Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, it's important to plan and prepare for your voyage in advance. After 12 years of going on cruises, I have learned a lot about how to maximize your vacation time. From what to pack to the best ways to plan out your activities, here are my best travel tips to get the most out of your trip.
What to Pack
What to pack depends greatly on a couple of factors, the most important of which is your destination. I typically enjoy Caribbean cruises and voyages to Mexico, so I make sure to pack light clothing, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes. However, if you’re heading to Europe or Alaska, bringing along items that you can layer is worthwhile.
In addition to proper clothing, it's crucial to have the right travel equipment to enhance your cruise experience. One of my favorite ways to save space in my luggage is by bringing along compression packing cubes like
these. In addition to maximizing the space I have in my luggage, these also give me the opportunity to organize my outfits and toiletries so I can easily find everything.
One of the most important things to me on cruises is keeping in touch with my friends and family, which is why a reliable charger is one of the most important things that goes into my luggage. One of my top recommendations is the
TA-105 Pro Universal Travel Adapter, which has three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports to ensure that all your devices can stay charged.
Another reason this adapter is a must-have is that cruise ships often have different types of electrical outlets that may not be compatible with the plugs from your home country. Having a universal adapter like the TA-105 Pro ensures you can plug in no matter the configuration, keeping all your devices powered and ready for use.
How to Plan Your Sea Days
Sea days are one of my favorite parts of cruises since there are so many activities, and you can explore the ship at your own pace. When it comes to maximizing your sea day, my best tip is to check the daily schedule that most cruise lines provide the night before. This allows you to make a rough plan for your day while still giving you the freedom to leave time open for relaxing in the pools.
Making the Most out of Ports
Now that we’ve talked about making the most of your time on the cruise ship itself, let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for making the most of your time on land in the ports. If you plan to join any shore excursions, it is crucial to book through the cruise line itself rather than a third party. If a shore excursion booked through a cruise line is running late, the ship may wait until it returns before setting sail. If they cannot wait, they will often assist you in arranging transport to meet the ship in the next port.
When it comes to exploring the port on your own, I recommend researching the port's highlights and must-see attractions ahead of time. This will help you prioritize what you want to see and do during your visit. To make navigation easier, I usually download an offline map of the city to use on my phone.
Additionally, staying charged so you can keep track of time to get back onto the ship is crucial. A reliable travel adapter with multiple plug types, such as the
TA-105 Pro adapter, is ideal for traveling to any port so you’re never without power.
Last Tip
Don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity and unexpected adventures. Embrace the local culture, try new foods, and take the opportunity to meet new people. By staying flexible, you'll ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience both on and off the ship.
