Cruise Packing Tips

How often have you forgotten something that you realized you needed only after being on a cruise? Here's a broad checklist to help ensure that does not happen again.

Note that while cruises pose special issues that prompts this summary, other vacation traveling can also be a challenge, and you can extrapolate from here what might be needed for non-cruises.

1.   Carry-on bag: carefully consider what you need when without access to your checked baggage.

    Extra clothes for the plane and the first hours onboard a ship

    Meds and toiletries for the same - incl. toothbrush and paste, tissues, eye drops, nasal spray

    Valuables including cameras, electronics and jewelry
Chewing gum for takeoffs and landings
Booties for when you take off your shoes on the plane

    Passport and other paperwork you might need while traveling and during embarkation

    Keep a copy of your passport, credit cards, proof of insurance, etc. in a different place than the original.   

2.   Checked baggage: don't over-pack!

Lay out all the clothes you want to take; then eliminate half. You simply don't need to impress anyone with different outfits for each day.

Color match tops, pants and shoes, and limit yourself to 1 color theme.

Use packing 'cubes' that can compress clothes to save space.

Wrap wrinkle-prone clothes in plastic bags and/or fold in tissue paper.

Cover shoes with shower caps to keep all else clean. And stuff them with other items to save space.

Separate and secure jewelry items if not left in carry-on.

Split each person's clothes in different bags in case 1 bag is lost.

Leave room for items purchased on the trip.

3. Toiletries: if you are unsure of the quality of soap, shampoo, lotions, etc. onboard, then you may want to take your own. Keep all such items in a separate kit that you can leave unpacked between trips. Use travel-sized bottles to keep this manageable. And to protect against spills, put plastic under bottle caps or place in bags.

4. Wine: you can generally take a small amount of wine on cruise ships; check each line's policy. And you might want to bring some home. Put bottles in protective sleeves in checked bags.

5. Duct Tape: for what you ask?

    Wrap some around an old credit card or small block. Use to (among other things):

    Wrap around hand to remove Lint from clothes.

    Seal curtains together to hide light at night.

    Fix damaged luggage, or mark it with an "X" for easy identification.

    Repair broken straps on sandals.

    Mend torn hems on clothes (with piece under the fold).

    Attach a towel to your deck chair to secure it at the top.

6. Take other items you are likely to need but are expensive on the road; e.g. meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, plastic bags (for water protection), ear plugs, etc.

    However, leave everything else behind that you can do without.

    Note that since you generally pay for checked bags, try to limit yourself to 1 each.

7. Laundry service onboard (where available) can help reduce what you pack.

    You can also take a small amount of detergent et al to wash small items periodically.
    Take clothes pins to hang washed items on shower line.

8. Follow dress codes.

    Note that while cruise lines generally (not all) "require" relatively formal wear 2 or more nights (depending on cruise length), that can mean as little as a pant suit or dress for women; and a jacket, dress shirt and slacks for men. If you do not wish to pack those extra items, then you can choose among alternative dining locations on those nights that remain more casual.

Note that a man may be able to borrow a jacket in the dining room.

9. Dress for your destination and time of year. Focus on weather, degree of formality, port activities, etc. Plan for layered clothing to handle significant variation in weather.

E.g. you may need to change from a short to a long-sleeved shirt to a vest to a rain jacket; or shorts to long pants to waterproof pants. Of course, it is difficult to minimize clothes in such situations.

Looking for things to do on cruise sea days?

First, go through the daily paper provided by the cruise line and note the variety of activities they are offering. After prioritizing them to suit your interests, then consider:

·     Hang out by the pools if warm enough.

    Lay and read, swim, use spas, water slides, etc. 

·     Exercise the body.

    That may not be your way of enjoyment, but it can sure offset some of the weight gain you will experience on the cruise.

    Use a walking deck or fitness center with many types of equipment.

    Join dance and exercise classes. 

·      Exercise the mind.

Check out a book at the library.

Take a digital device with books, games and audio.

Take or check out card and board games to play with others.

Attend trivia and other mind game competitions.

Attend cooking and other educational presentations.

Take computer/photography classes. 

·     Adventure activities - utilize, particularly on newer ships.

    E.g. ziplining, rope course, surfing 

·     Games - participate, win prizes

·     Spa treatments - Pamper yourself

    Massages, facials, saunas, steam rooms and usually much more are available. 

·     Eat, drink and be merry.

    You may be surprised at how many options there are for eating: from main dining rooms to specialty restaurants to buffets at or near the main pool. If you want to get the best food for no additional cost, stick with the main dining room - for all meals.

    Drinks are, of course, everywhere. Look for soda, beer and wine packages to ease the cost. 

·     Entertainment

    Attend theatre shows - all types of performances.

    Go to lounges during daily entertainment. 

·     Cabin: retreat when you need peace and quiet.

    Nap, watch TV, use your computer, etc. Cruise channel discusses port excursions, activities.

    And if you have a balcony (recommended), sit out and enjoy the sights and water. 

·       Plan for the next port if you have time available after shore excursions.

     Ask the concierge for maps and information that can help you be more efficient in planning where to go and what to. Arrange to join others to hire a van/shuttle to explore.

With good planning, you may end up wishing you had more sea days, not fewer.

Also realize that port days can be treated as sea days: if you have seen a port before and

desire little at the port, take advantage of the quiet and easy access to the pool et al

onboard.

Adventure Cruising

Cruise lines are appealing more and more to multi-generational families by adding more adventurous activities on and off the ship. Some examples follow.

Since cruising is the most economical way to travel in relative luxury, consider family trips that can meet the needs of those at all ages.

Royal Caribbean International® has teamed up with Universal Orlando® Resort for an exclusive vacation package your clients won't find from any other cruise line. Guests can enjoy their next adventure on the world's most innovative ships, including Freedom of the Seas®, and Enchantment of the Seas ®. PLUS, they can experience the excitement of two amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida® and Universal's Islands of Adventure®, spectacular on-site hotels, unique dining and entertainment and more at Universal Orlando® Resort.

More to be added....

Important and Useful Travel Tips and Reminders

Here is a list of travel tips of which you should be aware when traveling, particularly in foreign countries. 

·       Ensure you have a valid passport where one is required (see “Travel Protections”, 8/13). If yours is currently valid but expires in less than 6 months after the end of your trip, ask me what the specific requirements are for where you are going.  

·      Take a copy of all travel reservation confirmations/invoices.

    You can generally depend on the travel provider to have your information in order; but a copy is good backup.  

·      Keep your passport and other important documents in your possession – outside any checked baggage. But keep a separate copy of them in another place or with another traveler. Do the same for your driver’s license and credit cards. 

·      Along with any medications you need, take a copy of prescription labels in order for foreign pharmacies to ensure filling the proper prescriptions in emergencies. 

·      Take steps to minimize sickness during your travels.

On airplanes: advance use of Ibuprofen can relieve pressure headaches; Melatonin can reduce the effects of jet lag; and exercise can relieve leg pain. Adjust to local times ASAP. 

In hotels or on cruises: do not walk barefoot in bedrooms. 

In all public places: frequently use a sanitizer for hands as well as on those things you frequently touch. 

Do not let inconveniences in foreign places stop you from drinking sufficient water.

Take an empty water bottle through security checks and fill up on the other side. 

·      ATM machines represent the easiest way to obtain cash everywhere.

    For foreign travel, notify your ATM/Credit Card banks where you will be and when you will be there; this will prevent holds being placed on your cards. 

·      Don’t be too conservative when withdrawing foreign currency: there are many places where cash may be your only option for payment. However, it is best to plan for running out of cash on the last day you will need a particular currency. 

·      Tipping: in most of the world outside the U.S., standard tipping policies are more conservative.

In Western Europe - usually no more than 10% in restaurants, less for other services.

In Japan, China (exc. Hong Kong), Australia and Brazil – no tipping.

Most importantly, make sure a tip has not already been buried into a bill. 

·      Pack as light as possible, especially when your travels involve significant handling of your bags. Be aware of the tightest baggage limits of all travel carriers.

    Also identify where you might be able to wash some clothes to help limit what you take. 

·      For cruises, complete online check-in (generally after final payment). All guests in a cabin must complete the check-in in order to print e-documents. You can also purchase shore excursions in advance to guarantee getting what you want.   

·      Prior to air departures, re-confirm flights and complete online check-in (when available) to simplify airport check-in.

Do not plan a flight too close to a cruise debarkation; you can't be sure of getting off a ship very early.

·      Ensure you have arrangements for transportation to/from airports, ports, etc. 

·      If you are traveling by train and visiting cities where you won’t be staying overnight, ask for storage lockers for your bags at the stations. 

·      Learn a few basic phrases in the languages used where you travel; e.g. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, where is a bathroom (“toilet” most common), Do you speak English.

I welcome other suggestions.

Important and Useful Travel Tips and Reminders

Here is a list of travel tips of which you should be aware when traveling, particularly in foreign countries. 

·       Ensure you have a valid passport where one is required (see “Travel Protections”, 8/13). If yours is currently valid but expires in less than 6 months after the end of your trip, ask me what the specific requirements are for where you are going.  

·      Take a copy of all travel reservation confirmations/invoices.

    You can generally depend on the travel provider to have your information in order; but a copy is good backup.  

·      Keep your passport and other important documents in your possession – outside any checked baggage. But keep a separate copy of them in another place or with another traveler. Do the same for your driver’s license and credit cards. 

·      Along with any medications you need, take a copy of prescription labels in order for foreign pharmacies to ensure filling the proper prescriptions in emergencies. 

·      Take steps to minimize sickness during your travels.

On airplanes: advance use of Ibuprofen can relieve pressure headaches; Melatonin can reduce the effects of jet lag; and exercise can relieve leg pain. Adjust to local times ASAP. 

In hotels or on cruises: do not walk barefoot in bedrooms. 

In all public places: frequently use a sanitizer for hands as well as on those things you frequently touch. 

Do not let inconveniences in foreign places stop you from drinking sufficient water.

Take an empty water bottle through security checks and fill up on the other side. 

·      ATM machines represent the easiest way to obtain cash everywhere.

    For foreign travel, notify your ATM/Credit Card banks where you will be and when you will be there; this will prevent holds being placed on your cards. 

·      Don’t be too conservative when withdrawing foreign currency: there are many places where cash may be your only option for payment. However, it is best to plan for running out of cash on the last day you will need a particular currency. 

·      Tipping: in most of the world outside the U.S., standard tipping policies are more conservative.

In Western Europe - usually no more than 10% in restaurants, less for other services.

In Japan, China (exc. Hong Kong), Australia and Brazil – no tipping.

Most importantly, make sure a tip has not already been buried into a bill. 

·      Pack as light as possible, especially when your travels involve significant handling of your bags. Be aware of the tightest baggage limits of all travel carriers.

    Also identify where you might be able to wash some clothes to help limit what you take. 

·      For cruises, complete online check-in (generally after final payment). All guests in a cabin must complete the check-in in order to print e-documents. You can also purchase shore excursions in advance to guarantee getting what you want.   

·      Prior to air departures, re-confirm flights and complete online check-in (when available) to simplify airport check-in. 

·      Ensure you have arrangements for transportation to/from airports, ports, etc. 

·      If you are traveling by train and visiting cities where you won’t be staying overnight, ask for storage lockers for your bags at the stations. 

·      Learn a few basic phrases in the languages used where you travel; e.g. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, where is a bathroom (“toilet” most common), Do you speak English.

I welcome other suggestions.

Modes of Travel: Comparison of Benefits

Traveling offers opportunities to experience the world, broaden one's education of other
cultures, and enjoy life in ways not previously thought possible.
There are multiple ways to accomplish all that: touring on one's own (TS), touring witih an
organized group/guide (TG), ocean cruising (CO) and river cruising (CR).
Below is a benefit analysis of these optional modes of travel.
Prioritize the benefits to help you evaluate which modes best meet you travel desires.
And use this to broaden your views of travel. Modes of travel: Comparison of Benefits** Modes ranked 1-4 for each benefit       Touring     Cruising Comments Benefit Self Guided Ocean River (TS,TG,CO,CR)   Ease of travel 4 3 2 1 CR < crowded, > leisure than CO Cruising: no re-packing/min. airports TS greatest effort Service 4 1 3 1 TG & CR: more personal/intimate Dining * * 2 1 Entertainment * * 1 2 CR - enrichment over enter. Activities * 2 1 3 CR improving Land Excursions NA 1 3 1 TG & CR include most excursions TS - not organized Amenities Included*** 4 2 3 1 CO has many promos that incl. these Education/Culture * 1 3 1 Incl. guides, lectures/seminars Unique Experiences * 1 3 1 Safety: Security,Health 4 3 2 1 TS on your own with the elements Overall Value Depends on one's priorities of the benefits, quality of supplier, cost, etc. * Ranking/quality depends on how much one spends and/or effort expended ** Comparison assumes roughly equal quality of products; luxury travel options will change rankings. *** Items such as excursions, meals, beverages, upgrades, tips Potential Negatives TS Much planning required, no assistance with problems, travel & language issues. But one can customize a trip to match priorities. TG Some inefficient use of time in a group, travel issues. But can meet general desires with minimal hassles, unique experiences. CO Relatively crowded, quality may not be uniform across all categories. But entertainment/activity focused, easy and with some luxury. CR > leisure but with down time, generally less to do on ship, more costly. But more service/education/excursion focused, relaxing, amenities offset cost.

Travel Protections

Travel insurance is a special category of insurance which should be considered for the same reasons as all other insurances: risks, unforeseen circumstances and emergency needs. 

Good Reasons to purchase travel insurance:

• Need to cover all non-recoverable costs when a trip is cancelled due to medical or other emergency reasons. Medical issues can be with the insured, travel companions or family members back home. 

• Cover costs associated with trip interruption or travel delays (e.g. flight cancellations) 

• Cover for lost baggage or costs incurred with baggage delays (e.g. having to purchase replaced prescriptions or clothes). 

• Require medical treatment on the trip due to accident or illness. To ensure getting proper treatment at the right facility. 

• Require medical evacuation in emergencies. This can normally cost anywhere from $10k-$100k. 

• Cost to return you and accompanying dependents back home post-medical incidents. 

• Need assistance if you lose your passport, prescriptions, etc. 

• Peace of mind - that you have the support of me and the insurance company in any trip situation.

If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition that can be the cause of your cancellation, let me know and be sure to purchase the insurance within 2 weeks of making a deposit on a travel booking.

Note that all policies are not equal. How much is protected and under what conditions varies. I can determine what is best for you in any given situation.

For my protection, you will need to tell me if you choose not to purchase the insurance.
If you do purchase it, then be sure to keep your final confirmations from travel suppliers in case you need to make a claim.

Documentation 

For nearly all travel outside the U.S., you will need a valid passport.

Exception: a closed-loop cruise – beginning and ending in the same U.S. city.

Here, you will need an official copy of your birth certificate (with a raised/embossed seal and registrar's signature) and a photo ID.

But beware: if something happens in a foreign location that leads to delay, travel to another location or emergency air travel, you will still likely need a passport. 

A passport is valid if it expires after the conclusion of your trip, and in some cases up to 6 months after your trip. If yours is close to expiration, I can tell you the appropriate rule. 

Some countries require a separate visa. Again, just ask if in doubt. 

See http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for information on all the above.

Traveling with children 

Do not lose your children on a trip! Trust me, it’s happened!

Where there are activities that separate them from you, know that they will be supervised.

E.g. cruise lines often offer a wide variety of activities for children; I can help you determine which might be best. 

If you are married, living with a partner or the child is in the care of a guardian, and you are taking the child out or country by yourself, be aware that you may be questioned by authorities re your right to do so. To be safe, take a notarized statement by that other person authorizing you to take the child.

High risk activities 

If your travel involves activities with high risk, and you are unsure of your physical capability of performing them, please check with your doctor(s) to determine whether or not you have said capability.

Let me know if you have other suggestions that I can add to this post. Safe travel!