Trip Guide: Cruise Smart — Embarkation, Onboard & Packing Tips

Hi, it's Aya! Cruising is one of my favorite ways to see a lot of the world without packing and unpacking every other day. Every cruise line has its own personality and rules, so I'll always send you the specifics for yours. These are the tips I share with every cruise client, whether it's your first sailing or your fifteenth.

Before you sail

• Fly in the day before. This is my number-one cruise rule. The ship will not wait for a delayed flight, and a relaxed night in your port city is a lovely way to start the vacay. I'm happy to book that pre-cruise stay for you.
• Complete online check-in as soon as it opens. Each line has its own app and timeline, and you'll usually choose your arrival time there. I'll send you your line's exact steps.
• Book your must-dos early. Popular shore excursions, specialty dining and spa appointments can sell out before you board, especially in Alaska and on shorter sailings.
• Bring your passport, even if your sailing allows a birth certificate. If you ever need to leave the ship early or fly home from a foreign port, a passport makes everything simpler.
• Plan your phone. Ship wifi and at-sea calling can be pricey. Decide ahead of time whether you'll buy a wifi package, use an international plan in port, or happily disconnect. Either way, switch your phone to airplane mode once you sail so it doesn't roam on the ship's network.

Embarkation day

• Arrive in your assigned window. Showing up early usually just means waiting outside the terminal.
• Wear something comfortable with pockets, and keep your documents, boarding pass, ID and cards together in one easy-to-reach spot.
• Pack a day bag. Checked luggage can take a few hours to reach your cabin. Keep medications, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a change of clothes and chargers with you so the vacay starts right away.
• Write down your cabin number before you board. Many lines don't print it on your cruise card.
• Skip the lunch rush. Most guests head straight to the buffet. If a sit-down restaurant is open, it's often calmer and better.

Onboard know-how

• Your cruise card is your wallet. It opens your cabin and pays for everything onboard, so keep it close.
• Gratuities are usually automatic. Most mainstream lines add daily crew gratuities to your account, and bar and specialty dining bills often include a service charge. Check the receipt before adding another tip.
• Do the math on drink packages. They can be a great value or not, depending on how you drink and how many port days you have. Many lines also require everyone in the cabin to buy the same package. I'm happy to run the numbers with you.
• The main dining room is included, and you can order more than one appetizer or dessert if you can't decide.
• Guest Services is quietest early in the morning or late at night.
• Use the cabin safe for your passport, jewelry and extra cash.
• Itineraries can change. Weather or port conditions occasionally mean a stop gets swapped or skipped. The cruise line makes that call, and it's always for safety.

Port days

Port days are where so many of the best cruise memories happen, so plan them on purpose. You can book through the cruise line or with an independent local guide. Ship tours are vetted, and the ship won't leave without you if your tour runs late. Independent and small-group tours are often more personal and flexible, but getting back on time is on you. I typically recommend boutique small-group or private experiences for my clients, and I'm happy to build a plan for each stop.

• Bring a copy of your passport ashore and leave the original locked in your cabin safe.
• Carry some small bills in U.S. dollars. Many Caribbean and Mexican ports accept them, along with credit cards.
• Know your "all aboard" time and treat it like a flight departure.
• Tip your guides and drivers. It's customary and very appreciated.

Packing for a cruise

• Know your dress code. Most mainstream lines are resort casual in the evenings, with one or two optional dressier nights. Premium and luxury lines can be more formal. I'll tell you what to expect on yours.
• Bring layers, even to the Caribbean. Decks get breezy at night and indoor spaces are well air-conditioned. For Alaska and Northern Europe, layers and a waterproof jacket are everything.
• Small things that help a lot: a non-surge-protected multi-outlet adapter, a night light, sandals with good grip for wet decks, a dry bag for beach days, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Leave at home: clothing irons and steamers, power strips with surge protectors, drones, and anything that could be considered a weapon. Alcohol rules vary a lot by line, so check with me before you pack any.

Once you've had a great cruise, it's a hard habit to break. Lots of my clients book their next sailing before they've even unpacked from the last one.

Thinking about a cruise, ocean or river? Reach out at letsgo@dreamincolortravel.com and let's find the ship and itinerary that fit you.

More from the Trip Guide: Before You Go · Travel Day & Flight Delays