A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Cruising isn’t all fun and games and crazy cocktails. Going on a cruise requires a lot of planning. Even after you pick your cruise and book it, there’s still more to be done to prepare. With so much to remember to do before your cruise, it’s easy to forget one or two important things. So, here’s a quick list to help you plan ahead in the weeks before your trip!
1. Make a List!
Yes, the first item on our list is just that: make a list! One of the best things that you can do to prepare is to sit down with a pen and some paper (a phone, computer, or tablet works, too!) and write. Make a list of every item and activity that you have to do before your trip. Add “due dates” for activities that have a deadline. Then, you can keep this list and double-check it to make sure that you’re on schedule. Trust us when we say that it is worth the trouble!
2. Let Your Bank Know
With any kind of vacation, you should let your financial institution at home know about your travel plans. When you suddenly start trying to spend money in the Caribbean, a smart bank will put a hold on your account if they don’t know ahead of time. It’s a great idea to take care of this ahead of time instead of spending part of your vacation on the phone. (Not to mention, those phone call fees will be killer!)
3. Prepare Your Passport
The short answer is this: even if you don’t need one for your cruise, you should always, always, always bring one in case of an emergency. One of the things on your preparing-to-cruise list should always be to get a passport or other travel documentation ready for your trip. Carnival recommends bringing a passport that is valid for at least six months following the end of your cruise. Good idea!
4. Get Fun and Exciting Luggage
Colorful and fun luggage doesn’t just get your family into the cruising spirit. It also helps you keep track of your bags in a sea of activity during travel. Having an easily visible bag will make sure that you won’t lose your luggage at the port or have someone else mistake your bags for theirs! Give your luggage and your trip some personality with unusual styles, bright colors, or crazy patterns. What’s not to love about that?
5. Do Your Online Check-In!
Airports, hotels, and cruise lines will often let you check in the day before, which is an awesome thing to do to save time. Make sure to check in online, especially with your cruise, because it can save you a lot of time and headache on the day of your cruise! Checking in with your cruise line is a quick and easy process, and it will make check-in at the terminal must faster on the day that you cruise. So don’t miss this opportunity! Go ahead and put this on your list. (Don’t forget to plan your cruise parking ahead of time, too. That’s another great time-saver!)
Secret Number 6: Relax & Have Fun!
The most important thing to remember to do is this: get pumped and have fun! Stay stress-free with good planning so you can have a great, easy week before your wonderful, fun, fantastic vacation!
