What is so important?????? I just need me, right?!
The main things you will definitely need are:
1. Your Boarding Documents: These documents would have either been mailed to you or printed out at home prior to the trip. If you book a travel agent to plan the trip for you, they should provide your boarding documents to you. These boarding passes will also contain your boarding time, this will be the time you need to arrive to the dock to prepare for check-in. It is strongly recommended that you keep all of your documents together in one location, easy to reach, and away from any possible damage such as water, lotions, oils, etc. During check-in, you will be providing these documents to multiple representatives where you will also be preparing to receive your cruise card. Most cruise ships avoid the extra step by having these cards at your cabin and ready for use by the time you board the ship, other cruise lines may still use keys.
2. Your Passport and Photo ID: Your passport is optional depending on the location you plan to visit. However, it is recommended that even if you are going to a location that does not require a passport, that you do take a passport with you if you have it. (If you plan on traveling a lot, a passport is definitely an item that is good to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it.) You also want to make sure that if your name has been changed that all of your documents/IDs have been updated prior to your trips (please keep in mind the time it may take to get these changes done in your area). If you are sailing in the US, you may also sail using your Official Birth Certificate along with a Photo ID instead.
3. Cash: It is important to bring cash on cruises for tips or any extra purchases you may want to get and you don't want to use your card. These tips will go towards many people including the cruise line workers who help direct you and assist with unloading bags before you even get on the cruise ship, the cruise line workers who will assist you on the trip, and any excursions you may do on the islands you vacation to. Now, you will have to pay gratuities (tips taken prior to) which is already included in your cruise bill, however, you will have the option to leave extra tips at bars or stores on the cruise ship as well using either cash or your cruise card.
4. Portable Charger: In most cabins on a cruise ship there is only one electrical port, some cruise ships use the US electrical ports, others have a USB electrical port, so I do recommend bringing a 2-part charger (cord and wall piece). A portable charger is helpful especially on the islands when you are taking a lot of pictures and your phone begins to die. I would also recommend adding an international travel plan to your phone when traveling to other countries because sometimes calls to the US may not go through unless you find an area that has Wi-Fi. I did not add international calling to my phone on any of my trips because I like to relax without the means of my phone, plus, on a cruise ship you won't actually have access to use your phone once you are on the water sailing. However, the cruise line does offer a wi-fi package (which can be added before you set sail or anytime during your cruise) that allows you to use social media/internet. This was helpful because each cruise my friends and I were able to download and use Facebook Messenger to keep in contact with each other. Helpful Tip: You may also be charged roaming charges on your phone when traveling so using airplane mode is useful.
5. Medication: I would also recommend taking pain relievers and motion sickness medicine, especially if this is your first cruise. You may need it, you may not, but again this is one of those things where it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I did not need any medication on my cruises, however, everyone is different and that's okay. Luckily, they do provide different forms of motion sickness preventatives such as Sea Bands (wristbands to wear throughout the day), Dramamine (chews, often found in pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens and even online), and patches. They also do provide these items in stores on the cruise for your convenience, however, they are normally priced a little higher than purchasing beforehand just a heads up.
These are the things I felt I needed to prepare for onboarding so that I could get ready for the fun.
***This post is all opinions.
Comments