Launch Checklist

Coming along? Here’s what you need to do first, not counting the obvious of reserving your space, flying to meet the ship, yadda yadda. This is necessarily slanted toward Americans since that’s what I know, but others can probably get some ideas here too.

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Passport

Wait, This Isn’t Obvious! Consider applying for a second passport! You can do that?! Yes. The purpose is explained by the Department of State, and there is indeed a fee, and it’s only valid for four years, but I appreciate having one for the reasons outlined on that page, and knowing that we each have a backup gives peace of mind.

Phone

I already wrote about the best travel cell plan I’ve found, and still think it’s great. But I can’t stress more strongly the need to set it up before you leave the U.S. Not only do you want to ensure any kinks are worked out before you’re on the move, but they probably cannot provision your phone unless you are connected to a U.S. cell tower. Whether you follow my specific recommendation or not, don’t wait.

Money/Credit Cards

Other countries aren’t as credit card happy as the U.S. …but they’re making strides. I haven’t used an ATM to get local currency since Belfast, where it was handy for small items while we waited for weeks. Many places (and ship’s crew) are happy to take U.S. dollars. So the one big thing you have to make sure to do is have a card that doesn’t charge extra for foreign transactions. So I said goodbye to my Citibank card of more than 30 years, and got a different card for my main spending.

Another tip: when in a foreign country and you charge something to a card, they will often ask if you want it charged in US$ or local. Always choose local: having their bank do the currency conversion almost always adds a hefty fee.

The one exception to not getting local cash from an ATM? When we were in the BVI we got a few hundred bucks: BVI’s official currency is the U.S. dollar. Panama and Ecuador also use the U.S. dollar. In the comments, Kenneth points out that some banks (and, I know, credit unions) will refund the charges made by ATMs. That was the case for us, too.

Medications

Yeah, your insurance will probably only allow you to get 90 days of meds in advance. Pay out of pocket and get more — at least six month’s worth, and preferably a year’s worth. Yes it’s true that you can get many meds, even without a prescription, in many countries, and the cost is typically way less than you pay in the U.S. That said, access is not guaranteed, so you want a buffer. Start with the buffer and then keep an eye out for things you need while you go so you always have a buffer.

Alternative, especially if you have need to see specialists regularly: you might want to consider returning to the U.S. and the specialist(s) you like every X months, at which time you can refresh your medication supply. But make sure you have enough of a buffer in case of delays.

This tip applies to OTC items you might need too. We brought significant quantities of antihistamines (allergies), ibuprofen (body aches), acetaminophen (pain/fever), cough suppressants (colds), and various supplements (Vitamin C, D, etc.) Next time we’re in the U.S. we’ll get more, because all of those are much more easily obtained in the U.S., and at very good prices (especially via Costco).

“Stuff” to Bring

I already talked about some specific products to consider buying before you come. Now that we’ve been here for 100 days, is there anything else we’ve realized would be handy? Yes. One of the nice things about being delayed in Belfast for some time is that we had access to Amazon U.K., and did get plenty of deliveries during that time.

• Extra Storage: it’s a must! Cabins are smaller than you think. Where, for instance, will you put your suitcases? Extra clothing? Seasonal items? For us, it all goes under our bed. But there’s not enough room under there …unless you get bed risers. We got 5 inches of extra room, which was plenty without being ridiculous. Four per bed, and a “Queen” bed is two beds pushed together; these rectangular ones can take two legs together. Still needed 2 sets.
• Plug Adapters: the ship has U.K., European, and U.S. plugs, none of which are guaranteed to be in your cabin. Our cabin has the first two, but no U.S. plugs. Other cabins had plenty of U.S. plugs (go figure). While nearly all electronic power supplies (for computers, cell phones, etc.) are capable of accepting anywhere from 100 to 240 volts AC (even our toothbrush chargers), you may need adapters to actually plug them in (U.K. example, European example). Note these DO NOT drop the voltage to U.S. levels. Be sure the item you’re plugging in will deal with 220V. Transformers are more expensive, could be prohibited, and are beyond the scope of this listing. We do not have any, and that is a pain only for one device.
• A Printer: I went higher-end than expected because I wanted cheap ink replacement, not proprietary cartridges that cost more per ounce than high-end whiskey. I got the Epson ET-2850 “EcoTank” model, but really only did it because I could have it delivered; I wouldn’t have wanted to haul it on a plane, or even a cruise ship, to get it here. (Remember you’ll have to consider paper and ink, but at least that’s reasonably easy to get when you encounter an office supply store.)
• Magnets: lots of them. Cabin walls are steel. I previously mentioned magnetic hooks, and yes, you want a lot of those, including some extra-strong (110lb) ones. We also have a couple of sets of magnetic shelves. The linked ones look nice and have strong magnets. I also got a set of all-plastic for the shower wall. They’re really, really handy. I happened to have a pack of simple ceramic disk magnets and I’m glad I brought them along too. It’s great to have one or two on the outside of your door so people can leave notes. And for what’s pictured above.
• Oh, and a backup battery for your phone and other devices is always handy. We brought several that we already had.
• I like having my own blood pressure cuff. I got this wrist cuff which is accurate when used as directed. (My previous one was stolen, *grumble*.)
• Having a working computer is critical for my job. I brought my previous laptop as a backup, and also bought a couple of extra mice and two extra universal power supplies, which are amazing in quality for the price. A previously purchased backup power brick died in Belfast, so “it happens.” I also have a rugged SSD drive to keep a full backup on my person at all times (plus frequent increments, so it’s my main “restore everything if needed” drive), and a larger portable backup drive for multiple backups should I need to find something over time.
• Definitely, as previously suggested, get these Tozo T20 earbuds! (The T21s aren’t as comfortable.) It’s damned rude to have your phone on speaker in common areas, and these are ridiculously comfortable, ridiculously good, and ridiculously cheap. These often have coupons, too: look for it, and check the box before adding to your cart.
• Misc. of the Misc.: An assortment of silicon dots for quieting or protecting things. AA, AAA, and 9V batteries (Costco). Silicon “nano tape” — I’ve used enough that I’m glad I got two rolls. We got two of these quiet fans (we got these in the U.K. so we know they can handle 220V; shop around to ensure you get that capability) — one for the cabin, one for my office. A dozen stacking trays for our closet shelves and horizontal surfaces to help keep things together. Around 10 medium-sized stacking bins have also proven very handy.
• I know I’ve missed something so I’ll add to this list as I think of them, or people ask about them.

Again, it’s a lot to haul with you, but you can send stuff ahead too: talk to your salesperson about that if you’re coming to our ship. If you want it there when you arrive, then start several months ahead.

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Randy Cassingham

Randy is the co-founder of Residential Cruising, and is best known as the founder of the oldest entertainment feature on the Internet, This is True. He and his wife, Kit, live full-time on the Residential Cruising ship Villa Vie Odyssey, where they are “Digital Nomads” — continuing their work while living aboard the ship.

• Launch Checklist
• The Only One There (Video)
• BBC Documentary: The Never-Ending Cruise Story