Cruise Essentials
First-Time Cruiser?
You’ve taken the plunge and booked your cruise vacation. Congrats! But, before you start dreaming of margaritas and bingo, there are a few additional plans you need to sort out.
Travel Documentation
Before stepping foot on the ship, you’ll need to show proper travel documentation during the embarkation process. You’ll need a passport and official ID or an official birth certificate and ID to board the ship. Requirements will vary depending on your ports of call.
Boarding Pass
Approximately 15 – 45 days prior to your cruise, you’ll be asked to complete online check-in. After completing this process, you’ll receive your boarding pass which you need to bring with you to the port.
Credit or Debit Card
Cruise ships are cashless, so you’ll have to put a credit card or debit card on file to pay for gratuities and all on-board purchases.
Transportation
You’ll need to make arrangements to fly or drive to your port of departure. You’ll most likely also need ground transportation to get to your hotel or the cruise port.
Parking
If you drive to your departure city, you’ll need to park your car somewhere while you’re on the cruise. There are parking lots at the port, hotels that offer cruise parking and dedicated 3rd party parking lots to choose amongst.
Gratuities
Most major cruise lines will add an automatic gratuity to your onboard account for each passenger daily. Don’t forget about these charges when planning your budget.
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