Last minute cruise tips before you set sail!

YOUR CRUISE:  Some LAST MINUTE Items To Consider-

   

1. Have the gifts planned out for your steward, dining room hosts/hostess, if planned to do so.  A packet of thank you notes with a “Thank You” handwritten note are always a nice touch for those who provide excellent service during your cruise!
   
   
2. Make sure your cruise transfers (if applicable) are finalized.
   
   
3. Bring lots of good extras like: Extension cords, dollar bills, over-the-door shoe hanger, pop up hamper and digital alarm clock. Think of bringing a bunch of different medicines just in case anyone gets sick. (Tylenol, Motrin, Immodium, etc)
   
   
4. Snacks for the plane (if flying) and ship (especially if you have children traveling with you). Twizzlers and pringles travel pretty well. You'll likely eat them all and have room for souvenirs.
   
   
5. Consider a 'staging area.' Your dining room can become Cruise Central where you can start putting stuff on the table as you think of it. So, technically, it's not packing...but pre-packing. That way you can start to get excited about seeing stuff laid out! We have a checklist here on our website to assist you!
   
   
6. Are you a list person?  As you remember things, it goes on a list and then out on the table for packing.
   
   
7. A camera or 2 and extra batteries.
   
   
8. Consider making 2 color photo copies of your passports and keep them separate from your originals. Take one copy with you and leave one copy with a family member.
   
   
9. Ziploc bags (various sizes) are helpful as well and either a magnetic dry erase board for your door or a big pad of sticky notes.  Your family/friends can leave you notes on your board/door.
   
   
10. Visit the Doctor this week for seasickness medicine.  Or, if you suffer from vertigo consider using chewable bonine tables. Or use the seasick elastic pressure point wristbands things. (you can purchase these from Walmart) Keep them with you, just in case.
    
    
11. For the “List Person”- have a list on your laptop (or pad of paper) of everything done and things that still need to be done plus a packing list started. Make a list, double check and then check it again, and add (or take off) things as prepared.
    
    
12. A Cruising Checklist has columns to check off when items are "staged" and when they are packed. You can even break it down as to what is going into checked baggage (airplane and/or ship) and what is in carry-on, such as those ever important travel and cruise documents, bathing suit, change of clothes, etc. Start staging what you're taking in a chosen room (spare bedroom, dining room, basement, whatever) at least a couple of weeks out. This not only prevents you from trying to find stuff at the last minute but it also gives you a good idea as to how much you’re actually taking and need to pack.  Put things on bathroom floor and as you remember them, then pack the night before on the floor near closet/bathroom.
    
    
13. Consider having piles for clothing, for the room, for the trip to and from home, for excursions/beach time, etc.  You can even use the large Ziploc bags to keep each day’s excursions separated (like vouchers, sunscreen, water shoes, money, etc).
    
    
14. Most people usually do their actual packing about 2-3 days out. This allows them to make any changes if necessary or possibly remind them of things that should be added to the list.
    
    
15. Consider bringing a small "first aid" kit filled with band-aids, over-the-counter medications and the like. Perhaps even take in your carry on for the occasional headache, cut, upset stomach, or whatever.
    
    
16. Don't forget to have the post office hold your mail if you are going to be gone longer than than a week. Alert your bank and charge companies of your travel dates!
    
    
17. Got the house/pet sitter arranged if necessary? If no one is going to be at the house, it's a good idea to turn off the water...at least to the washing machine. And alert a trusted neighbor to your absence.
    
    
18. If you get the newspaper, have it stopped! Nothing like several papers in your driveway to let robbers know no one's there!!
    
    
19. Make sure timers work for lights. Have lamps go off and on as well as outdoor lights...a timer for outdoor just goes right into the flip switch..you don't need an electrician.
    
    
20. Over the door shoe holder will hold lots of miscellaneous items on the cruise ship bathroom door, hairbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen was all nicely organized once on board.
    
    
21. Duct tape...one never knows but duct tape does absolute wonders for a hemline, broken heel, curtain that won't stay closed, etc..soooo many uses!
    
    
22. Consider bringing an ear thermometer. Going to the medical center every few hours to get a temperature checked is a real pain. 
    
    
23. Order several kits from www.minimus.biz which is a website selling everything travel size. You can find laundry items, first-aid, snack foods, and medicine kits.
    
    
24. Start putting together your travel health kit (also gives you a chance to check the expiration dates on any medications you have on hand). Some examples on what you can include in your travel health kit: basic first aid equipment, Deet, hand sanitizers (towelettes), pain reliever, bandaids, sunscreen, decongestant, antihistamine, copies of your eyeglass/contact lens prescriptions, Immodium, sea sickness medication and Gastrolyte.   Make sure you have more than enough of your prescription medication to get you through the entire trip.
    
    
25. Make sure you’ve personally registered on the cruise lines main website with all your travel documentation signed/printed in advance (this helps you avoid time filling out forms while at the check-in counter) and will get you quicker on the Ship.
    
    BON VOYAGE!