Cruise Checklist

YOUR PRE-CRUISE CHECKLIST

Pre Cruise Check in, Personalisation & Cruise Documents 

Get yourself Cruise-Ready:

The cruise experience starts as soon as your booking is confirmed and any payments have been made.. It's time to get Cruise Ready

Step 1 - Download the cruiselines own official app to your smartphone and also your tablet, if you will be taking both with you, or click on the cruise line website link below. 

Step 2 - Create a cruiseline profile, or if you are a past passenger with the cruiseline already, then login to Your past guest profile

Note: super important you don’t create a new profile if you have cruised with the cruise line before, as that could mean you miss out on any potential past guest benefits.

Step 3 - Go to current bookings and attach your cruise reservation to your profile

Note: If you have advised a past guest number at the time of booking then your cruise reservation details should automatically show in this section

Step 4 -  Once you can see your reservation, follow the on screen prompts to enter important information. 

This can include items such as: Personal Address, contact details for all guests, passport information, health information, any special dietary requests, any special needs for your room, emergency contact information, travel insurance information, full cruise line contracts etc

Some cruiselines also allow you to upload a photo of yourself. This speeds up the boarding process on departure for ports that are digitally enabled. 

A number of cruise ports, just like airports now use facial recognition, if an image upload is offered it’s a fantastic way to minimise wait times at the cruise port


Step 5 -  Life on board is cash free! Your room key will become your charge card during your cruise.

Pre load a credit card to use for any optional extra onboard purchases you charge to your onboard account. 
Your pre loaded credit card will automatically be used to settle your onboard account at the end of your cruise
If you don’t have a credit card, you will need to deposit cash at the main reception desk on embarkation day to activate your cruise account 
Tip: If travelling with children you can set a daily limit on their expenditure

Step 6) Once the mandatory information is completed you can then move on to personalise your cruise. 

This is the part we like best as it starts to make the holiday feel real. 

Create your own personalised cruise holiday to beat the crowds and make the most of the things available on board

Cruise Holiday Cruise Tips*

Check to see if pre bookings are open for shore excursions. If they are then browse available options for each destination and get in early as popular trips often sell out before departure

* Does the cruiseline offer pre booking for specialty restaurants?
If so then book these early as space is super limited in these venues and they often book out before embarkation day. Particularly important if you are celebrating a special event, or travelling with extended family friends where you may need a larger party reservation

* Does the cruiseline allow early booking for onboard activities or special shows?
If this is an option then go ahead and book in some preferred dates. Even if the activities are free there may still be limited numbers available once you get on board for the super popular ones

Once your final payment has been made to your agent and all online cruise check in has been completed for all guests, the next step will be to view your cruise boarding pass. Note these often do not show until closer to sailing date.

With the exception of some ultra luxury cruise lines there are no physical cruise tickets any more. Just like airlines and in the interest of sustainable travel, the cruise lines have pretty much gone paperless,

The boarding pass in your cruise app, along with your passport is often all you need to board at the cruise terminal. Some cruise lines may also require a copy of your vaccination status or health certificate, based on the rule of the countries you will be visiting

If the cruise line requires you to bring along any additional health or insurance documentation, this will show under important info in the app and is one of the most important reasons for completing this process ahead of time. Some cruise lines also use verifly. If applicable for your cruise line their apps will guide you through the process

Onboard your Cruise Tips & Tricks
Once onboard change your devices to airplane mode and connect to the onboard wifi. You don’t normally need to purchase a wifi package to use the functions within the cruise lines own app. Some cruise lines also offer free messaging services in their apps between guests on board, which is a great way to keep in touch with your travel companions. 

Use the app onboard to view the programme of daily activities, Port information, dining times etc. In fact on some cruise lines your app can even open your stateroom door or operate the facilities in your room. Your cruise line app is also a great way to keep a watch on your onboard account. 
Some cruise lines also offer a wrist band or medallion which connects to your app and can also act as your room key or charge card

Skip the Queues. A great example is the Princess Cruises Medallion, given to you at check in. You can order drinks directly in your Princess app and your waiter finds you via the GPS signal in your Princess Medallion. The Princess Medallion also offers loads of additional features including opening your cabin door. Plus it means you never have to leave that cozy spot by the pool to order a drink, use the Medallion app and your drinks come to you!

Can my agent complete the check in app process for me? If you have any questions you are most welcome to ask our team, however for the best cruise experience we recommend you complete this check in and pre boarding process yourself

There are some legal terms & conditions that you need to personally accept which prevents us from completing this for you

Our regular cruise guest feedback shows you will have a much more enjoyable holiday if you become familiar with the functions & benefits in the cruise app before you get onboard. Note that some additional functions within the apps do not operate until you are onboard
Remember! As soon as any payments are made on your cruise booking it is time to start personalising your cruise holiday and have a fantastic cruise