As your cruise gets closer you will start to think about what you need to sort out and what to take with you. Sometimes the smallest of things can slip your mind so it is worth checking and double checking everything before you depart.
If you are sailing from a UK port then you need to consider your transport options. Some cruise lines will offer you free car parking or free coach transfers. If this is the case then you need to double check your paper work to when you need to reserve your space by. If you don't reserve your parking or coach by a certain date with some cruise lines then you won't get your transport included in your cruise fare. If you haven't got any free transport within your cruise cost it is always worth sorting this as soon as you can to guarantee yourself a space.
You will need to make sure that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from the date of return from your cruise. Cruise lines are very strict with this and this is the general rule with all cruise lines. There can sometimes be exceptions. Check your passport in plenty of time in case you need to get it renewed before you go.
If you require any visas for your cruise make sure you have applied for these in plenty of time. You don't want to get caught out and be refused entry or boarding because you haven't got your visa in time.
Cruise lines nowadays don't issue paper cruise tickets. The majority will be E-tickets. You will be able to access your E-ticket in the cruise personaliser on the internet. You will also find details on here to how to receive luggage labels. If you can't print your own ticket off then your cruise agent will be able to do this for you. Cruise lines do vary with how they operate with tickets so it is always worth checking on how your cruise line works.
Travel insurance is extremely important as you don't want to be left with huge payments if you are taken ill while away. Make sure you have taken out travel insurance at the time of booking your cruise.
The majority of cruise lines now offer you the chance to manage your own booking. You will be able to log into your booking and add guest details etc. This tends to be called cruise personaliser. If you have access to a computer and the internet it is always best to complete this before you travel to speed up check in at the port. Details that normally are required are passport details, next of kin and insurance. If you have a flight involved in your cruise then you will also be able to check in for your flight. A lot of airlines let you do your check in 24 hours before departure. You will need to access the airlines website to do this. This can also be done at the airport if you can't access the internet.
The above information is to be used as a guide only. Please check with individual cruiselines or your cruise consultant before booking a cruise. Each cruiseline reserves the right to change their policy at any time without notice for which Cruise.co.uk cannot be held responsible. The information is compiled and calculated by Cruise.co.uk - this information is not to be reproduced without prior permission.
