How We Cruise (Part Two) - Set the Stage

You’ve scheduled your cruise, you’ve selected your excursions and you’re now ready to move forward with getting to port equipped for a great vacation.

Arranging Flights

When booking flights, we prioritize nonstop travel to ease our flying jitters. Despite the potential extra cost, the peace of mind is priceless. We enjoy arranging our flights, opting for preferred airlines and select airports. We often coordinate departures from locations we are already visiting, like Florida.

Costco Travel recommends you book your flight directly with the cruise line first. You can also add a flight after you have already scheduled a cruise. You may book your whole cruise and flight with Celebrity Cruises, and Costco Travel will assist you in bundling and managing your flight and cruise. The only cruise line Costco Travel cannot assist in bundling flights for is Norwegian Cruise Lines, requiring you to book and manage your flight outside of Costco Travel.

When we have a flight for a cruise, we typically arrive in town the day before, even if it means booking a hotel if we don't have family accommodations in the area. For us, the extra night's stay is worth it for the chance to rest well and arrive at the cruise terminal the next morning feeling fresh and ready.

Check with your cruise line for the recommended arrival and boarding times. We prefer to board early, allowing us time to settle into our room and explore the ship before departure. It's essential to avoid stress caused by potential delays, such as late flights or other interruptions, on the day of your cruise.

Obtaining Passports in the U.S.

Sample Passport Image

Passports are not required if cruising to destinations within the United States, such as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A U.S. driver’s license will suffice, though some states require enhanced licenses. By 2025, those flying will be required to possess an enhanced license. Check with your local license bureau for clarification.

On the other hand, we bring our valid passports whenever we travel, especially on cruise ships and to foreign countries. Having our passports with us can be crucial in seeking medical attention if we're injured. As older travelers, we understand the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances and the potential need for medical services beyond what's available on a cruise ship or in a foreign country. Since accidents can happen to anyone, it's wise for a traveler to carry a valid U.S. passport.

We highly recommend applying for your passport well in advance, as delays are common due to high demand. Passport applications can be denied for various reasons, including outstanding legal issues, incorrect application procedures (especially regarding photo requirements), and failure to pay fees. To ensure a smooth process, we advise utilizing professional services available at government offices such as the clerk of the court, post offices, and libraries. If you're traveling within a month, expedited passport services are available for an additional fee and should be considered.

Not all passports are created equal. There are two main types you can obtain: a passport card or a passport book. However, the passport card has limitations on locations and types of travel. The U.S. Department of State provides comprehensive details on procedures and costs, along with a helpful chart to guide you through the options. For more information, you can refer to the State Department website chart using this link.

Transportation to Cruise Ports

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Ensuring smooth transportation to the cruise port is a vital step in planning for a great cruise experience. We've found that using services like Uber or hotel shuttles works well for us. By pre-planning this crucial detail, we've never encountered any issues getting to the port on time.

If you have a rental car, you may have the option to drop it off near the port. While you can park your car near the port, opting for a secure lot closer to the port may come at a higher cost. Alternatively, we often opt for hotels that offer shuttle services to the ports. In many areas, Uber and Lyft services are available, and taxis are also an option if you prefer. It's advisable to start your journey early and ensure all luggage and identification are easily accessible.

Allowed Carry-On Items

Many cruise lines allow passengers to bring carry-on items such as luggage, soda, water, and a limited number of bottles of wine. However, it's important to note that if you need a cork removed, you may be charged a corkage fee, especially if you bring your wine to the main dining room to enjoy with dinner. To avoid this fee, it's recommended to bring a travel corkscrew with you. Additionally, some cruise lines offer passengers the option to purchase bottled water and soda through the cruise line before boarding, which can be conveniently delivered to your room on the day of departure.

Each cruise line has its own set of regulations regarding carry-on items, making it crucial to review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) or specific carry-on rules before embarking on your journey. For instance, as of the latest update, Carnival Cruise Lines permits one 750-ml bottle of wine or champagne per person and recommends one suitcase per person for short cruises, increasing to two for voyages lasting six days or more. Additionally, there are weight restrictions for baggage. Contacting your cruise line for clarification prior to departure is a wise step to prevent any issues at the port.

Smart Packing

Packing appropriately for a cruise can be challenging, particularly when considering the varying weather conditions along your cruise route. For shorter cruises, like those lasting five days, it's manageable to pack essentials for each day, including formal attire required for fine dining on formal evenings. To ensure you're well-prepared, take a look at the cruise lines' recommendations for suitable cruise clothing.

When embarking on an extended cruise, savvy travelers often turn to the plethora of smart packing tips available online. It's essential to double-check that you have all necessary identification, including your driver’s license, passport, and insurance cards. Prescription medications should be carried on and kept with you until you reach your room. Over-the-counter medications such as motion sickness medication or items for minor illnesses should be packed in your luggage.

We always ensure to pack essentials like hats, sunglasses, environmentally-friendly sunscreen, phone chargers with waterproof holders, water shoes, sandals, dress shoes, a beach bag, and for women, a small sling purse or an easily worn bag. While on board, drinks might be offered in reusable cruise line containers, but they can be pricey. Opting for a collapsible drink container that you can rinse and reuse throughout the cruise is a smart move. This particular container has received excellent ratings and is highly practical, especially for excursions and being on the move.

Packing a versatile selection of shirts, shorts, and slacks that can be mixed and matched will help prevent overpacking. Including multiple bathing suits and cover-ups ensures you won't have to wear a cold, wet suit during your trip. For women, opting for a two-piece swimsuit is practical as it makes moving around the ship and using the restroom much quicker and easier, saving you from the hassle of a long dressing and undressing process. This advice may not occur to you until you've cruised a few times and regretted choosing a one-piece suit.

Formal dining rooms aboard cruise ships often require men to wear long pants, and on dress-up nights, a suit jacket may be necessary. Discovering that your attire is unacceptable upon arrival at the dining room can be inconvenient. To avoid this, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the cruise line's dress code beforehand. If their rules don't align with your preferences, don't worry; there are plenty of alternative dining options on board where formal attire isn't required. Cruise companies prioritize customer satisfaction, ensuring a wide array of food choices to keep everyone happy.

For packing advice, consider checking the recommendations provided by cruise lines, along with the plethora of packing tips available on various websites. Websites like Pinterest offer numerous articles on this topic. I came across a fantastic list on smartertraveler.com that you might find helpful. With each cruise I take, I find myself improving my packing skills a little more.

Typically, each room is equipped with a safe for securing valuables, and there's usually a safe available elsewhere on the cruise ship as well. Our advice is to avoid bringing anything extremely valuable to minimize concerns about loss. We've never experienced theft from our rooms, as cruise lines do an excellent job of maintaining security and employing trustworthy staff. However, why take the risk of losing a cherished item? Personally, I use a travel jewelry bag for its convenience and security. It allows me to securely carry all the jewelry I want while traveling. The bag easily hangs in a closet or on a cabin door hook, making it one of the best travel investments I've made. I highly recommend it for its convenience and quality. Mine is in blue, but it's available in multiple colors.

Our Zest for Life Photo

Dining and Drink Packages

If you haven't purchased drink packages, specialty dining, or tickets for excursions and onboard events yet, don't worry! You can still buy them on board. While there might be a bit of a wait, patience pays off, and you'll be able to enjoy your cruise just the way you want it.

Just a friendly reminder, room service is usually complimentary, with the exception of a gratuity. Please remember to tip the staff as you indulge in the wonderful service provided aboard these ships.

Bon Voyage!

You've completed all your preparations for your cruise, arriving early at the port and smoothly passing through security. As you make your way up the ramp to board your cruise, take a deep breath and soak in the anticipation. Now is the perfect time to dive into one of our favorite initial cruise activities: exploring the ship and sampling the early food options. Cherish every moment - you've earned it!

Our Zest for Life Photo

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