First Cruise Checklist: What to Do (and Not Do) Before You Sail

At Global Gulls, we've helped countless first-timers navigate these waters, and this guide distills that expertise into a simple, actionable checklist. From essential documents and mobile apps to timing your arrival and handling the little details, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the ultimate pre-cruise checklist for a smooth voyage.

Get Your Travel Documents in Order

Your documents are your ticket to board - and your safety net if anything goes wrong.

Passport: Your Most Important Document

Passport: A valid passport is the top priority. Many cruises (especially those starting and ending at the same U.S. port) don't require a passport for U.S. citizens, but cruise lines or destinations can insist on it. Even if not required, bring a passport book - it's strongly recommended for all cruise passengers. In an emergency where you have to fly home or the ship makes an unexpected foreign stop, a passport book is indispensable.

Before you head out, double check these specifics:

✔ Expiration: Ensure it won't expire for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
✔ Timing: If you're close to these limits, apply for a renewal early to avoid last-minute stress.

Other ID: For certain "closed-loop" cruises (round-trip from a U.S. port visiting Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada), adult U.S. citizens can sail with a birth certificate and government photo ID instead of a passport. However, traveling passport-free is risky. If you had to unexpectedly leave the cruise and fly home, you would be stuck without a passport. Bottom line: bring the best ID (passport) to cover any scenario. If you do use a birth certificate for a U.S. cruise, it must be a certified copy, and you'll still need a driver's license or other photo ID. Children under 16 may only need a birth certificate on U.S. cruises, but teens 16+ will need a photo ID as well in most cases.

Visas & Permits: Check each port on your itinerary for entry requirements. Some countries require travel visas or specific permits, even for cruise ship visitors. Don't assume you can skip this because you're on a cruise - you may need visas for certain ports even if you don't plan to disembark, according to the U.S. State Department. If you're cruising with Global Gulls, we handle the heavy lifting here by advising you on exactly what you need based on your citizenship and itinerary. Also ensure any required immunization records (for example, proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine if visiting parts of Africa or South America) are obtained in advance.

Traveling with Minors: If you're cruising with children, make sure you have the proper documents for them too. Kids generally need passports for international cruises (or birth certificate on certain U.S. routes). If a minor is traveling with only one parent or with a non-parent guardian (say, a grandparent), it's highly recommended to carry a notarized permission letter from the absent parent(s) granting consent for the child to travel. Some cruise lines require this document to prove the adult has authority to take the child out of the country. Also bring any documents explaining a child's different last name (like a birth certificate naming both parents, marriage certificate, or adoption papers) to avoid confusion.

Cruise Tickets & Boarding Docs: Once you've booked, the cruise line will provide electronic documents (often called "eDocs"). Complete your online check-in (more on that below) and then print out or download your boarding pass, cruise ticket, and luggage tags. Keep these with your IDs, you'll need to show your boarding pass and passport at the port. It's wise to print a hard copy of the boarding pass and baggage tags even if you have a digital version, just in case your phone or app glitches. Many people use plastic luggage tag holders to attach printed cruise tags to bags, but you can also get tags from the porters at the pier if needed. The key is to have your ship name, sailing date, and cabin number on each checked bag so they get delivered to your room.

Pro Tip - Backup Copies: Avoid big headaches by backing up your important papers:

Make copies of your passport, visas, and travel documents.
Leave one set with a trusted friend at home.
Carry a second copy separate from the originals (e.g., in your carry-on).
Save clear photos of everything on your phone.
Jot down your reservation number and emergency contact numbers.

That way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you have the info handy to speed up replacement.

Complete Online Check-In Early

Checking in online isn't optional anymore - it's how you secure your boarding time and skip the longest lines.

30-60 Days Out: Online Check-In Opens

Why Check In Online?: Cruise lines now encourage (or require) passengers to fill out all their check-in information online before arriving at the port. This online check-in usually opens weeks in advance - don't wait! For instance, Carnival lets you access online check-in starting 14 days before sailing, while Royal Caribbean opens check-in as early as 45 days out via its app.

By checking in online, you'll provide passport details, emergency contacts, a credit card for onboard charges, and you'll pick an arrival appointment time for embarkation. Completing these steps ahead of time speeds up your boarding and even results in "express" lanes for those who are fully checked in. Royal Caribbean notes that app check-in means less time spent in the terminal and more time on vacation, since you'll have a mobile boarding pass ready to scan.

Why this matters: Earlier check-in means better boarding times and earlier access to dining options.

Selecting an Arrival Time

Gone are the days of just showing up at any time on embarkation day for most cruise lines. Now, most cruise lines assign staggered boarding times to avoid terminal crowds. During online check-in, you choose from available embarkation arrival slots (or one is assigned automatically if you don't choose). Take this seriously: you should arrive at the port during your specified window. If you show up too early, you'll likely have to wait until your time - possibly standing outside the terminal with your bags. If you arrive late and miss your window, you risk a delayed boarding; in worst cases, if you cut it really close, you could even be denied boarding if check-in has closed.

Cruise lines typically require all guests to be checked in and onboard at least 60-90 minutes before departure time as a final cutoff. The Final Boarding Time will be printed on your docs or shown in the app - don't miss it, or the ship will sail without you!

Print Boarding Pass & Luggage Tags: Once checked in, print your boarding passes and luggage tags at home. Your boarding pass (sometimes called a SetSail Pass or eTicket) is your cruise "ticket" - you'll show it, along with your passport/ID, to enter the terminal. The luggage tags you print should be attached to any bags you'll check with the porters (they show your name, ship, and cabin number so bags go to the right room). If you don't get to print tags, don't panic - the port staff can provide sturdy tags and fill in your details for you. It just saves time to have them ready. Pro tip: print a couple of extra tags in case one tears, or use clear luggage tag holders.

Online Forms and Tasks: During online check-in, you'll need to handle a few digital tasks:

✔ Health Questionnaire: Fill this out usually within 24 hours of sailing.
✔ Security Photo: Upload a clear headshot to skip the photo line at the terminal.
✔ Passport Scan: Use the app to scan your documents for faster verification.
✔ Onboard Payment: Set up your credit/debit card or cash account to create your onboard charge account.

Doing these steps ahead of time makes embarkation day significantly smoother, as the agents will just quickly verify your physical ID and send you on your way.

Tip: Keep a folder (physical or digital) with all your travel documents together. Include your cruise boarding passes, hotel and flight confirmations, any required COVID-19 vaccination or test records (if applicable at the time of your cruise), travel insurance policy info, and excursion tickets. Having everything in one place will lower pre-cruise anxiety.

Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

The ship will not wait for you - build in buffer time like your vacation depends on it.

Fly In the Day Before (Seriously)

Give yourself plenty of time to actually reach the ship. One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is arriving on embarkation day with no time to spare. If you're flying to your cruise port, pad in lots of extra time. Flights get delayed or canceled more often than we'd like, and the ship will not wait for a delayed flight.

Experienced cruisers and experts always advise flying in at least one day before your cruise departure, whenever possible. This means if your cruise leaves Saturday, try to get to the port city by Friday and stay in a hotel overnight. That way a missed connection or bad weather won't cause you to literally miss the boat. Enjoy an extra evening in the departure city and consider it part of the trip.

If flying in a day early isn't feasible, then book the earliest possible flight on embarkation day and preferably with a buffer of several hours before the ship's all-aboard time. For example, if the cruise departs at 5 PM, a flight landing at 11 AM or noon might be okay (if no delays!), but anything later is really playing with fire. Make sure there are later flights that same day as backups, or consider purchasing the cruise line's transfer and air packages which sometimes offer protection if delays occur.

In any case, get travel insurance that covers trip interruptions or missed connections. As your Global Gulls agents, we can help you select a policy that actually covers the specifics of a cruise—like "missed port" or "medical evacuation" coverage—which standard plans often overlook. It's a small price for peace of mind given how expensive last-minute rebooking or catching up to a ship at the next port can be.

Driving to Port: If you live within driving distance of the port, you can head there on embarkation day, but plan to arrive early (late morning to early afternoon) unless you have a specific check-in slot later. Account for traffic, weather, or car trouble. It's wise to arrive at the cruise terminal at least 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure (and no later than the arrival appointment you selected) so you have time to park, go through security, and check in without rushing.

Most ships start boarding a few hours before departure, and they often require everyone on board no later than ~90 minutes before sail-away. So don't roll up 30 minutes before the ship leaves as you'll likely find the gangway closed. Early afternoon (1-2 PM) can be a sweet spot to arrive: the initial rush of eager early birds has passed, but you still have plenty of time to embark and settle in. Just do not arrive after the final boarding time on your pass! If you're late, the ship can leave without you and you'll be out of luck.

Transfers and Parking: Figure out in advance how you're getting to the terminal:

✔ Research Parking: Check official port garages or nearby lots and reserve a spot if required.
✔ Plan Your Arrival: If driving, pull up to the terminal drop-off area first.
✔ Bag Hand-off: Hand off big bags to porters (don't forget to tip them $2-$5 per bag).
✔ Park and Meet: The driver can go park while the rest of the group proceeds toward security.

Knowing where to go reduces stress on the morning of embarkation. Many hotels near ports offer "park and cruise" packages that include parking and a shuttle, which can be a great value.

Don't Forget: Keep all your important documents and essentials with you in a carry-on bag en route to the port. Do not pack your passport or cruise documents in checked airline luggage! If that bag is lost, you can't board the ship. Similarly, have medications, valuables, and a change of clothes or two in your hand luggage. That way you're prepared if there are travel delays or if you can't access your big suitcases immediately on the ship.

Download the Cruise Line's App (and Other Tech Prep)

Your phone becomes your boarding pass, room key, daily schedule, and messaging device.

Download the App Before You Leave Home

In the smartphone age, cruise lines have developed their own apps to enhance your cruise experience before and during the voyage. Download your cruise line's official app as soon as you've booked (or at least well before sailing). Apps for Royal Caribbean, Carnival ("Hub" app), Norwegian, Disney, Princess, and others are free to download on Apple and Android. These apps are incredibly useful: they allow you to check in electronically, access your boarding pass, and manage reservations right from your phone. For example, through the app you often can scan your passport details, upload your security photo, and complete the health questionnaire, then receive a digital boarding pass to use at the terminal. This means on embarkation day the agent just quickly verifies your physical passport and scans the QR code on your phone! Of course, still bring the hardcopy passport and a printout of the boarding pass as backup, but the app makes the process faster.

Explore App Features: Each cruise line's app has slightly different features, but most let you see the daily schedule of activities, check restaurant menus, deck maps, your onboard account charges, and more, once you're on the ship. Many allow you to book things like dining, shore excursions, show tickets, or spa appointments in advance of the cruise or while onboard. Take advantage of this! If your ship has specialty restaurants or shows that can be reserved, doing it through the app before you sail guarantees you a spot and saves time on the ship. Some lines (like Carnival) even let you order food (pizza delivery, anyone?) through the app onboard. The app essentially puts a digital concierge in your pocket.

Note: Some cruise lines will only allow certain reservations to be made through the app once you're onboard while others allow you to make them before you sail.

Onboard Communication: One of the handiest features for families and groups is the chat or messaging function in cruise apps. Since at sea you won't have cell service without paying for it, you can't rely on normal texting unless you buy a Wi-Fi package. Instead, most cruise apps include an in-app chat to message other passengers on the ship. In some cruise lines' apps this is free of charge, while others charge a nominal one-time fee (Carnival's Hub app is about $5 for the voyage to activate chat). Either way, it's cheaper than international texting.

Plan to use the app's chat to keep in touch with your travel companions onboard. For example, to say "Meet at the pool at 3!" or "I'm at the buffet, where are you?". If the app requires a small fee for chat, you can usually purchase it once onboard and it will work without needing an internet plan. Keep in mind, all members of your group who want to chat will need to have the app and be registered.
Tip: Set up everyone's app login before the trip (especially for kids/teens with devices) so you're not scrambling with slow internet on the ship to get it working.

Note: Chat notifications from the cruise line app can be unreliable at times. You may need to manually check the app to see if you have a message.

No Internet Needed: A great thing about cruise apps is that their core functions work on the ship without you buying an internet package. The cruise lines provide free intranet access to the app once you connect your phone to the ship's Wi-Fi network (the free onboard network that just allows app connectivity). So you can use the app to see schedules, menus, make reservations, and chat all without paying for Wi-Fi. You just connect to the ship's network (which is usually needed for the app to function) but you don't log in to the paid internet plan unless you want full web access. This is a big relief for those worried about extra costs since you get the app benefits gratis.

Other Handy Apps & Tech: Beyond the cruise line's app, a little tech prep goes a long way:

✔ Download Offline Maps: Save map data for your port cities so you can navigate without cellular data.
✔ Translation Apps: Download local language packs if you're visiting foreign-speaking ports.
✔ Roaming Settings: Turn off data roaming and use airplane mode as soon as you leave port to avoid accidental cellular charges.
✔ Hardware: Pack appropriate chargers, a portable battery pack, and a non-surge power strip (surge protectors are often confiscated).
✔ Offline Entertainment: Download your books, movies, and music before you leave home.

Pre-Book Activities and Extras

Popular restaurants, excursions, and spa slots fill up fast - waiting until you board means settling for leftovers.

What to Reserve Before You Sail

A cruise is essentially a floating resort with limited space in certain venues, so it pays to reserve some activities in advance instead of waiting until you're on the ship. Here are key things to consider pre-booking:

Dining Reservations: If your ship features specialty restaurants or popular dining experiences, make reservations before you sail (usually available online or via the app after booking). The most sought-after restaurants can fill up, especially on formal nights or toward the end of the cruise. By reserving ahead, you ensure you won't miss out on that steakhouse or sushi bar you've been eyeing. Many lines open dining bookings once you've paid in full or at 60-90 days before sailing. If you have "Anytime" or flexible dining on lines like Princess or NCL, you can also reserve dining times in advance for the main dining room if offered.
Whether you're traveling with a large group or just a few friends, let your Global Gulls agent know early. We can 'link' your reservations behind the scenes to ensure your party is seated together at dinner without you having to chase down the Maitre d' on day one. Linking reservations can usually guarantee your party is at the same table, otherwise you might get split up. Do this early, as large group seating arrangements are easier to set before the cruise rather than on the spot.
Shore Excursions: One big excitement of cruising is the shore tours at each port. Research and book excursions ahead of time instead of waiting until you're on the ship. The cruise lines will have a list of official excursions you can reserve online in your cruise planner. Booking early is smart because the most popular excursions (like swimming with dolphins, island tours, zip-lining adventures, etc.) can sell out before the cruise. You can also choose to book independent tours through third-party operators for potentially smaller groups or lower prices - just ensure they are reputable and guarantee to get you back to the ship on time. If you go independent, plan conservatively with your timing and maybe communicate with other travelers (forums or social media) for recommendations.
Whether you book through the cruise or independently, having your tours sorted out pre-cruise means you won't spend your vacation standing in line at the shore excursion desk or stressing about what to do in port.
Tip: If there's something you must do at a particular destination, lock it in early. If you're more flexible, you could wait and see or even explore on your own, but at least do some research so you have a plan for each port.
Onboard Entertainment & Activities: If you're sailing a newer megaship, there may be shows or activities that require (or allow) reservations. For example, Royal Caribbean's big ships often have headline shows (like ice skating or aqua theater performances) that you can reserve seats for in advance at no cost. Disney Cruise Line lets you reserve character meet-and-greets or special experiences beforehand. Check your cruise personalizer, if there's an option to reserve show times, do it to guarantee your spot. Similarly, ships with escape rooms, go-karts, or other limited-capacity activities might offer pre-booking. For Broadway-style theater productions or comedy clubs that don't have reservations, plan to show up ~30 minutes early for good seats.
Spa and Salon Appointments: Cruises often have fabulous spas, and those sea day massage slots fill up fast. If you know you'll want a massage, facial, hair styling, or other wellness treatment, consider booking spa appointments before the cruise if available, or on embarkation day at the latest. Many lines let you reserve spa services online in advance (sometimes at a discount for sea-day packages). By booking early, you can pick the ideal time (like a massage on the first sea day afternoon to kick off relaxation). If you wait until you're onboard, you might find limited choices, especially for popular times or couples' treatments.
Beverage Packages and Other Add-Ons: If you plan to get a drink package, specialty dining package, or Wi-Fi plan, it's often wise to purchase those in advance through your cruise planner. Often cruise lines give a pre-cruise discount for things like beverage packages or internet packages versus buying on board. Plus, it's one less thing to do on Day 1. You usually can buy these up to 48 hours before sailing. Similarly, if celebrating an occasion, you can pre-order decorations, a cake, or champagne for your cabin through the cruise line's gifts portal.
Kids' Club Registration: Families: check if your cruise line allows pre-registration for the children's clubs. Lines like Disney let you register kids for the youth clubs and even sign them up for certain sessions or babysitting in advance via the app. Others might require you to fill out a permission form at check-in or on Day 1. Make sure to do this early so your kids can jump into the activities right away. Also, verify if any special documentation is needed for kids' activities. For instance, some cruise lines require kids under 18 to have a signed waiver for things like rock climbing walls or water slides (usually handled by a parent signing electronically during check-in).

In short, plan ahead for the experiences that matter most to you. Cruising offers a ton, and a little prep ensures you won't miss out or spend your precious vacation time in lines or dealing with bookings. Once on board, you can always adjust plans (sometimes you can swap or cancel reservations with no penalty up to a certain point), but it's better to have them and not need them than vice versa.

Set Up Your Wallet: Money Matters Before Sailing

Ships are cashless, but ports aren't - and a frozen credit card at embarkation is a nightmare you can avoid.

Before You Leave Home

Handling money on a cruise is a bit different from a land vacation, so get your finances cruise-ready:

Credit Card and Bank Notifications: Nearly all cruise ships operate on a cashless system - you charge things to your room account, which is secured by a credit card (or debit card) you put on file. Before the trip, call your bank or use your banking app to set a travel notice for any credit/debit cards you plan to use, especially if your cruise visits foreign countries. Nothing's worse than your card getting frozen for "suspicious" foreign activity while you're trying to enjoy a port. Let the bank know the countries (or at least that you'll be "on a cruise in the Caribbean" or such) and dates. Also, ensure your credit card is not expiring before or during the trip.
Local Currency: While onboard the ship everything will be charged in the ship's currency (e.g. US Dollars on U.S.-based lines) to your account, you might need cash in ports. Many Caribbean and Mexican ports accept U.S. dollars, but some places (Europe, Asia, etc.) will require local currency. It's smart to get some currency for each country on your itinerary before you leave home. That way you're not scrambling at an airport ATM or exchange booth with poor rates. Even $50 worth of local money for a taxi or souvenir can be helpful. At minimum, have a stash of small U.S. bills (1s, 5s, 10s) since these are handy for tips and small purchases in many ports.
Onboard Account & Credit Hold: When you check in, your card will have an initial hold placed (often $50-$100) and then as you spend, charges accrue and the hold increases. Keep an eye on your onboard account (you can view it anytime via the app or cabin TV). If using a debit card tied to a bank account, remember that holds will reduce your available balance - sometimes beyond what you actually spent - until final settlement after the cruise. To avoid any overdraft issues, consider using a credit card for the cruise account, or ensure your bank account has a cushion.
Budget for Extra Costs: First-time cruisers are sometimes surprised that not everything is included in the cruise fare. Drinks (soda/alcohol), spa services, specialty dining, photos, casino play, and gratuities are common extras you'll be charged for. Be aware of what's included and what's not. For example, standard dining and basic coffee/tea are included, but soft drinks, cocktails, and specialty coffees will cost you. Most lines automatically charge gratuities (~$15-$20 per person per day) to your account, which cover tips for the crew. You can pre-pay this before the cruise if you prefer, or just let it accrue onboard. Either way, factor it into your budget so it's not a surprise. (Some new cruisers only discover these service charges at the end of the trip if they didn't read the fine print.) Additionally, plan for excursions (through the cruise or independently) and any shopping you might do. Setting a rough budget for onboard spending and shore spending will help you avoid sticker shock when you see the final bill.
Cash for Tips and Incidentals: Even though the ship is cashless, cash is still useful. Bring a stack of singles and fives. You'll want to tip porters who handle your luggage (recommended ~$2 per bag). You might also tip room service delivery (a couple bucks, unless automatic service fee included) or bus drivers/tour guides on excursions. Having small bills is invaluable in ports for markets, taxis, and local eateries that may not take cards. Also, the ship's casino (if you plan to play) uses cash (you can charge your account for chips, but there's often a fee). Bringing some cash for the casino can save those fees.
Consider Travel Credit Cards or No-Fee Cards: If traveling internationally, use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees for any purchases abroad. Also, inform your card company of travel to avoid declines. If you have multiple cards, maybe carry a backup in case one doesn't work. Keep your cards safe - use the room safe or carry them securely when ashore.
Duty-Free and Customs: If you plan to buy duty-free alcohol or souvenirs, remember there can be limits to what you can bring back duty-free. The ship will usually hold duty-free liquor you buy and give it to you on the last day, to prevent onboard consumption (since they want you to buy their drinks). U.S. Customs generally allows $800 worth of goods duty-free per person and 1 liter of alcohol (more in some cases). Just an FYI so you budget and pack accordingly at the end of the trip.

In summary, set up your finances so you can relax and enjoy without money hassles. Notify your banks, bring the right currency, and know the cost of extras so you're prepared. As you board, double-check that your credit card on file is correct or load cash at the guest services if you prefer to pay down your balance during the cruise.

Prepare for Health & Safety

The onboard shops are expensive! Pack medications, get insurance, and plan for the unexpected.

Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Don't forget about health preparations - a little foresight can prevent big headaches later:

Travel Insurance: We mentioned it earlier but it's worth repeating - do not skip travel insurance for your first cruise. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover trip cancellation (if you get sick and can't go), trip interruption (if something cuts your vacation short or you miss the ship), lost baggage, and crucially, medical coverage while abroad. Your regular health insurance may not cover you outside your home country, and almost certainly won't cover medical evacuation (which on a cruise or remote island can cost tens of thousands of dollars).
The U.S. State Department urges cruisers to have medical and emergency evacuation insurance that will cover your trip. Many cruise veterans consider insurance a must, whether through the cruise line or a third-party insurer. Princess Cruises warns that neglecting travel insurance is a top mistake, given flight delays or lost luggage can happen to anyone. Shop around for a plan that covers the full value of your trip and has good medical coverage (at least $100,000 medical and higher for evacuation). If you have any serious pre-existing conditions, ensure the policy covers those or get a waiver if you buy shortly after booking. It's a small investment for potentially huge protection.

Medications: Bring all the medications you might need for the entire trip, and then some extra. Pack an ample supply of your prescription meds in your carry-on (never in checked luggage), ideally in original bottles. It's wise to bring a few extra days' worth in case of travel delays or an unexpected extension of your trip. The ship will have a medical center, but they might not stock your specific meds or brands, and seeing the doctor on board can be costly.
If you have essential meds (like insulin or heart medicine), consider bringing a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note as backup. Also, check if your medications are legal in the countries you're visiting. Some nations have restrictions on certain drugs (even some common U.S. prescriptions). If needed, carry a doctor's note about any unusual meds.

Don't forget common OTC remedies you might need: pain relievers, cold medicine, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, and definitely seasickness remedies. If you're at all prone to motion sickness (or even if you're not sure), pack some Dramamine, Bonine, or sea bands. The first few days you might find your "sea legs," but it's better to have it and not need it. Ships do sell seasickness pills, but at marked-up prices. You could also ask your doctor about a scopolamine patch for motion sickness if you worry about it.

Vaccines and Health Precautions: Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations (like flu shot, COVID-19, etc.) as recommended. While as of 2026 most cruises no longer have COVID vaccine or testing mandates for all passengers, check if your specific sailing has any requirements (some destinations or expedition cruises might). Also look into recommended vaccines for the regions you'll visit. For example, if cruising to certain parts of South America or Africa, a Yellow Fever vaccine (and proof of it) could be required to enter certain countries or re-enter others. The CDC travel site and your doctor can advise if any immunizations or health precautions are advised for your itinerary. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before the cruise if possible, to allow time for any vaccines to take effect.

If you have any medical condition that might need management on the cruise (diabetes, severe allergies, etc.), take steps now: pack a travel health kit with items you might need (like a blood glucose monitor and snacks if diabetic, or EpiPens if allergic). It's also a good idea to inform the cruise line of any special medical needs in advance. Most have forms you can fill out for things like needing sharps disposal in your room or arranging oxygen.

Sun and Fun Safety: Heading to a sunny locale? Stock up on sunscreen (reef-safe if needed) and bring sun protection gear (hats, rash guards). The onboard shops sell these but at a premium. Also pack insect repellent if you'll be in buggy destinations. Basic first aid items like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, aloe for sunburns, etc., can be handy and cheaper to bring from home.

Hygiene and Illness Prevention: Cruise ships have great cleaning protocols, but viruses (like norovirus or colds) can still spread with so many people in close quarters. Some cruisers start taking vitamin C or zinc leading up (anecdotally) to boost immunity. Whether that helps or not, do get good rest pre-cruise so you don't board already run-down. Pack some hand sanitizer or travel-size disinfectant wipes for the journey (though you'll find sanitizing stations all over the ship). And once onboard, wash your hands frequently, especially before eating - the crew will remind you ("washy washy" as NCL says). It truly helps prevent the spread of germs.

You should know: Hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus (the most common cause of sickness on cruise ships). Handwashing is the only surefire way to prevent getting sick.

Emergency Contacts & Plans: Fill out the emergency contact info in your cruise online check-in with someone at home who knows your travel plans. Consider enrolling in your country's traveler enrollment program (for U.S. citizens, the State Dept's STEP program) so you receive any travel alerts. Before leaving, give family at home a copy of your itinerary with ship contact information. That way, if there's an emergency back home, they know how to reach you (cruise lines have numbers people can call to reach the ship in emergencies). Also discuss what you would do if something goes wrong on the trip. For example, if you miss the ship's departure at a port (have a passport and credit card with you to arrange transport to the next port), or if someone gets sick (know where the infirmary is and that you have insurance to possibly reimburse costs).

Being prepared health-wise means you can fully enjoy your cruise without worrying. A little planning (and packing a small health kit) can save you a lot of trouble on board.

Last-Minute To-Do's (Small Things, Big Differences)

The difference between a smooth embarkation and a stressful one often comes down to these final details.

7 Days Out: Final Preparations

As your sail date nears, run through this quick list of final checks and small tasks that can have a big payoff:

Home & Bills: Don't let real-life stress follow you to sea:
Mail Hold: Set up a hold at the post office or have a neighbor collect your packages.
Payments: Ensure any bills due while you're away are paid or automated.
Utilities: Adjust your thermostat and set up light timers for security.
Care: Arrange final details for pets and plants.
Luggage Prep: Attach those cruise luggage tags to your suitcases (use tape or a stapler if you don't have fancy holders). Also put a label or ID card inside each bag with your name, phone, and address, just in case the outer tag falls off. Weigh your bags to keep under airline limits if flying. Have a distinctive ribbon or cover on your bag to spot it easily in the cruise terminal's sea of suitcases.
Embarkation Day Bag: Pack a carry-on "day bag" for embarkation with all the essentials you'll need until your checked luggage shows up later. Include: your passports/IDs and cruise boarding passes, any valuables (electronics, jewelry), all medications, a phone charger, a swimsuit and maybe flip-flops, a change of clothes, toiletries (toothpaste, sunscreen), and anything you might want for the first afternoon (camera, book, etc.). Remember, when you board, it might be a few hours before your checked bags are delivered to your cabin.
If you want to hit the pool or explore the ship, you'll be glad you have a change of clothes or swimwear handy. Parents might pack a couple of toys or snacks for kids to stay occupied. Essentially, treat it like a carry-on for a flight - what would you hate to be without if your luggage was delayed? Keep those items with you.
Documents Double-Check: Before leaving for the port, triple-check you have your passport (and any visas documents), your cruise boarding pass, any required COVID or health documents, your travel insurance card/info, and any hotel/flight printouts. It sounds obvious, but in the excitement of departure day people have left passports at home! So do one last document check. Also, have a small folder or pouch to keep all these documents together and accessible during your travels.
Prohibited Items Check: Each cruise line publishes a list of prohibited items you cannot bring on board (for safety reasons). Common forbidden items include iron/steamers, surge-protected power strips, candles or anything with an open flame, weapons or sharp objects beyond basic knives, liquor (aside from any wine allowance), drones (often not allowed or need to be stored), and even some sports equipment.
To avoid having something confiscated at embarkation security, review the forbidden items list beforehand. For instance, don't pack a travel iron, you'll lose it at security (and there are alternatives like using the laundry service or wrinkle release spray). If you're unsure about an item, err on the side of caution or ask the cruise line in advance.
Phone & Connectivity: Right before the cruise, turn off data roaming on your phone. As mentioned, once the ship leaves port, you should switch to airplane mode. Maybe set a reminder alarm on your phone for departure time saying "Airplane mode now!" to avoid accidental roaming. If you need to stay reachable by phone at sea, plan to use the ship's Wi-Fi calling or purchase an internet package - but most people can disconnect and use the app or ship's Wi-Fi for basic communication.
Email and Notifications: Set an "out of office" auto-reply for your email if you'll be unplugging. Notify close contacts that you'll be on a cruise and how to reach you in an emergency. It's also a good idea to stop any routine home services (like pause a meal subscription or newspaper). Little tasks like these ensure you're not distracted by real-life chores during vacation.
Packing Check: Perform a final scan of your suitcase:
- ✔ Clothes: Weather-appropriate layers, swimwear, and a formal outfit.
- ✔ AC Prep: A light jacket or sweater (ships can be chilly at night!).
- ✔ Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for excursions and pool shoes.
- ✔ Pharmacy: Extra supply of prescription meds and common OTC remedies (sunscreen, pain relief, seasickness pills).
- ✔ Accessories: Sunglasses, hats, and a beach bag for port days.
Rest Up and Get Excited: Lastly, try to get a good night's sleep before embarkation day. You'll likely be too excited to sleep - like a kid on Christmas Eve - but you'll be starting your cruise adventure, and there's often a lot going on that first day (boarding process, exploring the ship, muster drill, sail-away party). Being well-rested means you can fully enjoy it.

With all these bases covered, you'll walk up the gangway with confidence, knowing you've handled the important stuff. Now it's time to enjoy your cruise!

Bon Voyage (and Next Steps)

You're all set with what to do before you cruise and now the fun begins! A little preparation goes a long way to ensure your first cruise is memorable for all the right reasons. Whether you booked your first sailing with us or are just using our guides to prep, the Global Gulls team is thrilled to have you in the community. You've checked off documents, downloaded apps, arrived early, and handled the small details that prevent big headaches. Bon voyage! As you sail off, you can focus on soaking up the experience - from sunrise over the ocean to exploring new ports.

P.S. - Wondering what to pack for the cruise itself? Don't worry, we've got you covered there too. Check out our comprehensive First Cruise Packing List for a rundown of everything you should bring along (and what to leave at home). Happy cruising, and welcome to life as a cruiser - we suspect this first cruise won't be your last!

Final note: You're going on a cruise ship, not on a remote island or in the wilderness. Relax and don't stress about every little thing.