What are your must haves to bring on shore excursions or port days?

@silviaeaston

2 жыл бұрын

Paper tape… for unexpected “booboos”

@parkerpayne36

2 жыл бұрын

I like to include a GoPro to record all our excursions - and a selfie stick to hold it

@fishurm0344

2 жыл бұрын

Not joking-portable/disposable toilet seat covers! And I am confident I don’t need to explain why🤣). They come individually wrapped, and we take them on road trips…

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

@@fishurm0344 haha absolutely

@MFARAJR1018

2 жыл бұрын

@@fishurm0344 that is different where do purchase that thanks in advanced

If you are going to the beach bring a small pack of Talcum Powder. It is like magic for removing sand from feet and anywhere else when you are slightly wet. The talc dries the skin instantly and that sand just falls right off so you can put your shoes on painlessly.

I always bring a large bag from a store like TJMaxx - the thin very lightweight bags that they sell near the registers. They fit a few towels and anything else I bring to a beach and the bag sits in the sand without sand or water getting in. Even if I have another beach bag, I drop it into the large bag. They take up no space or weight in your luggage.😎

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea! I like those big bags

@NgocTran-bv3iq

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea! Thank you!🥰

@toniraia-berg3822

Жыл бұрын

Great idea I have so many of those bags they are super lightweight and water and sand proof 👍🏼

@LGnLA

Жыл бұрын

Thank youuu!!!

The one thing that I think people should remember to bring. On a excursion is a copy of their travel insurance just in case they get hurt and must go to the hospital, or something like that. Because I will tell you a sweet story about what happened to a friend of mine. He got hurt in Mexico and hand. And had to have emergency surgery. And unbelievably, they would not release him from the hospital and let him leave until the bill was paid. Travel insurance is necessary no matter where you go. Please include that in I really enjoy your videos. Highly informative.

I’m the Britta person 😂 gotta love that built in filter 💪 thanks for taking it into consideration 🥰

Good tips. I already have a lot of your items in my bag but don't forget the power bank for cellphones and extra batteries for cameras. I also splurged and got a large capacity flash drive for my camera. I know most travelers like to use their cell phones but I like the ability to zoom in or out. I bought the Brita bottles from my local big box store a few months ago, great idea.

California Linda shares that for beach activities I always include a small travel size of baby powder and a small paint brush. It's great for removing sand from your feet.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a smart tip!! I’ve never tried but heard it really works

Snacks that handle the heat. Avoid items that melt (no chocolate covered bars or trail mix with chocolate chips, etc), or ones that can spoil like cheese sticks. However, other snacks are great to have like fruit rolls, peanut butter crackers, nuts, raisins, small items that pack well in a backpack, waist pack or tote bag for your out and about adventures in the tropics ( or wherever you are going).

Small bills for tips for drivers,as well as better bartering (where appropriate) We also have an inside zipper and we divide our money in multiple places and between Hubby and I.

Hi, Ilana! If you haven't tried this, pack water multiplier. The flavored packets. For those few of us who don't like the taste of water..it adds flavor and keeps you hydrated in the sun. Especially during port days where you don't always realize you aren't drinking enough fluids and walking miles. Hope this helps:)

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great idea!! Love it

Hi Ilana, your videos and advice have been invaluable! I haven't heard you mention eye drops/eye wash; airconditioning, wind, saltwater, clorinated water all take a toll on your eyes.

The all aboard time that is posted as you disembark is based on the ship's time. This can sometimes differ from the local time. Make sure to set your watch to the ship's time before you disembark. There will be a clock on the gangway with the correct ship's time.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Good point - always important to check

@kimberlyann1029

Жыл бұрын

And set your mobile to not auto update to local time!

@alanwohlfeil2594

10 ай бұрын

Buy a cheap water resistant watch to wear when going ashore

Yes, loved seeing your outfits and hearing your tips ❤

As a travel advisor, I have heard this from my mom who is very much prone to motion sickness to take something for motion sickness. She and my stepfather did a whale-watching excursion during their trip to Alaska over the summer with extremely choppy waters, and the one who is prone to motion sickness took motion sickness medicine and did not get motion sick at all while everyone else on the excursion did. I would even say to take it even if you are not prone to motion sickness for an excursion like that.

@MaryAnn-is8ku

2 жыл бұрын

I find that I am more likely to get motion sick on the bus when on shore excursions than on the ship! I never go anywhere without Bonnine.

@debbieday1977

2 жыл бұрын

I start taking my motion sickness med a day or two before I start my trip and I will take it every night during. I take it at night just in case it makes you drowsy and I get the kind that is good for 24 hours.

Happy Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day Ilana! I truly value the work you do.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Awe you’re so sweet!! Ty

My best tip if you have a day on the water especially snorkeling. We bring ICheap cheap tee shirts we bring one for each port and trash them. Even with sunscreen that sun can be brutal

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea 👍

I bring Ziplocs of various sizes starting with Walmart's snack size, sandwich size, quart size, 1 gallon, and two and a half gallon. it is amazing how often we end up using them.

I love the Britta filtered water bottles… I actually bought two of them in the same color, and then I cricket’d our names on them.

Excellent advice!

I ordered and have received the striped beach back. I love it. I love that it has a zipper closure. Thanks for all the very informative videos.❤️

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

That’s great! So glad you like it. It’s my new favourite 😂

So on point with these tips. Great resource thank you

WALKIE TALKIES ARE GOOD TO HAVE!!

I love all your videos and the information given. You're wonderful👏👏 I love a big beach bag that can carry all my favorites things. I appreciate all the tips! Thank you!!!💕🙏💕🙏💕 love my lip balm too.

I don’t really cruise, but I like to take short trips. I find ALL of your information helpful. Thank you!

Great video 👍

I love your vlogs. They are so informative and helpful. And the flamingo towel clips made me smile. I have those and a set of margarita clips and cocktail clips as well. Going in June on a Carribean and New York cruise. I am so excited. 😄❤️

Great video ! Thanks 😊

Excellent tips as always. Appreciate the links. Thanks for sharing.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

I recently found the towel clips at Walmart for less the $6 I can’t wait to use them.

I am cruising June 27 out Miami on Carnival I make a whole first aid kit Almost the kitchen sink everything you can think of I do not leave anything out I made that mistake when we cruise in 2013 I hope I will not have trouble with TSA I had it before I had before with size issue I will my best this time thanks for your videos they are helping me

My waterproof case wasn’t so waterproof. On our first stop I was snorkeling and went to take a photo. When I pressed my camera button, bubbles were released …… case took on water like the Titanic. No photos, no videos, no screenshots of important info, no phone numbers for my shuttle at the airport and no insurance on my iPhone. I may have posted this sad story before but it’s one that sticks with me. You can still get disposable underwater cameras and I will lock my items up next time.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear. That’s so sad. Good point to check before you use it underwater, especially deep.

I LOVE my water filter bottle, I don't like the taste of the water the bring to your cabin, I just filter it and it's great!

Extremely helpful tips! First cruise ever coming up and I have watched every single one of your videos! I am ready!!!!!

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

So glad this was helpful! A first cruise is definitely exciting 🎉

Good info. There are also collapsible water bottles good for excursions. Also, test those "waterproof" covers before your cruise to make sure your phone doesn't get wet.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely :)

This is my first cruise coming up, but after my road trip across the US during COVID lockdown, and wanting to avoid contact with anything, I decided to add leftover “single use” toilet seat covers to my excursion bag-bringing two for each of us for each day-because, well, sometimes hovering over the bowl just doesn’t work 🤣. Also bringing a baggie to dispose of, incase there aren’t waste receptacles wherever we find ourselves needing to use the facilities in the Mexican Riviera Jan 8, 2022! These were super helpful on our 4800 road trip to get our sweet puppy! I hope you find this helpful.

An item that I found to keep with you (ladies) is "personal" items. While in Jamaica I received a "visitor" that was not expected to show. I now carry every time so I'm not caught off guard and I can assist anyone else if they need it.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, thanks for mentioning!! This has happened to me in the past on a cruise (you never know 😬)

@LakeCupid

2 жыл бұрын

@@LifeWellCruised I got lucky because someone in my group had one but the price of a box on the ship OMG.

@karisbellisario619

Жыл бұрын

Blessed to be 64 and beyond the need of feminine products, but the unexpected arrival at a foreign beach or in those cute white capris…bummer. Actually, the best cruise souvenir is to just make a baby.

What do you do with your wallet/purse on excursions where you swim?

Totally agree with ZZ Topping the cheap sunglasses 😎 😂😂😂

I just bought towels bands for my January cruise because I had problems getting my towel clips to work on some chairs we rented in the ABC islands in September. I don’t know who well they work, but I plan to bring both from now on.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting- I’m curious too

I always look forward to your videos. I will now bring bandaids in my shore excursion bag. who knows.. also, I always get confused with the passport vs drivers license when we leave the ship. for Roatan I am thinking just drivers license. thanks again for great tips. I have been raiding the dollar store for sunglasses, towel clips, etc for our Mardi Gras trip. be well.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Lol, I was just at the dollar store and also found a few good things. Fun to stick up for your upcoming cruise!!

I bought towel bands on Amazon. Some of them glow in the dark. Leaving on our cruise in 2 weeks. Will let you know if I like them.

I came up with a good idea for an upcoming cruise to Mexican Riviera and past experiences with bathrooms. In a quart size baggie I but a container of "paper soap"(soap sheets for travel), mini Kleenex package(for toilet paper), a few toilet seat covers, paper towels, and a couple of single size anti-bacterial gels. Just throw this in our excursion bag each day(refill as needed). Have had some awful experiences in bathrooms in Mexico, especially public ones, so this should keep us prepared with all essentials needed while in port.

@judypickle1466

Жыл бұрын

Where do you buy toilet seat covers?

in addition to everything you said, because I do bring it all, I also bring gauze, tape wrap, moleskin, arnica for bruises, adult wipes because not all cruise port bathrooms will have what you need, hemorrhoid wipes, pills for stomach gas, rash balm, a drying astringent for the ears Domeboro, plus a bulb to wash out your ears. I may bring a few other things I just can't think of them right now.

I worked in surgery for years (plastic surgery) , desinfectant is only used BEFORE skin is cut, it’s not to be used AFTER skin has been cut(such as blisters etc.) best to prevent blisters by applying tape (not band-aid) on skin before cut happens. such as heal. When cut happens lightly clean with water if any available then apply tape right on dry skin (“dry “ so tape will stick! Leave tape on for 5 or more days, can get wet then it will again dry. Paper tape is a must to bring on any travel’!

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I have to say I’m just a huge fan of polysporin. I really have going that cuts heal quicker. Good to know though

Hi Ilana, we got a number of items last year from your essentials list before our Bermuda cruise was canceled. We got lanyards with cruise card holders. Now that everything is phone related, we have to pick up your lanyard with phone holders. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut goin' ka-ruuuuisin' (as Tony from La Lido Loca says) in 25 days.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

It’s coming up so soon!!! YAY 🎉🎉

Idk if anyone said this but a waterproof portable charger would be good Amazon has a few good ones. I would recommend at least a 30000 if you have two phone it will last for days.

Hello from Oregon! Thank you so much for putting this cruise packing tips it is extremely helpful. Can you assist with the insect repellent? I was looking at your list but I couldn’t find one that you might recommend from amazon? Thank you so much! 😊

You can get a bag full of plastic wood clamps for cheap to use as towel holders and the smaller/mini ones are great to use for drying as they hold well.

Any tips on what to pack for British Isles cruise?

I have waterproof waist bands that I can always have my money and i.d. secure on me at all times to hold my items when I snorkel or swim. I carry imodium, aspirin and sinus / allergy pills as well

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Very smart

Baby powder helps to get the sand off after a day at the beach

I always bring an old fashioned wrist watch that doesnt automatically change time. I do it myself so i am really sure of the time. I was on a ship once that never changed to time zone we were in. We always went by "ship time".

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Smart idea

Thank you for your information about cruising I did not mention anything about certain people like diabetics sometimes I like to carry my portable shake or tablets is that recommended can we do that please get back to me thank you

I love my towel clips. I had to replace them recently as by mistake they got caught up with my used towels and ended up in the dirty towels bin. By the time I realised it was too late and the cage had be taken away . ☹️☹️

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Oh no! Ya I love my towel clips too

Thank you for your videos. Well done and very helpful. A quick request please. I'm a widowed, senior so will cruise alone. I'm also a rookie, having never cruised but about to, hopefully 4-5 cruises per year. Your videos have helped but a question I have is if you could do a video comparing the major cruise lines Loyalty programs. As I cruise over time this program will become more important and I'd like to consider it when selecting a cruise line. Thanks again.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching & for your video suggestions. This is definitely something I can try and implement in my content

@fishurm0344

2 жыл бұрын

We are new to cruising also. One thing about loyalty programs is to consider the ships, the demographics, and what you desire. My understanding is that cruise ships that focus on water parks, rock climbing, go/carts, etc., aim at families with small children…so, when you’re investing time in loyalty programs, keep the audience the cruise lines attract in mind. For us, in our 50’s Princess seems an ideal fit-average age tends to be higher and while it has kid’s events, activities, (to me) it seems to target audiences with educational talks, along with the broadway type shows - an older demographic - not as noisy. I’m no expert, but I have done a LOT of research and watched a ton of vlogs.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

@@fishurm0344 I think you’ve got it 👌

@fishurm0344

2 жыл бұрын

@@LifeWellCruised thanks to watching many of your videos 🥰-I am confident I am prepared for our first cruise and we won’t do anything wrong that you highlight in your videos! 🤣. Thanks for what you contribute to helping all of us first timers!

What would you pack for may to go alaska

My wife said “Cute Hat. And if we have to bring bug spray or sand toys, we’re not going”. 😆

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Haha - I definitely don’t use the sand toys & bug spray either 😂

Can you please provide a link for the refillable hand sanitizer bottles? I don't see it on the list in the description. TIA.

We are planning a Caribbean cruise, do you recommend that we buy anti theft backpack? Or are normal ones usaully fine?

For those that have gone on a Caribbean what are your thoughts on waterproof bookbag or waist bag????

California Linda @Ilana I will be hiding ducks on our cruise in April and use printed ribbons to publicize your channel Life Well Cruised. Please advise if this is not wanted. Thank you. 🐥🐥 Looking forward to Sunday's vlog and newsletter.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

You’re so sweet Linda. I appreciate the thought so much, but since there is a Facebook group about the Cruising Ducks, I wouldn’t want to take away from what they’ve started. They do ask people to tag their group, and for people to check there for photos that might be posted. Thank you for being so supportive of our channel, but probably best not to publicize the channel on ducks xo

@linda319

2 жыл бұрын

California Linda says thank you for the update 👍

Will Carnival let you take a beach towel to shore or should I pack my own?

You forgot your bring your phone! 😀 I use an underwater magsafe iphone 12 pro max case (and I bring another that is not waterproof for general use) that has a lanyard hole and attach an id-card reel so my phone cannot get more than 1m away from me. Also a selfie-stick phone tripod. Pro-tip: Regardless of what the adverts show, if your phone says it is waterproof that does NOT apply to saltwater (eg. ocean or cruise-ship pools!).

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Lol I don’t go anywhere without my phone! Good catch 😂. Great pro-tip too!!

What about excursions on land

So if you leave your passport on the ship and you miss the ship how will you get home?

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

I bought I selfie stick I forgot to thank you for that video to they try to get you video packages now I will now fall for that the only think they get for bubbles package and the bulld a bear I want to to so bad now I will do that

What to do at st Lucia?

Omg I lost my raybans on a cruise to Cuba! I feel your husband’s pain!

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Eek, not fun!!

I take a energy bar, candy bar or crackers;, and gum or mints; also lip balm; in my cell I have the telephone number and address of the American Embassy; just incase

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Very very smart!!!

What does everyone do with their phone, passport, money, credit cards, etc. when they go to the beach, and they go out in the water?

Can you talk about tipping

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Sure, I have a video on my channel about gratuities, but perhaps time for a new one soon

Towel bands don’t fit around all lounge chairs.

Can I bring a 30 inch luggage

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

The ship doesn’t usually have strict rules on luggage size, however if you’re flying you need to check the luggage allowances for your flight

Baby powder will help get sand off your feet.

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Oh great idea

GREAT VIDEO...THANX Ilana...Or should I just call you BRIGHT...You did know your name is of Greek origin which means BRIGHT of course you knew that right? MARK IN ARIZONA...

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Firstly, thanks - so glad you enjoyed the video! However I didn’t know Ilana meant shining or light in Greek. I do know it’s tree in Hebrew and always liked the deeper meaning behind it. Combined with shining or light, I like it more. Thanks for letting me know 💫

@markshaw4257

2 жыл бұрын

@@LifeWellCruised you bet..your welcome...

I am not sure if you said it or not . . . Sunglasses. 😎😎😎

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Yes for sure!! Really needed (hopefully 😎😂)

Can you get that Brita water bottle through security at the airport, they don't allow liquids.

@stephanietaylor8615

Жыл бұрын

As long as your water bottle is empty when you bring it through the TSA checkpoint they will let you bring it.

would passport picture in cell phone acceptable ?

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

If they require actual ID, usually not

@amynguyen9360

2 жыл бұрын

@@LifeWellCruised thank you!

Great video! What do you do about security? Do you have a travel safe or ??? I'm mostly concerned about bringing cash/credit cards and having them stolen when we're snorkeling. Thanks!

@LifeWellCruised

2 жыл бұрын

Good question. You can bring a small lock box. Usually I just bring one cc and some cash and keep it in my bag. I haven’t seen any issues when on cruise excursions, but no guarantee

@karisbellisario619

Жыл бұрын

We have also never had a problem. We bring only one between us (a credit, not debit, card) and just in case it is lost or take we have the Discover phone number, card number in our phone and cabin (never been needed). We each have a shorts that has a small inner zip pocket, and store it there. Our Goan lined stray tote also has an interior zip pocket and a zip closure as well (we do not take any open type purses or totes. We do not take our full wallets. Small bills. A stashed big bill. And one card. We have never had an issue. We were warned heavily in Spain, yet no problems. We biked in Barcelona and it was great. The zip pocket is super secure to not just reduce pickpocket threats, but also simply having something fall out of a more open type pocket or bag as we are typically much more active, moving, doing new things.

Don't forget toilet paper and tissues!

WALKIE TALKIES ARE GOOD TO HAVE!!!