A little preparation in your day bag goes a long way.
The thrill of waking up in a new port is one of the best parts of any cruise, a chance to explore a new piece of the world for a day. But a fantastic day ashore can be quickly derailed by a dead phone, a bad sunburn, or the frantic realization you don’t know what time you need to be back.
Packing a smart day bag with a few key essentials is the secret to a stress-free and memorable excursion.
1. A photo of your passport and ship card.
Losing your ship card in port is a major headache, and carrying your passport can be a risky move that invites theft. The simple solution is to take a clear photo of both documents with your phone before you leave the ship. This provides a crucial backup with your passport number, ship identification, and muster station information, as per Finding Jillian. In an emergency, or if you lose your physical ship card, having this digital copy can dramatically speed up the process of getting back through port security and onto the vessel, turning a potential disaster into a manageable inconvenience.
2. A small amount of local cash and small U.S. bills.
While credit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas, having a small amount of cash is essential for a smooth port day. You’ll need it for small purchases from local market vendors, for public restrooms, or for grabbing a quick snack from a street cart. Especially on cruises from here in California to the Mexican Riviera, having some pesos is key. Furthermore, carrying small U.S. dollar bills ($1s and $5s) is a great idea for tipping tour guides, drivers, or servers, as it is often easily accepted and greatly appreciated, according to AFAR.
3. A fully charged portable power bank.
Your phone is your camera, your map, your translator, and your lifeline back to the ship. A port day filled with taking photos and navigating can drain your battery with surprising speed. A dead phone in a foreign port is a modern-day travel nightmare. A small, fully charged portable power bank is non-negotiable. It ensures you can stay connected, find your way back to the port, and continue capturing memories throughout the entire day. Don’t leave your cabin without one, along with the appropriate charging cable for your device, as reported by Travel US News.
4. Downloaded offline maps of the port area.
Cell service in foreign ports can be expensive, spotty, or non-existent, and relying on it for navigation is a gamble. Before you even leave the ship, use a mapping app to download a map of the entire port city area for offline use. This allows your phone’s GPS to show your exact location on the map without needing a data connection. It gives you the freedom and confidence to explore on your own, wander away from the main tourist streets, and always be able to find your way back to the pier with zero stress.
5. A reusable and insulated water bottle.
Staying hydrated in a hot, tropical port is absolutely critical. Instead of constantly buying overpriced and wasteful plastic bottles of water on shore, bring a reusable water bottle from home. You can fill it with ice and water from the ship’s buffet for free before you head out. An insulated bottle is even better, as it will keep your water refreshingly cold for hours, even in the Caribbean heat. This simple habit saves you money, reduces plastic waste, and ensures you always have water on hand, which is essential for preventing heat exhaustion during a long day of exploring.
6. A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag.
If your port day involves any kind of beach time, boat trip, or water-based excursion, a waterproof phone pouch is an absolute must-have. These simple, inexpensive pouches hang around your neck and keep your phone, cash, and ship card completely dry and sand-free. They also allow you to use your phone’s touchscreen to take photos and videos in the water. For larger items like a camera or a change of clothes, a small roll-top dry bag provides complete peace of mind, ensuring your valuables stay protected from unexpected splashes or downpours.
7. Reef-safe sunscreen and other sun protection.
The sun in popular cruise destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico is far more intense than what most people are used to, and a painful sunburn can easily ruin the rest of your vacation. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and apply it before you even leave the ship. If you plan on swimming, it is incredibly important to use a “reef-safe” sunscreen, as the chemicals in regular sunscreen cause devastating damage to fragile coral ecosystems. A wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses are also essential for protecting your face and eyes during a long day outdoors.
8. A picture of the ship’s daily planner.
This is one of the most important and overlooked port day essentials. Before you disembark, take a clear photo of the front page of that day’s cruise planner or newsletter. This document contains the name of the ship, the name and phone number of the local port agent, and, most critically, the exact “all aboard” time that you must be back on the ship. If you get lost, have an emergency, or are running late, that port agent’s phone number is your single most important lifeline to communicate with the ship, a detail you don’t want to be without.
9. A small, packable towel.
The cruise line will provide you with large, fluffy beach towels, but they are incredibly bulky to carry around all day, especially if a trip to the beach is only one part of your plan. A much better option is to pack a small, lightweight microfiber towel in your day bag. These towels are super absorbent, dry incredibly quickly, and fold down to almost nothing. It’s perfect for drying off after a spontaneous dip in the ocean, wiping away sweat, or even using as a clean place to sit, all without weighing you down.
10. A small bag of basic first-aid supplies.
You don’t need to bring a massive kit, but having a few first-aid essentials in a small ziplock bag can be a lifesaver. This should include a few bandages for blisters or small cuts, a packet of antiseptic wipes, some pain reliever for a sudden headache, and any necessary allergy or motion sickness medication. Minor issues can happen anytime, and being able to quickly and easily deal with them yourself is much better than having to cut your shore excursion short to search for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city.