Before you book
Decisions that shape every number downstream. Get these right and the rest of the checklist takes care of itself.
The Cruise Essentials Checklist
Eight sections, one printable PDF. Every prep step from the moment you think about booking through your first day onboard, in the order you'll actually need them.
Get the printable version emailed to you
One email, one PDF. No drip sequence, no spam, one-click unsubscribe. You'll also get notified when the next substantial asset drops, only when there's something actually new.
- Free, always. No paywall, no sponsorship-gated content.
- Printable, formatted for letter and A4, one section per page.
- Updated every season, cruise rules change; the PDF version you get is the current one.
Build your checklist
Check things off, add your own items, remove what doesn't apply. Your progress is saved on this device. Email or print when you're ready.
How does Apple Notes paste actually work?
Apple Notes does not auto-convert pasted text into its native checklist format, that format is proprietary and only the in-app "Checklist" button creates it. What works well:
- "Copy for Apple Notes" above uses real checkbox characters (☐ / ☑) that paste and look close to native boxes.
- To convert to tappable native checkboxes after pasting: tap into the pasted text, Select All, then tap the checklist icon in Notes' formatting bar. Notes will turn each line into a live checklist item.
- "Download .md" gives you a Markdown file you can share, archive, or open in any Markdown app.
30 days before
The real work happens here. What you lock in now saves hours of scrambling later.
7 days before
Packing and prep week. Trim the list, cabins are smaller than you remember.
Embarkation day
The 90-minute sequence that sets up the rest of the cruise.
Cabin essentials
What to bring so the cabin actually works for you, not against you.
Dining prep
The cruise is a food vacation. Plan it like one.
Travel docs, apps, IDs, boarding items
The paperwork layer. If any one of these is wrong at the pier you don't board.
First day onboard
Small moves Day 1 that save hours the rest of the week.
Email my customized checklist
This sends the list with your checks and custom items, different from the standard PDF above. Both are fine; this one is yours.
One email, plain text. No drip, no spam.
COMING LATER
Specialized checklists follow later
We'll ship specialized follow-ups after the Essentials Checklist, packing by cruise region, Alaska-specific gear, kids-cruising prep. They'll be free when they arrive and announced to anyone on the email list. One main freebie first; the rest land in sequence.