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Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation
Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation
Packing for your cruise vacation can be one of the worst parts of a cruise. The only thing I can think of that I dread more is unpacking when I get home! Through the years, I have learned that a packing list is essential. Maybe it's my advancing age or just that I have learned "the hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call.
One important packing tip -- If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
Use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes.
CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and PaperworkReading Material and Necessities
- airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
- cruise documents
- passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements)
- vaccination certificate (if required)
- driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
- medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
- copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking
- another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license
- credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area
- ATM card
- pre-paid phone card
- cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)
- 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home
- contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
- emergency numbers at home
- currency conversion chart
- wallet and fanny pack
- watch - dual time zone watch is perfect!
Electronics and Camera Equipment
- glasses, contacs, contac cleaner
- extra reading glasses
- sunglasses
- reading sunglasses
- guidebooks and other port of call information
- foreign language phrase book or dictionary
- maps
- reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
- journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences
- business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
- home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts
- photo album
Medicine Kit
- plug adaptor and converter
- cell phone and charger
- PDA and charger
- laptop computer
- binoculars
- film camera and manual
- extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage)
- disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days
- digital camera and manual
- extra memory cards for digital camera
- batteries for digital camera
- battery charger
- extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins
- walkman and tapes (for walking on deck or on treadmill)
- small travel alarm clock - battery operated
- lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
- small flashlight
- night light
Other "Necessities"
- prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag
- ear plugs or "ear planes"
- small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone
- cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil)
- germicidal hand cleaner
- handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore)
- hand lotion
- rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet
- bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore)
- sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock
..................................
- duct tape or strapping tape
- extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
- extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
- zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
- corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)
- Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage)
- small umbrella
- collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights
- Crazy glue
- playing cards
- sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear)
- shoe horn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet
- sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
- travel-sized Woolite
- clothes pins
- empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach
- hats/caps/visors
- insulated large coffee mugs
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