15 Last Minute Things to Pack and Do Before a Cruise

No matter how organized you are as you get ready for your cruise, there are always last minute things to pack and do right before you travel. Unfortunately, if you forget to do some of these things before your cruise, it can cause some real problems.

I know first hand. In fact on a cruise last year, I forgot my prescription medication at home. What a hassle that was and the solution wasn’t that easy (I’ll tell you more below).

In this post I share a last minute cruise packing list, as well as some of the things you’ll need to do the day that you are traveling.

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Things to Do and Pack Right Before Your Cruise

1. Pack Your Passport and Government Identification (as required)

There’s nothing more important than bringing your passport and/or required government ID. Not having these items will likely result in being denied boarding for your cruise.

When getting ready for your cruise, make sure you have your passport on your last minute packing list, so it’s not forgotten at home!

Remember, this cannot be packed in checked luggage – keep this on you at all times. A passport holder or passport wallet is a great idea to keep your most important items for travel.

2. Pack Your Phone Charger

There are a lot of things you can pack in advance for your cruise, but chances are you’re going to need your cell phone charger right up until the morning of your cruise or flight.

There are a couple of options. You may want to pack an extra phone charger that you use every time you travel. The other option is to keep an electronics organizing bag to keep all chargers and wires, along with a quick list of last minute items to pack.

Remember to fully charge all electronic items, from iPads and laptops, to your mobile phone.

3. Everyday Toiletries

It’s a good idea to have some toiletries in a travel size that you can prepare and have ready. However, don’t forget some of the things you may use right up to the day before your cruise vacation.

I like to keep a quick list of last minute things to pack, such as:

Deodorant
Razor & shaving cream
Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Moisturizer
Make up bag
Manicure items (tweezers, nail clippers & nail file)

4. Portable Charger

I won’t travel without a power bank or portable charger. Whether your phone battery runs low on a shore excursion or your ever in a situation where you just can’t charge your mobile phone

5. Take Photos of Your Luggage

Luggage for a cruise ready to go — Ready & packed for a cruise

This is a recent cruise packing tip I learned. Take photos of both the outside or your luggage, as well as the inside (items you packed).

If your luggage is damaged or lost and you need to make a claim with the airline or travel insurance, you’ll be happy you did!

6. Weigh Your Luggage

There’s nothing worse that getting to the airport and finding out that your luggage is overweight. That means shuffling items from one suitcase to another, or even paying a fee.

Make sure to weigh your luggage at home before you head over to the airport.

You can use the bathroom scale trick. To do this, weigh yourself on the scale, then step on the scale with your luggage. Subtract the difference.

An easier way is to use a travel luggage scale. The good thing is that it’s light and you can bring it on your cruise, so you can use it before flying home.

7. Print & Put on Cruise Luggage Tags

Be sure to remember to print out your cruise luggage tags as you complete your online check in. If you want to make sure your printed paper luggage tags are secure, it’s a good idea to get some plastic luggage tag holders.

There are some differences between the cruise lines, and you’ll either need short or long luggage tag holders.

Here’s a list for luggage tag holders for different cruise lines:

8. Air Tag

If you’re planning on checking your luggage, placing an air tag into each piece of luggage can help you to always be able to know where it is and locate it. These can be handy even for when going onto the cruise ship.

9. Print Out Your Documents

Don’t forget your to print your cruise boarding documents as well as any booking confirmations. You may want to print out hotel reservations and shore excursion reservations as well.

In particular, make sure to print out any local or non-cruise operated tours. If you have difficulty accessing your emails while in port, you’ll appreciate having a printed copy of your confirmation along with contact information for your excursion operator.

10. Cash and Credit Cards

Be sure to pack your cash, from small bills to $5, $10 and $20 bills that you may want to use for tips for crew and in cruise ports of call.

It’s a good idea to pack at least one credit card for use or for emergencies.

11. Remember to Pack Your Prescription Medication

Make sure to pack both over the counter, but especially prescription medication. If possible, consider packing a small travel size container with enough for the time you’re away (plus a bit extra in case).

Don’t make the mistake I made of waiting until the day we traveled to pack my prescription medication. While I could swear I packed it, I arrived at our destination and did not have it.

Unfortunately, this mistake meant that I needed to see a doctor in another country, and have a new prescription issued, which took up about half of our day. I’m definitely more cautious now, but did want to share this so you don’t make the same mistake I did.

12. Prepare Your Travel Outfit

Something else do last minute as you get ready for your cruise is to plan your travel outfit. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast, and also dress comfortably.

Pack a light sweater or shawl which you can use on board your cruise in the evening as well. Keep in mind that your travel outfit can also be used to travel back home on disembarkation day.

13. Plan Your Cruise Embarkation Outfit

Ilana cruise embarkation day outfit - Ilana Life Well Cruised — There’s nothing like the fun & excitement of embarkation day!

There’s nothing like embarkation day! While there’s no right or wrong when it comes to cruise embarkation day outfits, you’ll likely want to wear something comfortable to explore the cruise ship on the first day.

There may also be some picture taking, so plan accordingly :-).

14. Pack a Personal Bag for the Airplane

If you’re heading to the cruise port by airplane, don’t leave packing your flight carry on personal bag to the last minute. Consider packing items to make your flight easier and more comfortable.

Some things to remember are motion sickness medication (if needed), ear buds, a book or kindle, a travel pillow and chewing gum.

15. Cruise Embarkation Day Carry-on Bag

Whether you’re going straight from home to your cruise ship, or staying at a hotel before your cruise, all cruisers should pack a carry-on bag for embarkation day.

While many of the items can be similar to your flight carry-on bag, there are a few things you just need to bring on your cruise for the first day!

Consider packing a bathing suit and sunscreen if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, or any other tropical cruise. Other items to pack in your cruise embarkation bag include medication, valuables and electronics.

Recommendation: Nautical stripe cruise carry-on bag (see different styles & over 5000 Amazon reviews here)

Pre-cruise Preparation Lists

Video: 15 Last Minute Things to Pack and Do Before a Cruise

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Final Thoughts on Last Minute Things to Pack and Do Before a Cruise

There’s so much we can do to be ready and organized for our cruise in advance. However equally important is keeping track and having a short list of last minute things to pack and do in the last day or two before a cruise.

Is there anything you’d add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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