Arrive Early: Why You Should Book a Pre-Cruise Stay
Whether you are flying or driving to your cruise, I always recommend adding at least one night before your sailing. You don’t want a traffic, a flat tire, or a delayed or cancelled flight to make you miss the ship.
There are several reasons why a pre-cruise night is worth it:
Flight delays are common - Airline travel can be unpredictable. Security lines, weather, and other delays can easily make you miss your departure. If that happens, you’ll either need to arrange your own transportation to meet the ship at the next port or risk losing the cost of your cruise.
Luggage issues can happen - If your bags are delayed and your flight arrives the same day as your cruise, you may have to do without your luggage for the start of your vacation. Adding a pre-cruise night gives you a buffer so you can enjoy your first day without stress.
Start your vacation relaxed - Arriving the day before gives you a chance to rest, enjoy a good breakfast, and get ready for your cruise. You’ll be refreshed and fully prepared to enjoy your vacation from the moment you board.
Pack your day bag efficiently - With a pre-cruise night, you can organize your day bag without worrying about airline carry-on restrictions. Pack the essentials you’ll need while waiting for your luggage to arrive in your stateroom. Think medications, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, phone and camera chargers, and any beverages you plan to bring onboard.
Even if you’re not flying, arrive early
Traveling by car, train, or bus comes with its own unpredictability. Flat tires, traffic, or delays can happen. Arriving a day early helps make your departure day smooth and stress-free.
Reduce stress and extend your vacation
Booking a pre-cruise stay gives you a chance to disconnect from daily life and settle into vacation mode. You’ll board the ship ready to maximize your time onboard. Depending on your itinerary, you might also consider a post-cruise stay, but for closed-loop cruises, starting your trip with a few extra days allows you to enjoy city tours, theme parks, or local attractions without cutting into your cruise relaxation.
Consider a Disney Resort Stay
If you stay at a Disney Resort the night before or after your cruise, you can take advantage of Disney bus transportation to and from the port. It’s a convenient and magical way to start or end your cruise, letting you focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about logistics.
If you’d like help booking a pre-cruise stay, I can make it simple and stress-free.
