Pre Cruise Tips

Since I'll be cruising soon, I thought that I'd share some tips on how to prepare and make the process as stress free as possible. Let's go!

Create a packing list  Weeks before departure I start a packing list detailing every article of clothing, toiletries and carry on items. Keep this list in your phone (or a handwritten list, like me) and check it frequently. Add to it or remove items as you go and once packed, check it off the list. Which brings me to the next point.

Lay out outfits and start pulling other items to pack  Set aside space in your closet where you can place everything you intend to pack. Once complete you'll have everything ready to be put right in your suitcase. Don't forget to ask yourself - "will I REALLY wear/need this?"

Last minute shopping and personal appointments  Set time in your calendar to make last minute personal appointments - doctor, haircut, manicure/pedicure, if desired. Also do that last minute shopping - scour the trial/sample size area of your local pharmacy, grab that sunscreen, etc. Better to get it now than wait until you're on the ship.

Register on the cruise line website and set aside documents  Jump on the cruise line website and check-in for the cruise and print your boarding passes and luggage tags. At this time you can also configure your stateroom bedding, change your dining time, book specialty dining and shore excursion. Once complete place all paperwork in a safe place along with your passports, so you know they're ready to go.

Book shore excursions OUTSIDE of the cruise line  Now is the time to book those excursions that aren't through the cruise line. We've talked about advantages of exploring this option before...because it can save you money, I highly recommend you take a look. And NO, you won't be stranded if you book with a reputable shore excursion company (that's all they do, and do it well).

Make necessary calls  Stop your mail, call your cell phone company, if you'd like to have service while traveling and contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know you'll be out of the country. You don't want to get stuck on a ship with a gigantic cell phone bill or a credit card that has been frozen for suspicious charges in different countries.

I hope this list helps and please refer back to it the next time you're cruising. Do you have your own tips to add to this list?