by Sheree Zielke

Created on: May 04, 2007   Last Updated: January 06, 2010

A cruise? What an exciting idea! But in the excitement of getting ready to embark on this wonderful adventure, you may forget a thing or two. Here's a quick "before-you-cruise" checklist to help make sure you have done everything necessary to ensure smooth sailing.

1. Pack a credit card; maybe even two. Cruise ships operate under their own "credit card" system; an identity card backed up by your personal credit card. You will be expected to register a credit card with the purser's (reception) desk once onboard the ship. All your onboard purchases like your liquor drinks and store purchases will be filed onto your shipboard account. You may opt to pay for these purchases at the end of your cruise with cash, but the ship wants your credit card as a guarantee.

2. Seasickness medication. A must-have item. Wristbands or anti-seasickness drugs can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore. I haven't seen a cruise yet where rough seas didn't lead some passengers to terrible bouts of seasickness.

3. Remember your own personal medications. Keep all medications in their ORIGINAL bottles with your name on the labels. Put these bottles into small Ziploc bags and you will be able to clear airport security just fine. But the labels MUST match the name on your passport.

4. Ah yes, your passport, your lifeline back to your home country. It is nearly impossible to move on or off a cruise ship without a passport. Even with a ship's identity card, each passenger must carry his or her passport. You will not even be allowed to check in on the first day, without your passport.

5. Photocopy your passport, your cruise ship itinerary and any other valuable documents like your credit cards, before you leave home. Leave these copies with a trusted friend or family member. Should you ever get into trouble and lose your documents while cruising, having these copies back home could be a god-send.

6. Travel insurance. It is essential that all travelers purchase travel insurance. A broken eardrum during a scuba diving adventure will set a traveler back several hundred dollars, in doctor's visits and medications.

7. Your cruise tickets. Don't forget your tickets. Keep them in an easy-to-reach pocket of your carry-on bag.

8. Bring your laptop computer. You are very welcome to bring a laptop onboard. In the ship's Internet cafe, you will be able to log onto the Web and keep in touch with loved ones, or (perish the thought) your boss. This is a costly luxury, however; be prepared.

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