Check what travel documents you will need on the trip like a valid Passport.  If you're a U.S. citizen, make sure your passport is valid for the length of your cruise.  Bring another form of identification such as your state-issued driver's license or identification card.   TIP:  Many countries require your passport to be valid six (6) months beyond the dates of your vacation. 

 Check your passport date NOW.  Don't do it later....you may forget.

If you have your reservation number, you can check-in online early as possible but at least 72 hours prior to boarding and enter required info:  Passport number, identification card plus your credit card for your Set Sail Pass (that Sea Pass card is used as your cabin key and charge card onboard.   You must present them to the ship's reservation agent to check-in so don't forget them.   Bring credit cards and I.D. to use at Ports of Call on land.   Some cards are not accepted everywhere so take a couple of different brands like Master Card, Visa, etc.

Copy your passport,  I.D. card, and charge cards to take with you in a separate handbag or purse.  Retain those copies with you in the event they're lost or misplaced.   TIP:  Take a picture of them with your iPhone.

We recommend you leave your birth certificate at home;  instead, use a passport or passport card to be safe.   Passport applications are available online and many Post Offices accept applications, fees and photos.

Ladies:  For poolside, take bikinis and a coverup to reach the pool from your cabin. Don't forget a beach bag to hold your stuff if you decide to tan all over around the pool.  For day time fun, bring casual wear or tropical fashions, depending upon the itinerary.  Of course hats, ball caps, shorts, tops, sundresses, sandals, jeans, athletic and dress shoes will prepare you for most action and daytime activities.   For theme nights, bring your costumes. If you choose to be casual and minimize packing, don't worry about the extra theme stuff but include dresses or slacks/blouses for evening dining and parties.  Dress for the themes...or not.  It's your cruise and your vacation to do as you please.

Gents:  Pack casual and semi-formal attire.  Bring shorts, jeans, ball caps or hats, sandals, athletic shoes or trainers, street shoes, dress slacks and collared shirts.   Muscle shirts, polo and theme T-shirts are always fun.   If the cruise includes a formal night, don't worry.   A Tux or suit is NOT required but it is fun to dress to impress if you so choose.    For dining in the evening, guys, leave your jeans in the room and enjoy dressing up a bit if you care to. 

For Ports of Call and optional excursions, take walking or athletic shoes plus aqua shoes or flip flops for beach or pool wear. 

Take toiletries including sunscreen, deodorant, body wash, lotions, shampoo, lady's items for good hygiene, etc.  Note:  Your cruise cabin and bath typically include soap, body wash and shampoo plus a hairdryer and makeup mirror. Don't forget your dependable insurance:  Ziplock bags in case your liquids might leak or spill along the way.   

Personal items:  Camera, iPhone, charging cords for your phone, camera, toys, other electronic devices such as your computer or tablet.  Internet service and WiFi are available for an extra fee.  You can pre-purchase the service online prior to travel.  TIP:  Power outlets are limited.  Most cabins include both 110v and 220v electrical service.  To use the 220v, bring your adapter/converter to supplement your power needs.  AND, bring USB cords to re-charge equipment that's compatible with USB charging.

Beach or Pool Towels:   Don't pack them unless you have to have one.   The ship provides pool and beach towels so don't pack anything extra unless you want to.

TIP:  Pack a carry-on or bag with wheels for your first day's clothing once you board the ship.   The bag is also handy to carry your passport, I.D. and other documents with you as you travel and board this ship.  Your bags will be delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon -OR- into the evening.   Pack you swimsuits or casual clothes to change into once you're in your cabin.   Most cruises lines allow cabin access after 1 PM, but may vary.   Your carry on is also handy on the last night and when departing the ship.   Your large luggage will picked up outside your cabin by about 10 PM the night before you dock the next day.

If your reservation record includes a Set Sail Pass,  you also may be able to print your luggage tag too.   We've found the luggage tags at the dock are sturdier than printed paper tags.  The baggage handler at the dock will I.D. your bags with stronger tags so have your cabin number handy.   Tip the guy, too.  It's nice to get rid of your luggage.   The ship's crew will deliver your bags in the afternoon or later, sometimes into the evening.   If you luggage has wheels, you can take it with you.  TIP:   That's OK but the bag must pass Xray inspection and size must be suitable to pass through the equipment.   Your carry on luggage is fine to take with you to board so pack for your basic needs and casual clothes if you have a later luggage delivery.

Bliss Cruise welcomes special needs guests.    If you need special care on board,  make sure you advise your Travel Agent/Cruise Counselor with your requirements and reconfirm your plans are acceptable with the cruise line's capacity to care for you.  If you require special needs assistance, please notify your reservation agent to advise the cruise line.   Double-check your special needs are confirmed by the cruise line in plenty of time to update or modify your arrangements on board.

If you leave the ship, take your iPhone AND your daily cruise newsletter while you're onshore or on your independent excursion.  If you do your own thing and plan to explore On Your Own, notify a Bliss office staff member of your independent plans ashore and approximate return time.   Take with you:  Bliss Cruise contact information and phone numbers/Email address if you’re late getting back to the ship or get lost.    ALERT:  If you arrange your own tour and miss the boat, you are responsible for catching up to the ship or returning home on your own.  Take currency, charge cards and I.D. if you get lost.   WARNING:  If you tour on your own and miss the boat,  the ship will depart without you.   If you're on a ship-sponsored tour or shore excursion, the ship will normally delay departure until the tour returns.

When you depart the ship, remember the re-boarding time to return to the dock.  The ship could depart the port during the night.  On a ship-sponsored excursion remain with the group to avoid missing the boat.

Keep your passport in your cabin safe and avoid taking the document itself on shore.  It's best to take a copy with you AND take a picture of your Passport with your iPhone or laptop.  Take charge cards accepted in the country or port of call. your room key/I.D. and Driver’s license with your photo.  Always take adequate resources with you in case you miss the boat and have to return home or travel to the next port of call to catch up with the ship.

Yes, this happens sometimes.   Passengers forget boarding time, just miss the boat due to delays or don't synchronize your watch with ship's time.   When flying to your departure port, plan to arrive the preceding night or day before the ship leaves your first port of call.  Double-check your airline's travel alerts.  If you encounter delays reaching the dock and may not arrive to board on time, contact your cruise agent, travel provider and update them. Record their contact info. before you leave home so you know how to reach them in an emergency plus take a copy of your cruise documents and passport/cruise I.D. and driver's license.  If you failed to arrive for boarding the ship, arrange an airline flight to the next port of call if possible and board the charter with your documents.  Bear in mind, such expenses are your responsibility to reach the ship or arrange a flight to return home.

Watch your watch and iPhone.  Match your watch with SHIP'S TIME.

Often ship time and port of call time may be different when traveling between time zones.  Double-check the depart time at the port is ship time.  Avoid using the local time at the port of call.   Tale the daily ship's newsletter with telephone contact info. as well as the port agent the cruise line uses locally in case you need further assistance.