16 things to do before the end of your cruise

The last day of a cruise always seems to come so quickly. Many of us don't want to get off the ship but rather stow away for the next departure.

Good news though, with a little bit of planning, the whole process can be made a lot easier, letting you enjoy that last bit of your vacation without stress.

Avoid lines, get your accounts settled, and organize the important stuff, to make that last morning pain free.

Here are some of the best tips for a smooth end to your cruise vacation.

1. Check your bill

Getting the final tally can be a shocking moment for some, especially if you have not been keeping tabs on your account during your cruise. It is a good idea to check your bill each day to deal with any surprises as they come.

To avoid long lines, go early to guest services on the last full day of the cruise. It is much better to sort out any issues or questions you may have prior to getting off the ship.  

2. Pack 

Packing can be a pain and is definitely a not so fun activity at the end of the cruise. Getting it out of the way is like ripping a bandage off – best done quickly. Most of us don’t care if our suitcase is neatly organized on the way home, so pile it all in and be done with it. Don’t forget those wet bathing suits – throw them in a ziploc bag to keep them away from other clothes.

While packing, it is a good idea to take a quick note of how much you have purchased while cruising. For those clearing customers, you may be asked about purchases abroad, so best to have receipts and totals on hand.

3. Prepare a carry-on

For your travel homes, especially if you put your luggage out the evening before, It is essential to include everything in your carry–on. Anything and everything that you need for the final evening and the next morning.

Clothes, valuables, ID, travel details and car keys should all be included in your carry-on, as well as any medicines, glasses and money.

4. Give out tips

Cruise lines add gratuities to your bill automatically; however, many guests like to provide something extra for those hard working crew members who have made their vacation special.

It can be a nice touch to deliver them personally, or most cruise lines give you an envelope to make it easy to add a bonus.

5. Check your transportation details

Some lucky people get to hop into their car at the port, while others have flights, trains, or buses to catch on the way home. It is always a good idea to check details the night before, especially with the number of transportation issues of late.

For those who are flying, many cruise ships have business offices where you can print boarding passes or any other documents you may need for the trip back home.

6. Have some fun

With packing and other important tasks out of the way, it is an excellent time to enjoy the twilight hours on the ship. A great time to do anything you missed or forgot. Try a great cocktail, an exotic dish or take in some live music.  

Wander around a little to those unexplored parts of the ship that can make for some epic vacation pictures.

7. Book your next cruise

The last day of a cruise is the least favorite, and for many, it feels like a couple of extra days would have been nice before heading back to a normal life of work, cooking and cleaning.

One of the best ways to deal with the end of the cruise is to book another cruise while onboard. Most often, you can get extra onboard credit as a bonus, and you will feel better about leaving, already dreaming about your next cruise vacation. This can be done anytime during the cruise, but don’t leave regretting this missed opportunity.

8. Use up your onboard credit

This may not apply to most, but sometimes you can have leftover onboard credit, which will not carry over on your account to the next cruise and, most often, is non-refundable.

You can use this for some fun shopping, buying some souvenirs or a couple of cocktails. If you want to get it back, you can convert casino chips and cash them in.

9. Buy some souvenirs

Speaking of souvenirs, the last day of the cruise usually has plenty of sales. It is a fun way to spend some time and maybe get a few small gifts or treat yourself to something you have been eyeing throughout the cruise.

Another t-shirt to add to the collection, a shot glass for your neighbor who collected your mail, or something more luxurious as a goodbye treat. 

10, Pick up photos 

Cruise line photos are a great way to have memorable keepsakes from your cruise vacation without the worry of taking them yourself. There are numerous options available for photo packages, including prints and digital versions.  

Ensure to finalize your selection and get your pictures by visiting the photo area on your cruise ship. This will probably be a busy spot, don’t leave it until the last minute.

11. Return towels

Cruise lines provide complimentary pool towels for guests to enjoy while cruising. However, if you forget to return them, you can end up with some unexpected charges on your account, as much as $20+ plus dollars per towel, depending upon the cruise line.

There are numerous places to return towels throughout the ship, and make sure they have recorded the correct number of towels and cabin number when turning them in. 

12. Put your luggage out (on time)

Many guests let the cruise line take care of their luggage during the disembarkation process. If you go that route, you will need to put your bag out on the final evening of the cruise.

Instructions, as well as baggage tags, will be put in your cabin, and you can ask your attendant if you have other questions. To avoid confusion, take off all the old tags, put on your new ones, and place them in the hallway within the specified time frame.

13.  Read disembarkation procedures  

Whether you are heading straight home or doing a cruise line excursion before going to the airport, it is best to review the cruise line instructions. Guests can carry off their own luggage when the ship is cleared or can wait for the cruise line to manage luggage and leave at a specified time. 

Either way, the arrangement details and meeting spot should be provided to you in your cabin the evening before.

14. Pick up liquor purchases

Cruise lines will hold alcohol purchased throughout the cruise (such as in ports) until the end of the cruise. The flavorful rum and well priced spirits will have to wait until you get home.

This may be delivered to your stateroom, or guests may need to go to a designated area for pickup. Make sure to look out for instructions delivered to your cabin or ask at guest services.

15. Eat breakfast

Many people are in a rush to get off the ship, head home or go for an early flight. But it can be a good idea to eat something before the start of a busy day. Cruise lines have buffets open on the morning of disembarkation, so why not take advantage.

Bring some pastries or muffins back to your cabin for those who want a few extra minutes of sleep before departing. The journey home will be much better with a full stomach.

16. Check your cabin

One of the last things to do before leaving your cabin is to do a thorough check of the safe, all the drawers, and check under the blankets; you definitely don't want to forget your child's favorite teddy bear or your passport.

Even though you are done with your cruise, don't forget your cruise pass as well; you need to scan it on the way out. And, it always makes a fun souvenir!