Planning for a cruise can be a year-long event. By the time you've booked your journey with one of the top travel credit cards and boarding day arrives you might not know what to do first.
Should you visit the buffet? Get situated in your cabin? Plunge into the pool?
Start your ocean journey on the right foot by following our checklist of 16 things to do as soon as you board your cruise ship.
Pack a carry-on bag
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Tackle the first important step before you board your cruise ship and pack a carry-on bag full of essentials you need to access during your first day on board the night before you leave.
Include a swimsuit, change of clothes, essential medications, a toothbrush, and any activities to keep you occupied during lulls in the action.
Verify that travel documents are in order
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You'll need to present identification to board your cruise ship. As you're putting together your carry-on bag, double-check your driver's license and passport if needed.
These things should be secure within your carry-on but easy to access quickly.
Check out the schedule on the cruise app
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Most major cruise lines have mobile apps you can access throughout your trip.
While you're waiting to board, scroll through the first day's schedule as listed on the app to find out:
- Where you can find lunch
- What time the muster drill will be at
- How to access your cabin
- Whether any special events are planned for the evening
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Find your cabin
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Once you've safely boarded the ship, make your way to your cabin and start to get situated.
Your bags might not be waiting for you yet, but you should be able to access the room. Have a look around and report any concerns to the staff ASAP.
Unpack your carry-on
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Get ahead of the tedious task of unpacking by sorting through whatever you brought in your carry-on bag.
You'll have plenty more to organize once your bags arrive, so you might as well give your future self a helping hand by unpacking what you can now instead of adding to any chaos later.
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Find out if the internet works
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If you purchased an internet package for your journey, take the time to log into the system and figure out how well it works.
If you didn't buy a Wi-Fi package ahead of time but find that you can't live without it, now is your chance to sign up.
Set your phone to airplane mode
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You might still have some phone service before you embark, but it's bound to get spotty as soon as you leave the port.
Forgetting to turn on airplane mode can mean racking up roaming charges without even noticing you're doing so. Set your phone to airplane mode now instead of leaving it until later.
Dress for the day's events
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If you were waiting until you checked in to change into your swimsuit and gear up for a fun first day of hanging around the pool, now's your chance.
You've made it on board, so feel free to slip into something a bit more comfortable.
Apply sunscreen
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Hoping to spend at least some of your first day exploring your cruise ship's decks? No one wants to kick off their vacation with a sunburn.
Get ahead of the sun by applying sunscreen before you leave your cabin for the first time.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Take anti-nausea medication
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Cruise ships are large enough that you likely won't feel any dramatic rocking as you sail unless you encounter a storm. Still, people who tend to get motion sick on dry land can get seasick on cruise ships.
If you're one of those people, don't forget to take anti-nausea medication so you can explore the ship without getting too dizzy.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Attend the mandatory muster drill
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Cruise lines provide passengers with comprehensive safety training before the ship embarks on its journey.
All passengers are required to attend the safety training — called a muster drill — and wear their life jackets for the duration of the drill.
You can expect the muster drill to happen 30 to 90 minutes before embarking, but check your ship's schedule for exact details.
Explore your surroundings
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Cruise ships are massive, so there are plenty of areas to explore, activities to find, and decks to get used to.
While you're waiting for the mandatory muster drill, pull up a map of the ship on your cruise line's app and start familiarizing yourself with the place you'll call home for the next week or so.
Consider choosing an e-muster
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Some cruises now host their muster drills entirely via their app instead of in-person safety training.
Find out if your cruise line requires an in-person drill or if you can complete an e-course instead, then take care of the course right away.
Double-check reservations — or make them in the first place
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You might need to make a reservation to enjoy the cruise line activities you've been most excited about, such as a spa day or meal at a fancy restaurant.
Hopefully, you signed up for events well in advance. If so, take a moment to verify that the details are in order. If you didn't sign up early, you should be able to use your app to find any open spots.
Find the best spot to enjoy embarking
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There's nothing quite like the rush of watching your ship pull away from the shoreline and head out to sea at the start of your grand adventure.
Document the moment by finding the ideal spot to watch the moment you leave port — you won't want to miss it.
Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke
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Thoughtful planning can help you maximize your travel experience without draining your wallet. Here are some tips on how to balance your adventure with a budget:
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for lower prices
- Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
- Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
- Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself
You never know where your most memorable moments will come from. So consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience to find the things that are truly worth your money.
Unpack the rest of your bags
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You've already unpacked your carry-on. Next up, unpack your luggage as soon as it arrives in your cabin.
The sooner you check this tedious task off your list, the faster you can get to the cruise ship activities you've been looking forward to for so long.
Bottom line
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Follow this simple 16-step checklist to avoid wasting money and enjoy every minute of your cruise, from the start of your journey to the end.
You've spent ages preparing for your cruise. Don't let a second of it go to waste.
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