When you think about preparing for your cruise vacation the most important things are not necessarily the perfect swimsuit and sandals. But there are a few key things you can take care of before your cruise vacation that can really boost your enjoyment. First ensure you have a valid passport. Next book your spa and shore excursions online. Finally assess your available credit and get plenty of cash to make sure you aren't caught short at sea. These may seem like small steps but they can add up to a cruise vacation disaster if you don't take care of them.



Because of recent changes in the law you should get a passport ASAP-especially if your cruise vacation takes you outside US borders. A valid passport is required to reenter the country from Canada Mexico and the Caribbean. Those who have traveled a lot should make sure that it won't expire soon and that there are blank pages in it. A perfect cruise vacation can be ruined if you find your passport expired during your trip. Those who don't yet have a passport should pay the extra money for faster processing in order to get it as soon as possible before your trip. It's a great idea to make a few copies of it before leaving. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are gone these copies will come in handy. It's a great idea to put one in your suitcase and give one to your emergency contact back in the states.

Your company will send your documents for your cruise vacation a month or so before embarkation. They contain important information about ship activities and amenities as well as shore excursions. You can probably make your reservations online. While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to make these arrangements you'll likely find a long line and inconvenient times available. Booking ahead allows you to begin enjoying yourself the minute you step on board knowing that you've got it all taken care of.

One of the most important things you can take care of before your special cruise vacation is to assess the amount of credit you have access to. Whether you must pay down your balance move money around or simply open another card you need to know as soon as possible. Expect that your cruise line will place a hold on your credit card for incidentals upon check in. Liners could set holds ranging $50-200 per day on your card. It is a great idea to call ahead and find out your cruise line's policy. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a hotel or rent a car since there will be multiple holds on your credit card. Even though your charges are adjusted to reflect the money you actually spent it can take several days for it all to catch up. This could mean that your card is declined in the interim an embarrassment you want to avoid during your trip.

A few days before leaving you'll want to get some cash. While you'll use your credit card a lot there are times when cash is important. Traveler's checks are not taken as often as they used to because of the high rate of fraud. Most ships have ATMs but you can count on a high fee and they have been known to run empty. When you're on shore Bring smaller bills for cash tips to your cruise line staff. To avoid a lot of inconvenience on your dream vacation pack some cash.

Getting organized for your cruise vacation isn't that difficult. Just a little bit of preparation can ensure that you arrive at your ship prepared to delight in every minute of your cruise vacation. Get a valid passport make your reservations in advance secure plenty of credit and cash. These are small steps that will help make sure you are able to relax and truly enjoy your cruise vacation. Of course pack your swimsuit and sandals and enjoy your trip!