Going on a Cruise: What to Bring

In order to help first time cruisers, I have made a checklist of items that you need to bring on your cruise.  It happened to me – I was filled with zeal on my first cruise but managed to bring everything I need.    

The checklist is as follows:

• Keep your travel papers in one folder.  This includes your passport and visa, certification on your nationality, your plane tickets or the e-mail verification, your cruise documents, records of immunization and a health certificate.

• Of course, you need cash, your credit cards, ATM cards and traveler's check. 

• Bring your driver's license and two more identification cards.  The latter may prove to be helpful in some instances.

• If you love to read just before sleeping, bring a book or something to read.  Bringing a book does not mean you will be reading while onboard.  You naturally do not intend to do it except for some.  Nevertheless, it can also keep you busy while lounging on the deck and savoring the sea air. 

• Bring guidebooks, maps and a bilingual dictionary.  A pen and notebook will likewise be useful.  You can write down your cruise experience.

• Casual clothes are permitted but have some formal attire, too.  Have 2 sets of bathing suits so you can dry the other one.  You will need a bathrobe, too.   

• Pack your personal accessories like glasses (reading glasses and sunglasses), contact lenses and cleaner, hats, shawls, etc.

• Mobile phone is important and make sure you have all your friends' and family members' contact numbers.  Emergency numbers must also be stored in your phonebook.  It will also be wise to bring phone cards and a phone directory where the needed phone numbers are written.  Do not forget the charger.

• You cannot miss this experience so bring your digital camera or video camera plus extra batteries, memory cards, films and the charger.  It would be wise to carry the manual with you just in case problems occur.

• A first aid kit would also be helpful.  If you are into any maintenance medications, be sure to put it inside the kit.  It should also contain insect spray, hand wipes or wash, hand and foot cream, sun block and sunscreen. 

• Other items that you need to have are nametags, packaging tapes, laundry bags and sewing kit (for emergency purposes).

By the way, you might want to bring your laptop or PDA, although this is not a good thing to do.  Remember you are on a holiday and the least thing that you want to do is to work. 

This checklist will help you to make your cruise run smoothly.  Leaving even a single item can mess up your cruise holiday.