20 Essential Tasks To Do Before Embarking on Your Cruise

Embarking on a cruise vacation can be a thrilling experience, but the preparation stage, however, can sometimes seem a bit daunting. The secret to a seamless vacation lies in the details and getting those sorted ahead of time. To help you navigate this process with ease, we've curated a list of 20 essential tasks that you should consider before setting sail on your dream cruise.

1. Refill Prescriptions: Make sure you have enough medication for the entire duration of your cruise. Refill prescriptions well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Consider the duration of your trip and any potential delays. Keep medications in their original packaging to avoid issues at customs.

2. Arrange for Pet Care: If you have pets, arrange for their care. This could be a pet sitter, a friend, or a professional boarding facility. Ensure they have detailed instructions for feeding, exercise, and what to do in case of medical emergencies.

3. Fuel Up Your Car: Whether you're driving to the port or leaving your vehicle at home, ensure it has enough gas. This is especially important if you'll be returning home late at night or during peak travel times when fuel stations may be crowded or closed.

4. Get Foreign Currency and Small Bills: Depending on your cruise's itinerary, it may be helpful to have local currency for the various ports of call. Many places accept credit cards, but local markets, smaller establishments, or gratuities may require cash. Also, obtaining small denomination bills is a smart move as they come in handy for tipping luggage porters, bartenders, or shore excursion guides.

5. Take Out the Trash: Remove all trash from your home to prevent any unpleasant smells or pest issues on your return. Remember to check smaller bins in bathrooms or bedrooms as well.

6. Clean the Refrigerator: Check for any perishable foods that might spoil while you're away and dispose of them. This will prevent unpleasant odors and potential mold growth in your fridge.

7. Secure Your Home: Lock all windows and doors, and activate your alarm system if you have one. It's also beneficial to check that all windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent damage from any adverse weather while you're away.

8. Give House Key and Itinerary to a Trusted Person: Hand over a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member. Along with this, provide them with a copy of your travel itinerary and essential travel information. This way, they can check in on your home periodically, know your whereabouts, and are easily reachable in case of emergencies. It's also helpful if they need to contact you or provide information to any authorities if something unexpected were to happen at your home during your absence.

9. Hold Mail and Newspaper Delivery: If you'll be gone for several days, ask the post office to hold your mail and pause newspaper delivery. This not only prevents a buildup of mail but also doesn't signal to potential burglars that you're away.

10. Adjust Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to an energy-saving setting while you're away. In the winter, set it low but not off to prevent pipes from freezing. In the summer, consider setting it higher than usual but not entirely off to prevent heat damage to plants or electronics.

11. Unplug Electronics: To save energy and reduce fire risk, unplug non-essential devices. This includes small appliances like toasters or coffee makers as well as larger items like TVs or computers.

12. Pay Upcoming Bills: Ensure any bills due during your trip are paid or scheduled for payment to avoid late fees. It's also a good idea to inform your bank that you'll be traveling, especially if you plan to use your credit card abroad, to prevent them from flagging your account for suspicious activity.

13. Arrange Plant Care/Landscaping: Make sure your plants will be watered and your yard maintained while you're gone. This can be done through professional services or a friendly neighbor. Provide clear instructions on watering schedules and any plant-specific care tips.

14. Print Out Itineraries and Reservations: Although you may have digital copies, it's always a good idea to have printed versions of your cruise itinerary, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and any other important documents. In case of lost luggage or lack of internet access, these paper copies will be invaluable.

15. Check Your Travel Insurance: Review your travel insurance policy details, ensuring it covers emergencies such as trip cancellations, medical expenses, and other unexpected costs. Remember to bring a copy of the policy and the insurance company's contact details in case you need to make a claim.

16. Charge Your Electronics and Clear Phone Space: Make sure your phone, camera, tablet, e-reader, and any other electronic devices are fully charged. Also, pack the necessary chargers and adapters. In addition to charging, ensure you have cleared enough storage space on your phone or camera for all the new photos and videos you'll capture during your cruise. You wouldn't want to miss capturing a memorable moment due to lack of space. Delete unnecessary files, backup photos and videos to the cloud, or transfer them to an external storage device before you leave.

17. Empty Dishwasher and Washing Machine: You wouldn't want to return home to stale-smelling dishes or a moldy washer, so make sure they're empty. If you can, run a cleaning cycle on both appliances before leaving to keep them fresh.

18. Set Light Timers: Set timers to turn lights on and off at certain times, making it appear as if someone is home. This is a simple yet effective way to deter potential burglars.

We recommend getting a few of the Philips Hue bulbs for your porch light and one or two for inside your house. Through the free Philips Hue app, you can set up automation for lights to come on at certain times of the day.

19. Check Smoke Detector Batteries: Ensure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Replace batteries if necessary. This is critical for the safety of your home while you're away.

20. Prepare Your Travel Entertainment: Download music, movies, ebooks, or audiobooks for your journey. Don't forget to pack headphones and charging equipment. If you're traveling with children, remember to download their favorite games, movies, or books to keep them entertained during the journey.

By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to the relaxing atmosphere of your cruise vacation. Remember, good preparation takes out the stress and puts in the fun. Now, with these tasks out of the way, all that's left is for you to embark on your journey and soak in the unforgettable experiences that await. Happy cruising!