Hi there, @A_perfect_Storm, welcome to the message boards!
I'm not aware of any specific planning timelines like you mention, but here are some general guidelines I think work for any cruise. I'm sure I've missed some things, others here will fill in the gaps
Starting right now
Think about making monthly payments towards your cruise balance; this is a great way to spread out the cost over as much time as possible
Put a reminder in your calendar for 3 days ahead of your final payment date, and make sure the cruise is paid off then -- if you miss final payment, you lose your cruise! No backsies, no mulligans, no second chances!
About 12 months before sailing -- start checking your Cruise Planner for any items you may be interested in purchasing, like shore excursions, internet packages, beverage packages (alcoholic or non), specialty dining, etc.
@Matt, who runs the site, is very good about posting in the main blog when new sales start in the Cruise Planner; you can re-check for things each time a new sale / promotion is announced
Try to space out your purchases, to spread out the payments and avoid having a painful credit card bill in any one month
Know that you can always cancel something you bought, and then re-purchase it, if you find later on that the price has dropped
8-9 months before sailing -- check your passports and make sure they will still be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends; if not, get them renewed now so they're in effect for about 6 months prior to sailing
Also apply for passports for any family members who don't yet have them; while you can sail with just a drivers license and birth certificate, having a passport is generally better
90 days before sail date
You had that reminder fire off and you took care of final payment, right? If not, do it on this day or lose your cruise!
Do your online checkin and complete all forms, print your set sail pass
45 days before sail date -- start checking for your eDocuments on the web site (available under the View More Details link for your sailing after you log in)
When you have your documents, you can also print your luggage tags
1 week before sail date
Get all documents and papers together; passports, set sail passes, luggage tags, etc.
If you haven't yet, put a travel alert on all credit cards you expect to use abroad
2+ days before sail date -- get cash for tips and other small expenses, souvenirs if you don't want to use your credit card, etc.
1+ day before sail date -- fly down to the port; never do this the day you sail away!!
Hope this helps! The next year and two months is going to be a blast as you prepare and plan and eagerly await your vacation!
