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Cruise Information Center
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Getting Ready for your Cruise Things To Do
As the anticipation builds toward your cruise there are a number of practical considerations that you should keep in mind in preparation for your cruise. Some of these may not apply to your particular cruise but will apply to other cruises. You may be surprised by what you hadn't thought about and what needs to be done before you go. This list is a good general summary and does not apply to all cruise lines. In our busy society there is so much pressure on our time from family, to work, to social activities a plan is helpful to make time for the things that are important to you. One piece of advise throughout this period leading up to a cruise is not to wait until the last minute, as you may get tied up in government red tape and have difficulty obtaining the correct documents on time and the right selections that are needed. The stress level can rise. Use the time leading up to your cruise wisely. Below is time guideline that can help you through the period leading up to your cruise. There are no set rules on the timing of certain events and these will vary from one cruise line to another.
From Time of Deposit Check with your travel agent, cruise line or government agency as to the correct identification that you will require for your cruise. (Passport or proof of citizenship.) Review your identification requirements and if you need to apply or replace passports, birth certificate, citizenship certificates or other forms of government issued photo identification, start the process as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute because it may be to late and may become costly. Advise the Cruise Line in writing of any medical conditions that they should be aware of. Arrange Travel Insurance that covers all aspects of your cruise, from the time of deposit.
90 Days Before Sailing Make the final payment for your cruise. Check with your travel agent as dates do vary by cruise lines and certain itineraries. Failure to make final payment of the balance due on time may result in the cancellation of your reservation. Review all documentation that the cruise line sends you and ensure that they are accurate as far as having the correct ship and sailing date, along with the correct cabin category and cabin number, if you received, one at time of deposit. Also it is very important that you make sure that your names are spelled correctly. If any thing is incorrect notify your travel agent or the cruise line immediately. Complete and return any forms that cruise line has asked for as soon as possible
Apply for any visas required by the countries on your itinerary. If visas are required, your travel agent can provide applications or you can use a professional visa agency. Make arrangements with your kennels for your pets to be looked after while you are away.
60 to 75 days Before Sailing Make the final payment for your cruise. Check with your travel agent as dates do vary by cruise lines and certain itineraries Failure to make final payment of the balance due on time may result in the cancellation of your reservation. Prepare an essential packing list and a packing list for each person travelling Begin to plan your wardrobe. Try things on to make sure they fit and are in good repair. Set things aside in your closet. If you need to shop, start now so you have time to find just the right things and allow for any alteration that may be needed. Arrange for a house sitter. Should you be travelling without your children, make the appropriate arrangements and review their schedules to make sure that they have everything they will need while you are away (supplies for school project, permission slip for field trip ect).
30 Days Before Sailing If you purchased a fly/cruise, air/sea package, check with your travel agent for the details of your airline schedule. Request your travel agent to make airline seat assignments, special meal request or any other special service request that you might have. See your personal physician for any medical requirements and/or prescriptions for additional medication to cover you until you return from your cruise If your children are sailing with you, check their wardrobes Make appointments for any beauty or personal services you wish to have prior to your cruise, for example, haircut, manicure, pedicure, waxing etc. Get out your luggage and check the locks and zippers. Ensure that your luggage is clean in side from previous trips. If you need new luggage, purchase it now Pre book any shore excursions or beauty and spa treatment if available
2 to 4 Weeks Before Sailing Pick up your cruise documents from the travel agent (or receive them by courier or mail). Examine all your documents for accuracy (correct cabin number, sailing date, and dining arrangements) and make sure that names are spelled correctly. If there is something wrong or you do not understand, ask your travel agent or the cruise line immediately. Read all the literature in your document package for suggestions specific to your cruise. Most cruise lines include helpful information. Phone and notify your Credit Card company that you are travelling out of your normal area Arrange for travellers checks and foreign currency at the bank if needed. Buy extra film and check the batteries in your camera. Go over your packing lists again and make sure you have everything that you need. If you are travelling with small children, purchase small games or toys to keep them occupied while travelling to the port of embarkation. Finish all your shopping. Arrange to have your mail held at the post office or ask a neighbour to pick it up. Stop newspaper delivery or ask a neighbour to bring it in for you. Arrange for lawn and houseplant care or snow removal during your absence (if necessary).
1 Week Before Sailing Finalise your packing list and continue organizing everything in one area of your home. Refill prescription medications with an adequate supply to last the duration of the cruise (and bring along a copy of the prescription). Make two photocopies of your passport or ID and credit cards. Leave one copy with a relative or friend and carry the other separately from the originals. Pickup travellers cheques and foreign currency from you bank. If you have traveller’s checks keep a separate record of the serial numbers in a separate location. Obtain a supply of small US dollars bills and/or foreign currency for tipping baggage handlers (at the airport, hotel, pier, etc.). You may also want to put valuables and jewellery that you won’t be taking with you in the safety deposit box while you're at the bank. You may want to put some of the contents of your purse or wallet in the safety deposit box as well. Arrange for transportation to and from the airport. Leave a copy of your full itinerary with a relative or friend, which should include, the cruise line, the name of your ship and your cabin or suite number, the ship’s fax and telephone numbers and e-mail address. Leave a house key with a relative or friend. Pull out the luggage and begin packing.
3 Days Before Sailing Reconfirm your airline flights and departure times. Put a card with your name, address, and itinerary inside each suitcase. Fill out your luggage tags and follow the instructions in your cruise documents regarding attaching them. Complete any other paperwork that the cruise line included with your documents (foreign customs & immigration forms, etc). Do NOT wait until you are standing in the pier check-in line to fill them in! Do last minute laundry and tidy up the house.
The Day Before Sailing Take pets to the kennel. Water houseplants and lawn (if necessary). Dispose of any perishable food in the refrigerator. Mail any last minute bills. Set timers for indoor lights. Reorganise your purse or wallet. Remove anything you won’t need during the cruise and place them in an envelope in a secure place. Finish packing and lock your suitcases.
Departure Day Adjust the thermostats for heating and the water heater. Turn off and Unplug all unnecessary items such as computers, clock, Radios TVs, and coffee maker. Double-check that all doors are locked. Turn off the water if there is danger of frozen pipes while you are away. Arrange to be at the airport a minimum of two and half hours before your departure time. Have your passport and other ID ready for check-in at the airport. Slip your car keys, parking claim checks, and airline tickets in your carry-on luggage.
Now Relax!!!!!
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