110 voyages! Here are 10 essentials

As someone who has been on 110 cruises across the world, I have learnt the ideal items to bring along.

Some additional additions to your regulars may bring you a moment of pleasure when your ship takes sail, enhancing the trip you will experience.

Here are ten items that I always bring on a cruise.

Magnetized hooks enable me to better utilize the little cabins.

I had read that the steel walls in cruise ship cabins are ideal for magnetic hooks, so I always bring a couple with me.

The customary two hooks on the bathroom door are rapidly filled with swimsuits, towels, pajamas, and bathrobes, so the additional hooks keep wet clothing off the beds.

It is reassuring to carry a little compass.

I prefer to carry a little compass for no particular purpose.

Knowing my way about during beach excursions, as well as where to get or avoid the sun on the ship, came in handy more than once.

I always carry a handful of business cards.

As a writer, my business cards advertise some of my publications and introduce me to new individuals or writing organizations.

I’m delighted to take advantage of any opportunities presented by the people I meet on board.

Bringing copies of important documents is a requirement, and I always pack my passport along with a photocopy.

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Pack a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and insurance card, while it may seem superfluous.

In the unfortunate event that a document is lost, a photocopy expedites emergency replacement or offers temporary identification.

A driver’s license is also useful when visiting ports, and an insurance card is useful in the event of a medical emergency.

Postcards or even filling out forms are facilitated by preprinted labels.

I enjoy sending postcards, but it can be difficult on a ship.

Address labels motivate me to send correspondence to the less fortunate individuals on land.

My search for postage stamps in foreign ports has somewhat hindered my ability to send greeting cards, but it merely adds another obstacle to the mission.

Bringing a decent pair of binoculars is worth the extra room

Due to their size, binoculars are sometimes ignored despite the fact that they ought to be simple to transport.

Fortunately, as technology has progressed, smaller ones have become available. With them, you may get a closer look at marine life and see features you might otherwise miss.

If you are going on a longer cruise or one to tropical destinations, you may want to visit a sporting-goods store to purchase a new set of binoculars to enhance your view on board.

I always record my experiences at sea in a journal.
As a writer, I enjoy chronicling my journeys.

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A blank journal encourages me to record seafaring activities, people, recipes, memories, and even private thoughts.

These journals can bring to life the great journeys you and your loved ones have enjoyed in the future. Often, long-forgotten recollections of remarkable occurrences will resurface years later.

Carrying a list of passwords for your essential internet accounts might be really helpful.

I’ve attempted to access my emails on board numerous times, but my passwords are stored in my memory. Consequently, I struggle with the reset of passwords on the often laborious ship internet.

Therefore, if you are prone to forgetfulness, it may be prudent to preserve keywords and passwords with your crucial documents in order to save time and avoid irritation.

In addition to bringing my current meds, I have a list of them on hand in case of an emergency.

Any visit to a doctor, clinic, hospital, or pharmacy will begin with a question about the medications you are now taking.

Once, when I need ocular meds for glaucoma in St. Thomas, the pharmacist inquired for the colors of my pills and was able to successfully determine my needs.

However, I would not rely on such a solution; typically, only the unpronounceable name of the medication would suffice.

While traveling, my late wife Donna and I visited physicians, dentists, and even the ship’s doctor. When requested, we often produced a printed list of our current prescriptions.

A bottle of wine allows you to begin your journey in style.
Most ships permit passengers to bring aboard at least one bottle of wine.

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The majority of cruise lines now permit customers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board.

This generosity enables our family to embark on our holiday in luxury.

It is also recommended to have a corkscrew to access the delightful contents.