Three months prior to the sailing date, it is important to check with your travel agent what sort of identification (proof of citizenship or passport) is required for the cruise. Do everything that is necessary like renewing your passport if it is about to expire or replace lost documents (e.g. birth certificate, etc.). Avoid doing it at the last minute which is not only stressful but costly as well. If there are any visas required for certain countries that are part of the cruise's itinerary these should be applied for as well.

Two months prior to the sailing date, make the necessary final payments although your travel agent will be reminding you of the remaining balance if it is due for payment already. Begin planning for the wardrobe you will be bringing. Fit your clothes and check if there are any alterations that need to be done or stains that need to be removed. If you plan to do some shopping for items that you will be bringing with you, it is time to do that shopping now to provide you with ample time to find exactly what you want or to return stuff that you may want exchanged. It is time also to look for a house sitter and a kennel if you have pets at home.

If your kids will not be tagging along with you on the cruise, make the necessary arrangements for childcare and check on their schedules to ensure that they have everything they need while you are gone. If you like, you can tape yourself reading your very young kids a bedtime story so that they will not miss you that much.

A month prior to sailing, check with your travel agent for your airline schedule and make the necessary personal appointments for haircut, etc. If your kids are coming with you, check on what clothes they will have to bring and if they have everything they need. Check on the luggage that you will be bringing if there are destroyed locks or if it needs any repair.

About two weeks prior to the cruise date, get the necessary cruise documents and check if everything is in order (names are spelled accurately, correct sailing date, etc.). If you have questions or there is something that you don't understand, ask your travel agent. Read the cruise's documents.

One week before the sailing date, finalize everything that you will be bringing. Don't forget to bring your camera, batteries and film. Photocopy your passport and ID and leave a copy with a relative or a friend. Leave as well a copy of your itinerary and contact info should it be necessary to contact you. Withdraw the money that you will be bringing with you or arrange for the traveler's checks.

Days before the big sailing day, confirm your flight schedules and check if you have everything in order. Happy sailing!