8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (2024)

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you may be wondering where to start. Planning a cruise is quite different from planning a resort vacation. There are several things to consider and coordinate, such as shore excursions and purchasing cruise extras like beverage packages. Also, packing for a cruise is more complicated than packing for a typical vacation. You’ll need to bring different types of outfits, from dinner attire to beachwear. I’ve been on over 25 cruises, I’m sharing essential things you need to know when planning a cruise and my cruise travel planner which you can download for free as a printable to help you stay organized and make your cruise planning experience easier.

Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Planning

There’s more to planning a cruise vacation than just booking your cruise. When you go on a cruise, you also need to plan the details of your pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel, transportation and flight.

To avoid missing the ship due to flight delays, you should arrive at the port city a day earlier. This means you’ll need to book a hotel near the cruise port and a transfer from the hotel to the port on the embarkation day.

It’s also best not to wing it when it comes to the transfer from your hotel to the cruise port. You’re better off pre-booking your car transfer, especially if you’re a big group. Trying to get an Uber or a cab to the cruise port from your hotel might be difficult because you will be competing with other cruise guests staying at your hotel who are also trying to get a ride to the cruise port. I suggest playing it safe and pre-booking your transportation.

As for post-cruise planning, it’s best to avoid booking a flight on the same day. If you must, I suggest booking an evening flight in case of any unforeseen delays. This is especially important during hurricane season when cruises can be delayed due to bad weather. It’s safer to book a hotel for a night before flying out.

Use the Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Travel Itinerary worksheets in my cruise travel planner to fill out your flight, transfer, and hotel details to make planning easier.

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (1)

Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Cruise Budget Planning

Planning your cruise vacation budget can be challenging; some cruise charges will be incurred before boarding the cruise ship, and some will be incurred when you’re on the ship.

Typically, when you book a cruise, you’re required to pay a small deposit to reserve your spot, and later, a few months before your departure date, you’ll have to pay the remaining amount. However, additional expenses, such as cruise shore excursions and cruise extras, like beverage packages, WIFI, and specialty dining, are not included in the cruise fare total.

If you book cruise shore excursions online before boarding the ship, you’ll need to pay for them in advance. And if you book through independent tour sites, such as Viator, you can book it first and then pay later. You might also have onboard credit that you can apply toward cruise shore excursions and cruise extras.

To keep track of your cruise budget, use my cruise budget tracker worksheets. It will show you what you’ve already paid for and your remaining balances. Be sure to check out my article, if you want to learn how to get free onboard credit on your cruise.

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (2)

Things to Do Before Your Cruise

There are many things to do before your cruise. To help you keep track of everything, I have a checklist included in my cruise travel planner that you can use as a guide.

This checklist includes things to do before your cruise such as checking if your passport is not expired, booking shore excursions, arranging for hotel accommodations, and checking out travel advisories for the cruise ports you’ll be visiting. You can learn more about all the things you need to do before your cruise by reading this article.

Cruise Ports

It’s a good idea to plan ahead for each cruise port you visit. Some ports are conveniently located within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, shops, and beaches, so you might not need to book a shore excursion. However, other ports may be in more remote areas, and if you’re planning to explore on your own, you’ll need to make some arrangements for tours or transportation.

To help you stay organized, I have Cruise Port planning worksheets that you can use for each day of your cruise. These worksheets allow you to log in the tour that you’re taking, pick-up time, pick-up location, and the ship’s all-aboard time. There is also space for you to plan what to wear since some tourist attractions, like mosques and other places of worship, require conservative dress or even a head covering. You can also jot down your thoughts and impressions about each port so that you can refer to them when planning future cruises.

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (3)

Sea Days

Sea days are more relaxed and you can certainly wing it. However, for those of you who are planners, I’ve created a Sea Days worksheet that you can use to plan your day accordingly.

You can note down the restaurants you want to visit, the activities you’d like to participate in, and even plan your outfit for dinner that evening. There’s even space for you to fill out the weather so you can plan your sea day accordingly!

Do Your Research

Leading up to your cruise, you should do some research by reading blogs and watching videos on what to do at the cruise ports. Talk to your friends who’ve been on the cruise. Then come up with a list of places to see, food to try, and things to buy. This way, you can maximize your cruise vacation and not just wing it. I’ve included a travel wishlist worksheet in the cruise planner for you to log down things you want to see and do during your cruise.

Keep Track of Passwords and Loyalty Numbers

As you plan your cruise, it’s important to keep track of your loyalty numbers for airlines, cruise lines, and hotels. This way, you can enjoy the perks and accrue points from your trip. Plus, you’ll probably be logging in to various travel websites during your cruise planning so you’ll need a way to keep track of all the new passwords and usernames.

To make this process easier, I’ve included a travel website password tracker and loyalty program tracker in my free cruise travel planner. This will help you stay organized when you’re planning your cruise.

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (4)

Packing Lists

Packing is the most difficult part of planning for a cruise. When it comes to packing for a cruise, you really need 3 different packing lists.

First, you need a packing list for your carry-on bag or overnight bag. This bag will not be checked in, and you will carry it with you as you walk onto the ship. Since you will not receive your checked-in luggage until later in the afternoon, you need to pack your first day cruise essentials like medications, toys, books, bathing suits and change of clothes. You can read this article to learn more about what to pack in your carry-on bag.

The second packing list you need is a toiletry and first aid kit packing list. This list will include all the necessary toiletry essentials, such as toothbrushes, nail cutters, and razors. Since you’ll be on a cruise ship with limited access to a pharmacy, it’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit with prescription, over-the-counter, and anti-seasickness medicine. You can find out exactly what you need to pack in your cruise toiletry and first aid kit by reading my article.

Finally, you’ll need a packing list for your checked-in luggage. This packing list will vary depending on your destination and when you’re traveling. For example, if you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise, what you pack for a summer Mediterranean cruise differs from packing for a spring Mediterranean cruise. I have included my Caribbean cruise packing list in the cruise travel planner, but you can also find my other cruise destination packing lists below:

Alaska cruise packing list

Caribbean cruise packing list

Mediterranean cruise packing list

Mexico cruise packing list

Bermuda Cruise Packing List

British Isle Cruise Packing List

Free Cruise Travel Planner Printable

Download our Free Cruise Travel Planner! It’s a 25-page journal designed to keep you organized before and during your cruise. The cruise planner includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, a sea days planner, packing lists, a cruise budget tracker, and much more! And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Download your Free Cruise Travel Planner today!

9 Things that are Worth Splurging on a Cruise

10 First Time Cruise Mistakes That I Will Never Make Again on a Cruise

8 Cruise Booking Mistakes You’ll Regret Making

10 Shore Excursion Mistakes that Will Ruin Your Cruise Vacation

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) (2024)

FAQs

What comes free on a cruise ship? ›

You also may have a few questions about what is included on a cruise. It helps to think of it this way: Your cruise fare is mostly all-inclusive — your stateroom, dining in a variety of locations, onboard entertainment and access to pools, hot tubs and other amenities and activities are typically included on a cruise.

What does a cruise not include? ›

The following services are not included in the cruise price:
  • Dining in Specialty Restaurants such as Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, and Izumi.
  • Dining in Johnny Rockets (Where applicable)
  • Spa and Salon services.
  • Gambling (Including Bingo)
  • Art Auction.
  • Any purchases made in the gift shops onboard.
  • Shore excursions.

How do I plan a cruise for the first time? ›

How to Prepare for Your First Cruise
  1. Make Sure Your Travel Documents Are In Order.
  2. Contact Banks & Get Local Currency.
  3. Create Your Packing List.
  4. Start Planning Your Excursions & Adventures.
  5. Get To Know Your Ship.
  6. Make Specialty Restaurant Reservations.
  7. Pencil In Your Spa Appointment.
  8. Stock Up On Medication.
Mar 7, 2023

How do you not spend a lot of money on a cruise? ›

10 Tips for Stretching Your Cruise Dollars Onboard
  1. Book restaurant packages. ...
  2. Look for specialty restaurant specials. ...
  3. Book spa treatments on port days. ...
  4. Don't over-tip. ...
  5. Go on your own on shore. ...
  6. Save on your bar bill with discounted packages. ...
  7. Look for drink specials. ...
  8. Don't waste the wine!
Jan 7, 2020

Can you eat for free on a cruise ship? ›

As part of the cruise price, there is always complimentary food of many types and flavors. Drinks included are tap water, some juices and iced tea on most lines; everything else typically costs extra. Coffee and tea are complimentary, but you'll need to pay for specialty coffee beverages.

How much money should I bring on a cruise? ›

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.

What is the best cruise line for adults? ›

The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Adults [2024]
  • Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
  • Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • Celebrity Cruises.
  • Holland America Cruise Line.
  • Royal Caribbean International.
  • Princess Cruises.
  • Silversea Cruises.
Jan 17, 2024

What is the most luxurious cruise line? ›

  • #1. Viking Ocean Cruises. #1 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines. ...
  • #2. Seabourn Cruise Line. #2 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines. ...
  • #3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. #3 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines. ...
  • #4. Oceania Cruises. #4 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines. ...
  • #5. Silversea Cruises. #5 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines. ...
  • #6. Azamara. #6 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines.

Are most things complimentary on a cruise? ›

Meals in the main dining room are included in your cruise fare. Additional venues, such as a buffet (open long hours each day) and pool grill, are also free. Many ships also have complimentary pizzerias (such as Royal Caribbean's Sorrento's) and cafe snacks (think Princess Cruises' International Cafe).

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise? ›

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise? ›

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

How many days on a cruise is enough? ›

Sailing on a cruise that's between 6 and 9 days in length means you can take in more exciting ports and also relax onboard (and perhaps even schedule a day to enjoy the spa or pool when the ship is in port).

What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? ›

However, most cruise lines are based in the U.S., where the crew members' pay structure is based on tips. If you refuse to tip on principle, you are impacting the salaries of the people who have served you well onboard.

How much is Tylenol on a cruise? ›

Aspirin, seasickness pills and Tylenol are generally free, but you will pay about 10% over retail for prescription drugs. Most ships have a store that sells over-the-counter drugs for lesser maladies.

What is not included in the cost of a cruise? ›

Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise price, and since soft drinks come over the bar there is charge for them as well. Specialty coffees are also almost always additional. All beverage purchases are signed to your shipboard account and the service charge, a.k.a. the gratuity, is automatically added.

Do you have to pay for everything on a cruise? ›

That depends on what you consider all-inclusive. Certain luxury and river cruise lines include things you would typically have to pay for on a mainstream line, such as beer or wine with meals, top-shelf cocktails, shore tours, specialty dining venues, internet, concierge and butler service, crew tips and more.

Do you have to pay for drinks on a cruise? ›

Are there any free drinks on cruises? Tea, coffee, tap water and non-carbonated drinks are often free for all passengers throughout the cruise in certain areas of the ship, but alas, you'll have to shell out cash for your favourite alcoholic drinks on cruises.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 5369

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.