Top 10 Things To Do 1 Week Before You Cruise

[@dianeekwochi3992]

I have to share!!!! My sister and BIL won cruises and are taking the hubs and I on a Caribbean cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean ship in March or April and were staying in the grand suite. So excited!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Very exciting !!!

[@tomy6917]

I had read once about placing an ice cube into a small bowl or freezer zip lock bag and place that into your freezer. Upon returning from your trip, check the ice cube to see if it still has its original shape & looking for any signs of melting that might have happened due to a power outage. Good indicator to let you know if any foods may have spoiled & then re-froze when the power was restored.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Tom...that is an awesome tip ! And timely too. We just had a power outage a week ago and had to throw out a lot of food. I'm gonna use your tip while we're away !!!

[@rickthibodeau9172]

I heard something similar. They said to freeze a cup of water, then place a coin on top. When you get back, check to see if the coin is on top or in the ice.

[@tomy6917]

@@Cruisingwithwheels Hi guys, I just realized it was 50 years ago when I had read that tip, so, I modified my post to include "freezer zip lock bag". We didn't have those back then LOL

[@allangianferante7535]

I finally finished my notes on this "Week Before" video. SO GREAT! Things to add to my own prep lists and schedule.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !!

[@sharischmidt4712]

Excellent advice Frank and Kevin as always! I have a list my husband has a list and l give our daughter a list to check on , while we're gone. We let our neighbors know also that we won't be home, and they are nice enough to keep an eye on our home,and we do the same for them.😊🍁

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We couldn't live without our lists !!

[@HeidiSKulesh]

Just now watching this, Fantastic job, as always! LOL @ Kevin's "green crap" in his strawberry gazpacho!! So sorry that happened to you with that broken water tank - scary! Thank you both for who you are, and what you do. Big hugs to you, and the gorgeous fur babies!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Heidi !!

[@cvl1030]

Great video!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !

[@lucindarodriquez1253]

Ty guys for another great video like always i love it

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Lucinda !!

[@vcjtx]

Great tips, thanks! I’m a list maker, too, but don’t have one like this - yet!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You'll get there !! LOL

[@superhypermegathunderpunch]

10 days until my next cruise: this video comes out lol great timing.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome ! Have a great time Pete !!

[@jbooth6155]

Thanks for the video. Just returned home Tuesday from our 1st cruise 10 days to Alaska. I forgot a few things, will make a packing list next time. Good information.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Jan ! Hope you had an awesome time in Alaska, as we did !!

[@temmietaft2552]

Thanks so much for sharing this video. The one thing that I am guilty of not doing is stopping my mail. So from now on, I will go to my local post office and fill out the form to put a hold on my mail. Thanks for sharing these tips!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Very good !!!

[@ravenbrown7053]

Thanks! Always such good information- I definitely agree with getting your packing done early- I was just on the Norwegian Gem and had been planning the trip for months- making small purchases for the trip. The week before the trip ended up being a CRAZY BUSY work week and most of my packing happened the day before- a few of the treasures I had purchased were not located and left behind- the next trip will be different- I now have a dedicated storage space for all cruise related items and I WILL pack early😊 Thanks so much for all you do!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

XOXO Thanks Raven

[@allangianferante7535]

You guys are such preparation pros. I LOVE IT!!! I am NOT the only list and obsessive compulsive preparation guy out there! I also bow to your greater experience traveling, you have such complete systems, but I am learning and taking notes and adding all the time. My wife packs our clothes and everything going into our checked luggage, and I make my lists of each bag and what goes into each then ask her to include certain things in the luggage. I pack my shaving kit, our computer/electronics and camera bag. One question I have to ask, people think I am crazy for doing this I take a copy of my list for repacking in the cabin to make sure everything comes home, am I the only one who does this? Am I being excessive? One unrelated comment, wherever you are presently filming there is no goal at all. The sound is very clean.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We also take the copy of our luggage planogram with us. Yes, it acts as a nice quick " repacking tool" guide, when it's time to go. Also, what if your luggage is lost or stolen.....you now have a complete list of what items were packed, for making a claim. We're now filming in our new studio in the basement. There is no echo, like there was when we were filming in our dining room.

[@susanyoung7387]

I love the lists you guys use to organize your cruises and the binder that you make for each cruise. Is it possible to access them on any of your social media accounts?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You can find our forms on our “ Cruising With Wheels “ Facebook page. Just click “ photos “ on the left side of the page. This will take you to our albums. If you do not see the album you are looking for….click “ see all” which is at the top of the album picture page…..and the entire list will pop up. Find the album “ Cruising With Wheels Travel Forms “……and click on the pic you want.

[@wendywilliams9334]

Well thanks you two for all the caring and sharing.. Here’s a few tips to maybe help your viewers.. Make sure your passport has at least six months before the expiration date I scan and Email a copy of my passport etc. to myself, so It can be accessed anywhere in the world In regards to house insurance, insurance companies are recommending that your home be physically checked once a week as they may not cover your home for flooding etc. Bring in your water hose. If you’re Travelling with a group or you have a black suitcase like 90% of travellers, tie a fluorescent plastic ribbon on each for easier identification and grabbing off the luggage carousel. That way you can send a few select people to snag the luggage and no overcrowding at the carousel. I wish you tons of fun on your upcoming cruise and I pray that Dorian will tire and go far out into the sea… All the best..

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Wendy !! All great tips !!

[@debbieserwe2242]

Enjoy your cruise

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Debbie !!

[@lilianaamin4868]

Guys, thank you for all the great information. Will be going on a cruise in a few weeks and I will be following your advice.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Liliana ! Have a great time !!

[@katherinevanleuven2192]

Thank you for the packing tips. My kids think I'm crazy for packing so far ahead. Dentist, Doctor, and medication. My credit cards are done also!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !!

[@suearcher8708]

Oh my Frank I would love to see your to do list! I have a huge spreadsheet so I am a kindred spirit. I found out the other day that if you have a PO box you don't need to tell them, they just fill your box til they can't then put it in a bag. Of course that could be the difference between Rochester NY and a town of 3600 in Oregon.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes...a big difference ! LOL

[@Sherinc2]

I would add unplug everything you can, in case of a lightning storm. If you are in the storm season.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Exactly what my mother would advise.

[@alisondonnelly3500]

Great tips. Most of them I am on top of but always leave packing till very last minute. Usual an hour before I leave 😂. This time I’m going to pack at least 4 days before we go. That’s the plan anyway.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Very good Alison !!

[@kimberlyharris4445]

You guys are absolutely the best!..(as I'm counting down to my cruise..approx 45 days)..I'm studying your videos and preparing..THANK YOU💕

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Kimberly !!! Have a great time on your cruise !!

[@chauntinamedina1131]

I'm so glad you brought up medication. I have a question about that..my husband takes several kinds of different medications. Should we ask the pharmacy if they could label each one in a small container of their own or could we just put them in those lil containers that has Monday thru Sunday ..

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

All your meds can be put in a travel med container. Exception would be, if any of your meds are a " controlled substance "......those should be kept in the original RX prescription bottle. (check with your pharmacist as to which are controlled). Definition: A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illicitly used drugs or prescription medications that are designated by law. ... The controlled substances do not include many prescription items such as antibiotics.

[@rickthibodeau9172]

Great tips as always! I added to my prep list!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !!

[@aussiejohn5835]

Clean out the fridge via the Kevinator !!! Hold the mail!! Call the bank!! Get the cash!! I am so glad I watched this video. I need to borrow your Kevinator Frank, my fridge is full. Great tips guys, but the dentist is a no no. I am not filling his pockets with my cash. Happy Cruising.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Kevin would love to volunteer his services as the ' Kevinator " !!

[@beccagross1525]

We always pack a month before to the day before we leave we slowly pack the luggage to the day before we leave

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Excellent !!

[@johncarlo8557]

Good morning Frank and Kevin, great tips especially the one about turning off the water unfortunately been there done that, fortunately and Florida no basements just water pouring down the driveway from the garage, I hope y'all have a wonderful time on your cruise stay safe God bless.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks John !!

[@annjordan7501]

Thanks so much Kevin&Frank great 👍🏻 vlogs have an awesome Cruise 🚢 😎😎

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Ann...16 more days !!

[@midwestkatie4]

We have a motto: Last one to “go” cleans the toilet. Even if you think it’s clean, after two weeks of sitting with the A/C turned off most bathrooms aren’t going to be so fresh. Great lists!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Exactly right Katie !!

[@1971Brena]

Thank you guys for another invaluable video🥰

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're very welcome !!

[@livestotravel7589]

Hi guys! Well I came back from my first cruise. I think that maybe RC is not a good fit for me. Long story. I think I need a larger room, more dining venues, and more activities. I went on the Grandeur and at least I found out what I enjoy and what I don’t. If any of you fine people can give me any suggestions for which line, destinations etc. I like a more freestyle dining. Less restrictions. I think the Grandeur was too old and small for me. Or maybe I am just an all inclusive land gurl. 😏

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Hard to recommend cruise lines / destinations.....since we don't know people and their likes / dislikes. NCL is all about freestyle cruising. Check out our playlists for dining on all the cruise lines. perhaps a larger, newer ship, with all the bells and whistles is for you. When we start searching for a new cruise, we start with newer ships ( they will tend to be more handicap accessible for Frank) we look at their deck plans, restaurant descriptions (free & for a fee) activities aboard and their route itineraries that we might enjoy.

[@booksandcats2612]

Also should add thanks for the video! The reminder about pet meds is so good, can't let our fur babies down while we are having fun.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Can't forget them !!

[@scottbatchley6923]

Hi Kevin and Frank... Love that shirt Frank !!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Scott !!

[@gunthercindy]

Thanks guys. It never occurred to me to go to the dentist before holidays. That's super smart. You guys give such great advice. Hi Kevin, hi Frank!!!!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We always visit our doctor and our dentist before we go...especially since Kevin lost a tooth filling on the 1st night at dinner during our 2013 Carnival Victory cruise.

[@kays749]

@@Cruisingwithwheels My dentist keeps track of my vacation schedule so he can remind (harass) me before I go.

[@DinaCruisingThruLife]

I’m one of those bad people that pack last minute. But I do have all my items put aside ready to go. That is a great idea to turn off the water main. Take care

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're more prepared than some others. We know people that wake up in the morning and are leaving for their cruise in a few hours....and haven't even pulled their clothes to pack.

[@deborahbolton3417]

Thanks guys, with the mail I wish my husband did it like you did it Kevin. A week before and I never thought of it stop it on a Friday that’s a good idea very good idea. My husband does it well hands in the card two weeks before and I worry. You don’t know how much I worry. And this time no one was at the desk and he just laid it on the counter my fingers a crossed. I’m watching the rest of the video now I just had to state that before I forget.😳💖👍🏼💖🛳

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Oh boy Deborah....you need to get your husband in line !!! LOL

[@deborahbolton3417]

🤣🤣🤣👍🏼

[@sandygrogg1203]

Tins if good information, I don’t cruise (no money)...but I occasionally go out of town for a couple of days, to visit my sister and family. My grandson, Michael (20) stays in my house, and looks after my two fur babies... Spencer, and Finn... I like to pack a couple of days ahead, just to make sure I don’t forget anything important...a list helps keep me organized...which is nit my usual MO. 🙃🙃 I love to travel...and wish I had the funds to actually go somewhere fun...Not that my sister is not fun, you understand....but a real change of scenery woukd be nice. Thanks for all the hard work I know you put into your videos.. I have enjoyed them all, at least once. Love ya, Sandy from Cincinnati (I have lived in, or been to lots if other places, and woukd not live anywhere else. Cincinnati is the best👍)

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Sandy !!

[@laurasc84366]

Yayyyyy Im a week before my cruise....dealing with Hurricane Dorian in Charleston, SC.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Oh no !! Stay safe !!!

[@crystalcruiserguys776]

And always leave enough food for the relatives locked in the cellar! It would be cruel to forget that. And PS... I WANT Frank's shirt!!!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We only leave one meal for all of them......then it becomes " Thunderdome " !!!

[@crystalcruiserguys776]

@@Cruisingwithwheels We leave for Alaska in 4 days... so... gonna try YOUR method and just leave a loaf of bologna and let them work it out.

[@jimbsjaunts5352]

After hearing all the cruise drama this week from Dorian, I will always pack an extra week of medication just in case the ship gets delayed getting back to port. In the past if I was going to be gone 7 days, I took 7 days of meds. Not anymore! Always take extra.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Absolutely !! We always take extra meds...cause you just never know !!

[@kays749]

We are some of the rare people who still get a newspaper delivered. We have to call them to stop delivery.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Add it to the list.

[@roberthoward5903]

when is your next cruise i am going on the celebrity reflection in january

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We're leaving in 17 days for our NCL Escape New England / Canada cruise. Then, on Jan. 19th...we have our Cruising With Wheels group cruise on the new NCL Encore.

[@paulfischl2012]

Turn your air up to 85.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes..always adjust the temps for the current season, when you leave.

[@debbieserwe2242]

Wow we also turn off the hot water heater and turn off the water - go figure

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Great minds think alike !!

[@amybradley5821]

I did learn recently that if you have a credit card with the chip you don’t need to call to tell them you are overseas. I had always done this but called to ask and they confirmed this. I went to Europe and there was no problem! Didn’t know about this! Great advice, wish I was a week away from a cruise.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Interesting....All our cards are chipped and we still notify the credit card companies.