TRAVEL TIPS. General tips for all travellers.

You aren't hardly alone. Packing for our first one back in Nov was as if we had never done it before...we were dazed and confused...I expected 17 things to go wrong during our "self-check in" or during the trip to the pier or at check in...what we took for granted (as in ho-hum) was replaced by paranoia....

My last cruise was 4 years ago. I feel like a newbie with all of these new rules. I actually had to take my own photo for check in.

I bought a red nose at Walgreens.

There is a resemblance.

[quote=maryred]

Have a back-up version of all reservation and/or boarding pass paperwork. If you use electronic means still do a printout or at the very least a screen shot that can be accessed offline. If using printouts or tickets take a photo of them on your phone or other mobile device that is accessible off line. Wireless access can fail at the most inopportune time, and if a check-in venue does not allow access to a "hardwire" internet enabled device you could be delayed or completely SOL if unable to access booking confirmations or tickets.

Never take a copy or photo (even in a "locked" phone gallery) of your ID or nationality documents with you traveling. Do leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend that is not traveling with you. Alternatively you can email yourself a photo or scan of them or upload to an encrypted file in the cloud, that you can electronically access them from a secured device. An original document is not needed for thieves to forge copies with their own pictures or use to steal your identity, but only original documents can be reported as stolen to authorities to invalidate the stole/lost ones.

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Tried to respond 2x yesterday, no clue where they went. Once more..Have watched many times folks at check in having problems accessing their data on their phones...all it does is aggravate the agent, and everyone else waiting in line...too few of the former, too many of the latter..yeh, we have it on our phone too, but we ALWAYS have hard copies on a small case we keep handy...and HAND the paperwork to the agent...AND FWIW...SAM doesn't care if your phone is lost, or your data is compromised. I guess if that happens, you have to tell SAM your passport was stolen/lost...even if it wasn't....hmmmmmm....

Although you may believe no one will do this, they do. DO NOT shout to someone in any public (including restrooms) your passwords, safe combination or codes to anything. Someone is always listening.

1.) Get to the terminal the day BEFORE the cruise 2.) If you need to book a return flight, get a later one 3.) Pack a pair of flip flops, sandals, or water socks for the pool deck 4.) NEVER leave your room without your Cruise Compass, camera, or Sea Pass

Have a back-up version of all reservation and/or boarding pass paperwork. If you use electronic means still do a printout or at the very least a screen shot that can be accessed offline. If using printouts or tickets take a photo of them on your phone or other mobile device that is accessible off line. Wireless access can fail at the most inopportune time, and if a check-in venue does not allow access to a "hardwire" internet enabled device you could be delayed or completely SOL if unable to access booking confirmations or tickets.

Never take a copy or photo (even in a "locked" phone gallery) of your ID or nationality documents with you traveling. Do leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend that is not traveling with you. Alternatively you can email yourself a photo or scan of them or upload to an encrypted file in the cloud, that you can electronically access them from a secured device. An original document is not needed for thieves to forge copies with their own pictures or use to steal your identity, but only original documents can be reported as stolen to authorities to invalidate the stole/lost ones.

Then cut up to smaller pieces before leaving home.

But, but...they confiscated my switchblade before I was allowed on the plane.

3M hooks. Because you can’t just hammer a nail into a wall