Just booked a cruise? Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do next

So you just booked a cruise. Congratulations! 

As someone who cruises multiple times each year, I can say the excitement never gets old. The feeling of opening the cruise confirmation in your email inbox is akin to being a child on Christmas morning!

Still, the real fun begins after the confirmation email arrives. A well-organized post-booking checklist can make all the difference between a smooth cruise experience and a hectic scramble trying to make last-minute plans.

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From setting payment reminders to researching excursions, booking travel insurance, and reviewing required documents, each step helps you get prepared for your trip long before you step on board.

Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do after booking your cruise, so all you have to do during your cruise is focus on having a great time! 

Cruise planning timeline

What to do immediately after booking your cruise

• Add key dates to your calendar
• Set up your cruise line account
• Download the mobile app 

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First, it's important to add key dates to your calendar, such as your cruise's check-in date. This will ensure you have your pick of arrival times (if applicable). Checking in later can mean fewer options, as earlier time slots are the first to go. 

You may also want to mark when add-ons open for booking. This is especially important if you are sailing with a line like Disney, where reservations for the ever-popular adults-only Palo fill up quickly. 

Then, you'll want to set up your cruise line account, if you don't already have one, and download the mobile app. In many cases, the app is your go-to hub for everything from booking dining reservations to planning excursions, checking daily schedules, and browsing the deck plans once you are on board.

What to do the first week after booking your cruise

• Check your travel documentation
• Begin browsing pre-cruise flights and hotels
• Considering buying travel insurance

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Start by checking your cruise line's travel documentation requirements to make sure that everything is valid and up to date. In many cases, cruise lines require guests to have a valid passport that doesn’t expire within six months of their return date. There may also be visa requirements and entry rules for your destinations.  

Next, begin browsing pre-cruise flights and hotels if your sailing is within the next eleven months. Booking early often gives you better pricing and better arrival and departure times. I have also found that planning further in advance means there are reward redemption options, which is useful when trying to keep travel expenses low. 

Finally, I'd highly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance. This provides valuable protection in case of unexpected travel hiccups, such as sudden cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies.

What to do a few months after booking your cruise

• Start planning your cruise add-ons
• Monitor price drops
• Begin making arrangements at home
• Make your final payment

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Giving yourself time to plan cruise add-ons is so important. From specialty restaurants to shore excursions, drink packages, spa treatments, and more, there are many ways you can customize your cruise vacation. Planning early not only helps you secure reservations for the most popular options, but it also gives you time to compare choices and build an itinerary that meets your travel style. 

Moving on, you should also monitor your cruise reservation to see if the price drops. If you have a refundable deposit, you can cancel and rebook to lock in the lower rate — so long as it is before your final payment deadline. 

Next, start making arrangements at home for things like pet care, lawn care, house sitting, and other responsibilities that need to be taken care of before you're at sea. This will ensure you have little to worry about while you are on your cruise! 

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Last but not least, ensure that you don't miss your sailing's final payment deadline. In many cases, this will often fall anywhere from 75 to 120 days before departure. If you have a travel agent, they will remind you of when the payment is due and often make it on your behalf (through a secure payment portal). 

What to do when check-in opens for your cruise

• Complete the online check-in
• Start making a packing list
• Finalize any last-minute plans

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Your check-in portal will open at different times depending on the cruise line, so it is important to know exactly when your booking window begins. Some cruise lines open check-in 45 days before departure, while others don't open their check-in until two weeks beforehand. 

Either way, it's best to be ready as soon as your window opens so you can secure your preferred arrival time, especially if that's earlier in the day. The check-in portal will also ask you for things like your credit/debit card for your online spending account, travel documents, and personal information for each passenger. 

After that's done, you can start working on your packing list. A good place to start is by reviewing your cruise itinerary, so you can plan outfits based on your port days. You'll also want to keep in mind any dress codes for specialty restaurants or theme nights you want to participate in. 

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Starting to pack ahead of time gives you a buffer to purchase forgotten essentials like sunscreen, portable chargers, and over-the-counter medication. 

Finally, this is the best time to start finalizing your cruise plans, if you haven't already. Double-check that you know how you're going to get to the cruise port and that you have made all your onboard reservations. 

What to do one week before your cruise

• Download or print your boarding pass and print your luggage tags
• Check the weather forecast
• Pack a separate carry-on bag

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The week before your cruise is grind time! Start by printing your boarding pass or saving a digital copy on your phone so you can access it easily when needed. You might be able to access it through your cruise line's app once you are at the terminal, but I prefer to save it in my mobile wallet since connectivity usually isn't the best. 

You'll want to check the weather forecasts for your embarkation city and ports of call, too. If it is calling for rain, you will want to pack a rain jacket or umbrella. On the other hand, if temperatures are warmer than usual, you may want to add an extra sundress, pair of shorts, or other breathable clothing to help stay comfortable. 

Finally, make sure you have a separate carry-on bag ready for embarkation day. This is where you'll pack important essentials like medications, travel documents, phone chargers, and jewelry. Some cruisers also like to throw a swimsuit and a change of clothing in their carry-on bag, so they can head straight to the pool deck!