The 30-Day Cruise Countdown: What You Actually Need to Do Before You Sail

The countdown is officially ON.
In just 30 days, you’ll be stepping onto that ship, waving goodbye to the real world, and sipping something tropical before you can say “bon voyage.”

But before you toss your flip-flops into a suitcase and hit the high seas, there are a few things you’ll want to knock out to make sure your vacation is smooth sailing from the start.

We’re talking documents, packing lists, pet sitters—the not-so-glamorous stuff that makes the glamorous stuff even better.

Let’s dive in.

---

Check Your Travel Docs

This one’s easy to forget… until you’re at the port and it’s way too late.
Here’s what you need to check:

• Passport: I always recommend cruising with a passport—it makes things easier and faster. Just double-check that it’s valid for at least six months after your cruise. If not, you’ll need to bring a certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID as a backup.
  
• Real ID update: As of May 7, 2025, you’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically without a passport—but for now, it’s not required to board a cruise. Still, good to be aware if you’re flying to your port!

👉 Matt’s Tip: Keep both printed AND digital copies of all your key documents. Just in case something gets wet, lost, or covered in sunscreen.

Do Your Online Check-In & Print Those Luggage Tags

Most cruise lines open online check-in a couple of weeks before sail date. Don’t skip it!

Why it matters:

• You’ll save time at the port
• You can choose your boarding time (early bird gets the cocktail!)
• You’ll get your cruise documents and luggage tags

👉 Matt’s Tip: Print your luggage tags at home and use the clear plastic holders (you can grab a pack on Amazon). If you forget, most terminals have extras—but having them ready makes everything smoother.

Finalize Excursions & Onboard Plans

Haven’t booked your shore excursions yet? Now’s the time. Whether it’s snorkeling, zip-lining, or just a beach day with a frozen drink in hand—excursions can and do sell out.

Want to explore on your own? Check out:

• Resort for a Day (day passes to all-inclusive resorts!)
• Shore Excursion Group (a solid option beyond the cruise line)

👉 Matt’s Tip: Seriously, these things will sell out. Book any must-do activities ASAP!

Book Your Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transport

Flying in? Trust me on this—arrive the day before. Flight delays happen, and you do not want to be cutting it close.

Here’s the plan:

• Book a nearby hotel
• Arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the cruise port

👉 Matt’s Tip: I love using Limopedia in Florida. They’ve always been on time, super professional, and yes—they’ll meet you at baggage claim with a sign and a smile.

Grab Travel Insurance (if you haven’t yet!)

Look, I’m all about good vibes—but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Travel insurance usually covers:

• Trip delays and cancellations
• Medical emergencies (your regular health insurance might not cover you abroad!)
• Lost or delayed luggage

👉 Matt’s Tip: Always read the fine print. Every plan is a little different, but peace of mind is always worth it.

Start Your Packing Game

Thirty days out is the perfect time to make your list—and maybe even start stashing a few things aside.

Here are a few must-haves:

• Cruise-approved power strip (no surge protectors allowed!)
• Reef-safe sunscreen (required in places like Cozumel and the Virgin Islands)
• Motion sickness meds (even if you think you’re fine)
• One formal outfit for dress-up night or themed dinners
• Waterproof phone case for beach days and pool pics

Set Up Onboard Spending & Wi-Fi

Cruises are cashless, so you’ll want to link a credit card to your onboard account.

• Book Wi-Fi early to save money
• Most ships now have an app that lets you see daily schedules—even without Wi-Fi
• Set spending limits if traveling with kids (trust me on this one 😅)

👉 Matt’s Tip: Call your credit card company and let them know you’ll be out of the country. It’ll help avoid any “fraud” flags that could freeze your account mid-vacation.

Plan for Home & Pet Care

Vacay mode doesn’t hit quite right if you’re worried about what’s going on back home.

Things to take care of:

• Pet sitter or boarding
• Someone to bring in mail/packages
• Plant watering (or at least not plant wilting)

👉 Matt’s Tip: I use Hue smart lights and set them on a timer while I’m away. It keeps things cozy and makes it look like someone’s still home.

Refill Prescriptions

Get ahead of this one—some pharmacies take time to process refills, and you’ll want to bring a few extra days’ worth just in case.

Also a good idea to pack some basics like:

• Headache medicine
• Cold meds
• Band-aids
• Tums

👉 Matt’s Tip: Onboard gift shops charge a premium for this stuff, so better to bring it from home.

Start the Fun Stuff!

Okay, now that you’ve done the adulting… let the countdown fun begin!

• Make a cruise countdown calendar
• Join a Facebook group for your specific sailing
• Plan your boarding day outfit (yes, there will be pictures!)
• Start dreaming about that first drink on deck 🏝️

Final Thoughts: Smooth Sailing Starts Now

Getting this stuff handled now means you’ll be able to truly relax once you step onboard. And that’s what a cruise is all about, right?

I’ll catch you in the next post—until then, happy planning and keep that countdown going!

—Matt