CRUISE PLANNING
Plan Your Cruise With Confidence
From choosing the right sailing and cabin to packing, budgeting, and preparing for embarkation, these practical guides help you plan every part of your cruise.
Choosing Your Cruise
Compare destinations, itineraries, ships, and sailing dates to find a cruise that fits the experience you want.
Choosing Your Cabin
Understand cabin types, locations, views, and other factors to consider before choosing your stateroom.
Preparing to Sail
Keep track of documents, check-in, packing, transportation, and other details you'll need before departure.
FEATURED GUIDE
Your Cruise Planning Checklist
Keep your cruise plans organized from the day you choose your sailing through embarkation day with a simple step-by-step checklist.
View the Cruise Planning Checklist
Choosing a Cruise
What to consider when comparing itineraries, ships, destinations, dates, and cruise lengths.
Choosing a Cabin
Learn about cabin categories, location, deck selection, views, and common cabin terminology.
Travel Documents
Learn about documents needed based on itinerary and citizenship.
Cruise Costs & Budgeting
Understand cruise fare, gratuities, excursions, and other costs to plan for.
Packing for a Cruise
What to bring, how to pack for destinations, activities, and evenings onboard.
Getting to the Ship
Plan flights, hotels, transportation, parking, and your arrival at the cruise terminal.
Cruise Basics
Plan Every Part of Your Cruise
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I plan a cruise?
There is no single best time to book, but planning several months in advance generally gives you more choices for cabins, itineraries, and travel arrangements. Popular sailings, holiday cruises, and limited cabin categories may require earlier planning.
Should I fly in the day before my cruise?
Arriving at least one day before embarkation can reduce the risk of a flight delay or cancellation causing you to miss your cruise. This is particularly important when flying to your departure city.
How do I choose the right cruise?
Start with the experience you want rather than the ship alone. Consider the destinations, length of the cruise, departure port, ship size, onboard atmosphere, activities, budget, and who you're traveling with.
When should I complete online check-in?
Complete check-in after your cruise line opens it rather than waiting until the last minute. You'll typically provide travel information, set up your onboard account, complete required forms, and may select an arrival time.
How much should I budget beyond the cruise fare?
Plan for expenses that may not be included in your fare, such as gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, transportation, parking, hotels, travel insurance, and onboard purchases. What's included varies significantly by cruise line and fare type.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
Travel insurance isn't always required, but it can provide protection for certain unexpected expenses involving cancellations, interruptions, medical care, delays, or lost baggage. Coverage varies considerably, so review the policy terms, exclusions, and limits before purchasing.
Which cruise cabin should I choose?
Consider more than just the cabin category. Location on the ship, deck, proximity to elevators or entertainment venues, potential noise, motion, view, and the number of people sharing the room can all affect your experience.
What should I pack in my carry-on bag?
Keep passports and travel documents, medications, valuables, electronics, chargers, and anything you'll need during your first few hours onboard with you. Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin immediately.
View All FAQ's
Choosing the Right Cruise Cabin
A breakdown of expenses to consider beyond the advertised cruise fare.
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What happens at the terminal and how to prepare for your first day onboard.