What To Pack For Cruise Trips?

A cruise shore excursion is a unique experience that takes place while the cruise ship is in port. It involves activities such as snorkeling through coral reefs, exploring ancient Roman ruins, and hiking on glaciers. To pack for a cruise shore excursion, consider the following essential items: a day bag, shoes, comfortable outfit, sunscreen and bug spray, hat and sunglasses, snacks and water, change of clothes, diapers and wipes, and more.

A cruise packing list should account for dress codes for daywear and evening wear, various activities on board and in the port. Sunscreen or aftersun lotion is recommended, along with a bathing suit coverup or UV swim vest. Packing cubes are also essential for organizing your suitcase. Cruise insurance can ensure coverage in case of unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Off the boat at ports and excursions, bring a dry bag for cameras, phones, cash for the day, two towels, small snack and water. Beach bags should include a tote with change of clothes, wet bathing suits, wet wipes or hand sanitizer, suntan lotion, sunglasses, towel, and kindle. A cruise day bag for sightseeing should be versatile, lightweight, and dry fast.

Tip tour guides at the end of the tour, except for those on shore excursions. Guests should always bring their SeaPass card, photo identification, and shore excursion tickets. Expert advice on when to book cruise shore excursions and when to explore the port on your own is also provided.

Should you bring your passport on shore excursions?

When going ashore, it is generally not necessary to show your passport, but it is advisable to bring a photocopy of your original passport. This is useful for police stops or boarding trains. Memorizing your passport number and expiration date is also acceptable. Another option is to take a photo of your passport I. D. page and email it to yourself, making it easily accessible. If you venture ashore independently and use a local bus or train service, remove all documents and cash from your bag and never leave your passport unattended. These tips help protect your passport and other belongings while ashore, but it is crucial to always leave it on board if you don’t need it.

How do you get freebies on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship retail giveaways often include free charms or complimentary pours while shopping for duty-free liquor. Check your daily cruise program for sales or promotions, and sometimes include physical coupons for discounts or freebies. Loyalty programs encourage repeat passengers to return with the same company in exchange for VIP treatment, priority embarkation, free specialty meals, in-room treats, and cocktail parties.

Some cruise lines even send loyal guests free swag, including custom backpacks, hats, and other travel gear. If you enjoy being showered with these little extras, be sure to show some fidelity during your cruise.

Do I need cash for cruise excursions?

CruiseInsider offers extra perks and additional shipboard credit on most sailings, with the amount varying by cruise line, special offer, stateroom category, or itinerary. Cash is typically needed in port, especially in foreign ports, to save money on foreign transaction fees and in places where credit cards aren’t accepted. To reduce cash requirements and maintain a good record of purchases, it is recommended to pay for onshore purchases over $10 with a credit card and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

Cash is needed for sweets, sodas, souvenirs, street vendors, and small mom-and-pop shops. Large cities like Rome or Barcelona can use plastic in most cases. When budgeting, consider the overall itinerary and prioritize your priorities when budgeting money.

Do you tip on cruise excursions?

Cruise passengers are expected to tip tour guides and bus drivers on shore excursions, with a suggested starting price of $5 per person for a half-day tour and $10 per person for a full-day tour for the guide and $2 for the bus driver. The tip can be increased based on the experience, such as bonding with a snorkel guide. Porters who collect bags at the pier are expected to tip around $1 to $2 per bag.

If a cruise includes a hotel night, consider leaving a gratuity for the housekeeping staff at the hotel. However, tipping everyone on a cruise is generally considered bad form, as it is generally considered bad form to tip the captain, officers, and management team.

Is it cheaper to buy excursions on the ship?

Ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive than directly offered tours through the operator, as the cruise line serves as the middleman and inflates fees to take a cut before paying the tour company. Independent tours take smaller groups, allowing for more personalized experiences. When booking a private tour, you may be one of fewer than 20 people, compared to the smaller group sizes of third-party tours. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right tour option for your travel needs.

Is it good to carry cash on a cruise?

The utilization of cash on a cruise ship is confined to personally bestowed gratuities for the benefit of the ship’s crew, which are typically accepted. It should be noted that while on shore in ports, cruise cards are not accepted. However, credit cards may be accepted, depending on the size of the merchant. The utilization of cash is predominantly confined to the casino.

How do you keep cash safe on a cruise?

In the absence of utilization, it is recommended that jewelry and cash be stored in a safe, which is provided with each cruise ship cabin or can be procured for enhanced security. In the event of a lockout, crew members and hotel staff are able to open the safe.

Are cruise ship excursions worth the money?

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but a mix of guided tours and independent exploration can be the most value. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and consider both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. If you want to stay on board while your ship is docked in a port that doesn’t interest you, that’s okay. There are several guides to choosing a cruise line, including the 5 most desirable cabin locations, the 8 worst cabin locations, the ultimate guide to packing, the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks, top ways cruisers waste money, and the ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin.

What happens if you don’t tip on a cruise?

Gratuities are optional and may be removed from the bill at any time prior to the conclusion of the cruise. Some cruise lines, including P&O, have discontinued the practice of automatically including gratuities on passenger bills.

How much spending money should I bring on a cruise?

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day for daily purchases during cruises, including duty-free goods, shore excursions, local souvenirs, casino games, and spa treatments. They can charge these items to their shipboard account or pay with a debit or credit card for in-port purchases. During port visits, guests should carry cash for smaller purchases like transportation, tips, gifts, food, and shopping.

United Cruises offers great fares and valuable benefits, including exclusive bonus offers, qualifying cruise line offers, and loyalty program benefits. Booking with United Cruises offers more benefits than booking directly with the cruise line.

What are the disadvantages of shore excursions?

Cruise line excursions offer advantages such as traveling with a group of passengers and comparing notes with fellow shipmates. They are also reputable and licensed, unlike independent tours. However, downsides include potential long lines, crowded buses, and long stops at souvenir shops. Port tours can range from free on cruise lines like Viking, Crystal, and Uniworld to over $100 per person for higher-priced options like golf, helicopter rides, seaplane rides, and visits to ancient ruins.

Some lines even offer overnight excursions to swanky hotels or private limo tours. Traditional shore excursions are worth it for exploring sites far from the cruise dock, accessing historic monuments, forts, or castles, and learning more about a region.