CRUISE CHECKLIST: Must-Have Travel Documents You Need for a Cruise

If you're going on a cruise, these are the cruise travel documents you need for boarding day, as well as before & during your cruise vacation. Cruise vacations are different than boarding a flight, & having the correct cruise documentation is very important!

Unfortunately, not having the right cruise documents can end up causing a problem, up to being denied boarding. This cruise embarkation checklist will help you with cruise information for boarding day. This video is also full of helpful cruise tips so that you can be prepared as you plan and get ready for your cruise holiday.

RESOURCES I RECOMMEND

🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳

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CRUISE ESSENTIALS

Luggage tag holders:

*What I have: Carry-on Textured Luggage 21", 24" Textured Luggage checked bag

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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.

ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!

Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.

Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[stuartwaldman]

1) I typically print an extra copy of my luggage tag and place it on top of my clothes in every piece of baggage i have. This way if the external luggage tag is damaged the information is available easily to the cruise staff.

2) Make a photocopy of your passport, drivers license, insurance card etc to bring with you. If you lose the original, they are difficult to replace when you are out of the country and having a photocopy has come in handy.

3) pack a snack and some water especially if you are traveling with young children. Sometimes the check-in process is a breeze and other times it can take a while. Its best to be prepared. (I recently traveled on NCL and there was 2.5 hour wait to board.-- I realize this is not typical but it was easier because we were prepared)

4) bring your patience with you: things go wrong, you make a wrong turn, the reservation isn't completely correct, there is more traffic than expected, the wait to board is long etc-- take a deep breath remember you are on vacation, if you are stuck in line, make friends with those around you, they are literally in the same boat as you

[brianpawlowski]

This may seem odd or scary, but I've found it to be the best. Though you may have already added a credit card for on board purchases during check in, bring a second credit card with a low credit limit and put the primary card in the room safe. Use the secondary card for any and all on shore purchases. That way, the only legitimate charges on the primary card are from the cruise line only. It will make it much easier in the unfortunate occurrence of fraudulent charges to rectify. It will also come in handy in the unlikely event you overspent on your primary card and need to settle up before disembarking.

[osumulr]

We just went on our first cruise two weeks ago. We had used a lot of your videos to help us prepare. Great advice and we cannot wait until we cruise again! 😃👍🏻

[rifkymasri]

Very important reminders even for us, seasoned cruisers

[johnmcgee]

Great video, important information. Even if you are using luggage tag holders. I recommend putting clear tape over them before you put them in the holder. Anything printed will bleed onto the plastic especially in a hot and humid climate. You know, where cruise ships live.

[gatorguy]

Another excellent video - great job! In all our years of cruising and going through numerous boarding procedures, the one area that we have noticed that seems to generate more boarding issues is when cruisers are traveling with kids where they are not the legal guardians of the kids. This is an area where cruisers need to pay close attention to the required permission and documentation requirement. We have observed where cruisers were denied boarding because they could not obtain the required documentation before boarding was closed. Another tip is to take photos of your passports, vaccination cards, driver license, credit cards, insurance cards, and any other critical items as this will assist you in getting the cards cancelled or replaced. Regarding Covid testing, on our upcoming transpacific cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver, we have to show proof of vaccination, but do not have to have a Covid test. The only passengers that have to be tested is passengers that are doing back-to-back transpacific cruises (Sydney to Honolulu and Honolulu to Vancouver) and the cruise line is providing the testing.

[Sandy-fptn]

Great tips as always! I didn’t know that about Colombia. Thanks for sharing.

[feliciagrande]

I’m leaving for a cruise tomorrow and this video couldn’t be more timed perfectly!

I’ve been wondering if I have all the necessary documents!

[MRDDev]

You can cruise if you are a resident without a passport on a closed loop, not all lines do this so check before you go, so far I've gone with Princess and Royal no problems

[rickk]

Another great video Illana. The information about the passport and the six month to expiration is really important. Almost happened to me on a cruise a long while back. Fortunately had enough time to get a new one inbtime.
The luggage tags you recommended really were very helpful on our last cruise. Made getting the tags on my luggage easy abnd secure verses just the paper ones by themselves. Printing a couple of extra ones good too. I print extra boarding passes and have them in separate places for added peace of mind.
Happy cruising Illana!

[tammylowney]

This is SO funny…I’m packing right now for The Celebrity Beyond sailing departing May7🌟🚢

[mitchellbelinda]

Cruising videos never gets old!!! Thanks for sharing 🛳️🛳️

[susiemoss]

All of your videos are so helpful thank you for making these

[anniedew]

I like the packaging tape on the insurance card. Thanks.

[sboyce]

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your tips and advice. We recently went on a cruise in April and was well prepared! Keep up the good work!

[lindajames]

Perfect timing! Going on my second cruise EVER on Monday 😊

[christinetaylor]

Thanks for the tips Ilana! We’re from Australia & we are about to take our first ever cruise (Italy & Greek islands) - I’m saving all of my document copies into Google Drive & then sending the link to our families, so they can access if need be (or we can, on our phones!)… now I just need to pack LESS than what I think I’m going to pop in, which is always hard for me, even as a seasoned traveller!

[debisantikian]

Hi llana 😊 great video, thank you!!! Have a nice day!!

[lynnfranklin]

Put a luggage tag on carry on
Someone on last cruise left her book bag in MDR ON embarkation and with that they knew where to deliver and guest service page them

[laurenschenck]

Thank you so much for this important information llana this is so helpful and you are a angel xoxo 😘