9 Essential Tips for Preparing for Your International Cruise

As you gear up for your first cruise—or if you’re a seasoned traveler—it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of your upcoming holiday and overlook the important preparations before you set sail. I must confess, I often find myself in a last-minute scramble to locate my passport! To help you avoid this hassle, here are 9 Essential Tips for Preparing for Your International Cruise.

1. Documentation

Your passport is one of your most crucial forms of identification. If the unexpected occurs and your passport is lost or stolen (trust me, it can happen!), having copies of it with you or accessible online is vital.

1. Credit Cards

The same goes for your credit cards; always keep copies of both the front and back so you have the contact numbers handy in case you need to report anything. It’s also wise to notify your credit card companies about your travel plans to prevent any declined transactions while you enjoy your shopping spree.

1. Carry Some Cash, But Not Excessively

When traveling, I prefer using ATMs to withdraw cash as needed. This way, I’m not carrying large amounts of cash, and I benefit from the most current currency exchange rates. It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand upon arrival at the airport for taxis, tips, and small purchases.

1. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Make use of the complimentary Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to register your upcoming cruises and trips abroad. This service enables the US Embassy to reach you in case of emergencies and provides valuable safety information regarding your destination.

The best part? Once you enroll, you can easily add any future travel plans and cruises as you go—it's a straightforward process that helps you travel smarter.

1. Travel Insurance

Never underestimate the importance of travel insurance. You never know what might happen! Even if you have coverage, it's wise to verify your emergency medical options before you depart. Additionally, consider getting trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself in case something unexpected forces you to cancel your trip before departure.

And keep in mind, this unforeseen event might not just involve you; it could affect a family member and lead to cancellation. As a former Certified Travel Consultant, I've witnessed many travelers face devastating and costly situations they never anticipated. Just a friendly reminder!

1. Know Your Cell Phone Limitations

With the rapidly changing cell phone landscape, adding international minutes or data to your plan has never been cheaper. No one wants to return home to a shocking cell phone bill from roaming fees abroad—don't let that happen to you!

1. Give Yourself the Gift of Time

Since you're on vacation, why not enjoy it to the fullest? Take extra time to relax with a pre-cruise stay at your embarkation point, and absolutely never schedule flights to arrive on the same day your ship departs. Just don’t do it.

Flight delays can occur for various reasons, and you certainly don’t want to miss your ship sailing away without you. Plus, you'd miss the iconic sail-away party! A post-cruise stay is also a fantastic way to unwind for a few extra days before returning to reality. You deserve it!

1. Avoid Overpacking

Seriously, resist the urge to overpack. My rule is simple: for every item of clothing, ensure it pairs with at least two others you're taking. After you select your outfits, cut that selection in half before packing. You’ll thank me later! Plus, if you need laundry services during the cruise, your helpful cabin steward will be more than happy to assist.

1. Invest in a Travel Guide

In addition to online research, a good guidebook can uncover places and activities you might never have considered. They’re great reads for your flight, and if you don’t want to carry it back, leave it behind at your destination for someone else to enjoy. Many guidebooks also include common phrases in foreign languages, which will be incredibly useful when visiting a new port.

Also, don’t forget to check out 6 Things Not to Do When Cruising Abroad.