Checking in online for your cruise has become just part of the booking process. Every cruise line will require you to complete your check in either on the website or the app. So what will you need?
Passport Information
If you are using a passport, you will need to enter the document number, place of issue, issue date and expiration date. If using a birth certificate and DL, you will just check that off. Emergency Contact Information The cruise line will want you to provide a name and phone number of someone they can contact in the case of an emergency. Just be sure to make that person aware you have used their name and phone number Credit Card for Onboard Expenses You will set up your onboard expenses by adding a credit card to your account. Each person can have their own account or one card for all in the stateroom. If you want, you can use cash but you will need to visit Guest Services once you board to do so. I recommend you set up with a card and change it out to cash sometime during the cruise. Guest Services can be quite busy on the first day. Arrival information This could just be asking how you will arrive but may ask for flight times if you are flying in the same day. Choose an Arrival Time Over the past few years, the cruise lines have found a way to manage the number of passengers arriving at the port. You will get to choose your check in time, usually in 30 minute blocks. The earlier you complete your check in the better time you get. Of course, cruise line status can provide earlier times. Be mindful of this time because you will not be allowed into the terminal prior to that time. 
Photo of You
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean will have you upload a photo to allow for quicker check in at the port. For this, I would recommend you complete your check in on the app so its easier to take a photo. Sign the Passenger Contract Whether you realize it or not, you do acknowledge a passenger contract at the end of the check in process. Most people brush by it but take a look, you might learn something. Print Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags Once your check in is complete, you can print your luggage tags and either print or download to your phone your boarding pass. Keep in mind, if anything changes like your cabin number or passenger information, you will need to re print these. Michael Miller
|