15 Cruise Port Dangers & Safety Tips 2025
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Cruising is a great way to travel & see multiple destinations. However, it's important to stay safe in cruise ports, avoid theft & any potential dangers. In this video I share cruise port safety tips, as well as cruise tips & advice to feel confident when getting off the cruise ship.
Learn about safe practices in cruise stops with these practical tips for first time cruisers & seasoned veterans. If you're going on a cruise, this cruise video will help you to have a safer & better cruise vacation!
These are cruise port dangers to be aware of and avoid, for a fun & safe cruise holiday.
RESOURCES:
🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳
Get the Life Well Cruised ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER ($10 off for a limited time). The printable planner includes 47 pages of checklists, packing lists, shore excursion forms & more! here: lifewellcruise....
**Book a cruise or get a no-obligation quote: bookmeicruise.c...
______
Please note that this video is not sponsored. The links in this description are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you.
As Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
CRUISE ESSENTIALS
Over the door organizer: amzn.to/4e3lVRj
Hanging toiletry bag: amzn.to/3Nb8fFY
Passport holder wallet: amzn.to/3f6VqNW
Compression packing cubes: amzn.to/3VPbPuI
Packing cube set: amzn.to/3S1sRVo
No surge power cube (with USB): amzn.to/3TGq8lY
Pill organizer: amzn.to/3zGyO3T
Magnet hooks: amzn.to/3yP2xXU
Magnet clips: amzn.to/37bNh9W
Cruise lanyards: amzn.to/3uNZBFb
Cruise card holder: amzn.to/3EWtRUL
Foldable backpack: amzn.to/3S6DiY1
Waterproof phone cases on lanyards: amzn.to/3iXCuT6
Mini poupourri: amzn.to/3zF6bUO
Bar shampoo & conditioner: amzn.to/3RfGYGn
Collapsible water bottles: amzn.to/4bAxkp9
Toiletry container set: amzn.to/4eT7nnz
Clear TSA approved liquid bags: amzn.to/49AEmdD
Air tags: amzn.to/4cvYgru
Towel bands: amzn.to/3S4bd3B
Small portable fan: amzn.to/4cVnfUQ
Portable straws: amzn.to/4bF7L6m
Carry on weekender bag: amzn.to/4bICeAi
Backpack carry-on: amzn.to/3xRAmaN
Silicone bottle covers: amzn.to/3Wf6v5v
Pop up hamper: amzn.to/3RYTrhY
No surge power bar: amzn.to/3NCRu7d
Nautical carryon bag: amzn.to/2TH7L3T
Electronics organizer: amzn.to/3wpIvxK
Night light (motion sensor): amzn.to/33eMEqP
Travel jewelry bag: amzn.to/2SY190s
Travel alarm clock: amzn.to/3iYuYXN
Water shoes: amzn.to/3G14O1g
Reef safe sunscreen: amzn.to/3rHUlRS
Travel fan: amzn.to/3uMc24t
Bonine: amzn.to/3NE87zo
Luggage tag holders:
Royal Caribbean: amzn.to/3tvNzB5
Celebrity: amzn.to/3JB36Fk
Norwegian: amzn.to/3JzGiFP
Princess: amzn.to/3wvgW8t
Carnival: amzn.to/3uhaUFM
HAL: amzn.to/3tz7tLs
MSC: amzn.to/3PLkMU4
*LEVEL8 LUGGAGE (use discount code LIFEWELLCRUISED10 for 10% off): www.anrdoezrs.....
*Nomad Lane carry-on bag (use discount code LIFE10 for 10% off): nomad-lane.mys....
ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER: lifewellcruise....
More Items we LOVE @ Life Well Cruised Amazon Store: amzn.to/3QaoV29
_______
FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE - Some links found in the description box of my videos are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust.
_______
*Business inquiries & media: please contact Ilana at lifewellcruised@gmail.com
Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
____________
If you're traveling with a spouse, do not both carry the same credit card. If one is lost or stolen, you will still have the other credit card to use. And keep the emergency phone numbers of the credit card issuers with you so you can cancel the missing card immediately.
I just go online and cx if needed I carry 2 cards abd my wife does to
My husband and I do this. Good tip.
Great tip
If you’re a woman, never go anywhere without your spouse/friend.
@@brucelawson3226 i think it very good to have 2 or 3 credit cards for a trip from different issuers. I was in Europe and had problems using the card. It was constantly flagged for fraud.
When I went to Nassau couple years ago, I walked by and the only person that bothered me was a “Cuban cigar“ seller, I just said no, and kept walking coming back a little bit later I saw him harassing other people. I decided to go Get lunch at one of the restaurants and I saw him again as I was walking back later there was a lady I had seen on ship and he was getting a little more aggressive with her than he had been with me and she looked petrified, I just walked up and said, “there you are sweetheart, are you ready to go back on the ship?“ She grabbed my hand and after about 10 feet she looked at me and said I could just kiss you right now. I was scared 💩less!
@@ryanb4688 good call
Yes! We have to look out for each other. Thanks for being awesome!
My recent cruise many were telling me about the aggressive people in Nassau. I didn't experience that at all did just as you did and all was fine
Staying on busy, main streets is excellent advice. Once when we were in St. Thomas we decided to look in stores one block off of Bay St. We continued walking past the shopping district because the street was shaded and much cooler. An elderly woman was walking towards us and stopped right in front of us. She asked if we were from the ship. When we told her we were, she told us to go over to Bay St. to continue walking as this street was not safe. We looked over her shoulder and a group of young men were standing at the next corner. We understood what she meant and turned immediately down a side street to get to Bay St. it is important to stay focused even on vacation. If the tourist crowd starts to disappear, it’s time to turn around.
Congratulations! I just watched a RUclips video on the Sail Away Magazine channel. The were interviewing Gary Bembridge. They said his RUclips Channel and yours "Live Well Cruised" were the two best RUclips channels for cruising.
@@kingsgaurd that was super nice of them! I haven’t seen that episode yet but they’ve got great interviews
Correct! I bought the cruise binder a few years ago and keep using it, even when I travel with a plane! I LOVE this channel!
Ilana made our 1st cruise a breeze. I watch her all the time.
My husband and I are a tad older so we always have travel insurance in case of a medical issue. The two companies I have used are Travel Guard and Alliance. I usually price them against each other:)
Have you ever had to file a claim? I'm less worried about the premium cost and more about coverage and ease of making a claim.
@@sandiehay4965 Yes we have. Missed flight connection and had to stay in a hotel. After we returned I filed the claim with receipts and was reimbursed within a week with no issues. Hope that helps:)
I have used Allianz and when we had to cancel our trip due to Covid, they paid immediately and no questions asked. On a recent cruise with Holland my wife need to see a doctor in the ship clinic. What was not paid for by Medicare (the benefits of being old!)😅 was immediately paid for by the Holland travel insurance. AON i think.
True story. Years ago we visited Cozumel and a group of us rented a passenger van to get around the island but one young couple from our group thought it would be a good idea to rent a moped. They soon found out why the mopeds have two cargo baskets on them. The baskets are there for picking up the parts of the moped that fall off the moped when you’re on the bumpy roads around the island. We had to stop a lot to wait for them to catch up with our van🤣
I know of 2 different people killed on rented mopeds in Cozumel. No thanks to motorized anything!
@@AristLiakos uh oh 😳
@@robine6337 sad 😔
Use the buddy system when visiting ports of call regardless of the region. Try to take a ship sponsored shore excursion whenever possible.
I agree with you about leaving your passport in your safe. Taking a photo of it and emailing it is essential in case of emergency. Should something happen while you are onshore and ship is going to depart, you can notify the port authority number you are give on your port information sheet, they will contact the ship. The ship will send a couple of officers to your cabin, open your safe and deliver its contents to the port authority so you can have your passport to fly home or to the next port of call. The port authority will assist you.
See, we’ve lived by that every other time we’ve gone to Mexico but the cruise we just got back from you needed your passport to get on and off the ship
Keep it simple and being your passport with you unless your prone to losing things. I’ leave copies of passport on my phone, in safe, and w/someone at home as backup
What happens if the ship departs port and you’re stuck in a different country? Photo copy or a picture on your phone is no good to fly back home right?
@@famousamos1 It will help expedite any resolution of your stolen passport available wherever you are.
Where in mexico?? You don't even need a passport on closed loop sailings to visit Mexico on most lines. Even ports that require passports I've never had to take it on and off ship.
A heads up for anyone sailing around Japan. We just did this in the fall of 2024. You are required to take your actual passport off in many ports. You go through security right on the pier at almost every port. Security is very tight and they will not accept any other ID. We saw many people going back to the ship to get their passport. I have a small Travelon cross body bag, and they easily fit in that. We felt very safe everywhere we visited in Japan, though.
I didn't realize that the "I was your waiter, this is my families store" etc. was a regular thing. My friend and I actually fell victim to this in Cozumel. The thing is the young man actually looked almost identical to the waiter we did have the night before. He lured us into a jewelry store that was supposed to be his grandfather's store. I realized pretty quick that it was a scam and got out. My travel partner wouldn't come out and she was harassed until she made a purchase for a worthless ring.
They all tend to look alike.
Yes Ilana, this video was extremely helpful. It's nice to hear cruising things that need to be considered but maybe not thought about very seriously. Great video! Thanks so much...... 🚢
As for credit card usage; when available we like to use "tap-and-pay" for some vendors and cafes. It avoids skimmers and those which might try to double charge (swipe) your card. Also, the CC machines that can take tap-and-pay can also use the app on your phone so you might not even need to use your plastic CC. Small vendors love your cash. I have never had a problem using $USD paper in South America and Caribbean ports. In Europe, I have ever had a problem using a CC or tap-and-pay. When asked, we always select to pay in local currency to avoid exchange issues.
Just returned from Antigua (St John was the port city) and as we were walking to the beach a voice told us from a crack in a dark doorway that the walk was 31 mins. I thought, how kind....! Except we met travelers coming toward us that says two tourists had just been robbed up ahead. We all turned around and got directly back on board. Take ship sponsored excursions - it's worth the extra money for peace of mind and safety. San Juan and st. Thomas are both super safe, and are the exception. Also never bring your passport on land. A licence is good enough to get back on board.
unfortunately SJU and STT are NOT super safe!
I take a credit card and cash when going in Ports. I only use credit card if we enter a large store and use cash for smaller vendors….. thanks for sharing these 15 tips!!!!
Having a set amount of cash for port's is great. We tend to take no more than $150. Per port and use credit cards and inform the credit card company that we are taking a cruise beforehand.
We use both Allianz and GeoBlue. One comes with more trip protection; one has elevated medical. They are both annual plans.
Which has more medical?
Waste of money, not to mention that Allianz is very expensive. Not to share with others or be proud of - shear stupidity on your part.
@@helenorgarycrevonis2022wow. Simmer down now and allow the adults to have a conversation please. I have had to cancel my wedding/honeymoon to my mom having a life-changing accident 5 days before. You know what saved everyone a lot of money? Travel insurance.
Or the time I woke up with strep throat the morning after my wedding and had to go to the infirmary! I needed antibiotics and didn’t have to leave the resort because, bingo, travel insurance.
My other FAVORITE pro-travel insurance story? That would have to be Hurricane Ian, which “forced” my husband and I to stay in Jamaica a whole 3 more days because there were no flights to the entire eastern half of the USA.
But yeah, I’m sure you have a GREAT and exciting story to share about travel insurance!!!!!
😑😑😑😑.
So please, whomever was rudely interrupted- please feel free to share your information as I would love to look into them for future trips! 💕 Thanks!
@ well you don’t know our health problems so. 🤷🏻♀️
@@robine6337 GeoBlue has more in the way of medical concierge. Prescription replacements, help translating, finding the expert providers should you need surgery, and paying on the spot vs. you paying then having to wait for reimbursement. We don’t have to carry the largest Allianz policy because we have this. We have been pleased with our decision since we travel a lot but also have serious medical conditions.
Check the country when it comes to passports. For example, Japan expects one to carry their passport when visiting that country.
@@evelyngrammar good point to always follow the country’s rules and recommendations
Another reason for taking cash off of the cruise ship is for tipping your tour guide
We appreciate your Vlogs Ilana, very informative. Last September, we returned to board our RC Ship at Naples Port and we showed photocopies of our Passports. The Port Authority guy told us that we should show our original Passports only! The guy in front of us showed his Passport Photo on his Phone and was told the same thing! I raised this with RC because I do think they need to be a bit more clear with the advice they give passengers when getting off the Ship as I did ask the staff and was reassured what we had was fine and not to worry. We were allowed back on the Ship but it does make me a little anxious about what to do in 2025 going forward when taking European Cruises.
@@sarahdixon4735 thanks for sharing your story. Were you allowed to show government ID instead (like a licence)? If guidance is to bring a passport in the country then it’s the originals
I'm italian. Here in Italy it's mandatory to have always with you your original id document. The same for citizens. Police checks are quite common. Better to have copies into the ship and original with you.
@ is ID (like a drivers license with photo) accepted? I believe this is what we had with us when in Italy
@@LifeWellCruised official ID documents for italian law are passport and ID card. Driver license only when driving. Officially. Majority of policemen is comprehensive, but passport is better.
Emailing the photo of your passport to yourself is such an incredible piece of advice that I never would have thought of. It never even occurred to me that I would want to look up that photo even if I lost my phone. So thank you for bringing that to my mind
Always love your advice, Ilana. We usually do our own excursions, as we find it easier, especially with my wife's mobility issues not being herded around like so many excursions. We enjoyed our excursion to Mayan ruins with the cruise group, as we had several transfers and didn't want to try that on our own.
Our best individual excursion to date was when we hired a jeep and driver to take us around the island. It was four hours and about $70 per person. I wouldn't recommend that to new cruisers as it's too easy to get ripped off.
Set a timer for the amount of time you want to spend off the ship. No worries about time changes. Take a photo of the barcode in the back of your passport. Keep that on your phone and email it to yourself. It holds all the important passport info. We use Allianz annual trip insurance. Thanks for all your wonderful cruise information! Safe travels
I use Allianz also,
I’ve always kept photos of my important documents on my phone in case I lose them, but this time per your advice I’ve just emailed them to myself! Great idea 💡
I have copies of our passports, driver's Licenses and some other important information on a USB and I carry that with me and put it in the safe once we board the ship. Also I always carry my purse crossbody and in front on me usually my hand is on it. I walk with a cane ; my cane is collapsible folds up nicely for carrying. I have a bag that I can put it in and I carry it on my shoulder. Thank you for tips in regards to the jewelry.
When traveling off the ship I’ve always carried my passport ID card as well as the ship card and a credit card. You are very right about Europe, every excursion on my Mediterranean cruise, the tour guide always would warn everyone that there are sticky fingers everywhere. In the Caribbean, especially Spanish speaking countries, try to know the language and you get good deals. You always need to be in alert as if you were in NYC! Hide your purses, carry small bills! Don’t look like a tourist!
When returning from a ship sponsored shore excursion in Belize, a couple people asked the guide where they could have a good/local meal. The guide had the driver drop them off at the location. When we told our room attendant about it, he was horrified. He said he was from Belize and would never go into that area - it just wasn’t safe.
The ship will let you know if you need your passport on land. We had a couple ports overseas that needed them on land
I was on a cruise with my teen-aged son years ago and we ended up on an excursion with a group of married couples and their children that we were assigned to the same table in the main dining room. We ended up on many excursions together and so they looked out for us (I'm a widow and not having a "husband" makes you feel a little more uncomfortable). We had a blast and made some new friends. It was a highlight of the cruise and we felt safer with several men in our group.
@@lisasmith5291 great story
I put all the cruise line contact info for my cruise on my phone in contacts. I have had to use those numbers on 2 different and this made everything much easier.
I also put my meds in the safe as well. I would never want someone to mess with it in anyway.
I have used the water proof waste pouch on a beach excursion in Aruba. It worked perfectly.
Do you have a link please?
Nassau is a NO-GO for us. Been there a few times. The harassment you have to deal with is insane.
That is correct!
Most aggressive street vendors I have ever seen were in Cartagena, Colombia.
My only cruise was to Ensenada. Was having so much fun I wasn’t on guard and got pick poceted. The thieves didn’t understand how travellers cheques worked and came to the ship and demanded money for me to get them back. Your advice is right on.
Another great video. Good information and tips for everyone..even those cruisers who have cruised a lot and may have become a little relaxed once they get off ship. Well done!!
Traveling in Europe this past April, we did have several ports that required a passport to get back on. The rest of the time my DL sufficed. Our cruise line (HAL) let passengers know if a passport was required versus a DL.
Common sense goes along ways !!!!
For travel insurance we use Squaremouth to compare different policies, so each vacation may have a different provider depending on who was offering what we needed.
Again.. Fabulous update and information. This is why I let my clients know about your channel..
@@osgoodehuskies1 thanks very much for your feedback and recommendation
I always take a printed copy of my passport besides having it on my phone
I do the same thing, and my state ID as a secondary form of ID.
Thanks for all of the great tips you share. I have been following you long enough that I've heard most of the really helpful things but it is always good to keep hearing it. Maybe we will bump into your family on a future cruise some time!
You always have great advice Ilana! Have a wonderful cruise!
I appreciate your remarks about avoiding risky behavior. At Peggy's Cove I saw a lot of tourists walking on the slippery rocks. In fact, one man from our bus fell and ended up going to the hospital
Wow, that’s a good one you mentioned. Thanks for sharing
@LifeWellCruised it was a very rainy day which didn't help. Our tour guide warned us about the rocks and felt very bad about it. It's too bad he didn't listen.
I printed a copy of my passport and put it in my waterproof hip bag for when I leave the ship. I keep the original in the cabin safe.
I have been on 3 cruises and loved each one. I watch your videos a lot and enjoy them. Please keep up the great videos.
US has the option of a passport card as well as the book. You can’t fly with just this though. I got both card and book when renewing so that way I am covered. I take the card off ship.
You can fly domestically with it tho if you don’t have the update DL
I hold an advanced open water scuba certification and I would agree with you. If anyone is offering a very short dive lesson just to meet the times of the ship it's totally unsafe.
I dive on almost every cruise (I'll be diving in Tortola in a few weeks when I'm on NCL Viva), but if you want to learn to dive either do it on a land trip to the Caribbean/Asia/Australia/Egypt or via a licensed dive centre where ever you come from.
I always ask the officer on the deck what is ship time when we leave. Then I can adjust accordingly. I also wear a cheap watch I can change the time and stay on Ship time. MEN Buy a wallet with a chain that attached to a belt loop. I have Motorcycle friends who swear by them.
If you are traveling alone and find yourself being followed or targeted. Look for ANY ship officer, there are many on shore. Even if it is with a different cruise line, they will usually help you, OR walk into a store like Diamonds International, mention to a salesman your problem. They want to keep their reputation with the cruise lines and can find you someone to escort you back to the ship.
It also helps to send a text to a family member or friend back home your planned itinerary ,when you leave ship and again when you are back on board, also give the member copies of contact info for cruise line/ personal info for yourself to give authorities/travel itinerary ( flights, hotel, port of calls)from the moment you leave for vacation to the day you get back , better to be cautious.
Travelon makes cut proof bags for travel
I’ve had one of these for years. It’s very secure.
Have traveled solo for the last 20 years. I bought my first Travelon purse and have bought 4 or 5 different styles since then. I really liked the feature that you could unlock the strap and attach it to the chair you sat in in an airport. I actually use them as my daily purse 95% of the time.
@@sheilaklee3982 yes I have one and it’s good
When in any port, I always use a "safe" and pickpocket proof travel bag, such as made by Travelon. Almost impossible for some one to get into it, the strap has a metal cable inside of it so no one can cut it off you, and when Dining you can lock it to your chair.
Remember to pay the extra $ to the cruise line to get detailed medical records IF you get any treatment at the medical center. If you don't, your travel insurer or other type of health insurer may refuse to reimburse you if all you submit is the summary and the bill.
Deerfield Beach, lived there for 20 years. was a nice area. Had to stop for fuel on our last cruise from Miami, surely has changed. Will stop for fuel for our next HAL cruise from Ft Lauderdale. Another good video!
Me too. She looks like she’s on the other side of Jog or Powerline Road.
I love that color on you! I seem to remember one port where they asked for our passports in the Caribbean. My son ran all the way back to our cabin to get mine! 😊
When I cruise I always check the destinations when I get ready to book because it is pointless to go places where I will refuse to leave the ship. If I want just being on the water, transatlantic will do just as well. I also don’t return to locations or excursions that require me to face a gauntlet of determined those’ll locals.. some get really pushy and surround you. TheBufadoro in Ensenada and area around the port in Ochoa rios come to mind.
If we are doing a beach excursion, I carry a Kyss bag. It is a large tote bag that has a chain that wraps around the charge and locks the zipper.
Thanks for the answering the Passport question for me. Always wondered about that one!
I agree $75 to $100. I have sometimes carried up to $150. I also agree to use a credit card. Just don’t forget to let you credit card company know you’ll be traveling so they will know you are out of the country.
In talking about water you showed Rome. Rome’s water is potable with hundreds of free water fountains ( called nasoni because some look like a nose )
When in port and using a credit card, make sure they bring the card machine to you or you go with them to the machine.
If they try to take your card somewhere out of your sight there is a danger of them cloning it it.
Also, always make a note of the contact details of the port agent. This is the easiest way to get in touch with the ship if you have a problem.
Thank you! Very informative, I agree with all your points.
I've had the "hey, I'm your waiter from the cruise ship" scam. We didn't fall for it.
If you're walking on the sidewalk keep your shoulder bag on the arm not street side. Theives on motor scooters will dtrve alongside you and rip the bag off your arm. I've seen this happen and the woman was badly injured.
Great advise, thank you for the information.
In addition to mopeds beware renting seados. A friend’s nephew lost his leg in Florida riding on one. He had never used one before and was tossed off on a tight turn
I'm here in Orlando definitely been getting better weather than the little cold front and cloudy days I hope you have a wonderful trip and thank you for your awesome videos 🫶🏽
It’s 80 today in Viera, Florida (2/8/2025) near Cocoa Beach predicted to be 85 next week.
TRUE STORY: we were on the Sapphire Princess last October on a Carabbean cruise and we booked that particular cruise because Martinique was a port of call and we wanted badly to go there. But the night before, the captain said that, due to civil disputes in Martinique, we would not stop there. So, instead, we visited Ste-Lucia.
Been there. The whole place is a big, dangerous, shanty town once you move away from the hotel/pier.
Best Zipline experience i've ever had was at Dragons Breath Zipline over the Caribbean sea in Labadee Haiti. I use most of these tips also especially when it comes to not wearing any jewelry in port. I mostly use good common sense and haven't had any issues in ports of call.
I have only been on two cruises…one in the Caribbean and one around Iceland. We required our passports to reboard the ship on both cruises
I agree about avoiding ziplines. I know someone who was injured and spent a long time in a questionable hospital due to an injury. There are plenty of ziplines in your home country.
Anything can happen at any time!!!
Our last cruise, Miami, thru Panama to Los Angelese. Announced we would Not be Stopping in Nicaragua due to a notice from the State Dept. We use (Copied) Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz Assistance USA) and a backup "MASA" Medical Transport Solutions.
I swam with sharks while staying at Anthony Key’s resort on Roatan and had a great dive!
Make sure your medical ID screen is updated on your phone. I add my traveling companions, ship number, next place I plan to be etc. Medical and emergency staff will almost always check this first if something goes wrong as it has your meds and allergies too.
I also keep a photocopy of all my stuff (passports, credit cards, travel insurance etc) and leave it with a friend at home who is also my emergency contact. That way she has access to everything she will need if I’m not able to help. 😊
I ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOU SHARING GREAT CRUISE INFORMATION! THANK YOU🙏✝️❤🛳😀😀
Good solid advice. works for wherever one may travel too .
Awesome and helpful!
Excellent tips!
We use Allianz for yearly travel insurance. Covers everything from a cruise to overnight stay near my daughter's college.
Great tips, Ilana! One thing you didn’t mention is having a prepaid credit card like Wise or Revolut. If it gets stolen or scammed, the maximum loss is the amount you have prepaid.
Your hair looks amazing.
Here's a few tips. Do not ever give your passport when renting out mopeds. They will leverage this against you in saying that there is a scratch/dent and you owe them a lot of money. If you don't, you don't get your passport back.
For ship/local time, I recommend setting a timer so that when it goes off, you know it's time to get back. Example: You ask the crew how many hours until you leave. They say 8 hours. You set a timer for 7 hours to give yourself a 60 minute cushion. That's what I do.
@@romeoserback good tips
Those were very valid points. The one that opened my eyes were taking a pic of the passport and emailing it to yourself. Traveling with others is always the way to go. I personally won’t put anything I would miss in a larger bag. I would wear a small safety bag under my clothing. Or put it in my bra.
For keeping ship time against real-time, what I’m planning on doing, is keeping my Apple Watch on real time and using that onboard ship, and I’ve picked up a cheap water resistant watch from Walmart for going on excursions kept on ship time.
Just a word of caution to check your travel medical insurance to make sure it includes “higher risk” activities such as scuba diving, mopeds, and zip lining as many clearly state they do not. You can however buy supplemental coverage.
We use travelguard
Allianz for travel insurance is good to use.
Really good advice
When I was in Rome a couple of weeks ago, our tour guide said all the fountains and these little water pipes constantly flowing water were safe to drink. I did not test that theory, I always took the Bottles Viking gave us when we left the ship, but I saw plenty of other people drinking from or filling bottles from them.
If you are venturing out on your own make a plan, stick to it and have an idea of directions to the location. In St Lucia we let a taxi driver talk us out of our plans and go to a different beach. We stepped out of the taxi into a crowd of overzealous vendors that we later found out the driver was working with. They followed us all around the beach until we took shelter in a restaurant, harassing us and ruined the experience.
Always good advice. Learned the hard way don't put your wallet in your back pocket. Got pickpocketed in Lisbon, Portugal while going on a subway. Also when in port if one of the locals ask to take your picture Don't give them your phone. They will ask for money to get it back.
I purchased a pick pocket free backpack. The zipper is located between the back of the backpack and my back so no one can open the zipper. It's also lined so no one can scan my cards. While traveling my husband puts a large rubber band around his wallet which it makes it impossible to slide it out of his pocket without difficulty.
You give the best cruise tips on RUclips. Thanks
Thank you ❤
In Antigua, we went on an island bus tour. Long story short, we went to the top of a mountain to a cafe/lookout area. On the way down, the brakes started smoking and the driver seemed to not care...to add to that trauma - it was a one-lane road and there were cars coming up as we were going down and nowhere to pull to aside! Needless to say, we will NEVER take a tour like that again. They just don't have the safety precautions and codes we do in the USA. 😁
I take a picture on my phone 3:10 of the info getting in touch in case of an emergency of the cruise ship planner prior to disembarking.
I'm a first time cruiser and didn't think about the ship's card on the lanyard. Thanks!
Travel Guard has been a good insurance option
Don't fall for the "local" at the cruise port offering to take a photo of you (and whomever you are with) in front of the perfect location with your phone. By the time you get into position, they are gone with your phone.
They also want money for taking your picture.
As they said in Apocalypse Now, "Never get off the boat". If it has a level 4 warning your insurance your insurance probably won't cover you. If you need a bus over one hour to get to the city such as Rome, it is too risky if you miss the bus. Taxis are expensive to get back.
I'm cautious in cruise ports but more so in any U.S. city.You should NEVER not be aware of your surroundings.
More so, really???
@@lightwarrior432 Um, yes. How is that even close to surprising. Get out much?
@@lightwarrior432I think if the US government would do travel advice as well within the US, which they do not, some cities and ports would be high up for dangers and Scams as well. Just because it is US does not mean it is safer than abroad. Gun violence in US exceeds many countries across the globe.
When Ensenada please look out for getting over on at the Flea market type shopping near the blow hole there is a tour and a tour guide because they work together will tell you everyone else is bogus and second they are working with the store/shop they refer to shop at
I never leave a ship without my passport. I keep it on my person with a neck or waist bag whenever I'm in another country. I wear an undershirt so it's safely tucked in between.
I do not trust printed copies as they can get damaged and i dont trust electronics because devices dont always cooperate when you want them to.
Of course, do what you're comfortable with. But for me, it will be on me at all times off the ship.
I was at a beach in Bermuda, and we found out that a woman who was on our cruise was killed riding moped when it was hit by a bus, and her family saw it happen.
As a recommendation when you get your passport get a passport card it of course won't do everything a passport would do but it is a good government I'd to have off ship