Cruise Packing Mistakes You Should Avoid. And Why

[@RhymesWithSpark]

I legitimately laughed out loud when you started stacking up all the bottles of wine 😂

[@Fwtx24639]

Me too! Looked like me at the wine store!

[@juliatarrel1674]

Me too! Gary is great at these little funny moments.

[@tipsfortravellers]

😀😀😀

[@02sparklestars02]

Especially since you don’t drink.

[@lukas94494]

i have little interest in cruising, but i watch Gary's videos religiously as they're very well informed.

[@maryb1618]

Ha ha, same!

[@Silvio67]

I used to love cruising, but the way this world is changing, i dont want to have a bad experience.

[@ryanm4013]

If you have any doubt, leave it out…..that is a priceless one line advice that speaks volumes!!

[@marthawolfsen5809]

Except for your passport. Bring it just in case.

[@sujoyteslesl]

Every once in a while you infuse your content with a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment of onscreen humour. It's a rarity for sure. But ALWAYS welcome XD

[@aidenharmston402]

I liked seeing how many wine bottles you could hold. That piece if video made me smile.

[@TravisOutlaw674]

Me, too.

[@brijithixxx1388]

I have a suite on the Vista coming up. First timer. I didn’t know I was allowed two bottles. Fantastic!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Why oh why oh why oh why does anyone try to smuggle drugs?! It is incredible and beyond my understanding! Why oh why would anyone need to be told not to smuggle drugs?!!! I do not get it! I understand making a mistake with a prescription medication, but hard drugs? Thank you for the video. Enjoy your Sunday!

[@RedRuffinsore]

Yeah, I learned the hard way on my very first cruise about packing valuables in checked luggage. Everything of value disappeared (camera, souvenirs, alcohol) from our bag either at the cruise terminal or airport coming home. Cruise line pointed at the airline - airline pointed at the cruise line.

[@lindacotton4045]

I’m so sorry about getting your valuables taken. I had NO idea because I don’t travel by air or cruise much. I’ll definitely take the advice to keep valuables in my carry-on bags.

[@FraserAtSea]

It always really makes me laugh when people try to BRING a kettle/coffee machine on board a cruise ship…! The clip of you piling up the wine would be me given that rule, haha

[@PianoKwanMan]

They are usually first timers, but quite a few people bring them to hotels, including myself. There are too many horror stories of people using kettles in Hotels as a toilet, drying clothes, and cooking

[@donandrobintodd2206]

Thanks Gary all great points as usual. But, we do have a question. If a cruise is your way of going from A to B and you will staying in B for an extended stay and you want to have some of the items you mentioned with you for your stay can you declare the items when boarding and have them held until you disembark? Thanks again for another great video. Cheers

[@janeshiota1005]

Hi Gary. Always good advice. I bought your book on amazon and also found that helpful. When i travel anywhere esp europe and africa i try to research meds that are not allowed, then decide if i will risk a tiny amount of my prescription. Also i found that in Kenya that ziplocs or plastic bags were banned so thats a new eco issue item to check on!

[@JaniceCrowell]

Interesting. I didn’t know that about Kenya.

[@thejokerspeaks]

LOL at 4:45, load up on the wine for NCL!

[@danakruse7325]

Thank you so much for the lists. I’m sure that took a considerable amount of time to gather.

[@tipsfortravellers]

You are so welcome!

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

I'll have to keep the prescription drug thing in mind. You mentioned one that I discontinued the use of on my specialist's recommendation (going off it very carefully over a period of months), but I'll check to see if the others are prohibited in places I have cruises booked over the next year.

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Great tip about the passport!! Glad I've subscribed tonight...watching your videos one by one, super helpful!

[@Teresa-ch3og]

On our last cruise in March, I saw a few people with political T shirts and one person with a scooter with a political bumper sticker on it. I imagine some lines are afraid of having passengers accuse them of interfering with their freedom of speech, so haven't enforced bans or haven't banned them. I wish people would just enjoy their vacations and leave their politics at home.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

True, agree, the airlines will stop passengers from wearing offensive, political etc.. clothing. !! Ships should also!😊

[@silviaeastonborges5204]

The rules as to what cannot b brought in a cruis change often, so it’s imperative to alert cruisers to check the current l rules

[@calumshaw]

Thanks Gary, Great tips...as always; I intended this week to buy a two cup kettle for cruising and was unaware they are forbidden!

[@norberteng9496]

On the NCL Getaway, we found the 1 cup coffee maker tucked away at the corner of the closet’s top shelf. We used it to boil water for tea in the cabin, 1 cup at a time.

[@shelbytho07]

your tips and videos have been so helpful! i’ve been on a few cruises when i was younger with family but this will be my first time going on a cruise as an adult. never had to worry about anything since my parents always did. but i leave in 25 days for an alaskan cruise and you’ve been a huge help. thank you!

[@jasonr1993]

We took a cruise out of Puerto Rico, and there was guest driven Salsa Music EVERYWHERE on the ship. It was amazing. The crew did try to stop them after 30-40 minutes in each place, but they'd pack up.. move 30' and start up again as soon as the enforcers left. It was by far my favorite cruise.

[@sct4040]

Reminder to myself: do not depart from PR if I want a quiet cruise. 😂

[@elabuterin7150]

Can you please do a video on packing/ carrying cash/ how to stay in touch with family/ medical devices such as c-pap/ medicine for repositioning cruise. Hubby and I are booked on a 23 day from Seattle to Sydney in September. Not our first cruise but for some reason I feel overwhelmed. Advice from anyone would be appreciated!

[@jencra7634]

Is your family tech savvy? You can’t use cell phones at sea but most (if not all) internet can handle data messaging apps. You could create a family chat or individual on Facebook chat Line Discord Band I’m sure there are others but those chat apps are easy to use and you can send pictures and everything all over WiFi.

[@mikecreger9702]

We take 3 or 4 days worth and hit the laundry mat. Only $10 to do a couple of loads.

[@markomarten]

In a similar way to airlines, cruise companies have rules too. There is no one standard. It’s best to direct any queries to the cruise company directly and they will probably be able to clarify things. If you are travelling to any country other than your own then be prepared to do some homework to see what is or isn’t allowed. In many cases if you contact the embassy for a country they will advise you,some things are different including medication. It might appear to be the same but the ingredients might differ. Assume nothing and make sure you do research for going away. One tip is to photograph your passport with your iPhone or similar and email it to yourself, it won’t get lost on the internet and it’s a good way to keep a note of your details. If you have to go ashore on an excursion and they advise taking your passport then see about having your passport photo copied and see if you can take that with you and leave your passport in the safe in your cabin. Cruise companies will help as best as possible. I would suggest a USB power bank for travel and as a way to help keep your phone charged up, don’t forget to set the phone to Airplane mode as you could easily end up with a large bill due to the data you used. Have a checklist of things and tick them off as you go, the better the preparation the better the holiday will be.

[@Primalxbeast]

I accidentally brought a dive knife on a cruise and didn't notice it until I got on a private island to snorkel. It was in a mesh dive bag and made it through the scanner without getting noticed. I was holding my breath getting back on board, but it made it through the scanner again.

[@daraocadhain2835]

Very useful video thanks. Heading on Norwegian soon from Spain, do you know if you get your drone back at the end of the cruise if you bring one and it’s taken?

[@boatlover1875]

As a regular on NCL, your comment about taking unlimited wine on board piqued my interest. I did find no mention of a limit on their web site but i appears there is a corkage fee even if consumed in your cabin. From their web site: Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board. When bottles are brought on board and served or consumed in any restaurant, public room area or in their stateroom, a corkage fee will be charged according to bottle sizes noted below. 750 ml Bottle: $15.00 USD 1,500 ml Magnum: $30.00 USD

[@bsteven885]

Thanks for the heads-up!

[@Teresa-ch3og]

I wonder if they charge this if you bring a bottle with a screw cap?

[@boatlover1875]

@@Teresa-ch3og Seems to be going that way for all wine. Pretty soon we'll be getting unscrewed.

[@midwestkatie4]

Thank you for a great video. I still do not quite understand the prescription drug tips. If you have a written prescription and bring it in the original bottle, is it ok to leave it in your safe while you are in port? Or if you even have it on the ship in certain ports will it be confiscated? Thank you again, Gary.

[@michaelvoisey8458]

Self Entertainment items had me laughing for some reason

[@deborahbolton3417]

Thanks for sharing this 😊💖🛟⚓️🛳

[@victoriasmith1897]

I laughed when I saw you with all the wine bottles seeing as you don’t drink!

[@nicolettacarlone8150]

Great tips!

[@MadeNCda]

...that part about the older couple packing cocaine? Yikes. What on earth were they thinking.

[@robertparsons313]

Amazing. A weak opiate such as Tramadol for chronic pain can get you in big trouble, but once on board, you and your friends can get blackout drunk.

[@dchenkin02]

Gary, I have a few over the counter medications I use for my allergies. Is there a travel agent group you recommend for traveling to places where common medications may not be legal? Seems a good travel agent would be aware of the laws when traveling to different countries.

[@lauramata4244]

As long as you leave the medications on the ship and not take them into the ports... You should have no problems.

[@kianabrash]

I use vape pens and prescription narcotics *recent hip replacement* and cruised last week. I kept my pill bottle ans vape pen in my purse and my purse on me and had ZERO issues , and it isn't the first time (past surgeries)

[@ecas13]

I recently brought a gaming console (Nintendo Switch) onto a cruise and connected both it, and my laptop to my TV in the cabin to play both games and movies, just had to bring an extra HDMI cable with me.

[@AzraelThanatos]

I haven't tried with the Switch myself, but I had used a PSP and a few different gameboys over the years. Several won't let you hook up the HDMI to it...most of the companies have contracts with movie suppliers for their movie selection, the same company doing that also handles airlines, and can get lawsuit happy over it when people use their own things...though that's somewhat changing with various streaming services getting involved and other deals, but they tend to still not like it.

[@scottvogel8477]

Most of the prohibited items make sense except the game systems (Xbox,Switch,Playstation,etc). I think its a hold over from the old guard making the rules. Cause hotels used to be like that. I remember back in the early 2000s one hotel my father and I stayed at literally super glued the cables so you couldn't attach anything. Now a days hotel's are like "Here is a HDMI input. Go wild" Like I can understand why they don't want people to bring them cause they want you going to the events, but not allowing it seems over the top.

[@omikun17]

I was supposed to be on the Norwegian Escape that week they cancelled. We had to transfer 12 people from the Escape to the Encore which was sailing from Miami not Port Canaveral where the Escape was leaving from.

[@atomicrancher3745]

When we went to Dubai a few years back we were warned that even Melatonin was illegal and could get you put in jail. Not sure if that’s still true?

[@marieippolito1620]

We still take an alarm clock as our phone does not automatically chage time zones because we don't by the wifi package.

[@joanbjornas682]

Thanks again for the tips

[@tipsfortravellers]

No problem 👍

[@brantthompson199]

We are bringing wine onboard our upcoming NCL cruise, but a question, can we bring our own corkscrew or do we have to use one provided by NCL?

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

That ""can"" b used as a weapon, I wouldn't bring it, ask the staff...😊

[@gizhou3034]

Which is why Dubai got removed as a hub by many airlines.

[@susanmcculloughbranch4281]

What is the best way to find out what drug policies are in place in various countries? As in how to pack them, what is prohibited, etc.?

[@happycruiser]

A colleague told me about the drugs situation for Abu Dhabi cruise. Robaxacette wasn't allowed and need it when travelling for back issues. He also told me to do to a pharmacy and they would actually give me something that probably worked better. And that was where it got interesting, Voltaren pills are prohibited in Canada, but there I was able to get them in Abu Dhabi. Strange indeed.

[@DM-dn7rf]

There is one thing I have learned watching your videos and other sites about cruising: that it is not worth the hassle.

[@MercyWolff]

10:25 alright ...wtf is this WHITE NIGHT BRUH .. pushing real close to the "good ol days"

[@anniealexander3402]

great information

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Good advice! You may have been asked this before but I'm told that travel insurance that covers cruising is mandatory for a cruise I'm doing in July/August. Since most normal travel insurance policies do not cover cruises - what insurance do you recommend?

[@Caroline-se7gh]

Im having that problem living in ireland. Most of the travel insurance companies wont do cruise cover as that used to be done through the UK apparently. Now, after brexit, we can't get it.

[@jamesgilbart2672]

@@Caroline-se7gh Shame - that's yet another reason why Brexit is a pile of poo

[@mariefrancegaron]

Thank you for Sharing

[@melissavivens2017]

I was hoping to see some packing tips for our Alaska cruise tour, should we pack differently for the land portion vs the cruise portion?

[@videofan792]

Gary, can you recommend two or three different travel insurance companies, both for cruises and other types of holidays? Preferably those which include cancellation for any reason. Thank you!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you, Gary!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

You are very welcome

[@kerry9922]

We tried to use our Google ChromeCast last week on RC and it didn't work! Turns out you can't change the input on the TV. Glad it wasn't confiscated!

[@peterjaro6804]

I saw you had Caviar on the ship. I've never had it. I understand the festivity of it, but is it worth all the hype, or does it just tast like salt fish?

[@lisaloveskirby]

I brought a non surge protected power strip (the exact model that a KZbin presenter had suggested to bring) with an extension cord, in it's original box, onto the Norwegian Sun and it was confiscated. The girl would not even listen to me when I told her to look at the box, that it was non surge protected. I was slightly miffed, but what can you do?

[@crimsontidegal6332]

Do you know if Princess allows you to bring on a electric fan or if they will provide one if asked? I have searched their web site and cannot find anything about it. I have always taken one on Carnival or requested one through their special needs email address. I cannot find anything like this for Princess. Thank you for all the great information you provide.

[@alaskacosplay]

So.....am I not supposed to bring my sewing machine? I'm planning on making my evening gown for formal nights on a cruise.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

🤣😂.

[@jencra7634]

As a gaming cruiser there is no issues with handheld devices to game with and Xbox has a mobile app which if you have the right internet you can game on but the connection is usually junk so I recommend offline or simple online games nothing too complex. Actually the whole point of the app is so you don’t lug your very expensive box around. The new Xbox’s are several lbs and not exactly slim 😂 Also I have not found a cruise line that has bandwidth for live streams. So if you want to watch your favorite streamer then anything past is good but live you are SOL. Internet on board has dramatically improved over the last decade and hopefully as time goes by these issues too will abate. (Also on the tv thing. Some have connection ports but most do not that I’ve looked at so I would believe the cruise lines when they say that you can’t even physically plug in your Xbox etc)

[@brijithixxx1388]

My kite is only for extended port time at accessible beaches. I carry it because it won’t fit in any luggage. Are you saying that carnival vista will not allow me to carry my kite?

[@choreomaniac]

What about streaming sticks like Roku? I assume also not allowed like gaming consoles.

[@torontostreetcars]

Thanks for the video. I don't get why cruise lines would ban game consoles. What is the rationale behind that?

[@AzraelThanatos]

Mainly because they don't want people messing with the mounted TV and such to try connecting them. From my experience, they don't do anything with portable consoles that don't get hooked up such as gameboys or an older PSP...not sure about a Switch, but they likely won't care if you don't bring the stuff to actually hook it to the TV. Several of them do have things like DvD or even older VHS players on some that can be used with the right request if it's not for a normal movie situation, normally with things involving group tickets and for things there, but not in rooms. They won't let you bring your own players that you can hook up though. That's tied into media contracts most have... Some do, however, have a wireless link ability for computers and tablets to play things on them, but I've only seen that once.

[@JoeOtaku]

Can't you get in trouble for designer knockoffs in some countries?

[@truth.speaker]

I have heard it is indeed sometimes pursued

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I'm on a cane. The one I have is metal. Is it likely to be an issue? I can see about acquiring a wooden one if necessary.

[@AzraelThanatos]

Most don't care...unless you start, intentionally, hitting people with it.

[@davidbryson9324]

There was no clown on a P&O ship. There were some drunken yobs in the buffet who called over to a group dressed in formal gear. They shouted “look at the clowns” a fight ensued. Let’s get the facts right there were no clowns.

[@joanbjornas682]

The packing video you pointed to wasn't there. ?

[@debbiegibson3604]

Haven't traveled on NCL for three years, but then you had to pay $15 corkage fee for each bottle of wine that you brought on board.

[@mariannecalnan6782]

Even if you wanted to drink it in your own room??

[@debbiegibson3604]

@@mariannecalnan6782 Yes. They did not deliver my luggage on two cruises because I had a bottle of wine they found when the x-rayed the baggage. When I called to find out where my luggage was they sent me to a room where I had to pay the $15 to retrieve the bottle. I could have let them keep the bottle and not pay the money. There were quite a few people doing the same thing.

[@mea3665]

2 Forms of ID even if your only traveling in your Country! One gets lost your screwed !

[@happytraveller2122]

Good tips…

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thegeneral1418]

*What about perfume and fragrances?*

[@KateandBree]

You should be fine, but realize you will be others in a smaller space who may have asthma or allergies to fragrance.

[@thegeneral1418]

@@KateandBree *I'm traveling alone and fragrances are light and inoffensive. Plus everyone will be wearing a mask so I doubt there will be any issues. Thank you for the advice though, appreciated.*

[@SunsetRS-20]

Cigars and lighter are they allowed?

[@AzraelThanatos]

I don't think they are on many, they may let you pack the cigars, provided that there aren't issues with them being specific contraband along the way, but not the lighter.

[@tribbles2955]

I have severe osteoarthritis for which I have to take Tylenol with codeine and butrans patches for pain. I also need zolpidem (ambien) for sleep. Will I run into trouble. They are prescribed and will be in their correct bottles.

[@xr6lad]

What did he say? Yes. Depending on country. It’s up to you to check. But take prescriptions and a letter from doctor.

[@Callie342k]

I take similar medication and I take my medication in original packaging with a current copy of prescription and a letter from my GP. I also get a permission letter from the embassy of the country/countries. However you need to be aware that even with all of this it depends entirely on the whim of the customs inspector at the point of entry as it is still illegal. The Arabic destinations are very unpredictable.

[@tribbles2955]

Thank you both for the information. Long gone are the days when I only had to pack a few toiletries.

[@AzraelThanatos]

You can also, normally, call the cruise line ahead of time and talk to them about it. You might also consider talking to your doctor for alternatives.

[@tribbles2955]

@@AzraelThanatos Thank you. I see my doctor next Tues and I will ask him for a letter. will contact the cruise line (good suggestion) as well. It's just that I have the picture of that woman who took hundreds of Tramadol pills into Egypt for her boyfriend. I don't know if she ever got out of jail. an Egyptian jail --- horrible.

[@rickcudmore8156]

How are passengers allowed on the cruise without a passport? Are they not required to be verified at check in when you receive your cruise card or medallion?

[@cbpd89]

It depends. Many cruises that are roundtrip in the US allow for alternative form of ID.

[@AzraelThanatos]

It's mainly ones where it starts and ends in the same country, passports are checked upon leaving the ship at the ports along the way. Or it's the Alaska cruises where all of it is, normally, US stops save in an emergency situation where you might end up in Canada (Which didn't used to require a passport if from the US). If someone doesn't plan on excursions beyond things like a companies private island(s), they, normally, won't need one...it's only in the event of an emergency when one would need it

[@_Ekaros]

For Europe the Schengen residents are likely okay with just ID if all ports are inside the zone.

[@erikagholston6610]

That was a lot of wine.

[@oliverstemp9132]

When Gary said entertain items I thought of sex toys. Oh dear.

[@peteguard3571]

If I had a million bucks to buy cocaine I would skip that step and buy my own boat

[@larrykramer2761]

I wish all the cruise lines allowed unlimited wine! My wife is a huge wine drinker (1 or 2 bottles daily) and this would save me from having to buy the drink package!

[@barbaragregory5929]

Drink package would be worth it!

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Yes, Barbara,, agree ,, a drink package for his wife, a small investment,, && no troubles😊🎉🥃🍷🫗🍸

[@MAvalon-u9v]

70 year old cocaine smugglers?! What?!!

[@glynismccartneyintricatesc5281]

❤️🌲🇨🇦🌳

[@BIGDAVE5352]

My Klan robe along with my fellow Klan members robes were confiscated on a Royal Caribbean cruise even though 300 Klan members were booked on that cruise! It was a Sailing that was booked to celebrate the retirement of our Grand Wizard and the promotion of our Exotic Cyclopes as our new Grand Wizard. I was promoted from Minister of Propaganda to Exotic Cyclopes. This cruise was in 2018. We still had out ceremony though. Our Wizard was a Klan member for 53 years and 30 years as the Grans Wizard!

[@Teresa-ch3og]

Is this a joke?

[@gwenivercall]

@@Teresa-ch3og Super late reply, but I really, really hope so!

[@theresahenderson3534]

Old people with cocaine in their suitecase? How rich!

[@lescook9021]

I was thinking of going on a cruise...until I started watching these videos. Screw em.

[@mary1vlogs714]

Hello friend ...i need bananas ❤️

[@b.w.9244]

Who travels with any of that crap anyway?

[@atmosfear3314]

the alcohol one is actually very common

[@xr6lad]

What? Prescription drugs? What do you think……

[@sofienummers]

Is it okay to carry your suitcase/luggage on board yourself instead of giving it to the cruise line? Or don't they allow this?

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes this can be done

[@sofienummers]

@@tipsfortravellers thank you so much 😊

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Yes, I always, handle my own bags, I travel 🧳 light, simple. 🎉❤