Checklists- Not Just For Pilots
Ready to sail but worried you’ll forget something? Breathe. We’ve got you. Use this friendly, print‑ready guide to tie a bow on your cruise prep—especially helpful for first‑time cruisers and group leaders.
How to Use This Guide
- Skim the timelines first, then check the packing lists by category.
- If you’re a group leader, don’t miss the special section just for you.
- Save this page to your phone and/or print it—then enjoy that pre‑vacation calm.
Timeline Checklists
30–14 Days Before Sail‑Away
- ☐ Confirm legal names on your reservation match your passport/ID exactly.
- ☐ Complete online check‑in with your cruise line; choose an arrival time.
- ☐ Upload security photos, travel docs, and emergency contacts.
- ☐ Book or verify flights, pre/post‑cruise hotels, and transfers/parking.
- ☐ Pre‑reserve specialty dining, shows, spa, and kids/teen club.
- ☐ Lock in shore excursions (popular ones do sell out).
- ☐ Review travel insurance coverage and download policy info.
- ☐ Note your cruise line’s alcohol/beverage and dress code policies.
- ☐ Tell your bank you’ll be traveling; enable international transactions.
- ☐ Start a shared note (Notes/Google Doc) for packing and to‑dos.
7–3 Days Before
- ☐ Print or save boarding passes, luggage tags, hotel/transfer confirmations.
- ☐ Recheck passport expiration (generally 6 months validity recommended).
- ☐ Photograph/scan passports, IDs, and credit cards; store securely offline.
- ☐ Set out‑of‑office message and adjust voicemail.
- ☐ Arrange pet care, mail hold, plant watering, and house sitter.
- ☐ Download cruise line app and any destination/offline maps.
- ☐ Buy small bills for tipping (porters, drivers) if you prefer cash.
- ☐ Start a light packing rehearsal; note anything to buy/replace.
The Day Before Departure
- ☐ Check flight status and weather for embarkation city/ports.
- ☐ Pack a carry‑on day bag (see list below) for boarding day.
- ☐ Charge devices; pack chargers, battery pack, cables, AirTags (optional).
- ☐ Weigh checked bags (airline limits) and attach printed luggage tags.
- ☐ Fill medication pill case and move meds to carry‑on (original containers when possible).
- ☐ Reconfirm transfers/parking time and pickup spot.
Embarkation Morning
- ☐ Keep passports/IDs, boarding passes, and credit card handy.
- ☐ Wear comfortable layers and walking shoes.
- ☐ Put checked bags with luggage tags in the correct drop area; keep your carry‑on.
- ☐ Have a small stash of $1–$5 bills for porters and drivers.
Onboard—First Afternoon
- ☐ Connect to ship Wi‑Fi per instructions in the app (airplane mode on!).
- ☐ Reserve or adjust dining/show times if needed.
- ☐ Visit kids club to register and meet staff.
- ☐ Walk your muster station route before the drill.
- ☐ Confirm dietary and accessibility notes with the dining room/guest services.
Night Before Disembarkation
- ☐ Settle onboard account; verify charges and apply remaining credits.
- ☐ Review luggage color tags and departure group time.
- ☐ Pack evening/next‑day clothes, keep meds/docs/chargers in your carry‑off.
- ☐ Double‑check airport transfer/parking and flight check‑in.
Smart Packing List
Essentials & Documents
- ☐ Passports/IDs (plus printed & digital copies)
- ☐ Cruise boarding passes & luggage tags
- ☐ Credit/debit cards (+ travel notice), a little cash
- ☐ Travel insurance details & emergency contacts
- ☐ Prescription medications (original labels), glasses/contacts
- ☐ Health documents required by cruise line/destination (if any)
Money & Admin
- ☐ Small bills for tips/incidentals
- ☐ Budget line for gratuities (we include required gratuities in our advertised pricing—only optional items like premium Wi‑Fi/insurance are extra)
- ☐ Folder or pouch for receipts and postcards (yes, still fun!)
Tech & Little Helpers
- ☐ Phone, watch, e‑reader/tablet, laptop (optional)
- ☐ Chargers, battery pack, plug adapters (most ships use US/European outlets—check your ship), USB hub
- ☐ AirTags/tiles for bags (optional), lanyard for cruise card
- ☐ Re‑usable water bottle, magnetic hooks, collapsible laundry bag
Clothing (Mix‑and‑Match Capsule)
- ☐ Daywear tops/bottoms that re‑mix easily
- ☐ 1–2 evening looks (smart casual; formal is optional on many lines)
- ☐ Swimwear & cover‑up, flip‑flops/water shoes
- ☐ Lightweight sweater/jacket; rain layer; hat/sunglasses
- ☐ Workout wear (hello, sunrise strolls!)
Toiletries & Wellness
- ☐ Travel‑size basics (liquids under airline limits)
- ☐ Reef‑safe sunscreen & aloe
- ☐ Motion relief (wrist bands/ginger or medication your doctor approves)
- ☐ Small first‑aid: bandages, pain reliever, throat lozenges, antihistamine
Families & Groups
- ☐ Kids: swimsuits, goggles, fave PJs/toy, headphones, snacks for travel day
- ☐ Teens: ID if needed for leaving ship with friends (per family rules)
- ☐ Shared items: card games, Post‑its for door notes, small whiteboard for cabin
Accessibility & Comfort
- ☐ Mobility aids & chargers/batteries
- ☐ CPAP (distilled water policy varies; ask us—we’ll guide you)
- ☐ Printed dietary notes for dining team
Your Embarkation Day Carry‑On
- ☐ Passports/IDs, cards, meds, valuables, electronics
- ☐ Swimwear/flip‑flops (in case your suitcase arrives later)
- ☐ A light outfit for dinner, sunscreen, sunglasses
- ☐ Water bottle, sanitizer, lip balm, tissues
Digital Prep (Fast & Easy)
- ☐ Download your cruise line app and sign in before boarding.
- ☐ Turn on airplane mode; use ship Wi‑Fi or messaging as directed.
- ☐ Save offline maps for ports and any e‑tickets as PDFs to your Files app.
- ☐ Create a shared album for your group to drop photos into.
Travel Logistics in One Place
- ☐ Flight times, record locators, and seat assignments
- ☐ Hotel name/address/confirmation; transfer pickup details
- ☐ Port address & parking reservation (if driving)
- ☐ Post‑cruise plan: transfer/ride share timing and buffer to the airport
Group Leaders: Extra Touches
- ☐ Final headcount and cabin list; note any dietary/accessibility needs
- ☐ Share a Welcome Aboard message with meet‑up time & venue
- ☐ Confirm any private events/venues with the ship’s team
- ☐ Prep light icebreakers or a small swag (stickers, ribbon, door magnets)
- ☐ Set a group photo time (golden hour on the top deck!)
Quick‑Glance Mini Checklist (Print This!)
Docs & Money: ☐ Passport/ID ☐ Boarding pass ☐ Luggage tags ☐ Credit/debit cards ☐ Cash for tips
Tech: ☐ Phone/tablet ☐ Chargers ☐ Battery pack ☐ Adapters ☐ Headphones
Health: ☐ Meds ☐ Sunscreen ☐ Motion remedies ☐ First‑aid minis
Clothes: ☐ Mix‑and‑match outfits ☐ Swimwear ☐ Evening looks ☐ Layers ☐ Comfy shoes
Carry‑On: ☐ Docs/cards ☐ Meds ☐ Electronics ☐ Sunscreen/sunglasses ☐ Spare outfit
Tiny FAQs
Do I need my passport for Caribbean cruises? It depends on the itinerary and your citizenship. We’ll confirm what’s required for your sailing.
Can I bring a power strip? Most ships allow non‑surge power cubes only. Surge‑protected strips are typically not permitted.
What about gratuities? We include required gratuities in our advertised pricing. Optional add‑ons (like upgraded Wi‑Fi or specialty dining) are up to you.
Need Personalized Help?
America’s Best Cruises specializes in group cruises of all sizes with concierge‑level planning, from flights and hotels to private onboard events. Want a customized, printable checklist for your group? We’ll tailor one to your ship and itinerary.
Let’s plan your smoothest sail yet.
Visit americasbestcruises.com or ask us to prep a checklist with your ship and dates.
