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So you’ve booked your cruise and your sail date is drawing near. Now what? Here are the top six things you’ll want to take care of before you board.
1. Check in Online
Most cruise lines will allow you to check in on their website prior to your sail date. You’ll simply need to fill out all the required travel information and select an arrival time window for the day of your cruise to access your boarding pass. Completing this ahead of time will speed things up at the check-in counter when you get to your terminal.
2. Organize Important Documents
Print out all the necessary paperwork for your cruise and keep it all together in an easily accessible section of your carry-on. This includes any required boarding documents, itineraries and luggage tags.
3. Notify Your Bank
If you’re not a frequent traveler, you’ll want to let your bank know that you’re going on vacation. Some financial institutions will temporarily disable your account assuming that the change in spending patterns means your card has been stolen.
4. Research Ports
Half the fun of taking a cruise is exploring new destinations. To make the most of limited time in each port, you’ll want to plan ahead. Popular excursions tend to sell out quickly, so book any of those must-do tours in advance.
5. Make Onboard Reservations
Most cruise lines allow you to make dining, entertainment and spa reservations on their website prior to your cruise date. If there’s a show you’re dying to see or specialty restaurant you’d like to try, make sure to reserve a seat before you board.
6. Book Travel Arrangements
And lastly, don’t forget to think about how you’re going to get to the cruise terminal. Whether you’re driving or flying in, we always recommend arriving a day early as flight delays and traffic can be unpredictable.
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared on Go Port Canaveral Official Travel Provider and has been republished here with permission by Go Port Canaveral.