If you're going on a cruise in 2024, whether it's in March or December, there are some things that you can start doing NOW to get into the cruise spirit!
While there are certain tasks that you have to save until closer to your sail date — like actually packing your suitcase — it's advisable to begin thinking ahead for others. If you wait until the last minute, you might have to rush to renew your passport or be disappointed with the remaining shore excursion options.
Here are 10 tasks to start doing now to be ahead of everyone else for your cruise next year.
Ensure that you have all the required travel documentation
If you're going on a closed-loop sailing that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port, you technically do not have to have a valid passport to cruise. All you'll have to show is a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of citizenship. For most people, this means a driver's license and birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.
If, however, you're cruising internationally or on an open-jaw sailing (i.e., from Vancouver to Whittier or Fort Lauderdale to San Juan), you will be required to have a valid passport to board. Rather than going off your memory and thinking that it expires in 2026, make sure that you can locate it and ensure that it's valid at least six months after your cruise ends.
If, for instance, your cruise is in March 2024, you'll want your passport to be valid through at least September 2024. Likewise, if you're cruising in the latter part of the year, say November, your passport will need to be valid through at least May 2025.
You don't want to be rushing to get your passport renewed weeks before your cruise. In addition to added stress, you will also have to pay an expedition fee, which is around $60. If you want to get your passport within 1-2 days after it is sent off, that's another $20.
Read more: Can you go on a cruise without a passport?
Start researching your ports of call and shore excursion options
While many people consider the ship as a destination in and of itself, you cannot forget to research what ports you are going to be visiting. If, for instance, you're cruising on Utopia of the Seas, you don't want to look into what fun activities you can do ashore while in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, even if you've been to the ports before!
The more time you give yourself to research, the more options you will have, both through the cruise line and other third parties. Depending on the specific tour, there might be a smaller capacity to ensure a more intimate experience. Likewise, some tour times are simply more desirable than others.
Plus, if you are someone who wants to book an accessible tour, those tend to be reserved pretty quickly, especially in bucket-list destinations.
There's no wrong answer to how you should spend your time ashore. Even if you decide to stay onboard the ship to take advantage of the amenities with fewer people, it pays to do your research, as you do not want to learn later on that you could've crossed something exciting off your must-do list!
Read more: 11 common cruise shore excursion mistakes to avoid
Finalize any pre-cruise transportation
Unfortunately, not everyone can live within a few hours of major cruise ports. While I could drive to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, it would take me over ten hours from where I'm located in North Carolina.
The longer you wait to book your pre-cruise transportation, the more you'll likely end up paying, whether it is for a flight or hotel.
Of course, flights are not cheap and can add a considerable amount to your total vacation cost. One way to potentially minimize the impact of airfare is by utilizing reward points. There are, however, only so many reward seats on every flight, so you'll want to book as early as possible to make sure that there's availability. Otherwise, you'll have to pay the cash value.
Speaking of flights, when planning your pre-cruise transportation, make sure that your flight is scheduled for the day before your cruise, rather than the morning of. A simple flight delay could mean that you miss the ship's departure, and it might not be possible for you to meet up with it later on during the sailing.
Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise
Test your luggage
Frequent travelers will know whether their suitcase is useable or not. Those, however, who travel once per year or so might not be as aware. Rather than waiting until the last minute when you begin packing, dig your suitcases out of your attic and test their functionality.
Are the handles working properly? What about the wheels? If you find yourself needing a new suitcase, it is better to think ahead. Plus, you might be able to take advantage of the holiday sales and get a new set for less!
At the time of writing, Amazon was having a sale on the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage. Rather than paying $130, it's discounted 29%, meaning it is only $92 instead! It has great ratings, too, with over 14,400 customers giving it a four- or five-star review.
Please note that we have linked an Amazon item above, which contains an affiliate link. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Cruise.Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the suitcase through the link.
Read more: Cruise packing list: What to bring on a cruise
Pre-pay your gratuities
It is not uncommon to hear of cruise lines raising the automatic gratuity rate. In 2023 alone, six mainstream cruise lines raised theirs:
💸 Royal Caribbean raised the standard rate (Junior Suites and below) from $16.00 per person, per day to $18.00. Passengers in suites had their gratuity rate increased from $18.50 per person, per day to $20.50.
💸 Carnival Cruise Line's daily gratuity went from $14.50 to $16.00 for standard cabins and $16.50 to $18.00 for suites.
💸 Holland America Line raised the rate for standard cabins from $15.50 to $16.00 per person, per day and suites from $16.50 to $17.00.
💸 Princess Cruises' gratuities went from $14.50 for passengers staying in interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins to $16. The rate for those in Mini-Suite and Club Class cabins saw an increase from $15.50 to $17, and, finally, the rate for suites was raised from $18 to $16.50.
💸 Celebrity Cruises increased the rate for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms from $17.50 to $18.00, while Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins had the daily gratuity rate increased from $18.00 to $18.50. Finally, The Retreat's gratuities were raised from $21.00 to $23.00 per person, per day.
💸 Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the most expensive gratuities in the mainstream industry. In January 2023, they raised their gratuity rate for guests staying in The Haven and other Suites from $20 per person, per day to $25. Standard cabins, including Club Balcony Suites, saw an increase, too. Prior to January, those in Club Balcony Suites paid $18 per day, while those in standard cabins paid $16. Now, however, all guests in Club Balconies and below pay $20 per day.
When you make your cruise booking, you will have the option to pre-pay for your gratuities. In the event that your chosen cruise line raises their rates, you'll be grandfathered in with the lower price. Plus, you can pay them off over time, rather than having them added to your onboard account to be settled at the end of your cruise, since the total will be added to your balance due on the final payment date.
Read more: 10 do's and don'ts of cruise ship tipping
Research your cruise ship
While, technically, you should have done some research on your ship before booking, there are always new things to learn before you board! Perhaps you'll find some hidden places to hang out or watch sailaway from. For instance, did you know that Symphony of the Seas has alcoves on the running track with ping-pong tables and comfortable seating?
Likewise, you can watch a ship tour to get a better understanding of the lay of the land, so you won't feel lost on embarkation day! You will be able to navigate the ship like a pro without having to backtrack as much.
Read more: How to prepare for your first cruise
Purchase items to make your stateroom more functional
Unlike traditional hotels, cruise ship cabins tend to be pretty limited in space. While that's not to say they aren't comfortable with all the amenities you will need, you have to get a little creative to utilize every inch of space and stay organized.
The majority of cabin walls, for example, are magnetic, so if you bring hooks, you're able to hang things like hats, lanyards, drawstring bags, and more. Similarly, if you're cruising on an older ship, it is likely that you will not have a ton of outlets. Rather than fighting with your family members or friends about who gets to charge their phone, purchase a surge-free outlet extender or European power adapter!
Read more: Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
You will also want to read up on prohibited items
If this is your first cruise, there are some things that you might think you can bring onboard with you that you actually cannot. Steamers and irons are great examples. Despite being common household items, they're banned on cruise ships due to the fire hazard they pose.
To de-wrinkle your stuff, you'll have to either bring wrinkle-release spray, pay to have the cruise line wash and press your clothing, or utilize the self-service laundromats on select ships.
Other prohibited items include candles, coffee makers, marijuana (even for medicinal purposes), standard extension cords, fireworks, and weapons. While most items are common sense, people have, unfortunately, been kicked off their cruise for failure to read the list.
TikTok user @infamousxdrew, for instance, had his cruise end early after being forced off Mariner of the Seas while the ship was docked in Falmouth, Jamaica because he had brought medicinal marijuana with him.
"...[The crew] saw my medical marijuana...and all the senior security advisors or whatever they're called...have [come] to the conclusion that I must disembark," he said.
Read more: 20 things cruise lines really do not want you to bring on ships
Reserve specialty dining
Whether you choose to eat in specialty restaurants or not, you will not go hungry on your cruise. With so many complimentary options ranging from the ship's buffet to the elegant main dining room, you'll be able to get your money's worth without feeling the need to splurge! Of course, the experience you will have in a specialty restaurant will be more intimate and akin to land-based restaurants.
Since they're smaller, though, reservations can go quickly. If you want to book reservations until you are onboard, you might find that the restaurant you wanted to eat at is fully booked or only has odd times that do not align with your dining schedule.
Read more: 28 first time cruise tips that really work (2024)
Try and find out what theme nights are on your ship
Cruise ships have theme nights where you'll see passengers decked out in various attire before attending special events, such as deck parties. Disney Cruise Line, for instance, is well-known for their Pirate Night. In addition to a speculator deck party, there's also a themed menu, and passengers have the opportunity to take pictures with beloved Disney characters in pirate gear.
If you want to participate in any of the theme nights, you will want to research what the common themes on your ship are. Cruise lines usually do not publish this information in advance, so you'll have to rely on subforums or blogs from previous guests.
There might, for instance, be a Hawaiian/Caribbean night, white night, country night, or even a decade's (70s, 80s) night.
In addition to theme nights, it is not uncommon to see families with matching t-shirts on embarkation day. They might be boasting that they're on the cruise celebrating something specific, like a birthday, anniversary, or graduation. Other times, however, it might just be a fun family reunion! Don't wait too long to order your custom shirts, as they might not arrive in time.
Read more: Guide to Disney Cruise Pirate Night
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
