact lenses/solution |
| Cruise Insurance | Belts | Copies of important papers |
| For cabin | Blow dryer | Eye drops |
| Magnetic hooks | Cologne/perfume | Sheet Masks |
| Hangers | Contact lenses/solution | Sports Jacket or blazer |
| Wrinkle release spray | Copies of important papers | Makeup/ makeup remover |
| Toilet spray | Shirts | Pack in Your Carry-on |
| Over the door organizers | Dress/dancing shoes | Blanket and pillow |
| First Aid Kit | Extension cord and/or outlet strip | Boarding passes |
| Hand sanitizer | Face cleanser/moisturizer | Camera |
| Door Decor | Feminine-hygiene products | Cash |
| Diapers | Flashlight(s) | Cell phone |
| For the Ship and onshore excursions | Formal wear | Carrybags for used clothes |
| Lanyards | Gloves (only for Cold Wheather) | Chargers (including a power bank) |
| Sea Bands | Hairbrush/comb | Chewing gum |
| Motion sickness medicine | Haircare items | Computer or tablet |
| Mix and match clothing | Hand sanitizer | Copies of prescriptions |
| Packable Hat | Hats | Credit/debit cards |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Over-the-counter pain medication | Deodorant |
| Water Shoes | Insect repellent | Dramamine or other seasickness medication |
| Versatile Heels and Flats | Jackets/raincoat | Eye mask /ear plugs |
| Reusable water bottle | Jeans/slacks | Snacks |
| Bathing Suits | Jewelry (not your most valuable) | Headphones/earbuds |
| Swim Cover-up | Laundry bag | ID/passport/visa |
| Dry Bag | Sports Jacket/Blazer | Insurance cards |
| Waterproof Phone Case | Money belt | Itinerary and other cruise-related paperwork |
| Beach Toys | Nail clippers | Jewelry and other valuables |
| Towel Clips | Themed party Attire | Keys |
| Reef-safe sunscreen | - | - |
| After-sun lotion | - | - |
| A good book | - | - |
Onboard Packages and Shore Excursions
You can save money and cruising time by booking Shore Excursions, Drink packages Dinner packages, Internet packages, Spa Appointments, Entertainment, and Onboard activities in advance.
Use the cruise line specific links below to access your reservation and add amenities to your reservation.
Ocean Cruise Lines
River Cruise Lines
Gratuities Information on Ocean Cruise Lines
Service charges and Gratuities are not included, unless otherwise mentioned. Please verify before completing your cruise booking. Each cruise line has different policies regarding service charges and gratuities, please use the cruise line links below to learn more.
Gratuities Information on River Cruise Lines
Service charges and Gratuities are not included, unless otherwise mentioned. Please verify before completing your cruise booking. Each cruise line has different policies regarding service charges and gratuities, please use the cruise line links below to learn more.
| River Cruise Lines | |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | https://www.amawaterways.com/river-cruise-frequently-asked-questions |
| Avalon Waterways | https://www.avalonwaterways.com/terms/ |
| Uniworld River Cruises | https://www.uniworld.com/ap/faq?market=AP |
| Viking River Cruises | https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/tipping-and-gratuities.html |