A Checklist of What to Bring on a Cruise
I still remember the first time I went on a cruise, I was so enthusiastic and filled with anticipation. Nevertheless, I was able to get hold of this emotion and made a checklist of things, which I need to bring.
Your checklist must have the following:
Travel documents and folder items. This refers to your passport and visa, documents that certify your nationality, airplane tickets or e-mail verification, cruise papers, your schedule and immunization record as well as medical certificate.
Since you are travelling, you will be needing cash. Bring your traveler’s check and cards (ATM and credit cards), too. Your driver’s license and if possible, another identification card will similarly be useful.
Bring one or two books even though you will not be spending all your time reading while onboard. However, this will still be something that you might want to do before going to sleep.
Do not forget to bring maps, guidebooks, foreign language dictionary as well as pens and notebook. The pen and notebook will serve as your journal so you can write down your day-to-day activities, which you can use in documenting your photos.
You also need to have your glasses: sunglasses, reading glasses or contact lenses and cleaner.
Capture the memories and scenery with your video and digital cameras. Make sure it is working properly; you do not want to spoil the day because of a faulty camera, do you? Have extra batteries, films and bring the charger. I would suggest that you bring your camera’s manual so you know how to trouble shoot in case something happens.
Even as you do not want people to call you while you are on a holiday, it is still best to bring your phone. Ensure that important telephone numbers are in your phonebook. You can also bring important calling cards. If you have the phone, you need to take with you the phone’s charger as well. The same holds true if you are to bring your laptop or PDA.
An alarm clock is another necessity to bring as well as binoculars.
It is still well advised to have your own health kit although the cruise has a doctor and a nurse. Your kit should contain your maintenance drugs (if you have any) and first aid stuff like cotton, alcohol, insect spray, sun block and sunscreen, hand and foot cream, hand wash or wipes.
Your clothes. It should be varied although casual clothes are now accepted in some ships. Of course, bring your bathing suit or bikini.
Bring with you packaging tapes, nametags for your luggage, hats, sun visors, bags for laundry and a sewing kit.
If you are going with a group, it will be wise if you have these items in each of the luggage. This will get you prepared if one of your luggage gets lost.
Pack all of the above in a systematic way to avoid rummaging inside your baggage for an item. Label them. Your checklist must be beside you when packing so you can double-check if all the items listed are inside your luggage.
Even if just one item was left behind, it can spoil the fun out of your cruise holiday.