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Yep it is finally happening! You get to take that fancy cruise you've been dreaming about for years. Just remember not to get to excited and forget about the little things. The best way to enjoy your vacation is to be prepared and check everything twice sometimes three times. What do you need to do? What do you really need to bring? Let me help answers these questions.

What do you need to do?

* Is your passport going to expire in the next six months? If so you need to get it renewed. Some countries will not let you in if your passport is getting ready to expire.

* Will you need visas in order to enter any of the countries you will be traveling to? The cruise line does not do these things for you!

* Do you have a "Cruise only fare"? If so you need to make flight arrangements for before and after your trip.

* Will you need any vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting? Some vaccines can take several months before they take effect.

* Do you have travel insurance? Never hurts to get it!

* Are you planning to enjoy a shore excursion or a nice rub down at a spa? These things often need to be pre-booked.

* Will your credit card company get suspicious if they start receiving large charges from another country? Contact your credit card company before departing and inform them that you plan to travel. This can save you a lot of heart ache!

* Do you have pets? Where will they be staying while you are away? Try to make arrangements at least a month prior to your trip.

What do you need to bring?

* Toiletries and medications
* Passports
* Cruise documents
* Photo ID
* Credit cards
* Air tickets
* Lots of cash in small bills
* Digital camera accessories
* Sun Lotion
* Insect Repellent
* Sun hat or visor
* Sunglasses
* Paper back books, or books on tape
* Ear plugs
* Hotel voucher
* Car rental voucher
* Flashlight

A few extra tips to make things easier:

Don't over pack! Dragging a ton of bags around with you is not the way to a relaxing vacation. Try to take one medium size suit case and one roomy carry on bag. Read the dress code in the booklet provided by the cruise. They usually have two or three dress up nights.

Now last, but not least is your clothes. What do you REALLY need to bring? Let's say you are going on a one week cruise. Don't pack months worth of clothes when you will only be there a week. Bring three or four outfits that you can mix and match. Maybe one formal attire in case you plan to attend a dinner party. And don't forget your bathing suit.

Learn more about this author, S. Koontz.
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