Cruises involve international travel, so you can’t board without the right documents and ID. This guide explains what cruise documents are, which ones you need, and how to get them, plus a few extra items worth packing just in case, so your embarkation day goes smoothly.
Category Archives: Packing & Planning
Exploring Nassau: Walking Tours, Landmarks, and Distillery Visits
Nassau, Bahamas is a beautiful destination for anyone looking for a tropical paradise and is a popular port for cruise ships. It is known for its dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches and year-round sunshine. But what is there to do? Many people are intimidated when they first arrive and depart the ship. The current gateway is under construction and is rather crowded and confusing. There are also tour vendors actively pushing their tours, along with taxi drivers asking if you want a private tour or transfer to one of the many beaches. Don’t let them scare you off….walk past them and into the town. Just be careful of the busy road. And be mindful of your belongings….as is common in many tourist locations, there are pickpockets around. Downtown Nassau has the usual shopping opportunities….beach wear, local souvenirs and the typical jewelry stores. It is only a few blocks long, so it doesn’t take much time to explore it. Have you ever gone swimming with pigs? You can in Nassau! There are many excursions available, either through the ship or on the pier. Want to do a walking tour? You have many options to choose from. There are culinary tours, rum tasting, bike tours or self-guided walking tours. Be sure to visit the Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps. This is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and is said to have provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. Visit John Watling’s distillery if you like rum! John Watling’s Distillery, home to JOHN WATLING’S rum, offers complimentary tours at its home, the Buena Vista Estate, in Downtown Nassau. The historic Estate was founded in 1789 and overlooks the harbour. At the Estate, John Watling’s features a free production and museum-like tour, shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails at its tavern. It is within walking distance from the cruise ship port in Downtown Nassau. John Watling’s Distillery is located on Delancy Street and is open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week (except for National Holidays). Do you enjoy visiting breweries? Be sure to check out Rip Ty’d Bahamian Craft Beer, located an easy 20 minutes walk from the pier. They are a small batch brewery which allows them to be creative, especially with local produce. All beer styles start with the local Bahamian water. One of the most popular destinations for tourists is Atlantis Paradise Island, an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is built around Aquaventure, a 62-hectare waterscape. You can purchase the excursion through the cruise ship or at the port. You can also just go and walk around the resort, visit the casino, shops and dining options. How do you get to Atlantis? You can either take a taxi or the ferry. Taxis are available at the cruise port – $4 per person. You can also take a ferry from Prince George Wharf to Paradise Island – $4 per person and run every half hour. Be sure to keep your eye on the time, as you don’t want to miss the ship! Beginning December 2025, the all new Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club opens. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer cruisers an all-inclusive venue to soak up sweeping Caribbean views and powdery white sands. Pricing and details can be found here: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Enjoy your time in Nassau. Remember to take sunscreen, water and a hat with you! And wear comfortable walking shoes. For more, check out the YouTube of our son and daughter-in-law. Follow Maddie and Ryan for more adventures at sea and on land. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3zFjOr971s Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! You’ve booked your dream Caribbean cruise—now comes the fun part: deciding what to pack!You might think all you need to toss into your suitcase is a couple of swimsuits, a pair of sandals, and your favorite sunglasses. But packing for a Caribbean cruise involves a little more planning than that!A Caribbean cruise vacation offers so much more than pristine beaches and turquoise waters (although there are plenty of those to enjoy!). Each island has its own unique experiences, from relaxing beach days and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to zip-lining through tropical rainforests, hiking scenic mountain trails, and sailing along the coast on a catamaran.With so many exciting adventures to choose from, you’ll want to pack the right clothing, footwear, accessories, and cruise essentials to make the most of every port of call.In this ultimate Caribbean cruise packing list, I’ll share what to bring on your cruise so you’re prepared for sunny sea days, tropical excursions, elegant evenings onboard, and everything in between. Whether this is your first Caribbean cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, this guide will help you pack smarter and avoid forgetting those important items! Caribbean Cruise Weather: What Temperatures to Expect Each Month This chart gives you a general idea of the temperatures you can expect in the Caribbean during each month of the year. Don’t forget to factor in humidity, which can make it feel considerably warmer, especially when you’re exploring ashore or enjoying outdoor excursions.Of course, weather conditions can vary by island and season, but this chart is a helpful starting point when planning what to pack for your Caribbean cruise. I recommend choosing lightweight, breathable clothing to help you stay comfortable in the tropical heat! What Shoes to Pack for Your Caribbean Cruise rom exploring colorful port towns to relaxing on beautiful beaches, your Caribbean cruise may include a variety of activities. Packing the right footwear will help keep you comfortable and prepared for every adventure. Here are two essential types of shoes to include on your Caribbean cruise packing list. Comfortable Walking Shoes for Shore Excursions Comfortable sandals are another must-have for your Caribbean cruise packing list! They’re perfect for strolling around port towns, browsing local shops, grabbing lunch by the beach, or enjoying a casual day ashore.I’ve found a great pair of DREAM PAIRS sandals for women that I absolutely love. They fit perfectly, provide great support, and are comfortable enough for a full day of exploring. Even better, they can handle those occasional rain showers that are so common in the Caribbean!My tip: Pack sandals that are comfortable, supportive, and versatile enough to wear with several outfits. You’ll appreciate having a reliable pair when you want a break from your walking shoes but still plan to explore. Water Shoes for Caribbean Beaches Don’t forget to pack a pair of water shoes for your beach days! Some Caribbean beaches have rocky shorelines, coral, or rough surfaces that can make walking barefoot uncomfortable. I’ve been using these water shoes and find them comfortable and easy to wear. They’re a practical addition to your Caribbean cruise packing list, especially if you plan to explore different beaches or enjoy water-based activities. Essential Caribbean Cruise Accessories and Items You Don’t Want to Forget No matter how long your Caribbean cruise lasts, there are certain accessories and travel essentials you might not think to pack—but they can make a big difference in your comfort and overall cruise experience!From clever packing accessories to handy items that make life in your cabin easier, a little preparation can go a long way. For even more ideas, check out my guide to Cruise Packing 101: What Not to Forget!.Here’s a quick list of cruise essentials you won’t want to leave at home: Swimsuits and Cover-Ups A swimsuit is an absolute must for your Caribbean cruise packing list! There’s nothing worse than arriving onboard, heading to the pool deck, and realizing you forgot to pack one. With beautiful beaches, sparkling pools, and relaxing hot tubs waiting for you, you’ll want to be ready to enjoy every moment.I recommend packing at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready to wear. Don’t forget a swimsuit cover-up, either—it’s perfect for walking to the pool, grabbing lunch at the buffet, or heading back to your cabin. Shorts, T-Shirts, and Comfortable Daytime Outfits When it comes to daytime outfits on a Caribbean cruise, comfort is key! Shorts and T-shirts are perfect for warm tropical weather, whether you’re exploring a port, enjoying a casual lunch, or relaxing onboard.Personally, I prefer skorts because I’m not a fan of wearing shorts. Capris and lightweight leggings are also great options, depending on your plans for the day. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable in the Caribbean heat.My best advice? Pack clothes that make you feel good and are easy to mix and match. You’re on vacation, so comfort should always come first! Evening Outfits and What to Wear on Formal Nights Evenings on a Caribbean cruise are the perfect opportunity to dress up a little! Dresses, skirts, and dressier slacks are all great choices for dinner, shows, and enjoying the ship’s nightlife.On formal or dressier evenings, I love wearing something sparkly! It’s one of the few occasions when I get to really dress up, so I enjoy making the most of it. Whether you prefer a little sparkle or a classic, elegant look, pack somethingContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise”
Top Travel and Cruise Products Personally Recommended | Amazon Store
I have a passion for travel and cruising. As such, I have tried MANY products and have chosen my favorites to share with you. I only share items I have personally used and recommend. Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments. Please visit my Amazon travel store You will find all the things I love to use for traveling and cruising. Please check it out! Happy shopping! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!
14 Things You Should Do Before You Leave for a Vacation
Vacation time is finally here! You’ve researched what you want to do and where to stay. Made list upon list of things you need take. But have you really thought of everything? 1. Contact your credit or debit card company There is nothing worse than being on vacation and having problems with your credit or debit card. Believe me….I’ve had it happen. And in a foreign country too. UGH! Most credit card companies need to know your travel plans. Some are no longer requiring you to do this, but make sure to check before leaving. And make sure you have enough available credit on your credit cards! If you are going to be gone when a payment will be due, be sure to schedule it! Also….make sure to use a card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee if you are going abroad! 2. Contact your cell phone company. Are you traveling abroad or going on a ship? Talk to your service provider to find out cheapest plan for making calls, sending text messages and accessing Internet from your smartphone. Many cell phone companies offer affordable day passes to U.S. customers for International talk, text, and data plans. Most cruise lines have internet access, so it is easy to stay in touch with people at home using FaceTime or WhatsAp. 3. Notify your home security system operator. This is especially important if you are not going to be available by phone. Give them a secondary phone number if possible, in case they need to contact you. 4. Confirm all reservations. Double-check all your reservations: flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions and any other services or experiences you’ve planned. Flights can change at the last minute….you don’t want any surprises at a check-in counter. Our son once showed up for a hotel reservation, not realizing he made it for the wrong month! Advance preparation helps avoid disaster. Keep a record of your reservations either in paper form or on your phone. I like to make a master itinerary if going on a longer, more involved vacation. I’ve also been known to take photos of my confirmations. It’s always good to have a backup. 5. Make advance payments on bills that have due dates during your trip. You don’t want to get hit with late fees! Make sure all credit cards, housing expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and other monthly bills will be paid on time. You’re going on vacation…why worry about missing a payment! 6. Check the weather. This may seem like an obvious one, but many travelers forget to do it. Check the forecast for your destination and pack appropriately. You can also join a Facebook group if going on a cruise or to a popular location….people love to share their knowledge! 7. Eat, throw out or give away any perishable food. Who wants to return home to a stinky fridge! Run the dishwasher, take out the trash and clean the sink. Make sure there’s no food in the drain that could rot or attract bugs while you’re away. Yuck! 8. Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member. Your emergency contact should have a copy of your travel plans and locations. 9. Clean out your wallet. Remove any items you don’t need while on your trip. Remove loyalty cards, gift cards, extra credit cards, and leave any other unnecessary contents at home. Only take what you will absolutely use or need while traveling. 10. Place a hold on your mail delivery. This is very important if you’re going away for more than a couple days. You could also arrange for a neighbor or family member to collect your mail until you get home. 11. Bring in outdoor furniture, water plants, stop the paper if you get one. Don’t leave any outdoor patio chairs, cushions, toys, etc. outside….especially lightweight items that are easy to blow away or be taken. I’ve also heard people say to turn off the water to appliances…like the dishwasher and clothes washer. I don’t recommend this….the one time we did it, it caused our dishwasher to short circuit, resulting in a large repair bill. That was an unwelcome expense to return home to. 12. Close curtains, leave lights on a timer and change your thermostat. Uncovered windows make it easy for people to look in and see if there is anyone home. Having lights go on and off at different times also provides the illusion that someone is home. Set your thermostat to keep the house cool or warm, depending on when you are traveling. No one wants to come home to frozen pipes in the winter! And high energy bills to cool the house in the summer aren’t necessary if you’re not home! 13. DON’T….post on social media that you are going to be gone! This is the NUMBER ONE thing the police tell people not to do before leaving for vacation. Yes, it’s exciting to share your plans, but you never know who is lurking around, looking for an empty home. You can always share those photos when you return. 14. Arrange for someone to stop by and check on the house. If possible, have a neighbor, friend or family member check on the house. Leaks happen….we had one that our housekeeper discovered and saved us thousands of dollars in damages by finding it early! Better yet….have someone house sit for you. This is also a great option if you have pets. Saves boarding costs! 15. Unplug anything that uses a lithium battery. Before you leave, UNPLUG your rechargeable batteries and power banks! A Lithium-ion battery can not absorb overcharge. Fires can happen from the overcharging, and thus overheating, of these batteries. This includes cars, golf carts, scooters, drills, etc. Most importantly….relax and enjoy your vacation. You’ve earned it! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum, A CelebrityContinueContinue reading “14 Things You Should Do Before You Leave for a Vacation”
Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Cruise Packing 101 – What Not To Forget This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Protecting your luggage is one of the easiest ways to travel with greater peace of mind. We always lock our suitcases when flying or boarding a cruise ship, and it’s become a standard part of our travel routine.I recommend using TSA-approved luggage locks. These locks help deter opportunistic theft while still allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage if necessary during airport security screenings. After the inspection, the lock can be secured again without being damaged or cut off, so your suitcase stays protected throughout your journey.While no lock can completely prevent theft, a TSA-approved luggage lock adds an extra layer of security and helps keep your belongings safe from the airport to the cruise terminal.Pro Tip: Set your combination before your trip and test it a few times to make sure it’s easy to remember. I also recommend using the same combination on all of your luggage locks so you don’t have to remember multiple codes while traveling. Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful. You’ve booked your cruise, reserved your hotel, and confirmed your flights… now comes one of the most important parts of planning your vacation—packing!Having a well-thought-out cruise packing list can make all the difference. Unlike other vacations, you won’t always have easy access to stores once you’re onboard, and many essentials are either difficult to find or much more expensive in port. I’ve learned through experience that it’s always easier (and less stressful) to pack what you need before you leave home.Over the years, I’ve discovered a collection of cruise accessories and travel gadgets that make every sailing easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. From clever space-saving products that maximize your cabin to practical travel essentials that simplify packing, these are the items I never cruise without.Whether you’re setting sail on your very first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for a few new ideas, these cruise essentials will help you stay organized, save space, and enjoy a smoother vacation from embarkation day to disembarkation. Packing PASSPORT! and other important travel documents. Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a travel wallet to be very useful. Luggage I have a weakness for new luggage…When shopping for luggage, I always recommend choosing a lightweight suitcase with four spinner wheels. Spinner wheels make navigating airports, cruise terminals, and the ship itself much easier—especially if you’re doing self-disembarkation and carrying your own bags off the ship. After all, no one wants to wrestle with a heavy suitcase before their vacation even begins!My current favorite luggage brands are London Fog and Travelpro. Both offer durable, lightweight options that have held up well through countless trips.Pro Tip: If your suitcase is a common color like black, navy, or gray, use a colorful luggage strap or luggage tag to the handle. It’s a simple trick that makes spotting your bag on the airport carousel or in the cruise terminal much easier. Carry on luggage A good carry-on is just as important as your checked luggage. I always travel with an airline-approved carry-on that fits under the seat in front of me. It has plenty of room for everything I don’t want to trust to checked baggage, including a change of clothes, medications, jewelry,electronics and chargers, Important travel documents, and other essentials. Having these items with you means you’ll be prepared even if your checked luggage is delayed or doesn’t arrive until later.If you need a little more packing space, I also love using a convertible garment bag. It holds an impressive amount while keeping dresses, suits, and other nicer clothing protected from wrinkles. It’s available in several colors and patterns, making it both practical and stylish. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with Reusable Tag Holders There’s nothing worse than boarding your cruise, getting settled into your cabin, and realizing your luggage never arrived outside your door.One of the simplest (and most affordable) cruise essentials I recommend is a set of reusable plastic luggage tag holders. They protect your printed cruise tags from rain, tears, and rough baggage handling, giving them a much better chance of staying attached throughout your journey.After one of our luggage tags was accidentally torn off and our bag went missing, I immediately bought a set. They’ve traveled with us on every cruise since, and I never sail without them.The best part? They’re inexpensive, durable, and can be reused cruise after cruise, making them one of the smartest travel purchases you can make.Below you’ll find Amazon links to luggage tag holders for several major cruise lines.CelebrityMSCCarnivalNorwegian CruisesPrincess CruisesRoyal CaribbeanHolland America Packing cubes I’m officially a packing cubes convert!Packing cubes have completely changed the way I pack for every cruise. Not only do they keep my suitcase neat and organized, but they also make unpacking once I’m onboard incredibly easy. Instead of sorting through loose clothing, I simply move the cubes from my suitcase straight into the cabin drawers or shelves.I recommend buying at least two sets of packing cubes in a variety of sizes and different colors. Color-coding makes it easy to keep each family member’s clothing organized, and the different sizes work perfectly for everything from shirts and pants to undergarments and accessories.I’ve recently started using using compression packing cubes, and I’m officially hooked.On our last trip, my suitcase weighed only 38 pounds,ContinueContinue reading “Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!”
Packing for Alaska…What To Bring
Planning an Alaska cruise? After more than 10 years cruising Alaska, here’s exactly what to pack for changing weather, glacier viewing, rainy port days, and comfortable onboard travel, including the must-have clothing, shoes, cabin essentials, and cruise accessories that actually make a difference.