Before You Go

First Things First

• Tell your credit card company you will be traveling. This way they won’t flag your account for being used in a location it is not normally used.

• Check with your phone carrier if you will have coverage in the locations you will be visiting, and if extra data/usage charges may occur. You can always put your phone in airplane mode on the ship to minimize the potential for roaming charges.

Essentials to Bring

• Passport, visas or any other needed entry documents

• Boarding passes, items or documents from the cruise line (any medallions/bands)

• Driver’s license 

• Credit card (needed at check in)

• A bit of cash (good for shopping or tipping)

• Travel/hotel/car/tour vouchers

Personal Health Items

• Prescription medications (enough for the duration of the trip plus 2-4 days more)

• Headache medicine or other over the counter medicines you may want.

• Band-Aids and other first aid items (Dramamine or Bonine if concerned about motion sickness)
  
  I also like to bring cold medicine, probiotics, stomach meds (Tums/Pepto) and allergy meds!

Personal Accessory Items

• Sunglasses

• Spare reading and/or prescription glasses

• Hat (one for sun, one for warmth if visiting a colder climate)

• Sunscreen (even if just for your face)

• Watch or device to keep track of time (be sure to have it on the local time, as the ship waits for no one, and you don't want to miss it)

• Binoculars

• Backpack or small tote bag for going ashore (good for the extra jackets, umbrella or even a snack. Along with the essentials of hand sanitizer, lotion, etc.)

• Refillable water bottle (empty when going through TSA. It will be nice to use for water or coffee when on and off the ship!)

Attire

• Most of the time casual clothing will be appropriate

• A light to mid-weight jacket and raincoat will be helpful.

• Formal wear (not required, but often fun for an evening. We probably discussed this earlier.)

• Good walking shoes (waterproof is a bonus) for when you are out and about. 

Electronics

• Cell phone and charging cable with wall plug. Outlet extenders or European adapters are allowed but no extension cords and NO SURGE protectors. These are strictly forbidden on cruise ships and many other locations.

• Camera (if not using your cell phone)

• iPad or laptop w/ chargers. (but leave at home if you can, it's good to disconnect a bit)

Patience

• Everyone is excited and anxious to start their vacation. Don't forget to pack some patience as it will be needed at security checks and other check in-check out situations.