When you are taking a cruise, most cruise lines want you to be at the port by noon for late afternoon sailings.

That means that you could plan to fly in the first thing in the morning, doesn’t it?

Not if you don’t want to take a chance of missing the ship.  When it is time to sail, the ship will sail, even if you are not there.  So, I would say that it is always a great idea to get to the port city at least one day early.  In fact, you should consider getting there a day or two early so that you can relax after the flight and enjoy the sights before you get on the ship.

Keep in mind that if you set up your flight through the cruise line and if for some reason the flight is delayed, the cruise line will get you to the next port city to join the cruise.  Unfortunately, if the ship is going to be at sea for the first day or two, you will miss out on that part of the cruise.

Another thing to think of is getting the opportunity to do some shopping before you get on the ship.  You remember in one of the packing blogs, one of the suggestions was to bring your older, almost worn out, under wear and then toss it rather than launder it after wearing.  That will free up some space for the trinkets and things you buy on the cruise.  Another thing you could do to cut down on the number of suitcases you have to fly with and maybe saving the cost of an extra suitcase, especially if you are taking a longer cruise, is to only bring half of the clothes you will wear on the cruise and do some shopping in port before you get on the ship.

We are taking a 2 week Panama Canal cruise in the spring.  So, rather than bringing 14 sets of under wear, I will bring 8 days worth of old under wear and toss them at the end of each day, and buy two packages of three under shirts and under shorts in port.  When I get home, I will have have essentially replaced 6 sets of underwear without having to carry them across the country first on my flight from California to Florida.

Sounds silly,  I know, but it is a good reason for getting there early and for doing a little shopping before getting on the ship.  Heck, I may even bring some of my almost worn out guayabera shirts to wear for the first few days of the cruise and replace them in Panama with brand new shirts. I will be looking good when I get back home.

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Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

                    Packing Checklist    Parent Authorization Letter For Unaccompanied Minors

                Medical Treatment Authorization Letter     Travel With Minors-Permission Letter

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!