Tips

6 Things To Do Before Your Cruise

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Last Updated: March 12, 2026

So you’ve booked your cruise and your sail date is drawing near. Now what? Here are the top 6 things you’ll want to take care of before you board.

1. Check-in Online.

Most cruise lines will allow you to check-in on their website prior to your sail date. You’ll simply need to fill out all the required travel information and select an arrival time window for the day of your cruise to access your boarding pass. Completing this ahead of time will speed things up at the check-in counter when you get to your terminal.

2. Organize Important Documents

Print out all the necessary paperwork for your cruise and keep it all together in an easily accessible section of your carry-on. This includes any required boarding documents, itineraries and luggage tags.

3. Notify Your Bank.

If you’re not a frequent traveler, you’ll want to let your bank know that you’re going on vacation. Some financial institutions will temporarily disable your account assuming that the change in spending patterns means your card has been stolen.

4. Research Ports.

Half the fun of taking a cruise is exploring new destinations. To make the most of limited time in each port, you’ll want to plan ahead. Popular excursions tend to sell out quickly, so book any of those must-do tours in advance.

5. Make Onboard Reservations.

Most cruise lines allow you to make dining, entertainment, and spa reservations on their website prior to your cruise date. If there’s a show you’re dying to see or specialty restaurant you’d like to try, make sure to reserve a seat before you board.

6. Book Travel Arrangements.

And lastly, don’t forget to think about how you’re going to get to the cruise terminal. Whether you’re driving or flying in, we always recommend arriving a day early as flight delays and traffic can be unpredictable.

Travel Tip: Go Port makes it easy and affordable for cruisers to get to their ship. We offer a variety of Snooze & Cruise packages including hotel accommodations as well as Cruise Parking and Same-day Direct Transportation options.