When you’re on a cruise, it’s important to know what to bring down with you to port. Before heading out, make sure you have all your important port essentials, like travel documents. Leaving these items in your cruise cabin can lead to unexpected problems—just think about what could happen if you don’t have your passport and you are stranded at the cruise port! That’s why it’s important to take essential items with you on port days.
Passport and Driver’s License
Never leave your passport, driver’s license, and other important documents in your cruise cabin. You always have to bring them down with you in case of the worst-case scenario: you miss the cruise ship and find yourself stranded at the port. You’ll need your passport for international travel or your driver’s license for domestic flights to catch up with the cruise ship at the next port.
Port Agent Contact Information
You should always have the port agent’s contact information whenever you are at a cruise port. This person, appointed by your cruise line, is the go-to person for any questions or assistance at the port, especially if you are stranded. This is the person you call for help. You can usually find the port agent’s contact information printed in the daily planner or port map. If you can’t find it, just ask the cruise staff.
Cellphone and Charger
Always bring your cellphone with you to port. Never leave it in your cruise cabin. Even if you think you won’t need it during your tour, you never know what might happen. You could get separated from your group or miss the cruise ship’s all-aboard time. Having your phone could be a lifesaver. It’s also a good idea to bring the charger because sometimes, if you’re in a foreign country, you might have a hard time finding compatible chargers.
Hand Sanitizer
It’s a good idea to always carry your own bottle of hand sanitizer. You never know when you’ll need to clean your hands, especially while visiting a cruise port, where restroom facilities can be limited
Shawl or Wrap
If you’re visiting a European cruise port and touring places of worship, it’s a good idea to bring a shawl or wrap. Many places of worship require modest attire for entry, so having your shawl on hand can help you cover your shoulders. Mosques will also require women to have a head covering, and your shawl can be used to cover your head.
Socks
If you’re on a cruise where you will be stopping at ports visiting mosques and temples, you’ll often be required to remove your shoes before entering these places of worship. To be more comfortable, it’s a good idea to wear socks or if you’re in sandals, bring a pair of socks. This way, you can avoid walking barefoot inside the mosque or temple.
Sunglasses and Prescription Glasses
It’s a good idea to bring your sunglasses; don’t leave them in your cruise cabin. This is especially important if you’re going to spend most of your time outdoors or spending your day at the beach. Aside from sunglasses, make sure you bring your prescription glasses and contact lenses, just in case you miss the boat and need them while at port.
Valuables
It’s a good idea to bring down all your valuables with you, such as watches, necklaces, and earrings, instead of leaving them in the cruise cabin safe. This way, you’ll have them if you get stranded at the cruise port. However, wearing expensive jewelry can make you a target if you’re in a port known for pickpocketing. The safest option is to leave your expensive jewelry at home and don’t bring it on the cruise in the first place. Check out 11 Anti-Theft Cruise Tips that Every Cruiser Needs to Know
Bathing Suits, Towels and Change of Clothes
If you’re on a Caribbean cruise, Mexico cruise, or Mediterranean cruise, you might end up going to the beach during your port visit. Make sure you bring a bathing suit, a beach towel, and a change of clothes to have it handy if you decide to go to the beach for the day. Check out 15 Caribbean Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Umbrella
It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella with you to port; don’t leave it in your cruise cabin. The weather can be unpredictable depending on your destination, so having an umbrella is useful in case it rains while you’re out and about. Especially if you’re in the Caribbean during hurricane season, sudden torrential rainstorms are common. You don’t want to be caught in one without an umbrella! Check out I took a Cruise During Hurricane Season, This is What It’s Really Like
Prescription Medication
You should always take your prescription medications with you when you go to port. Never leave them in your cruise cabin. It’s a good idea to prepare for worst-case scenarios—imagine getting left behind by the cruise ship. You’ll need your meds on hand. Also, if you carry emergency prescription medication like an EpiPen or inhaler, make sure to bring those with you as well. You want to be ready for any emergency that might come up while you’re at port. Check out what to pack in your Cruise Toiletry Bag and Cruise First Aid Kit (Free Packing List Printable)
Water and Snacks
When heading out on a shore excursion during your port visit, it’s a good idea to bring some water and snacks. If you’re on an all-day or half-day tour, don’t count on having time to stop by a convenience store to buy water and snacks. It’s better to have refreshments on hand in case you need them while you’re on the tour bus. Also, if you have food allergies, bringing a safe snack is a smart move, just in case you can’t find anything suitable to eat at the port. Check out 10 Things to Never do in Cruise Ports
Cruise Card
You always have to bring your cruise card down with you when you head to port. First of all, you won’t be allowed to disembark from the cruise ship without scanning your cruise card. Plus, you’ll need it again to reboard the cruise ship when you return. Princess cruise has replaced their cruise keycard with a medallion (see photo). Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise
All-Aboard Time
Always make sure you know the ship’s all-aboard time. That is the latest time you need to return to the cruise ship otherwise you will be left behind. If you have a bad memory, take a picture of the all-aboard time sign, which is usually posted in the gangway, and set an alarm on your cellphone in case you lose track of time! It’s a real hassle, stressful, and expensive to miss your all-aboard time and get left behind by the cruise ship. Check out 7 Cruise Mistakes That Will Leave You Stranded at the Cruise Port
Cash
Never leave cash in your cruise cabin on port days. Even if you’re just taking a tour and don’t plan to shop, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you, just in case. You never know when you might need it; many local shops and pay restrooms only accept cash. Plus, if you get separated from your tour group, you will need cash to take a taxi back to the cruise ship. Check out 7 Things to Always Pay for in Cash on a Cruise
Shore Excursion Tickets
If you’re going on a tour, whether it’s organized by the cruise line or an independent operator, it’s important to bring your printed shore excursion tickets. Despite living in a digital world, many tour companies still depend on physical tickets. In most cases, you’ll need to show your actual printed tickets to your tour guide before you can board the tour bus. Check out 10 Shore Excursion Mistakes that Will Ruin Your Cruise Vacation