I’ve been on more than 30 cruises — across every major cruise line, from luxury to family-friendly, and everywhere from the Caribbean to Asia. And while each ship and sailing is different, one thing has remained consistent: The pre-cruise prep you do before you board can make a huge difference in how smoothly everything goes once you’re onboard.
First-time cruisers often get overwhelmed by packing lists, excursions, drink package decisions and cruise line lingo. I get it — cruise vacations come with their own set of rules. But after dozens of sailings, I’ve developed a short list of what I always do in the weeks or months leading up to a cruise — and a few things I never bother.
So whether you’re about to step onboard for the first time or just want to avoid rookie mistakes, here’s what to know before you go.
7 things I always do before a cruise
1. Book excursions in advance
The most popular tours — like glacier hikes in Alaska or pasta-making classes in Italy — can sell out fast. I always reserve my top picks online before the cruise, and there’s usually a slight discount for doing so.
2. Reserve one or two specialty dining nights
I don’t try to schedule every night of the cruise, but I do make reservations at one or two standout restaurants in advance. This way, I get the time slot I want without scrambling once I’m onboard.
3. Download the cruise line’s app
Almost every major cruise line has its own app now — and you’ll want it. It’s how you access Wi-Fi, daily schedules, and restaurant menus, reserve a spot at the show, and book spa services. Download it before you board, while you still have a strong land-based signal.
4. Check the FAQ for banned items
Every cruise line has a list of prohibited items, and it’s not always obvious. Things like drones, surge protectors, and Bluetooth speakers can get flagged during embarkation. A quick glance at the rules helps avoid surprise confiscations.
5. Buy the drink package
If I know I’ll use a drink package — alcoholic or non-alcoholic — I always buy it in advance. Cruise lines sometimes offer discounted pre-cruise pricing, and it’s one less thing to worry about during embarkation day chaos.
6. Confirm how your phone plan works at sea
Roaming charges at sea are no joke. I always put my phone in airplane mode as soon as I board. Then I buy the ship’s wifi package to ensure I’m connected between port stops.
7. Book flights to arrive the day before
This one’s non-negotiable. Flight delays, cancellations or missed connections happen more often than you’d think. I always fly in at least one day early, no matter if the cruise is international or domestic, so I’m not sweating it if something goes wrong.
3 things I never do before a cruise
1. Book spa treatments
I wait to schedule spa services until I’m onboard, because I want to see what my schedule looks like and how I feel. On port days, cruise lines tend to run great specials, so I want to be able to take advantage of those if it doesn’t conflict with an excursion.
2. Overpack formalwear
Most cruise lines have gotten more relaxed with dress codes. A couple nicer outfits (a little black dress for women and slacks with a button-down shirt for men) are usually enough for formal night — there’s no need to break out the tuxedos and ballgowns unless you’re sailing on a more traditional or luxury line.
3. Plan your entire cruise schedule in advance
First-timers often try to map out every day before they even set foot onboard. But the reality is, you won’t know what mood you’re in, what events you’ll discover, or what last-minute reservations open up. I like to stay flexible — some of the best cruise moments are spontaneous, and others are spent just relaxing on the balcony.
A little planning goes a long way — but overplanning just leads to stress. Nail the essentials before you sail, then give yourself room to relax and enjoy the ride. Because once that ship pulls away from the dock, the only thing you should be worrying about is which cocktail to try first.
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