Just as American Express famously said “don’t leave home without it,” there are a few things you should never leave the cruise ship without either.
Cruise Card (or Band or Medallion)
The one thing you will always need getting off the ship whether in a port-of-call or at final disembarkation is your cruise card, or alternate band or medallion as new technology emerges. This essential is what let’s the ship know when you are onboard and when you are off, among plenty of other functions, and it should never leave your person when out and about.
Identification
There are some destinations that will let your cruise card alone suffice as identification when passing through port security, but it can never hurt to have a driver’s license or passport on hand in case. Getting in the habit ensures you have it when it is absolutely required.
Money
While it’s a cashless society onboard wherein your cruise card acts as a credit card for charging to your account, it will not work ashore in regional shops and restaurants. You’ll still need the local currency in bills or a credit card authorized for international purchases.
Phone
Seemingly everyone has a smartphone attached at the hip these days, so this one is probably pretty obvious. Still, remembering even a basic cell phone is a good idea for emergencies. Be sure to keep in mind your talk and data roaming privileges when using it regularly, however. You can rack up some hefty charges very quickly if you’re not internationally prepared.
Camera
This one may very well be redundant to a smartphone since the built-in cameras are so good nowadays, but in either case don’t forget some form of camera to capture memories of your time ashore. On the same token, don’t be so engulfed in capturing everything digitally that you neglect to take it in with your own eyes as well.
Sunblock
Even when it is overcast, it’s never a bad idea to have already applied sunblock onboard or to have it with you should the sun peek out or the deceptive UV index begin affecting your skin tone. A lot of excursion time may be spent outside, and a hat at the very least is a good item to have with you.
Water
Just as it’s important to stay protected against the sun, it’s wise to stay hydrated as well. Especially in tropical climates, it can be very easy to deplete your body’s water levels. The best thing to do is have a bottled water with you to top off on occasion.
Mosquito Repellent
While fears of zika or other such diseases can be out of proportion to the actual danger, mosquito repellent will help prevent bug bites and contracting any nastiness. In risk prone areas, cruise ships may provide aerosol cans at the gangway, but it’s always best to be self-reliant and plan ahead of time.
Jason Leppert is the Editor-in-Chief of Popular Cruising, the leader in video cruise reviews.
Also remember to bring sun glasses and a good wide brimmed hat.
Also port authority contact info
Travel insurance with you
Thanks for the post! All common sense things, good to know all the same. Most definitely would advise having travel medical info handy, just in case. Ended up in 2 hospitals in Mexico with a kidney stone, no less.
Also have a list of PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS with you, including insulin! Not fun travelling with a diabetic!! (That’s me!) Spending 2 weeks in foreign hospitals was no fun. Hopefully, this next trip will be.
Medical card–I had an accident while on an excursion and needed to go to an ER
Bottom wipes if there is no toilet paper available in restrooms
Pen and notepad for any note taking–an excursion guide gave us directions for the pick-up area which was different from the drop-off area
On Princess, the local agent info is printed on the Port Guide–cut it out or take a photo of it on your cell phone
Take the map of the port if your ship provides one
We also take a gallon size ziplock bag, with a couple of wash clothes, neck wraps and filled half full of ice. Wrap this in a hand towel. If you or anyone else gets over heated is will come in very handy.