The term “cruise vacation” probably brings to mind finding your swimsuit and sandals. But there are a few key things you can take care of before your cruise vacation that can really boost your enjoyment. First ensure that you have obtained a valid passport when traveling outside the US. Next book your spa and shore excursions online. Lastly assess your credit and cash situation to make sure you aren’t caught off guard during your dream cruise. These may seem like small steps but they can add up to a cruise vacation disaster if you don’t take care of them.

Because of recent changes in the law you should get a passport ASAP-especially if your cruise vacation takes you outside US borders. A valid passport is required to reenter the country from Canada Mexico and the Caribbean. Those who have traveled a lot should make sure that it won’t expire soon and that there are blank pages in it. You don’t want to realize upon reentry that your passport just expired.

For some who don’t yet have a passport it’s worth the money to get it processed quicker so it arrives in time for your trip. It’s a great idea to make a few copies of it before leaving. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are gone these copies will come in handy. Make sure to give copies to your emergency contact in the states and put one in your suitcase.

Your company will send your documents for your cruise vacation a month or so before embarkation. They contain important information about ship activities and amenities as well as shore excursions. Many cruise lines allow you to make reservations online via their websites. While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to make these arrangements you’ll likely find a long line and inconvenient times available. Booking ahead allows you to begin enjoying yourself the minute you step on board knowing that you’ve got it all taken care of.

You may have booked your cruise vacation to celebrate a birthday anniversary honeymoon or other milestone. Most cruise lines have special packages to enhance your festivities. It is a great idea to give the staff plenty of time to make arrangements such as having hors d’eouvres in your room. Waiting until you are at sea to request twelve dozen orange roses is likely to result in disappointment.

Several months before your cruise vacation assess the amount of credit available on your credit cards. This gives you time to move money around open another card or pay down your balance. Expect that your cruise line will place a hold on your credit card for incidentals upon check in. This hold could range from $50-200 per day.

It is a great idea to call ahead and find out your cruise line’s policy. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a hotel or rent a car since there will be multiple holds on your credit card. Even though your charges are adjusted to reflect the money you actually spent it can take several days for it all to catch up. You don’t want to find out that your card is declined during your trip because of holds.

A few days before leaving you’ll want to get some cash. Even though you’ll use your credit card a lot there are times when you’ll need cash. Because of the high rate of fraud traveler’s checks aren’t taken as often as they used to. Most ships these days have ATMs but you can count on a high fee and they sometimes run empty. When you’re on shore you’ll find that street vendors and smaller merchants will only accept cash. Recognize your cruise ship staff for all their great service with cash tips. To avoid a lot of inconvenience on your dream vacation pack some cash.

You don’t need to have a Type A personality to get organized for your cruise vacation. A little preparation will ensure that you are prepared to fully enjoy every minute of your vacation. Check your passport make your reservations and assess your credit and cash situation. These small but important steps will pay off in cruise vacation enjoyment. Of course pack your swimsuit and sandals and enjoy your trip!

When Planning Your Cruise Ship Vacation it takes time and knowledge, find the Travel Tools you need at Cruise Ship Vacation Site.com


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