By Susan J. Young (edited by Martha)
So you booked a cruise. Can't wait to go? Great! You're likely to have a wonderful time, given the cruise industry's high satisfaction rating among passengers. But are you really ready? Too often people wait until just before departure to do things that should have been done weeks earlier. Then, in the rush to get it all done, they sometimes leave tickets, medicines or other essentials behind.
After interviewing numerous travelers and travel agents, we've put together a checklist of "must do" advance tasks. These will help to assure your cruise planning and preparation go as smoothly as possible.
To be done as Far Out as Possible
If you don't have a passport, if your existing passport expires soon (or expires within 6 months of your return date), or if you don't have enough pages left in your passport, you'll need a new one. New passport regulations for American citizens traveling abroad were fully enacted in June, 2009. The state department has staffed up, so passports are being processed and delivered in as little as a week.
You can also pay for expedited service to be sure you get your passport in as little as 24 hours.
For more information, visit - http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Check with your travel agent or cruise line about whether any visa's are required for your cruise itinerary. Start this process very early on, as well.
Six Weeks to Three Months Out
Shore Excursions...When your travel agent advises you may do so make a decision, and book your excursions in advance as soon as possible if you plan to take any of the line's shore trips - for two good reasons:
First, booking in advance means your shore tickets will be waiting in your stateroom upon arrival. Or they might be delivered while you're at dinner that first night. That way you'll avoid standing in line at the ship's shore excursion desk after you board.
Second, by pre-reserving shore trips, you'll have a good shot at getting the ones you want. This is particularly important for such popular activities as swimming with the dolphins in the Caribbean or going dog-sledding via a helicopter transfer in Alaska, where space is limited.
While the cruise lines say they save some spots for onboard bookers, travel agents will tell you it's risky to wait. Your chances improve with early pre-booking.
Spa and Salon Appointments...If you have the chance to book these in advance, and know what you want, then pre-reserve. Otherwise, you'll have to run to the ship's spa desk right after you board, and even then you might find yourself in a line.
Try to pre-book your spa appointments on sea days, so you have free time in ports of call. Appointment slots fill up quickly. If you wait to book onboard, your only options may be port days or times during the dinner hour. (fyi - many times ships' spas will advertise discounts on spa treatment when the ship is in port.)
Embarkation Gifts ...If you're celebrating a special occasion on the cruise, like an anniversary or birthday, your cruise document package will often include information on how to book gifts or special packages. If not, check the line's Web site.
It's a nice celebratory touch to pre-book champagne and hors d'ouevres for your stateroom on the day of embarkation.
Princess has the "Bon Voyage" program that allows family and friends (for a small fee) to spend four hours on the ship, pre-sail, with the cruising guest - getting a guided tour and a sitdown lunch with wine, in one of its beautiful dining rooms. The fee is applicable to a later cruise.
Airline Tickets...Travel agents often re-check their clients' air tickets (if purchased at the agency) to assure the tickets are correct. But, if you bought your ticket directly through the cruise line or redeemed frequent traveler miles for a free ticket, you need to do this yourself.
Is the flight schedule correct? Is your name correct? The airline might refuse to board you if the ticket name doesn't match what's on your ID. Are you ticketed to fly on the right dates and at the right times?
It's not uncommon for tickets to be incorrect, or for people to have mistakenly booked their flights on the wrong date, or in the evening instead of morning. While you may incur a charge to correct the tickets, it's better to find out now rather than at the airport on your day of departure.
Also, check whether you have seat assignments. If not, try to book those directly with the airline. If they say they cannot assign a seat in advance, that means they're tight on space. Some seats are held for assignment on the flight departure day. If you cannot get a seat assignment in advance, check in early at the airport to assure you get a seat and are not bumped.
Credit Card Planning...If your cruise documents have arrived, you're probably feeling great about having paid for the cruise in full. But start evaluating the credit you'll need on your trip. You'll need one credit card with a sufficient credit line - the cruise line will ask for a credit card upon embarkation to cover the cost of your on-board expenses. At check-in, they'll run off a "credit card authorization" for a certain amount of money. Depending on the line's policy, length of cruise, and type of journey (luxury, premium or contemporary), the line might get authorization for $50 to $200 in daily charges.
Why? Sometimes the cost of on-board incidentals might rival the price of the cruise itself. It's possible to run up over $1,000 in onboard charges for shore trips, alcoholic beverages, special onboard programs, casino play, spa treatments and onboard shopping.
That doesn't mean you'll be billed on your credit card for more than you actually spend. If you spent only $80 for the week, that's what you'll pay when you get off the ship. But that preliminary credit authorization will apply to your card until your trip expires. For example, if you have a $2,500 credit card limit, the card already had a $1,500 balance prior to your cruise, and the line runs off $800 in "authorized" charges as a security deposit, you might be left with little usable credit on that card, at least temporarily.
If you rent a car or stay a few days in a hotel pre-cruise, those suppliers might also run off a credit card hold that could extend through the first day of your cruise. Translation? You might not have enough for the incidentals "hold" charge at check-in.
So never go on a cruise with only $100 or $200 credit on a credit card. I've seen people incredulous at the purser's desk when their card is declined, saying, "but it had at least $200 on it." In reality, that isn't enough.
Also, the "hold charges" placed on your credit card onboard might interfere with your ability to use that card for purchases ashore. Savvy cruisers take along two credit cards - one for incidentals onboard, another for purchases ashore.
Arrange for a House Sitter...If you want someone to house-sit for you while you're away, schedule it now. People's schedules fill up quickly, so start early.
Arrange for Child Care...If you're not taking your children along on your cruise, arrange for child care. Would a relative let your kids stay at their house while you're at sea? Would a grandparent consider staying at your home and handling cooking and supervisory tasks for your kids? Or will your children have to fly elsewhere to stay with a relative? All these issues should be dealt with well in advance.
Two to Four Weeks Out
Pre-Packing...Find a good spot in your home to open up the suitcase(s) you plan to take on the trip. Aim for one medium-size suitcase and one roomy carry-on bag. Travel agents say most cruisers tend to over-pack, and usually regret it later.
Put everything you might possibly want to take along in piles next to the luggage. Over the next few weeks, evaluate what you have and start to take away this or that. Don't procrastinate and pack the night before your cruise, as you'll probably throw everything in "just in case."
Cruise cabins are usually smaller than most hotel rooms - overpacking for a one week trip will leave little closet space. Read the dress code information the cruise line sends. The days of dressing up in formal attire every night are over. Usually no more than two nights on a one-week cruise are classified as formal - resort casual has become much more the norm these days.
Even on formal nights, some cruisers leave their gowns and tuxedos at home and simply order room service or head for the buffet restaurant. If you like to dress up, by all means take a gown or tuxedo, but don't take two or three different ones.
Agents say savvy cruisers select five or six interchangeable outfits to wear throughout the week. Aim for two or three color groups and mix-and-match clothing. Black is always a good neutral color to team with other colors. Which jacket might go with two or three different outfits? What top might go with both slacks and a long skirt? Think layers.
If you haven't worn something in years, you likely won't wear it onboard. Try on any clothes you plan to take, as styles, weight and preferences change. Yesterday's treasures may look awful today. Also, have your kids try on their clothes. It's amazing how fast they grow out of clothing.
Packing efficiently can improve the quality of your cruise. Remember, if overstuffed checked bags are hand-searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the airport, items may fall out, get lost or not fit back in the bag, causing a luggage delay. By packing efficiently, you also won't waste time in your stateroom unpacking unnecessary items and cramming them into closets.
You'll also have room in your suitcase to bring souvenirs home without having to pay fees for excess baggage at the airport. You don't want to be opening bags on the airport floor to transfer clothes between them to avoid a $50 excess baggage fee.
If you're on a luxury cruise, inquire about fee-based luggage services that many lines offer. A company will pick bags up at your home and the next time you see your luggage, it will be in your cruise cabin. There are also independent companies that provide the same service for any cruise line, hotel or resort.
Medicines and Toiletries...Many people take prescription medications. If you do, don't wait until it's time to depart to discover you need refills. Take care of this at least two weeks out. If you need a new prescription, there's time to handle the situation with your doctor. Also, make sure and take along plenty of medicine. A good rule of thumb is one week's extra supply, just in case there's a flight delay, winter storm, or some reason why you can't get home on time.
Today's big cruise ships have amazing stablilizing technology built in to them - even at a good clip you'll be surprised at how still the ship feels. However, if you get seasick or carsick easily, talk to your physician about remedies or use of "the patch". Also, you might want to buy sea bands -- small, elasticized bands that cover both wrists and have proven helpful in preventing nausea. You'll find these in most drugstores. Ginger, in the form of soda or candy, is an excellent remedy, as well.
Many cruisers want to pack toiletries or over-the-counter medications. If you plan to carry on these items, TSA says all liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon-size bags or bags that are not zip-top ( such as fold-over sandwich bags) are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag, and each container must be three ounces or less. Visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
So, put non-essential stuff in checked luggage, using zip bags to avoid any problems if a bottle accidentally breaks. Yes, you could just buy toiletries and over-the-counter medicines (like Pepto Bismol or cold medication) on the ship or in ports of call, but prices can be higher. Also, it might not be that convenient to spend vacation time searching for what you need.
Medical Records...If you have significant medical problems, take along a copy of your records and tests. These could be extremely helpful if you need a doctor onboard - he'll be better able to treat you. Do this at least two weeks prior to cruising, three if you can. It may take a week or so for your doctor or other medical groups to provide this information to you.
Pets...At least two to three weeks before departure, arrange for pet care, whether in your home or by boarding your animals. Put any instructions in writing and include pet care insurance documents and vaccination certificates for the caregiver.
Contact your veterinarian and make sure he or she understands that you have designated a particular person to act on your behalf while you're gone. If necessary, draw up a power of attorney so that person can legally make decisions about the pet on your behalf.
Arrange for Airport Transfers...On a long cruise, you may want to book an airport shuttle transfer (leave plenty of time if you are booked with others - it could take an extra 60-90 minutes if the shuttle stops to pick up multiple people) or a limo ride. If you're booking a car pick-up with a local limo company, do so at least two weeks in advance. Book even further out if your required transport falls during a major event period like prom season, Mardi Gras, or Super Bowl.
One Week Out
Communication Plans...At least a week before departure, tell your friends and relatives how to get in touch with you. Your cruise document package likely includes information about how to reach you on the ship by phone or fax.
Remember to tell your loved ones that if they call you, it can be expensive. You might end up with phone charges of up to $11.95 per minute on both ends, a rude awakening for people who like to chat. So, designate one person as the prime point of contact. That person should know your ship, room number, booking number, ship phone, ship fax, and the best times to reach you (take time zone changes into account). Tell the rest of your friends and family to use this person as the point of contact in any emergency.
For non-emergencies, use e-mail. Internet cafes are readily available on today's ships, and can easily be found in ports-of-call. You can use your own email address, or the cruise lines will assign you a free email if you don't have one. You'll still pay for usage charges. Often the Internet is a better and less expensive communications tool than a telephone.
That said, many ships have recently added cell phone service at sea. Ask your travel agent or cruise line. Roaming charges apply, but it can be less pricey than calling from your room. In port, many cell phones will work just fine; call your carrier a week before departure to see if your phone is international in nature and whether you can send and receive calls from specific ports.
Keys and Other Tasks...Don't forget to give a key to your home or business to a trusted neighbor or friend. Ask them to put it in a locked or secure place - not just in open sight where anyone who enters their home might have access to it. Arrange for that person to stop by your home to check on things, water your plants, or see that all is well with your pets (if they're being cared for by a pet-sitting service). If this is an off-site friend, not a neighbor, tell your neighbors whom to call in case they need to talk to someone about an issue with your property or home.
Also, make arrangements with your security alarm company to designate a temporary call person in case your alarm goes off. Someone should also know the code to shut off the alarm in your absence. (Just remember to change the code when you return).
Finalize Your Suitcase...Now it's time to finalize your packing. You've been looking at your suitcase for several weeks, so re-consider all clothing and shoes. Pare the piles down. Match colors and accessories. Eliminate one-time use items. Take things away one at a time. Visualize yourself hauling the bag through terminals (in case no skycap or porter is available) and in and out of any parking garage. That may give you an incentive to pack less.
Do not pack cruise documents, airline tickets, film, cameras, jewelry, medication or valuables in checked luggage. (Ever try to get a bag back from an airline after it's checked? It's the same with cruise lines.) If you accidentally check the bag and then remember your camera or medication is in it, you likely won't see it for several hours after embarkation. Worse yet, the luggage could be lost.
Stock Up on Video, Film or Digital Media...Buy tape, film or digital cards for your camera or other electronic equipment before you leave. Photographic supplies are widely available at cruise destinations, but they can be exorbitantly expensive.
Also, in warm weather destinations, some vendors might not take proper care with film they sell. Often it's displayed in a sunny window, causing damage to the film. Buy what you think you need and then add 50 percent more.
Pack all film, videotape, batteries and digital cards in your carry on. Never put these in checked bags as security screening machinery may damage them. If you have high-speed film (800 ASA or more), or if you are going to pass the film through multiple X-ray machines, ask for a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. To assist in this regard, take film out of boxes and canisters. Put in a see-through plastic bag to make any hand inspection easy.
Take plenty of batteries for your camera or video equipment as well. And don't forget to pack the battery charger - for your camera, cellphone, laptop, etc.
The Day before Departure
Finalize Your Luggage...Attach cruise line luggage tags to your bags. Have proper identification inside and out, and include a copy of your itinerary inside all bags.
The night before departure, close up your suitcases and finalize your carry-on bag. Place passports, cruise documents, air tickets or e-ticket confirmations, medication, camera and film supplies, and any other important information like medical records in your carry-on.
Take Enough Cash...Always take cash (especially small bills for tips to porters, skycaps, motorcoach drivers and tour guides). Never rely solely on travelers' checks or credit cards.
Many places won't take travelers' checks, and if you arrive on a weekend or a bank holiday in your port of call, you may have no options for cashing them. Banks often won't cash travelers' checks without a passport, and some cruise lines hold your passport until the end of the cruise, complicating things. Besides, you might not have time while on a tour to go to a bank and cash travelers' checks.
Cruise lines won't cash personal checks in most cases. ATMs are not yet on all ships, and at times, they're out of cash. Yes, ATMs at ports of call are usually easy to find. But if you've booked a tour that picks you up at the pier, you might not have access to one. So take enough cash.
Get Your House in Order... Run your dishwasher. Set your automatic thermostat to the most advantageous, energy-saving temperature. Set indoor light timers. Water your plants. Make sure pets - even if a pet sitter is coming in daily - have plenty of water or food. Do any last minute laundry. Pay any last-minute bills or mail payments. Dispose of refrigerator food that might spoil while you're gone.
Reconfirm Arrangements: Reconfirm any limo arrangements, pet care or child care services or assistance you've secured from friends and neighbors. It never hurts to remind people what you previously discussed. Reconfirm airline flight times (schedules do change).
Contact your credit card company (usually only allowed within 24 hours) to advise them of your travel plans - days of departure and return and countries you'll be visiting. That one call could prevent your first use of it triggering an alert and possible denial of your card.
Day of Departure
House Tasks...Pull shades or drapes so no one can look in your home and see that no one is home. Turn off the water if it's winter and there is any danger of frozen pipes. Put keys in your carry-on luggage. Be sure doors and windows are locked. Set your security alarm. Take out the last bag of garbage.
Check and Check Again...Be a stickler for perfection. It can save a lot of heartbreak later. Just before you enter your car or limo, put down the carry-on bag and check yet again whether you have tickets, cruise docs, photo ID, passports and credit cards. It's too easy to check these items the night before, only to leave them on a counter or coffee table.
Time it Right...Leave enough time to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure for international flights - at least two hours for domestic flights. Add in time for any potential traffic jams. Add in more time to compensate for lines at the airline's check-in facilities or at security checkpoints.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your cruise!
