The Countdown Timeline

3 Months Before

• Confirm your travel documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date. If not, begin the renewal process immediately.
• Research and book excursions: Popular activities in ports like Cozumel fill up quickly. Read our complete Cozumel guide for ideas and book in advance.
• Start a packing list: Begin a running list on your phone or computer. Add items as you think of them to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Consider travel insurance: Evaluate your insurance needs and purchase a policy that covers potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
• Brainstorm themed cruise shirts: If you're traveling with family or a group, start thinking about matching or coordinated outfits.

1 Month Before

• Finalize dining reservations: If you have specific dining preferences, make reservations for specialty restaurants onboard.
• Confirm flights and transportation: Double-check your flight details and arrange transportation to and from the cruise terminal.
• Purchase any necessary travel gear: Order items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel-sized toiletries online to save time.
• Plan your embarkation day outfit: Choose comfortable clothing and shoes for boarding the ship. This is a great opportunity for group photos in custom cruise shirts.
• Download the Royal Caribbean app: This app will be your go-to resource for onboard activities, dining reservations, and daily schedules.

1 Week Before

• Begin packing: Start packing non-essential items to avoid feeling overwhelmed closer to your departure date.
• Check the weather forecast: Get an updated weather forecast for your ports of call to pack accordingly.
• Print important documents: Print copies of your cruise tickets, passport, and any other essential travel documents.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies: Inform them of your travel dates to avoid any issues with your cards while you're away.
• Confirm pet care or house sitting arrangements: Ensure your pets or home are taken care of while you're on vacation.

Day Before

• Finish packing: Complete your packing, ensuring you have everything on your list.
• Prepare your carry-on bag: Pack essential items like medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and electronics in your carry-on.
• Print luggage tags: Attach the cruise line's provided luggage tags to your checked bags.
• Charge all electronic devices: Ensure your phones, tablets, and cameras are fully charged.
• Confirm transportation to the port: Reconfirm your transportation arrangements to the cruise terminal.

Embarkation Day

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast: Start your vacation off right with a relaxing meal.
• Double-check your documents: Ensure you have your passport, cruise tickets, and any other required documents readily available.
• Arrive at the port at your designated time: Follow the cruise line's instructions for arrival times to avoid long lines.
• Keep your carry-on bag with you: You won't have access to your checked luggage until later in the day.
• Relax and enjoy the start of your cruise!

The Packing Checklist

• Documents:
  • Passport: Valid for at least six months after your return.
  • Cruise Tickets/Boarding Pass: Printed or digital copy.
  • Driver's License/ID: For identification purposes.
  • Travel Insurance Information: Policy number and contact information.
  • Excursion Tickets: Printed confirmation for pre-booked tours.
• Clothing:
  • Cruise Shirts: Pack a variety of short-sleeved shirts, including moisture-wicking options for hot days. A moisture-wicking cruise tee handles the humidity better than cotton.
  • T-Shirts: For casual days and excursions.
  • Shorts: Comfortable shorts for warm weather.
  • Pants/Jeans: For cooler evenings or indoor activities.
  • Swimsuits: At least two, so one can dry while you wear the other.
  • Swimsuit Cover-Up: For walking around the ship.
  • Formal Wear: For elegant nights (check the ship's dress code).
  • Underwear: Sufficient quantity for the duration of your trip.
  • Socks: For cooler evenings or closed-toe shoes.
  • Pajamas: Comfortable sleepwear.
  • Shoes: Sandals, sneakers, dress shoes.
  • Hat: For sun protection.
  • Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days.
• Electronics:
  • Smartphone: For communication and photography.
  • Chargers: For all your electronic devices.
  • Portable Power Bank: To keep your devices charged on excursions.
  • Camera: For capturing memories.
  • Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your phone near water.
  • E-reader/Tablet: For entertainment.
• Toiletries:
  • Sunscreen: High SPF to protect your skin.
  • Insect Repellent: Especially important for ports with mosquitoes.
  • Shampoo/Conditioner: Travel-sized bottles.
  • Body Wash/Soap: Travel-sized bottles.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Essential for oral hygiene.
  • Deodorant: Stay fresh in the heat.
  • Hairbrush/Comb: For grooming.
  • Makeup: If desired.
  • Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  • Motion Sickness Remedies: If you are prone to seasickness.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To maintain hygiene.
• Extras:
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
  • Snacks: For between meals or excursions.
  • Small Backpack: For carrying essentials on excursions.
  • Ziploc Bags: For wet clothes or snacks.
  • Laundry Detergent Sheets: For washing clothes in the sink.
  • Travel Pillow: For comfortable naps.
  • Books/Magazines: For relaxation.
  • Small First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
  • Clothes Pins: For hanging wet clothes to dry.
  • Lanyard: To hold your cruise card.

Don't Forget These

• Medications: Always pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Forgetting essential medications can lead to serious health complications and difficulties accessing replacements while at sea or in foreign ports.
• Sunscreen: The Caribbean sun is intense, and sunburn can ruin your vacation. Without sunscreen, you risk painful burns, premature aging, and increased risk of skin cancer.
• Swimsuit Cover-Up: While swimsuits are fine by the pool, you'll need a cover-up to go inside restaurants or shops. Forgetting this means you'll have to return to your cabin to change, wasting valuable time.
• Motion Sickness Remedies: Even if you've never experienced seasickness, it's better to be prepared. Forgetting remedies can lead to discomfort and prevent you from fully enjoying your cruise. Options include wristbands, over-the-counter medications, and ginger candies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of clothes should I pack for formal night on Star of the Seas?

Formal night attire typically includes cocktail dresses, elegant pantsuits, or dress shirts and slacks for women, and suits, tuxedos, or dress shirts and ties for men. Check Royal Caribbean's website for specific dress code guidelines, as they can vary. Some people like to pack a few options, in case they change their mind once onboard!

Are there laundry facilities on Star of the Seas?

Yes, Star of the Seas offers laundry services for a fee. Some higher-level suites may include complimentary laundry or pressing services. While there are no self-service laundry rooms, packing laundry detergent sheets allows you to wash small items in your cabin sink.

What's the best way to pack shoes for a cruise?

Pack shoes at the bottom of your suitcase, wrapped in plastic bags to protect your clothing. Wear your heaviest shoes on travel days to save space and weight in your luggage. Consider packing versatile shoes that can be worn for multiple occasions.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean has specific policies regarding bringing alcohol onboard. Generally, guests are not allowed to bring their own beer, wine, or spirits. However, each adult guest may be permitted to bring one bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation day. Check the cruise line's website for the most up-to-date information, as policies can change.

What's the best type of bag to use as a carry-on for a cruise?

A backpack or a rolling suitcase is ideal for a cruise carry-on. Choose a bag that is comfortable to carry and meets the cruise line's size restrictions. Ensure it has enough space for essential items like medications, travel documents, and a change of clothes.