When traveling outside of the United States there are
a few items that are absolutely essential to have with you. The first is
proof of citizenship; for U.S. citizens this can be a certified copy of
your birth certificate and a government issued photo ID (driver's license),
or a valid passport. Although children under 18 are not required to have
a photo ID, if your state will issue a picture ID we encourage our clients
to get them. Passports really are the best forms of ID and again we encourage
our clients to make the investment. Passports are good for 10 years (adults),
children's passports are usually good for 5 years (because they change so
much as they grow) and infants are usually good for 1 year (again because
of the physical changes). Generally speaking passports take anywhere from
2 to 6 weeks to obtain. Apply early. These documents should not be packed
in your luggage but carried on your person, as you will have to produce
them for the airlines as well as cruise lines.
Second in the 'essential' list are over the counter medicines
such as aspirin, cold, sinus, allergy tablets, and throat lozenges. Yes
these items can be purchased in the ship store or hotel sundries shop, but
you will pay much more and the choices will not be as good as your local
drug store. These items do not take up much room and if you really need
them you will be glad you have them. I also like to take the waterless hand
sanitizer and some Clorox cleanups to go over the phone and the TV remote,
and door handles in the room or cabin. Wash your hands often. It really
does prevent illness.
Third, don't forget the sun block. In the tropics you
can get a sunburn at 6pm, the sun is that strong. Apply the sun block often.
The last thing you want is a bad sunburn at the beginning of your holiday.
Many cruise lines have 'private islands' that they visit. These are absolutely
wonderful playgrounds for adults and children of all ages. The water is
fantastic: kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling are just a few of the options
available here. There is a Bar-B-Que lunch on the island (included) or you
can return to the ship to eat.
Fourth, there is an old adage 'pack twice as much money
and half as much clothes'. I'm sure you have found this to be true in most
of your travels. Ships and hotels today do have self serve laundries, which
is a nice convenience for guests. On cruises, the daytime dress is very
casual, even in the dining room for breakfast and lunch you can wear shorts
and polo or sport shirt and sneakers or sandals. (No bathing suits or tank
tops). In the evening for dinner the dining room is more formal. On casual
nights slacks and a collared shirt for men and resort wear for the ladies.
On the formal and semi formal nights you will see everything from tuxes
for the men to long dresses for the women. This is not 'required'. The gentlemen
will be perfectly fine in a sport jacket and dress slacks, shirt and tie
and the ladies in cocktail type dresses or pantsuits. Children will be fine
in their 'Sunday' best. I would not make a major investment in formal wear
for children, but that is your choice. You can also choose casual dining
at the Lido buffet. In the evening this area is open for those passengers
that really don't want to 'dress up' at all. Land based vacations may be
more casual depending on the location, however I have found that some hotel
restaurants can be formal.
Fifth: money. The ship is 'cashless' everything you purchase
(drinks, souvenirs, spa services, and hairdresser, shore excursions) is
charged to your stateroom. Most people pay this bill with a credit card,
which you register with the cruise line at check in. You will get receipts
each time you make a purchase and the last day of the cruise you will be
presented with a statement. As long as you agree with the bill there is
nothing further to do, if you find a discrepancy, go to the purser's office
immediately to correct the matter. You can pay with cash however most passengers
find the credit card a more convenient method. Most cruise lines offer safes
in every stateroom and this is a great place to store your valuables, including
passports, jewelry and extra cash. I recommend taking at least a $100.00
in small bills to handle tips to the porters, and any local sightseeing
guides. Tips to the ship staff can be charged automatically to your onboard
account. ATM machines are on board ship (generally located near the casino).
A 15% gratuity is automatically added to any bar purchase. I have found
that major resort hotels operate in a similar way. Your expenses for the
time you are registered are charged to your room and you settle the account
at check out.
I hope you find the above comments helpful and informative.
Please feel free to call Gadabout Travel with any questions or concerns
that you may have regarding your travel plans.
Written by Barbara Muhlbauer and Rose Mascarenhas of
Gadabout Travel
