Going on a Cruise

[DogDoc]

I started a side business a few years ago that has become very successful. It’s now bringing in much more than my vet practice does (and the vet practice does fine) with only a few hours a day of my time.

So I hired another vet so I could focus more on the new business and now have, for the first time ever in thirty years, the ability to leave town for more than a day or two and not have the wheels fall off my financial wagon.

I’m also jazzed about finally having the freedom to travel and take some SI courses.

So I’m taking the Mrs on a cruise for a week. We’ll be in Honduras, Belize and Mexico as well as some islands in the Caribbean I’ve never hear of.

I assume cruise ships have the same sort of security restrictions as airplanes and that I won’t be able to take any of the “tools” Im accustomed to carrying. Is that correct?

Im putting together a few “multi-use” items to take along. Open to suggestions from any who have been similarly “restricted”. This will be my first foray into a true NPE.

Any general advice about this sort of vacation anyone else has would be welcome as well. I’ve never been on a cruise before. My daughter said we’d like it. LOL

[Johnny C!]

I always put a small, cheap folder in my checked
baggage, getting on & off the ship. Never had a
problem.

Cheap enough to pitch it if I have to, and small
enough to not be flagged.

Cruises are the best money I have spent on a
vacation.

Be safe!

Edit to reply to Ryan's comment below. I was
speaking about our cruises, where we drove
to Port Canaveral. FYI

[DogDoc]

Good to know. Thanks Johnny.

[Ryan Taylor]

When I fly into mexico, you are given a tourist visa immediately when you get off the plane. You see mexican immigration first thing. I assume a cruise will be the same, as you are required to have a visa if you more than (if Im not mistaken) 250 kilometers from the border.

They might treat an actual cruise differently.

I would just buy a knife there. Tbh. Its different crossing the southern border, vs being deep in the country. You get treated different by officials.

[Redneck Zen]

The below is from a past forum post regarding an Alaskan cruise my wife and I took several years ago. Since then we've done the Mediterranean, China/Japan (both Celebrity) and a Viking Riverboat cruise from Amsterdam through Germany and down to Budapest. Yes, we're spending our son's inheritance. Which is fine since he and his wife are making more money than we ever did.

Bottom line up front: Traveling as a tourist is great, but you give up things overseas that you take for granted here at home. On the ocean cruises expect airline quality screening at each port when boarding the ship. The ship crews are amazingly courteous and helpful, but professional nonetheless.

In addition, if you visit China and Japan expect airport type screenings getting off the boat; keep in mind that those screening points are both run by their respective governments. You pays your monies, you takes your chances with Chinese and Japanese LEOs.

On the European riverboat cruise things were more relaxed at each port throughout each country, no screenings, no problems. I bought some Victorinox knives in Cologne (Koln), Germany, in fact, and boarded with confidence. I could have purchased and boarded with some fixed blades, but I didn't find any shops that had anything to my taste.

The only grief I've gotten lately was at the Detroit airport coming home from Tokyo last year. A TSA screener who could have been my grandmother -- and I'm sixty-three -- got a little testy with me. Some pointy aluminum pens in my carry on (I put them there out of spite and to test the system) triggered the luggage scanner and despite the fact that she was looking right at them, she couldn't find them. She got kinda cranky about it, demanding to know if I had "anything sharp!" I said, well, no, not that I could think of. A younger, former-military looking type TSA guy intervened, rolled his eyes and waved me on past grandma and said, "Welcome home." It was pretty much a non-event.

I did bring back a couple of nice kitchen knives and some cheap kiridashi blades from the Kappabashi kitchen district in Tokyo, but they were in our checked bags, no problem. Yes, I did look for something more interesting, but time and scheduling limits screwed that up.

ADDENDUM: Above I mentioned "traveling as a tourist." Traveling overseas with the military is a huge pain in the ass. We used to get hassled by military customs all the time, especially by the USAF. Oy freakin' vey! It hasn't changed much; my son has been deployed twice and each time he tells the most hilarious and frustrating tales of bureaucratic abuse you can imagine. Makes me happy I'm old and retired.

Anywho, here's that previous post:

Took my wife on a cruise to Alaska 2014 on Celebrity Cruise lines. In my checked bags I put a La Griffe, a Hideaway and a couple of expendable folders. When we got to our room my bag was missing; a note summoning me to the hold was at the door, however. I went down and the nice man asked if I had any knives in my bag. Turns out they X-ray (or whatever) all the bags. So of course I said, why yes, I do. We're going to Alaska, after all. He smiled and asked to see them. I pulled out my zippered hygiene case and showed him my CS Rajah III (not my favorite knife but perfectly serviceable and expendable in my view). He said he'd have to hold it and gave me a receipt. He didn't bother asking about the others; I got the impression he wasn't all that concerned with the nice old man. I have to admit he was pleasant, helpful and non-judgmental throughout the experience.

Funny thing ... the main things they were confiscating were steam irons, and there were plenty of people waiting to turn theirs in. Apparently the ships had some problem with faulty wiring in passengers' iron and this little thing called a fire hazard. I was oddly reassured.

Over the next week or so at each stop we had to go through metal detectors and our carry ons and shopping bags were scanned. I wore Keen steel toe hiking shoes and a Liger belt on vacation and around town. Never had to take off the shoes or belt. They'd smile, pull out the paddle, check my shoes, ignore my buckle and let me through. I left my knives in my room through most of the voyage. I did carry my usual big sharp metal pen and flashlight kit, along with a nice big well traveled carabiner on my camera bag, a Maxpedition Lemora.

I did run across a Brit who carried a folding box cutter with a pocket clip while on board. We shared experiences and I was surprised that he didn't get any hassle for it.

Once we hit Seward we prepped to disembark. I kinda wrote off the Rajah III (I considered it a nice blade but expendable). As we checked out (using the encoded key card) I was pulled aside and presented with my plastic wrapped knife, a smile and a fond farewell. It was a pretty amazing experience in customer service.

After that we traveled by bus for four days, no problems there. I carried my folder like every other Alaskan.

I'm not crazy about being in big crowds or taking cruises, but this was a pretty positive experience. The closest thing to trouble I came across was at a small bar on the ship I visited regularly -- they had an excellent guitarist, a nice selection of rums and ales and a cute Romanian waitress who loved talking about her travels. The final night on board an pompous ass with an Elvis haircut and an inflated sense of self importance made a scene, clapping his hands, yelling at the other patrons and waving his arms around like an idiot. My young waitress tried talking him down. I casually picked up my bottle of ale and waited to see what would happen. Two young, polite professional "managers" came in and quietly talked with Elvis. He stormed out and the guitarist continued on, restoring calm.

I talked with my young friend and complimented her bravery. She smiled and said they had checked the offender's key card. He'd been ejected from a couple of other clubs that evening. Management shut him down for the night and warned him that he could not be allowed to disrupt the pleasure of the other passengers. I asked how often that happened and she said it was quite rare. When you're spending that kind of money most people don't want to waste it.

[Redneck Zen]

So I’m taking the Mrs on a cruise for a week. We’ll be in Honduras, Belize and Mexico as well as some islands in the Caribbean I’ve never hear of.

I assume cruise ships have the same sort of security restrictions as airplanes and that I won’t be able to take any of the “tools” Im accustomed to carrying. Is that correct?

Im putting together a few “multi-use” items to take along. Open to suggestions from any who have been similarly “restricted”. This will be my first foray into a true NPE.

Any general advice about this sort of vacation anyone else has would be welcome as well. I’ve never been on a cruise before. My daughter said we’d like it. LOL

You probably already know this, but bring plenty of small denominations for tips. It's been a while since I've traveled the route you're headed, but the US dollar is appreciated pretty much by everyone everywhere -- even in South Korea, so I discovered. Depending on the length of our excursion we bring a couple of hundred in fives and tens just for tips. A smile, a handshake and the exchange of money brings good things.

Also, don't forget to tip the ship's crew, your housekeeper, etc. They work their asses off and can share all sorts of great information about the ship, the route, all that stuff. We enjoy chatting with crewmembers more than the other guests, to be honest. For instance, one of the servers in our favorite onboard restaurant said he loved Woodford Reserve. We happen to live near the distillery, and when I showed some pix of the family in front of the Woodford Reserve sign, you'd have thought we were royalty. I'm not much of a bourbon drinker, sad to say, but he treated us like long lost relatives throughout the trip. And, of course, we tipped him nicely because it was the right thing to do.

You can also drop nice notes off at the concierge/customer relations about the quality of service you get from the crew. Name dropping gets you smiles and that translates to enthusiasm and that to even better service. Most of the crew we've met were from the Philippines, Eastern Europe, African and India, and they love their jobs and the money it brings them and their families. Good reputation and credibility are key to their continued employment. It doesn't take much to do them good.

Back to security stuff: Onboard security is pretty awesome on the ships we used. Never had anything missing, but my wife and I are pretty security aware. Your stuff in your room is safe. I'd trust the crew long before I'd trust any of the passengers.

We also take pictures of our IDs, drivers licenses, passports, etc., and put them on our phones, just in case. I also upload them to Dropbox and my Google Drive. If the captain used to work on the Costa Concordia, well, at least you'll be able to access your stuff even if all you manage to salvage are your boxer shorts.

We have AT&T, so we get overseas coverage for both phones, again, just in case. Never had to use them. WiFi on the ships is WAAAAAAY BETTER now, too, even out at sea. We splurge for the WiFi 'cuz why not? It's probably in your suite package. Makes checking email, sending pix home, etc. a breeze.

Show up early if you have to use the lifeboats for shuttling off to port. The same for the bus. We have one family in Japan who held us up for forty-five minutes, which threw off the rest of the tour and pissed off the entire group. They didn't give a crap.

In short -- I know, too late! -- don't be the Ugly American. Just cruise along with your bride, be happy and have a great time. You've worked your ass off, so reap the rewards of your efforts.

Bon voyage!

[coastalcop]

Even with VIP status, dont let the boarding process throw off your trip, its going to feel like MEPS, or a cattle chute for bit, it gets a lot better. Unless you are making it a challenge splurge on the balcony/suite cabin its very worth it ( our next cruise is a backpack cruise, your whole week in a single 30l pack just for fun, and cause I said she couldnt do it)

Check the cruise line regs, mine was under 4 or 4 1/2 if I recall (have a copy of said regs in your pocket). so I bought a few low/mid spydercos and went in bags and person. Handed them out to room steward as a gift at end of the cruise. flashlights ok. They dont know what tuff ties are. Most of the time i find that they are more concerned about someone sneaking booze in than anything else (checked the corks on the the wine we were bringing on).

Security reentering the boat from port MIGHT snag your blade (but they will give it back to you at end of trip) , but thats why you have a few. Never been pegged for my med kit. Brought a little .380 in parts once just to see if I could (when they open the bag make it too much trouble to figure out what their looking at, lots of charging wires, power blocks, headphones, batteries, etc.) .

Depending on your level of comfort in a foreign land, stick to excursions "endorsed" by the line, in those cases everyone has a vested interest in getting you back whole, hale, and on time. DONT rent a car unless you are used to driving in another country. I was in St. Martin in a rental and watched another tourist smack a local on moped with his rental econobox. I treated the local until authorities arrived (he turned out to be a lot better off that he could have been). Tourist was detained by authorities.

[EDELWEISS]

I cant speak for any cruises; but TSA snagged what they called my "fighting pen" so I insisted the 20ish officer who spotted it accept it as one officer to another. The gifting took a little convincing; but it also diverted him from my padlocks on bandanas and two roles of quarters and SI titanium chopstix and two Zebra stainless steel pens in a leather case that would later hold the quarters.... Moments later I ate in one of the airport restaurants with my chopstix and filled the leather pen case with the quarters. I carried the Zebra pens in my shirt.

When I was in England I got stopped entering one of the cathedrals with the leather case filled with local coins. They "knew" what I was doing but I acted like a tourist and said I was collecting coins for my kids. I smiled and thanked them for their diligence then apologized if I had done something wrong--they let me pass.

Im a big fan of the unbreakable umbrella, although it probably fits better in London then Mexico. A solid cane is always good cover. The "handicapped" game works everywhere. I know some of you guys are saying it wont work for me because, I don't look like I need a cane; maybe not but security will fold, trust me. I game my kids those spinner things and showed them how to punch with them. Of course Gabes collection of bottle openers might fit in better in Mexico.

Yes yes yes bring small bills lots of them. Ive found $5s are better than $10s, you can always give two if you think you need to tip more. I also kept a $20 wrapped around a match book (folded in half lengthwise, then secured with a rubber band). I carried it alone in a pocket as distraction money. It was my "here take this" tool that would allow me to access something else or flee while they were looking at the $$$ that I had tossed in front of them. Today I might put a stack of $1s under the $20 to make it look like a thick stash.

*******also diversion is the key when dealing with TSA types. Carry lots of cables (you will anyway) for your chargers your questionable items can be mixed with them and wont be as obvious. I took a journal to record my travel and rubber banded a metal ruler that I cut down (sharp edge, oooops sorry) around the book

and if you want to be really paranoid, buy one of the Satellite Text devices. They MUCH cheaper than a SAT Phone and MUCH cheaper to use. I keep year round service on mine for hunting. REI sells them for $200ish and service is about $10 a month. You can text home with them and theres an emergency button to yet "Lawyers, Guns, and Money" headed your way....

[Redneck Zen]

Even with VIP status, dont let the boarding process throw off your trip, its going to feel like MEPS, or a cattle chute for bit, it gets a lot better. Unless you are making it a challenge splurge on the balcony/suite cabin its very worth it ( our next cruise is a backpack cruise, your whole week in a single 30l pack just for fun, and cause I said she couldnt do it)

Most definitely go for the balcony. On the larger ships the crowds can get on your nerves. Well, mine. Eat, drink and be merry with your private view of the ocean and the passing scenery.

Also, we used room service on mornings when we had to report early for land excursions. By the time we were showered and dressed, poached eggs with salmon and herring were wheeled into our room and we'd be ready for the day, no worry, no hurry.

Depending on your level of comfort in a foreign land, stick to excursions "endorsed" by the line, in those cases everyone has a vested interest in getting you back whole, hale, and on time. DONT rent a car unless you are used to driving in another country. I was in St. Martin in a rental and watched another tourist smack a local on moped with his rental econobox. I treated the local until authorities arrived (he turned out to be a lot better off that he could have been). Tourist was detained by authorities.

Yep, yep and double yep. I forgot about recommending using the ship's tours. Can't speak to all cruise lines, but on Celebrity and Viking tours they'll hold the ship for you if you're late, which is very comforting; if you're on your own, you'll spend big $$$ trying to catch up to the ship.

When I was younger I was bold and dumb, traveled out and about on my own and drove like a fool in foreign lands. As I'm older now I'm a bit more cautious, especially with the wife. I'll let others deal with the LEOs.



Great ideas!

[FL-Obiwan]

Based on your itinerary you shouldn’t have problems if you stick to the touristy areas. Minimal problems on the islands but be careful in Central America and Mexico. Security will be TSAish entering the boat at each port. Take your passport on shore “just in case”. You probably won’t need it. I keep ours in an ankle pouch that is my normal mode for carrying my wallet. Difficult to pickpocket... and invisible to casual viewing.
I usually prepare a travel wallet (business card holders from Bass shoes are excellent and cheap) consisting of drivers license and a credit card or two. The rest of the stuff you usually carry - leave it home. Small denomination currency is a good idea to take.
The suggestion about photographing your passport, drivers lic, credit cards, etc and send it to yourself in your gmail,Hotmail, yahoo, etc is good. I did that years ago for me and the Mrs. I also keep the pics in an “cred” album in my phone. That way you have immediate access without going on the internet.
On shore the only “security” item I carry is a Bic pen. Not as good as a tac pen but it will never be confiscated and the plastic is quite strong.
We cruise at least once a year since just before I retired and never have had any problems. This past year we cruised twice for a total of 15 days. We’re Going on a 7day cruise at end on Jan and have a 12 day booked for Jan 2020. We feel that they are great vacations. Just don’t be in condition white -especially on shore.

[62-10]

... DONT rent a car unless you are used to driving in another country. I was in rental and watched another tourist smack a local on moped with his rental econobox. I treated the local until authorities arrived (he turned out to be a lot better off that he could have been). Tourist was detained by authorities.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving a rented shitbox on both sides of that island. Boston, NYC metro, Philly, Baltimore, & DC traffic prepared me well.

My ASP P16 cleared SXM customs just fine. It was marked with blue painters tape as "camera monopod".

[Johnny C!]

We always enjoyed the formal dinners with the
other guests. Well, most of them. We always
get the late seating because you have to cut
your excursion outing short to be able to get
back & clean up for the early dinner.

Good times we have had on a boat!

[7 Mary 3]

Ive been on lots of cruises. I always bring along my S&W tactical pen. It looks like a pen and never had a problem. When we leave I just bring car keys and house key on a ring like a choir boy. No problemo. I dont want to take a chance loosing keys to everything I have while on vacay. The cars keys and keys to get back in the house when we get back is all I need.

You will go through two kinds of security on your trip. The first will be to get on and will be just like getting on a plane. This is where anything would probably get snagged so plan accordingly. When you return from each island you will go though a metal detector and the bags will be screened as well at the gangway. Its been my experience this level of screening is less then when you actually get on. The ship runs a tight schedule and they cant be held up getting everyone beck on board if the metal detector keeps going off because of someones belt buckle. They are after booze smugglers more then anything.

If you really want to take something Id suggest one of the plastic blade kinda cia letter opener etc but Id be hesitant. If something were to happen on an island who knows what kinda law entanglement you would be into. I pack a throw away wallet with some expired CCs to handover if there was any unpleasantness. Never had any issues on the 13+ cruises Ive been on either on an island or the ship. I do pack in my suitcase my gerber multi tool in case I need a tool to fix luggage etc. Just stuff it done in a shoe in your checked bag.

Get the balcony. Id suggest 2 decks down from the main buffet up top on that half of the ship. Go up get breakfast then bring back to eat on balcony. Nice start to the day. Double yes to bringing copies of your passports! We dont do the cloud so we have paper copies with us. A short power strip is pretty invaluable, there arent a lot of outlets in the cabin. Ikea makes one that has 2-3 ports and a short wire plug. A night light is nice, it can pretty dark in the cabins even the ones w balconies. An over the door shoe organizer with clear pockets is the shizzle! Hang it on the back of the bathroom door and you can keep all your stuff organized there and not all over the cabin...there isnt a lot of counter space. Also a small magnet like what goes on a fridge is handy also. The cabin doors are usually metallic and it will help you find your cabin in the long hallway. A cling stick on sticker can work also. We have cut down a magnetic cover you put over HVAC vents and decorated it w vacay stickers, its got some miles on the odometer.. Post it notes are nice to leave notes in the cabin if you guys go your separate ways.

7M3

[7 Mary 3]

Oh I should add also...Im not a germaphobe by any means but Ive come down with some wicked colds etc from cruises. Anymore I am very careful not to wipe my nose or eyes without washing my hands first and use my elbow or something else punching elevator buttons. I also try and avoid using the hand rails as much as I can.

When I get a cold alka seltzer plus is the only thing that moves the needle with me so I bring my own supply. You cant count on the ships store to have what you need or any drug stores on the islands and you dont want to send your better half off shopping for that stuff.

Head over to a GNC type store and buy a bag of ginger candy. It helps with any sea sickness.

Have a fun trip.

7M3