PRE cruise tips
Relax and enjoy your cruise. Here are some tips to ensure a stress-free vacation.
One week before your cruise
Share your info
Leave your travel info and a copy of your passport with a family member or friend
Bank alert
Call your bank and credit card company to let them know your plans
Stay connected
Consider an international calling plan or phone service for your destination. Most ships offer purchasable Wi-Fi packages.
Pack smart
Grab last-minute cruise essentials like a memory card and travel-sized toiletries.
Refill any prescriptions.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the trip.
Cash for Convenience
Get some foreign currency and small bills for tipping.
Free Up Memory
Upload photos from your camera/phone so you can start with a clean memory card.
Wrap Up Work
Finalize any urgent work projects before setting sail.
Explore with Ease
Download this very useful APP, "Rome2rio" if you plan on exploring a new city it is invaluable for finding your way around.
Day before your cruise
- Charge electronics and then pack the chargers
- Double check that you have packed everything you need and make a list of things that need to go in your suitcase in the morning.
- Check in for your flight at the 24 hours mark, download the airline APP.
- Plan to be at the pier around noon on embarkation day. Take a carry on bag with essentials so that you can have lunch and enjoy the pool while waiting for your room to be available.
ENJOY! YOU ARE ON VACATION!
Cruise Packing Tips
Pick a Palette It makes sense
If you have limited suitcase space, you can stretch your outfit choices by mixing and matching clothes that are similar shades. Restricting yourself to a handful of similar colors also means you can cut down on shoes. I usually bring black, white , and one extra color.
Two's Company, Packing Rule
Go Two if by Sea The rule of “twos” can help you plan the perfect wardrobe. Pick two outfits — one for day, one for night — for each day you travel, as well as workout clothes, bathing suits, for every two days. Then cut the total amount in half — remember, no one is going to notice when you wear the same shirt twice. Also, restrict shoes to two pairs (more about shoes below).
Travel Smarter, Pack Lighter
Layer Up If you’re heading to a chilly climate, you can wear the same upper layer repeatedly, while only changing the lighter layer close to the skin. Bring more lighter layers or do laundry onboard. Wear the heaviest outer layer — a hoodie or a sport coat/blazer/jacket on the plane, instead of putting it in your suitcase.
Smart Shoe Choices
Get a Shoe Clue Shoes take up the most space in your suitcase, so be smart with how many pairs you bring. Limit yourself to two, in neutral colors, and chose ones that can do double duty. I bring one comfortable classy pair of shoes, one comfortable for excursion and the one I flew with .Above all, choose comfort over fashion; nothing is worse than limping around a port in poor footwear.
Hacks for Fresh Clothes
Stay Fresh Bring travel-sized Febreze spray to freshen up items to re-wear. A small sachet can make clothes in a drawer smell better. Clothes and underwear can be washed in the sink and hung on the clothesline to drip dry. (Or just spring for laundry.)
Accessorize to Impress
Accessorize the same nice dress can look different with a new scarf or eye-catching jewelry so this is one area to bring multiples. Pashmina scarves can be particularly versatile, brightening up neutrals or serving as a shawl on chilly planes and in dining rooms.
One Bag to Rule Them All
Be Clever With Carry-Ons Rather than pack a separate beach bag, look for a waterproof tote that’s big enough to serve as your airplane carry-on. Tablets are your best entertainment investment, as they can be used for e-books, downloaded movies and news sources.
Roll Up Roll clothes when packing them
You can fit more in your luggage that way, and it also helps to minimize wrinkles. Rolling socks and stuffing them into shoes is another space saver.
The Divide and Conquer Method
Divide and Conquer If you and your companion have both vowed to stick to carry-ons, don’t be afraid to co-mingle bags. The taller person might have larger things, so splitting the stuff is more efficient.
Smart Toiletries for Your Trip
Tame Toiletries If you can live without your brands, go with the toiletries provided onboard. If you need a larger size, stop at a drugstore near the port, and buy it there. If you don’t need the full 3 ounces, rebottle potions and lotions in a contact lens case. If you travel frequently, save time by keeping a bag of already measured liquids ready to go.
Single-Use Travel Hacks
Single Out It’s not cheap, but buying single use products can save space. Many products such as antibacterial lotion, nail polish remover, insect repellant and sunscreen come as wipes and cloths, not bottles. Simply toss when done.
Lessons from Your Suitcase
Take Inventory When you get home, look hard at your suitcase and take note of what you did and didn’t use. These can provide clues for the next cruise’s packing adventures. And then write yourself a reminder not to overpack next time
Cruise Vacation Tips
Whether you are a first time cruiser or sailed many times before, here are a list of cruise tips and suggestions I have compiled to help you get the most out of your cruise vacation. Remember, don’t ever hesitate to call or email to ask any question. If I don’t know the answer, I will find out for you!
Before you go
Have a look at what your ports of call have to offer, review and perhaps pre-book the cruise line excursions and put some thought into what you might want to do. It helps get you excited about your trip and makes it more relaxing when you are on board.
Most cruise lines require you to complete a pre-boarding registration for security purposes and to speed up embarkation. Make sure this is completed at least 2 weeks prior to sailing and let me know if you have questions.
Plan your attire carefully by checking your cruise documents to see how many formal nights you have and what attire is required. For men who don’t want to bring a suit or tuxedo, on most cruise lines you can prearrange renting one. Let me know if this is something you are interested in doing.
Leave them at home! The cruise lines will provide you with towels to use by the pool and for when you go ashore.
Watch how much your luggage weighs and what your airline allows. Most charters allow a maximum weight of 20kg whereas scheduled carriers allow more.
Are you a member of the cruise line’s loyalty program. If not sign up as frequent cruisers can get some good perks. Contact me for more information or help.
If you have any special needs, allergies, medical conditions or you are celebrating a special occasion, let me know in advance so I can notify the cruise line
Make sure you tag all your bags clearly and properly with both your own luggage tags and the ones the cruise lines provide so your luggage will make its way to your cabin
Bring a small carry-on bag or overnight bag that you can use on the last night to keep a few items out and change of clothes while the rest of your luggage is put outside your cabin for transfer to the pier for disembarkation