One of the greatest things about a cruise adventure is the fact that everything is taken care of for you. From where to go for dinner to the shows you’ll entertain yourself with in the evening and don’t even get us started on the dance classes, spa treatments, fitness workshop, educational lectures and parties to take your pick from!
For the days you come into port and want to explore the local destinations, whether it be an island getaway or a cosmopolitan city, there are items that should be packed away in your shore excursion bag so you get the most out of your trip and don’t have any hiccups along the way.
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Here is a list of the must-have items that all cruisers should include in their excursion bag.
This is especially the case if you’re travelling overseas, but even if you’re staying close to home, you may need a form of photo identification to get back on the ship along with your cruise card, so make sure you have it in your bag ready to go for your return.
If you require medication, or there is a chance that you might at some point during your trip, then don’t forget to pack it into your shore excursion bag as well.
If you’re likely to do a lot of walking at your cruise destination, then a water bottle won’t go astray. It will keep you hydrated, especially if you don’t know where to find bottled water, or you’d prefer not buy it while you’re out.
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Depending on where you’re cruising to, it’s likely you’ll need to keep yourself protected from the sun, so don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
It might be warm in the morning of your departure from the ship, but if a cool breeze comes through you’ll want to be prepared. Pack a scarf or a sarong in your bag just in case a cool chill interrupts your daytrip.
Check with the cabin crew before you leave whether you will be following ship time or local destination time during your stay at port and make sure your watch and phone are adjusted accordingly. You don’t want to make it back to the ship too late and be left behind.
Once you jump aboard and check into your room you’ll receive a timetable of all the events and activities lined up for the day of your cruise. Not only does it include a timetable, but it also features information about the port destinations, giving cruisers tips on currency, things to do and the history of the area. Keep this with you as a bit of a guide when you venture off the ship and it will also help you decided what time to return if there are shows and experiences you’d like to do on the ship on that day.
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