How to Get Ready for a Cruise Vacation

Planning your trip in advance is crucial if you’ve taken cruises before or if this will be your first time. This can help ensure you get the most out of your cruise vacation.

In addition to a standard packing list, we’ve included some other essentials you should ensure to include. This can help you to have a stress-free cruise vacation!

Travel Documents

Travel documents are necessary for boarding your cruise ship. Depending on your destination and itinerary, you may need to present passports, birth certificates or state-issued identification when boarding the ship.

In addition to a passport, passengers can also use a Trusted Traveler card or an enhanced driver’s license as a valid form of ID. Additionally, children under 19 can use a U.S. passport, passport card or trusted traveler card if they are traveling with an authorized school, church, or another group that requires adult supervision.

A travel journal is also a great way to record your adventures. Whether you’re writing down your favorite meal or recording the sights you see on a cruise, you’ll want to have a notebook.

You can find notebooks in a variety of colors and sizes at Public-Supply. Prices start at $12 for 5-by-8-inch softcover books.

When leaving home, ensure your passport is valid because many nations require it to board a ship. This will be helpful if you ever need to leave the country while on your cruise, including during a port of call.

If you’re taking a closed-loop Caribbean cruise, you can travel with a state-issued ID and original birth certificate instead of a passport. However, the State Department recommends that U.S. citizens bring a ticket even on closed-loop cruises in case of an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port. Discounts like Expedia coupons are helpful for saving money while booking a cruise.

Packing Tips

A cruise vacation can be the perfect escape, from a relaxing trip to a breathtaking port to an enticing adventure in a new destination. But before you get on your ship and set sail, ensure you’ve got everything you need.

When packing for a cruise, you’ll want to remember the weather, where you’re going and the attire you’ll need. For example, if you’re going to a tropical destination, you’ll need to pack sun protection and insect repellent.

Bring a first aid kit with you if you get sick while traveling. Some people are sensitive to the motion of the ocean, and it’s always a good idea to have some seasickness relief on hand, from pills to ginger candies or acupressure wristbands.

Organize your clothing: Use packing cubes to separate your shirts, pants and sweaters from one another so you can easily find them when it’s time for a change. Also, put dirty clothes in a different cube from clean ones, so they don’t get mixed up in your suitcase.

Be meticulous with your luggage tags: Avoid accidentally leaving them on the ground in the airport or having them ripped off by baggage handlers. Attach them to all your bags, including those you plan to keep in your cabin at all times.

Personal Items

Cruises are a great way to explore new ports and experience different cultures. You can also relax onboard and enjoy your ship’s many amenities. But it would be best if you were also prepared for the unexpected.

Depending on the climate, you may need layers and waterproof outerwear to stay warm on land and sea. A light sweater or sweatshirt is a must for chilly weather, while a hat and gloves are good to have on hand if it’s warm and sunny.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your list to help prevent nausea and vomiting. They use acupressure to stimulate nerve endings and work like anti-nausea medication but without side effects.

Shoes are another essential item for your cruise packing list, whether you spend all day on deck or onshore. Closed-toe walking shoes are safer for strolling the promenade between bow and stern, like a pair of sturdy, anti-slip water shoes for shore excursions.

While you’re at it, bring a travel wallet to keep cash, cards and identification on hand. You’ll need money for tipping porters and unique crew members in port and small bills of currency for souvenirs and purchases on the ground. The Victorinox 5.0 Deluxe Security Pouch With RFID Protection is an ideal option to carry your phone, credit cards and identification on the go.

Medical Information

While cruises are a popular vacation option, they have some health risks. According to CDC data, millions of people take cruises each year and are often exposed to infectious diseases that can cause disease outbreaks.

While some illnesses, such as the norovirus, are mild, others can be much more serious and require medical care. These illnesses may also hurt the host port communities where passengers disembark and spend time sightseeing or engaging in activities.

This is why it’s essential for patients to have a thorough review of their overall health and to consider whether they are medically safe to sail on a cruise. If their medical condition is unstable, they should not be allowed to go on a cruise.

In addition, it’s essential to ensure their routine immunizations are up to date before they go on a cruise. They should also get a flu vaccine if they visit a country where it is recommended.

If you are concerned about your health, ask your doctor what vaccinations to get before you leave for your trip. They will also be able to discuss any health concerns and provide recommendations for other precautions you can take.

A team of experts within a pharmaceutical company’s medical information department is responsible for answering incoming inquiries from healthcare professionals (HCPs) concerning marketed products and investigational compounds. They respond promptly and consistently while being informative, data-driven, and fair-balanced. They create and approve promotional, and medical materials field teams use and are a vital contributor to the company’s patient and physician communications.