Welcome back to Byte Size Cruises! We are a small travel agency outside of Philadelphia, PA and this is the second part to our mini series on what to do before your cruise. Your cruise is getting closer! We’ve already covered what to do 6 months and 90 days before your cruise. Now, we are 30 days out from departure. What should you be focused on?

30 Days Before Your Cruise:

1. Check in. Now, the exact timing on when you can check in will differ depending on the cruise line you are on. On Royal Caribbean you can check in 45 days before your cruise, with Norwegian it’s 21 days, etc. so keep an eye on this and know how early you can check in with your cruise line. 
2. Download the app. If you haven’t yet, make sure you download the cruise line app! This is going to be the easiest way to book reservations, get updates, pay gratuities, etc. while on the ship. It will also make your check-in process far easier. There will still be a paper schedule, but this will be right at your fingertips. Be sure to login to the app and become familiar with how it works so you’re ready for your cruise. (Photo 1)
3. Check your hotel and air reservations! Now is the time to make sure all of your travel reservations are set in stone and give you a chance to select the seats on your flight and pay any baggage fees. 
4. Create a packing checklist. We’ve all been there before; you think of something you need to pack while you’re at work or out and by the time you get home, you’ve forgotten already. Create a checklist where you can jot things down you need to make sure you pack! Better to write it down and not need the list than forget something after you’re already on your cruise. 
5. Make your reservations for dining and shows. You can do this online or on the app! If you want to reserve a seat at a specialty restaurant or get tickets for any shows on the ship, do it now. These things will sell out the closer you get to departure. 
6. Schedule self care items. If you want to get a haircut or nails done before you depart for vacation, get those things on the calendar now! Book a time that is convenient for you so you’re not stressed or rushed right before you leave for your cruise. (Photo 2)
7. Get into a Roll Call group on social media or other online platforms. Here, you’ll find lots of great tips and tricks from other cruisers. Spend some time checking out the information available and see if there’s anything you want to add to your cruise itinerary. 
8. Order any medications or prescriptions you’ll need while away. Check in with your doctor if needed for any regular medications or prescriptions for seasickness if this is something you struggle with. 
9. Make sure your pet is taken care of! If you have a pet at home, this is the time to set up a pet sitter or boarding for them while you’re away. 
10. Get excited. Start your countdown, if that is something you’re into and keep your cruise in front of you. You’re only one month out!

Three weeks have passed… You are now officially one week away from your cruise! What are the top things you need to do to make sure you’re ready?

1 Week Before Your Cruise:

1. Get the cruise line app. If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve downloaded the cruise line app and are all logged in. To be extra safe, take a screenshot of your check in (c-pass) information just in case you have any wifi issues at your check in time.
2. Check your phone plan! Understand how much it will cost you to use your phone while out of the country and if needed, contact your provider. (Photo 3)
3. Make sure you’re checked in on the app AND make sure all your information is correct. Double check your passport, credit card information, etc. on the app is all correct as well. Contact the cruise line regarding any name spelling issues, etc. now before you get to your departure port.
4. Make sure you have all the documentation you need for departure! Depending on who is cruising with you, you may need specific documentation, especially if you’re traveling with minors! Double check all the requirements with the cruise line and make sure you have everything ready to go. 
5. Did you book your excursions? Your wifi? Drink package? All of these things will be far more expensive on the cruise ship and will be far more expensive once you get on the ship so book them now!
6. Print your luggage tags. If you are checking luggage, this is something you want to do now to get ahead of everything. Another thing we would add here is to get air tags and put one in your suitcase. These aren’t expensive and can be a life saver should your luggage get misplaced.
7. Start checking the weather. We know that sometimes it can be a bummer if you check and see the potential for bad weather, but it’s better to be prepared than not know so you can pack accordingly. 
8. Start packing NOW. We cannot stress this enough; start gathering the things you need and getting your luggage together. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to pack an hour before you leave for your departing flight. This will also give you the opportunity to pick up anything you still need to purchase before you leave. (Photo 4)
9. Check your reservations! If you’ve booked any spa treatments, dining reservations, shows, etc. double check what you have lined up and make sure you’re satisfied with it. If you haven’t made any reservations yet, definitely do it now. Things will sell out and you don’t want to miss out on an amazing experience simply because you waited too long. 
10. Check your finances. Double check the credit cards you plan to use while away and any cash you plan to carry. Make sure you understand any extra fees you’ll be charged and have a secure place to store the cash you’re carrying on your person. Generally we don’t carry much cash on board beyond what we want to use to tip people while on board. We know tips are included, but if someone provides service that is above and beyond, we always tip them extra. Obviously if you are cruising overseas to Europe, you’ll need to do some extra planning around this and make sure you have the proper currency for your trip. 

Those are our top 10 tips for 30 days and 1 week before your cruise and the end to this mini series! Is there another tip you would add? Do you have any questions? Comment below! We would love to hear from you.