What should I bring with me on a shore excursion? What do you take with you onshore?

Taking a cruise vacation offers so many advantages, but one of the biggest benefits to cruise travel is the ability to visit multiple exciting destinations and you only have to unpack once.

Explore each port of call either independently or on a guided shore excursion, depending on your personal preferences and each individual destination.

Whichever direction you head once onshore, there are a few items you shouldn’t leave the ship without.

1. Cruise ID card – you will be issued a key card/identification card upon embarkation day that will be associated with a photo taken of you at check-in as a security precaution. This is required to get you both off and back on the ship.

2. Photo ID – driver’s license, government issued ID or passport. Different countries may require different forms of identification, this information should be listed in the daily newsletter provided onboard but check current requirements before traveling.

3. Shore Excursion Ticket – if participating in a tour, don’t forget your ticket or confirmation and tour details.

4. Cash or Credit Card – bring small bills for tips or purchases in markets, some guests also like to bring one credit card with them in case of emergency. Protect your small bills, ID cards and other important items with a plastic waterproof case or money belt.

5. Port Agent Telephone Number – the port agent’s name and contact information will be listed in the daily newsletter. This is your connection to the ship if you encounter any difficulty getting back to port whether that be a flat tire, medical emergency or any situation that may cause you to miss the ship’s scheduled departure time.

6. Cruise Ship Daily Newsletter – this will not only ensure you have the port agent’s contact information, but will be a handy reminder for the ship’s schedule and port information. TIP: ask your cabin steward for 2 copies of the daily newsletter, one to keep in your stateroom and one to mark up and take with you around the ship or in port.

7. Local Map and/or Guidebook – especially if exploring on your own.

8. Essential Medications

9. Bottled Water – bottled water is very important for staying hydrated, taking medication and is the safest source of water in many ports of call.

Other helpful things to bring with you on a shore excursion or independent explorations:

10. Sunscreen – a must for sunny destinations or long tours. The sun can be much more intense than you’re used to, especially in tropical destinations

11. Sunglasses or Hat

12. Camera – you might also want to bring extra batteries and memory cards

13. Snacks – many times you can bring prepackaged, sealed snacks like crackers or individually wrapped granola bars. Each cruise line and port will have their own restrictions, usually printed in the daily newsletter.

14. Beach Towel – if heading to the beach or water-related shore excursion. Do you need to pack a beach towel from home?

15. Appropriate Footwear

16. Weather-appropriate Attire – be prepared for rainy days with an umbrella or rain jacket, and layers for destinations with varying temperatures like Alaska.

17. Bug Spray – important for itineraries including rainforests, jungles or rivers.

18. First Aid Items – band aids, hand sanitizer, tissues, Tylenol or other similar first aid necessities may be hard to find in port.

19. A cruise line tote bag or backpack to conveniently store supplies.

A few things you should NOT take with you on an excursion or onshore:

• Large sums of cash
• Large or costume jewelry
• Food items such as meat, produce or dairy products.
• Alcohol
• Weapons

What you bring with you off of the ship will primarily depend on what fun you have planned for that day and will also vary based upon the individual port, type of activity and with whom you are traveling (grandparents, children, etc.). If you are worried or have any questions once onboard, visit Guest Services and they will be able to help you determine what you should or shouldn’t, can or cannot bring with you!

What else can we add to this list? Anything you like to have with you while in port?

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!