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Not all of these items are Australian specific - but figures it can't help to have a bit of a reminder and all of them definitely apply!
1) Sunscreen - Australia is already known for its scorching temperatures in summer but one thing you may not know is that it is also much easier to get sunburned in Australia. Australia is very close to Antarctica which is the location of one of the biggest holes in the ozone layer. This means the sun is much stronger and you will burn a lot easier, even if it is not that hot. Toiletries in Australia are much more expensive than in the US so although it may weigh down the luggage a bit, you can save up to $10 a bottle and make sure its 30+! 15+ works fine for Caribbean but not for Cairns!
2) Power adaptor and power transformer - Australia does have a different shaped power point slot for electrical appliances so if you are brining anything with you then best to purchase a power adaptor. As many of the ships spend more time in Australia they are also converting their power supply so don’t think that it will only be a few days on land where you will need one. It is also recommended that you purchase a transformer if you intend to bring items such as hairdryers, hair straightners, shavers or mobile phones. Australia has 240V, whereas the US has 110V. If you insert an electrical appliance straight into the wall you may just blow it out irreparably.
3) Prescriptions for medications – If you have any medications that are on prescription make sure that you bring them with you, even if you have plenty of medication left. If your luggage is lost or the medication replaced a prescription can help you obtain the same product in Australia. With no information you will have to contact your doctor overseas and have them fax over a new prescription. If there is a time difference this can be quite time consuming and frustrating.
4) Flip-Flops – I know – seems casual but once you hit summer it is actually the shoe of choice for most Australians, most places. Going to the beach – flip-flops, going to the shops – flip flops, some restaurants – flip-flops. However, for nightclubs and pubs – definitely not! Ship formal dining room – Definitely not! However, during the day flip flops are certainly a highly acceptable dress item for most places – oh and FYI – we actually refer to them as thongs – so please don’t be offended if anyone comments on your thongs!
5) Sarong – same as above – whilst you certainly wouldn’t wear a sarong to dinner or out for the evening. During the day they will get you from point A to point B without so much as a glance. If you’re travelling from the beach back to the ship or the hotel, or strolling around a beach town then a sarong is the easy option and a great way to avoid carrying a big beach towel around.
6) Windbreaker / Rain jacket - Many cruises take in parts of Australia (and NZ) that although it is summer you will still experience all seasons in one day. A light rain jacket will keep the cool evening breeze at bay and protect you from rain or those tropical storms that happen from time to time.
7) One outfit for cold weather – That’s right, it’s summer season but it still gets cold! Especially if you are heading around the Southern part of Australia, Tasmania or onto NZ. Definitely recommended to pack a pair of jeans and a sweater at minimum for those fresher days.
8) Cell phone – Although you probably don’t want to use your provider back home for calls. It is easy enough and relatively cheap to purchase a sim card in Australia. Handy for last minute calls, perhaps you need to find out where your private tour guide is or let you private transfer driver know what time you will be arriving. Alternatively, texting is a very cheap way to stay in touch with family and let them know you are okay and having fun! If you decide you are going to use a phone card to save money, make sure it is one that is purchased in Australia. A US based card will still mean you pay international rates!
9) Water bottle – I have found that this has saved me more times than I can count. Having water readily available exactly when you need it is a lifesaver whether it because you’re in the window seat on a plane in the middle of the night and you need a glass of water, you’re out on tour and you’ve gotten your hands dirty or you’re by the pool and you don’t want to move. You can of course buy a bottle on the ship but they can charge up to $12 and water by the bottle in Australia is expensive too. A standard 600ml bottles costs around $2.50. In hot weather for two people you’ll be buying about 6 bottles a day which builds up quickly. Buy one from your local supermarket or try a collapsible option – like this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RNVB4/?tag=thecompleatcarry
10) Sense of Humour - Yes that’s right. Similar to our English counterparts, Australians have a dry sense of humour and are quite happy to make jokes, quite often at the expense of someone! Additionally, we are quite proud of our tough great outdoors reputation and have a tendency to enhance experiences. If you hear any stories about drop bears, great white sharks or bunyips they likely to be said in jest. Be prepared to hear some wild wacky stories and laugh along with us as we shout you a beer!
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