How to Prepare for Your First Cruise: 8 Must-Do Steps Before You Sail

If you’ve booked your very first cruise — congratulations! You’re about to experience one of the most exciting and relaxing ways to travel. But before you set sail, let's make sure you're fully prepared.

If you're a first-time cruiser, in this post, I will share with you how to prepare for your first cruise, from travel documents to cruise packing tips.

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How Do I Prepare for my First Cruise?

1. Make Sure You Have Your Travel Documents

Before anything else, check that you have the correct travel documents for your cruise.

• U.S. citizens cruising to the Caribbean or Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise (leaving and returning to the same U.S. port) can usually travel with a birth certificate and government-issued ID.

• However, it’s strongly recommended to have a valid passport, especially if you need to fly home from an international port unexpectedly.

Double-check your cruise line’s requirements — and make sure your documents are not expired. Also, print out your boarding passes, luggage tags, and itinerary before leaving home.

Don't forget Travel Insurance, as this can really help in case of a medical emergency, lost luggage, or cancellations.

Click the link below for a free cruise travel insurance comparison.

2. Contact Your Bank & Get Local Currency

Let your bank and credit card companies know you’ll be traveling internationally so your purchases don’t get flagged for fraud.

Trust me on this: I once had my card declined while eating lunch at a Cozumel cruise port, as my card was flagged.

Most cruise destinations accept U.S. dollars, but some international ports may not. Consider getting a small amount of local currency ahead of time for places that don’t accept cards.

Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees if possible and tuck some small bills into your wallet for tipping drivers, porters, or local guides.

3. Create Your Packing List

Packing for a cruise is a bit different than other vacations — you’ll want to be prepared for sea days, excursions, and formal nights.

Make sure your packing list includes:

• Travel documents, passports, and cruise tags

• Cruise casual wear + a dressier outfit for formal night

• Swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops

• Medications and a small first aid kit

• Reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and a hat

• Magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal!), a nightlight, and a charger block (no surge protectors)

For cruise packing essential items, check out the following posts:

• 20 Cruise Essentials to Pack for Your Cruise

• 20 Genius Packing Hacks Every Cruiser Should Know

• Essential Alaska Cruise Packing List

Tip: Pack a small carry-on with your essentials for embarkation day, including swimwear, medications, and chargers — your luggage might not arrive to your room right away.

4. Start Planning Your Excursions & Adventures

Excursions are one of the best parts of cruising — but the most popular ones sell out fast.

• Book excursions early, either through your cruise line or a reputable third-party vendor, such as Viator.

• I always book through Viator to save money versus booking through my cruise line.

• Research your ports of call and decide if you want to explore on your own, join a guided tour, or relax at a beach.

• Some excursions require certain gear (like water shoes or snorkel masks), so plan accordingly when packing.

Tip: If exploring on your own, be mindful of time. The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late getting back!

5. Get to Know Your Ship

Spend some time before your cruise learning about your ship’s layout and amenities. Most cruise lines have virtual tours, deck plans, and daily activity previews on their website or app.

Familiarize yourself with:

• Dining locations and hours

• Pool decks, lounges, and theater spaces

• Kids clubs or adult-only areas

• Activities like trivia, karaoke, or fitness classes

Tip: Download the cruise line’s app before you sail — it will be your digital guide onboard!

6. Make Specialty Dining Reservations

While main dining and buffets are included, many cruise ships have specialty restaurants that offer elevated experiences — like steakhouse dinners, sushi, or chef’s table experiences.

If you want to try one:

• Reserve before your cruise to guarantee a spot

• Check if there are first-night discounts or special dining packages

• Consider celebrating a birthday or anniversary with a special meal

Pro tip: Dining times fill up fast, especially on sea days and formal nights — book early!

7. Make Your Spa Appointment

While this isn't an essential, planning to treat yourself with a massage or facial is a great way to add to the enjoyment and relaxation on a cruise. Spa appointments often book up quickly.

Many cruise lines allow you to:

• Book spa services before you sail via their website or app

• Grab embarkation-day deals if you visit the spa once onboard

• Enjoy spa passes that give access to saunas, thermal suites, and relaxation rooms

Tip 1: Spa services are more expensive at sea — port days often offer discounted rates. I have booked spa appointments on port days many times and have saved around 30%.

Tip 2: Check and see if your cruise ship does spa raffles. Some cruise lines will offer spa raffles on embarkation day to add to the excitement. This is a great way to get discounts and even a free spa treatment if you're drawn.

Tip 3: Most cruise lines offer free spa demonstrations throughout the sailing, and this can be another great way to receive discounts.

8. Stock up on Medication

Before you leave, make sure you have enough prescription medication for your entire trip — plus a few extra days just in case.

Also bring along:

• Motion sickness meds (just in case)

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Cold or allergy medicine

• Band-aids, antiseptic cream, and seasickness bands

Tip: While cruise ships have medical centers, over-the-counter items onboard are pricey — it’s best to bring your own.

If you are a first-time cruiser, preparing for your cruise doesn't have to be stressful. With a little planning and a cruise packing list, you will be ready to enjoy your cruise stress-free.

Happy Cruising!

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