Travel Resources
Everything you need to know before you sail — from passports to travel insurance to health requirements. Marsha has you covered.
First-Time Cruiser Guide
Never cruised before? You're in for an incredible experience. Here's everything you need to know to feel confident and excited before you step on board.
1Choosing Your Cruise
- Pick a destination that excites you — Caribbean for warm beaches, Mediterranean for culture, Alaska for scenery
- Consider cruise length: 3–5 nights is great for first-timers; 7 nights is the most popular choice
- Larger ships have more amenities; smaller ships offer a more intimate experience
- Ask Marsha — she'll match you to the right ship and itinerary based on your travel style
2Before You Board
- Complete your online check-in 30–45 days before sailing to save time at the port
- Download the cruise line's app — you'll use it for dining reservations, daily schedules, and onboard messaging
- Book specialty dining, spa appointments, and shore excursions in advance — popular times fill up fast
- Set up your onboard account with a credit card or cash deposit at check-in
3Life Onboard
- The main dining room is included — specialty restaurants cost extra but are worth it for a special night
- Gratuities are typically added automatically to your onboard account — check your cruise line's policy
- Drink packages can save money if you plan to enjoy cocktails, specialty coffees, or bottled water
- Muster drill (safety briefing) is mandatory — it's usually done via the app before or just after boarding
- Sea days are perfect for relaxing, exploring the ship, and trying activities you'd normally skip
4Money & Budgeting
- Your cruise fare covers accommodations, most meals, and entertainment — extras add up quickly
- Budget for shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, spa, and gratuities
- Bring small bills in local currency for tipping at ports — not everywhere accepts cards
- Notify your bank before you travel to avoid having your card flagged for foreign transactions
Cruise Packing List
Packing smart makes all the difference. Here's what every cruiser should bring — and a few things people always wish they had packed.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates)
- Printed cruise confirmation and boarding pass
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit cards and some cash in local currency
- Copies of all documents stored separately (or in the cloud)
Clothing & Accessories
- Formal or smart-casual outfit for dress-up nights
- Swimsuits (at least 2 — one to wear, one to dry)
- Cover-ups and flip flops for the pool deck
- Comfortable walking shoes for port days
- Light layers — ships can be cold indoors, especially at night
- Rain jacket or small travel umbrella
Health & Comfort
- Prescription medications (bring more than you need)
- Motion sickness remedies (Sea-Bands, Dramamine, or patches)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — reef-safe required at many ports
- After-sun lotion and lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Basic first aid kit: bandages, pain relievers, antacids
Tech & Gadgets
- Power strip (no surge protector — most ships prohibit them)
- Portable charger / power bank
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Magnetic hooks for extra cabin storage
- Over-the-door shoe organizer — great for small cabins
- Reusable water bottle (refillable at water stations onboard)
Need to stock up? Browse our curated list of cruise must-haves — everything from magnetic hooks to waterproof pouches.
Shop on AmazonShore Excursion Tips
Shore excursions are often the highlight of any cruise — but choosing the right ones takes a little planning. Here's how to make the most of every port day.
Book Early
Popular excursions — especially small-group tours, snorkeling trips, and beach breaks — sell out weeks before sailing. Book as soon as your cruise is confirmed.
Cruise Line vs. Independent Tours
Cruise line excursions guarantee the ship waits if you're delayed returning. Independent tours are often less expensive and more personalized — but you're responsible for getting back on time.
Match the Excursion to Your Group
Consider fitness level, age, and interests. Active adventurers may love zip-lining or kayaking; families with kids often prefer beach breaks or cultural tours; couples might enjoy a private catamaran sail.
Research Your Ports
Some ports are best explored on your own — walkable town centers, local markets, and beaches within easy reach. Others are better with a guide, especially in areas where language or navigation is a challenge.
Watch the Clock
Know your all-aboard time and build in a buffer. Traffic, delays, and unexpected stops happen. Being late means the ship leaves without you — and getting to the next port on your own is expensive.
Budget Wisely
Shore excursions are one of the biggest variable costs on a cruise. Set a per-port budget before you sail so you're not surprised by the final bill.
Let Marsha Book Your Excursions
Marsha can help you choose and book shore excursions that match your interests, fitness level, and budget — so every port day is exactly what you hoped for. Reach out before you sail and she'll take care of the details.
Passport & Travel Documents
A valid passport is required for all international cruises. Make sure yours is up to date before you book — processing times can take several weeks.
What to Know Before You Apply
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Apply early — standard processing takes 6–8 weeks; expedited is 2–3 weeks
- Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians
- Lost or stolen passport? Report it immediately and apply for a replacement
Check Passport Requirements
Official U.S. Department of State passport requirements
Apply for a New Passport
Step-by-step guide to applying for your first U.S. passport
Renew Your Passport
Renew by mail or in person — find out which option is right for you
Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
Locate your nearest passport office or acceptance facility
Travel Insurance Guide
Travel insurance is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of cruise planning. Marsha strongly recommends every traveler have coverage before they sail.
Cruise Line Insurance
Most cruise lines offer their own travel protection plans at the time of booking. These plans typically cover trip cancellation, interruption, and some medical expenses. However, coverage limits are often lower than third-party options and may not include 'cancel for any reason' flexibility.
Advantages
- Convenient — added directly to your booking
- May include cruise-specific benefits like missed port coverage
- Can sometimes be added after final payment
Limitations
- Generally lower coverage limits
- Reimbursement often issued as future cruise credit, not cash
- Pre-existing condition waivers may be limited
Third-Party Travel Insurance
2 Away Travel partners with trusted third-party insurance providers to offer comprehensive coverage options tailored to your trip. Third-party plans typically offer higher limits, cash reimbursements, and broader medical coverage — including emergency evacuation.
Advantages
- Higher coverage limits for medical and evacuation
- Cash reimbursements instead of cruise credits
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) options available
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions with early purchase
Pro tip from Marsha: Purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify for the widest coverage options, including pre-existing condition waivers.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Entry requirements vary by destination and can change with little notice. Always check the latest requirements for every port on your itinerary before you travel.
Important Reminders
- Requirements can change — check within 72 hours of departure
- Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry
- Cruise lines may have their own health protocols in addition to port requirements
- Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended
CDC Traveler Health Information
U.S. Centers for Disease Control destination-specific health notices and vaccination recommendations
U.S. State Department Travel Advisories
Current safety and entry advisories for every country
IATA Travel Centre
Up-to-date passport, visa, and health documentation requirements by destination
MSC Cruises Health & Safety
Current health protocols and requirements for MSC Cruises sailings
Have Questions? Ask Marsha.
Navigating travel documents and requirements can feel overwhelming. Marsha is here to help you sort through the details so you can focus on the fun.
Contact Marsha