Take a look at each country’s rules and restricted items

Doing a little research on the ports you’re visiting can be useful. Many countries, including the U.S., will not allow you to bring fresh produce into their borders. Barbados prohibits camouflage clothing. Women in Dubai are required to wear modest clothing in various public and federal buildings. 

Start your packing list

As much as I love traveling you’d think packing would be a fun experience, but I loathe it. Okay, maybe “loathe” is too intense for my feelings. I do not look forward to packing. AT ALL. One of these days I’ll find the mental space to flip my perspective on packing from less than exciting to a fun time to play dress up, but for now, it’s just not my jam. To combat my lack of excitement with packing I try to make the process efficient for myself and I am confident this step will work for you, too. That is if you choose to create one.

I find it helpful to have a basic packing template on hand before cruising. I’m naturally a forgetful person, but I have incorporated systems to remind me of the things I need. Packing lists have saved me a ton of thinking and time, whether I pack early, the day before, or at the last minute. There are so many other things we stress about and we surely do not want packing to be one of them.

There are a multitude of ways to create a packing list. Today, I will use my example. I use the Notes App on my iPhone to keep my 3 main templates available. If you have not created a packing list before or want to start a new one, I recommend that you start thinking about your necessities. Type or write out a list of things you absolutely must bring, i.e., face products, underwear, medicine, your husband, your kids…

Then move on to things you may want to pack, but may not need for this trip, i.e., your favorite coffee mug, specific electronics, extra adapters/charging cables, those heels you love, but never wear.

Don’t forget to include identification, visas, cruise luggage tags, etc., on your packing list. Making this template early also helps you get an idea of what you may need to purchase before your cruise.

During the year I keep a bunch of my travel essentials stored in my toiletry bag so that they’re ready even if I have a last-minute trip or an emergency trip. These are mainly all the non-negotiable items on my pack list templates. Before I go, I unfailingly check to see if I need to refill any products. You can often find travel-sized toiletries at Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and other discount stores. You can also reuse many mini containers by refilling them with products you use daily. Sometimes I come across Amazon listings for travel and regular-sized products sold at a discounted price. Another option is buying reusable travel-sized containers from Target, Walmart, Amazon, and similar stores. 

Read the current baggage policy for your airline

As of 2025, many airlines have modified their baggage policies. American, United, Delta, and other airlines have decreased the size limits for carry-ons from 22 in x 15 in x 9 in to 22 in x 14 in x 9 in. Bag handle(s) and wheels are included in these dimensions. In recent years, you may have noticed some airlines have re-classified things like pillows and blankets as personal items. This means they may count as a personal item when flying. Thankfully, I have not come across any major airlines that are imposing new weight limitations on carry-ons. 

I read that they’ve changed the maximum size for carry-ons in an attempt to have a more standardized policy in place. These changes are said to help security and the boarding process run more efficiently and to allow more room in overhead bins. However, many airlines also raised their fees on check bags in 2024. Even though I am on board with helping TSA run smoother and having more space for passenger carry-ons, I can’t help but wonder if this is a push for more travelers to check luggage. More checked luggage means more money in Airlines’ pockets. If you’re old enough I’m sure you remember the good ol’ days when we checked bags at no additional cost. I remember being about 17 or 18 when the first airline started charging for bags. I remember how that shook so many people that year. At that time, slapping a $15-20 fee on your baggage was outrageous! Then we find out that the second bag would cost that much, too. Needless to say, folks were NOT happy. I also recall watching the fees creep up over the years. Now we see many airlines charging $35-40 for the first bag and $45+ for the second. 

I know I’ve gone off topic so I’ll steer us back to the subject of this post. I plan to write more about my feelings toward luggage fees in the upcoming months. Let me know if that’s an article or discussion you’d be interested in tuning into.

Do you remember flying without so many baggage fees? What a time that was!

Notify your financial institution

Many credit card companies no longer require you to let them know when you travel outside of your state, but some companies and credit unions still advise that you do.

Research which forms of payment are accepted 

I would first research what forms of currency are accepted in the places you are visiting. Some areas accept the US dollar while others only accept their local currency. Some places only accept cash and no credit/debit cards. In 2018, when I was researching for our cruise to Havana, Cuba, I found out that Cuba only accepted the Cuban Peso at the time. According to Google, Cuba now accepts all major credit cards. If I recall correctly, U.S. citizens weren’t even permitted to use Cuban ATMs to take cash out. Imagine if I hadn’t checked on this beforehand. Imagine if I did not carry “emergency” cash every time I traveled. What if I only had my credit card? This leads to my next recommendation when it comes to money.

Always have cash on you in case you need it while off or on the ship. On the cruise you’ll likely only need cash for additional tips (gratuity is usually automatically applied) and the casino. Off the ship, you may want cash on hand for the same reasons I just mentioned or entirely different reasons (ie. Transportation, snacks/water, stamps/postcards, etc.)

Lastly, if the places you are visiting do not accept USD you can usually exchange currencies at your financial institution before you set sail. You will want to call or go into your local branch to inquire about currency exchange services and the associated fees. This will usually be more convenient and more affordable than waiting until you travel to your destination. I research which conversion options are more suitable and affordable for me (ie. credit union/bank, online currency exchange bureaus, or abroad.)

Download offline maps

You may want to consider downloading offline maps for the areas you are visiting. This can be useful for those who don’t purchase international plans but still want map access. This also comes in handy if your phone service is spotty or if Wi-Fi is not available. I especially like to use offline maps for ports that I explore on foot. 

Consider an eSIM or international phone plans

Before your cruise, you’ll want to ask yourself: Do I need a special phone plan? If so, look into what’s included with your phone plan already. Providers often have international plans and/or cruise plans available if your current one is not sufficient. Another option that is often preferred by travelers is an eSIM or a physical SIM card.

Print your cruise luggage tags

Before your vacation, you’ll want to print the luggage tags your cruise line provides. A stapler or tape will be needed to secure the tag to your bag on Embarkation Day. If you stay at a hotel the night before the cruise they may have these items available for you to use, but this is not a guarantee. My mom and I like to use these cruise luggage tag holders. I prefer them because I don’t have to worry about the tag getting wet nor do I have to bring tape with me.

Know what you’ll need the first day of your cruise

Embarkation Day is the day you’ve been waiting for! Once you get to the port you’ll likely want to leave your luggage with the porters. They will deliver your bags directly to your stateroom.

Don’t forget to attach the luggage tags you printed. Before you board the ship you will be required to go through security. I recommend keeping all important documents, valuable items, and water/snacks with you when you board the ship. If you plan on swimming or doing any special activities you will want to have the proper clothing available. Many cruise lines allow you to bring water and snacks but require that you carry them to your stateroom yourself. Make sure you read your cruise line’s guidelines on water, food, wine/champagne, and hard alcohol before you board. Staterooms are usually available after Noon. Luggage will be delivered throughout the day and into the evening. 

Prep for the last night of your cruise

On the last night of your cruise, you can choose to have your bags taken off the ship by cruise staff. Your luggage will be transported off the ship the following morning (Debarkation Day). In most cases, I would recommend this option. The final morning will be busy. Most elevators will be filled with people leaving the ship. Many people will be with their luggage and children. If you only have a small carry-on or light bag you probably won’t mind walking down a few decks to off-board the ship. If you have heavier suitcases or larger bags this may not be ideal. 

These bag tags and any other information will be provided to you during your cruise whether you decide to utilize the complimentary service, or not. Keep in mind that the tags will be different that the one’s used for the first day of your cruise. In general, you’d need your bags (with the supplied bag tags attached) to be outside your stateroom at the specified time on the last night of your cruise. The Cruise Line will notify you of the specified time at some point during your trip.

For the last night, you will want to have a small overnight bag, backpack, or carry-on to put your toiletries, dirty clothes, swimsuits, valuables, etc., in until you get your luggage the following morning. I tend to use my beach bag as an overnight bag on the last night and as a carry-on bag for the first day (Embarkation Day). You can always bring a packable bag to use specifically for this purpose.

I hope this post was helpful! If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Happy Cruising!

Lana