Going on my first cruise was such an adventure. Though, it was a complete learning experience. I honestly had one of the best times of my life. Though I really enjoyed my experience, a few things came up that I thought would be helpful if you’re a cruise newbie.

6 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About a Cruise

Movement
You can actually feel the boat move… I know what you guys may be saying. Come on! It’s a boat. You know how you barely feel a plane move, of course, unless there is turbulence. The boat I was on made a weird movement. Especially, if you’re at the lower deck. It was like a pulling feeling.. super weird to explain. but you do feel the boat move. Especially, if you're at the front of the boat.

ID
You need your ID and Sign and Sail card to return back on the boat at each port. Depending on the state/country in which you’re visiting. The requirements may be different. Consider your Sign and Sail card like your first form of ID on a cruise when you need two forms of ID.

Transportation
I know this may sound like common sense. However, book your transportation to and from the port and/or airport in advance. You would be surprised how many people don't do this. It just makes for an easier transition to the airport.

Denmark
Carnival Cruise has a Denmark presentation that is not required. But it was really informative if this is your first cruise or if you plan on checking your luggage.

Identification
You don’t actually need a passport for a cruise, a state ID and a birth certificate should suffice.

Captions Dinner
I’ve always heard and seen people mention about a caption dinner when taking a cruise. with Carnival, it’s the formal dining night. Our formal dining night was actually the same night that we were at the port.

Have you taken a cruise before? Anything you wish someone would have told you?

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As I type this post, I’m currently at the airport returning from my cruise. As my mind is fresh on travel. I thought it would be good to share with you guys 5 Things You Need for a Cruise from a newbies perspective.

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As you guys know I love to travel. During my last trip, many people were impressed that I had my own blanket for my flight. It's really the little things that will help you have smooth travel experience. Below, I'm sharing travel must-haves that you keep on forgetting.

Simple Travel Must-Haves That You Keep On Forgetting 

Copies of Passport/ID
It is so important to carry copies of your identification with you during your travels. Especially if you're traveling solo. Leave copies at your home and with a trusted friend/family member.

Pens
I know that this might sound simple enough. However, carry a pen with you especially when traveling out of the country by plane because you need them to fill out your customs form. Also, don’t just carry one pen. Carry a couple of pens just in case your pen stops working. Yes, most people are pretty nice about allowing you to use their pen. However, I would prefer to be the person allowing someone to borrow my pen.

Blanket/Blanket Scarf 
I always travel with a blanket scarf. This year I started to incorporate traveling with an actual blanket. I'm typically always cold. So this really does come in handy, especially for those long flights and cold airports. This always comes in handy if you decide to visit a park or somewhere that a blanket comes in handy.

Water Bottle
Okay, so we all know that you can’t bring water in the airport and typically most people fill their water bottles after passing security. Now, it's also smart to carry a water bottle to fill up during your stary. A lot of times it cheaper to purchase a gallon of water versus bottled water. Carry your water bottle just in case for those basic needs. The last time I traveled. I purchased something for my son to drink the night before and I was able to fill his water bottle the next day instead of wasting what I purchased. This allowed him to have something to drink throughout the day.

Power Bank
I love my power bank and I actually own two. This is one of the power banks that I own. The other one I received free at Blogger from Media.net. My larger battery pack was a total lifesaver during my travels to Europe. I would charge it every night prior to going to bed and out of the four bars, it would only use one throughout the day. My phone battery typically goes died within a couple of hours if you’re wondering how long my battery typically lasts for. I’m also able to help someone if their battery is dead. Especially having teens. Three of our phones can charge at the same time. Invest in a good battery pack and thank me later.

Microwaveable containers 
During my last travels, we stayed at an Airbnb. I honestly don’t like using other peoples dish wear. If you're wondering “well, it’s the same as eating out” I don’t like eating out either. I noticed that most places/ hotels come with a fridge and/or a microwave and sometimes if you have leftovers from a restaurant it’s not microwave safe which really sucks if you have no way of warming it up. These containers also come in handy if you want to make yourself a salad or meal to eat on the go. You don’t have to worry about using what your Airbnb has. I also noticed that some of the shops in tourist areas run out of throwaway dinner wear very fast (paper, cups, plates, etc). During my last travels, I was at a store that ran out which can really suck when you have to visit several stores looking for some. I would also suggest storing your spices, teas, and coffees in these containers for optimal space in your luggage.

Power Cord/Strip
If you're staying at an Airbnb, hotel or even taking a cruise. A power strip and small power cord really do come in handy if you're staying somewhere that has very little outlets. I know cruises are notorious for only having one outlet. This may not be all that bad until you need to charge your phone, battery pack, camera, and computer. You can find lightweight travel power strips and at pretty much anywhere. Plus, the power cord comes in handy when your power outlets are nowhere near you and you need your phone charged as an alarm in the morning. Trust me, having to choose from a charged phone and or an alarm isn’t fun especially when you have to catch a flight the next morning.


Do you have any travel must-haves that most people forget to bring?

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I consider myself a seasoned traveler and I’m often asked what are my travel essentials. I think for some strange reason when you bring up the topic travel. Some may feel that you need every item in your local travel section in order to have a wonderful trip and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I always tell people to work with what you have and add on to the items as you go. You can even create an Amazon wishlist and send the list out to those that are always wondering what to give you as a gift. All of the items listed I own. Some of these may vary by the brand because I may have picked them up during my travels. However, these are items that I would buy all over again.

10 Travel Essentials

Waterproof lanyard (To house hotel room key money, and/ or phone)
If you read my post on my trip to the Atlantis Bahamas. These waterproof lanyards are a travel must-have. Especially if you plan to spend your trip in and/or by the water. I still haven’t upgraded my phone so it’s not waterproof. However, these come in handy as well if you want to carry your money and your room key.

Wipes (Surface/ hand) 
I highly suggest carrying wipes with you. I typically carry hand and surface wipes to wipe down the area in which I’m using. Trust me, it's a great way to ensure that you stay healthy while traveling.

Kick-Ass Immune
I purchased Kick-Ass Immune last year and If you follow me on Snapchat. I always mention this product. Unfortunately, for me, in the past, I would get a cold at the start of fall and sometime during the winter months. This year has been the first year in a very long time that I didn’t have a cold. This is a product that I will keep on hand because it works.

Tripod 
I purchased the Sirui 3T-35K Tripod with 3T-35 Ball Head & Case (Black) a couple of months ago for my Canon 80D for my travels. A lot of YouTubers use it for vlogging. I love how sturdy this tripod is. It’s perfect for heavier cameras/lens and would work wonders with phones as well.

Portable Charger 
You honestly have no idea what you’re missing out on until you purchased the Mophie XXL portable charger. I’m not sure why I didn’t purchase one sooner. It’s such a lifesaver. I have the largest one. However, this one would be just fine. With everyone having an electronic device it really does come in handy. I even brought this with me during my travels to London. I spent most of my days out and about and I never needed to stop and charge this portable charger. I would charge it at night and honestly. Just because it was part of my travel routine. I’m not sure how long it could go without charging it at all. However, I will say that I didn’t use a full bar during the day and my phone battery is horrible.

Travel Utensils
This may sound weird but I like to travel with my own utensils. They usually don’t take up too much space and it gives me the piece of mind that I need. This is perfect if you’re staying at an AirBandB or a hotel that doesn’t include a kitchen area.

Activated Charcoal 
I think I purchased this as a teeth whitener. I will say this is the best under $10 purchase that I spent in a long time. Activated Charcoal has so many amazing uses and is perfect for traveling. You can read all about the uses here. I typically don’t leave home without it when traveling.

Headphones 
I love the little earbuds. They come in handy. You can use the ones that come with your phone or some for the purpose of travel. It’s convenient for flights or when you need to talk over the phone and want to be hands-free.

Travel Wallet Belt
I found this travel belt wallet at my local Marshalls. As you guys are aware it’s pretty hit or miss with them. I love how lightweight this is and it’s like you don’t even have it on. It’s great to use during your travels or if you don’t feel like leaving your personals at your hotel.

Do you have any travel essentials?

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