There’s nothing quite like the excitement of counting down the days to your cruise. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked decks, exotic ports, or simply switching off from everyday life, that pre-departure buzz is all part of the adventure. But before you step on board, there’s a few things you should tick off your list to ensure your holiday starts smoothly and as stress-free as possible!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential pre-departure checks seasoned passengers swear by. From organising your travel documents, to pre-booking your shore excursions, these simple steps can make all the difference between a frantic arrival at the port and a seamless departure.
1) Passport/ID & Visa Checks
Before you even start packing for your cruise, double-check that your Passport/ID and any required Visas are valid for your cruise itinerary. Many destinations require at least six months’ validity beyond your return date on your passport, and depending on your nationality, some ports may have specific entry requirements.
If your cruise includes stops in multiple countries, check each destination’s visa rules well in advance – even if you’re not planning on leaving the ship. For added peace of mind, print copies of all key documents, and store the separately from the originals.
2) Check-In Online
Cruise lines open online check-in several weeks before departure, so make sure you complete it as early as possible. During online check-in, most cruise lines will let you choose your boarding time, so the earlier you check in, the more likely you will be able to get your preferred boarding time.
3) Print Boarding Pass & Luggage Tags
Once you’ve completed your online check-in, you’ll receive all the boarding documents you’ll need. Make sure you print your boarding pass and luggage tags as most cruise lines require luggage tags to be secured on your suitcase before you arrive at the port.
It’s also wise to keep digital copies of your boarding documents on your phone as backup.
4) Consider Travel Insurance
Before embarking, take a moment to arrange travel insurance that covers your cruise. Travel insurance plans can be bought immediately after booking your cruise and they’re a solid investment to protect you from any unforeseen circumstances.
Look for policies that include medical emergencies, trip cancelations, lost luggage and unexpected itinerary changes. Chances are you won’t need the insurance, but if the unexpected does happen, not having it can be a real headache.
5) Book Cruise Parking & Transfers
Plan your journey to the port in advance by booking your cruise parking and port transfers ahead of time. Knowing your car is safely parked or your pre-arranged transfer is waiting for you, ensures you arrive on-time and without any stress.
If your cruise is departing from Southampton, Southampton Airport’s Cruise Parking offers convenient and secure parking with CCTV coverage and manned patrols around the clock for added peace of mind.
Not only that, but private pre-arranged transfers to and from the port only take 20 minutes and are included in your parking fees, at no added cost.
6) Pre-book your Excursions
If you plan on disembarking at any of the destinations and want to make the most of your visit, research and book your shore excursions before you set sail to secure the experiences you really want. Popular tours can fill up quickly so pre-booking ensures you won’t miss out on must-see sights and activities.
Many cruise lines offer an assortment of their own shore excursions, so if you’re looking for some inspiration, they’re always worth checking out.
7) Complete your Health Forms
Health forms are a standard part of the embarkation process for many cruise lines so it’s important that you fill them in before you travel. These may include vaccination records, medical questionnaires, or COVID- related declarations depending on your itinerary and your cruise line’s policies.
Completing your health forms ahead of time can help speed up boarding, eliminate last-minute delays and ensure your cruise start smoothly and worry-free.
8) Pack a Carry-On
Oftentimes your checked luggage can take a while to reach your cabin, so a pro tip is to pack a small carry-on with essentials like medication, travel documents, a change of clothes, sunscreen and valuables.
With these pre-departure steps checked off your list, you can step onto the ship feeling organised, relaxed and ready to enjoy your cruise. Taking care of all the small details now, will allow you to focus on the fun, adventure and memories that await on board.
