Page 21 - AAA Hudson Valley – AAA Every Day – March/April 2019

CRUISE PACKING 101
For first time cruisers, packing might seem a bit overwhelming. Once onboard the experience is quite seamless as you only have to unpack once. We’ve
a wide brim hat also are recommended. Pair that with some aloe Vera for after sun exposure.
TRAVELER’S GUIDE
come up with a list of the top 10 things to remember to pack for your upcoming cruise!
1. Passport – You will need your passport information when reserving your journey, and you will also need it again before you board (embarkation day). It’s a great idea to make a copy of your passport in advance in case you lose your original. For each port of call, the cruise line will usually provide you with a cruise ID card that you can use instead of taking your passport off of the ship.
2. Wardrobe Options – Pack to dress in layers. When headed to tropical climates, we tend to think “pack for heat” forgetting what it will be like while inside the ship or on deck at night. Plus, depending on where you go, the weather might change from sun to rain in a matter of minutes. Also, don’t forget nicer clothes just in case the ship has formal dining or special events.
3. Day Bag – On the first day, you will most likely say goodbye to your luggage before you board the ship. Make sure you have a smaller bag packed with necessities that you won’t mind carrying with you until your room is ready. This also can double as your excursion bag.
4. Cash – Check ahead of time what types of currency are accepted at your ports of call. Some bigger businesses do accept credit cards, but some smaller vendors only take cash. Don’t worry – your room should have a locked safe on board so you can limit how much you take with you each day.
5. Sun Protection – Don’t forget, when you go away to warmer climates the sun is more intense. Even on a hazy day, the chance of getting a sunburn is much higher. Make sure to apply sunscreen often. Sunglasses and
6. Anti-Nausea Medication – Some people are more inclined to get seasick as the ship is always in motion. To help prevent this, it is a good idea to get something to curb symptoms. Options range from over the counter medicine to wristbands. If you choose to get the patch, make sure you get a prescription from your doctor at least a month in advance just in case your pharmacy has to place an order.
7. Insect Repellant – Heat and humidity mean mosquitoes and other insects. Especially when traveling to places like the Caribbean, it is essential to keep them at bay. Bug spray is always a great item, but you also can find gentler products like mosquito bands (worn around your wrist or ankle) and body lotions.
8. Filtered Water Bottle – Excursions are awe- inspiring, but in the heat, it’s very easy to get thirsty and tired. Filtered water bottles allow you to be able to refill wherever you see a sink or a fountain without worrying whether or not the water is safe to drink.
9. Mobile Charger – Phone batteries can drain quickly while in the sun, taking pictures, posting to social media, etc. If you’re leaving the ship for the entire day, having an extra charger in your purse or excursion bag can keep you going all day.
10. Plastic Bags – Whether it’s being seated in the splash zone on the ship’s pool deck or getting stuck in a rainstorm on an excursion, you want to be sure your essential belongings like your cell phone or wallet are kept dry.
For more information on cruise planning, contact your AAA Travel Agent at 518-426-1000 or email booktravel@aaahv.com.
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