Carry On Packing List For Traveling Overseas
Have you wondered whether you could pack carry on only for travelling overseas? I went through my carry-on packing list for two weeks overseas, so you can see what I packed. I have carry-on packing tips and more! Join this committed baggage checker in learning how to pack it all in carry-on luggage only!
Oceania Insignia Cruise Ship Review
We’ve just taken a cruise that we weren’t sure if we’d enjoy – and at our advanced ages it was for an unusual reason. For years we’ve wanted to incorporate a cruise into our regular visits to New York, and this cruise, combined with Michael’s love of photography during the autumn foliage seasons, seemed to fit the bill.
We loved the look of the port heavy itinerary, with six ports in Canada and four in the USA, ending in New York. And the time of year was perfect for us.
But we also knew that Oceania tends to have an older set of passengers, and while we aren’t spring chickens ourselves, we wondered if we would feel too young.
Which Cruise Line is the Best?
Are you wondering which cruise line is the best for you? I’m going to tell you all about the different types of cruise line and compare them so you can decide which cruise line you should choose.
2025 long vacation packing list
See my complete packing list and what’s in my bag as I pack for a six-week holiday and hear what I learned and what I should NOT have packed! We are travelling by air from Australia to Canada for two nights in Montreal, then cruising on Oceania Insignia through Canada and New England, arriving in New York. We spend two weeks in New York before hopping on Norwegian Prima for a cruise to Bermuda. We spend two more nights in New York then fly home to Australia. What would you pack? Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalise a purchase. Clothes Handbag and EDC Tech Makeup Toiletries Health and comfort Cruise essentials Miscellaneous
Never do these 20 things in your cruise ship cabin
Like anything in life, cruising has things you shouldn’t do – particularly in your cabin. I have 20 of these and I’ll also include some clever tricks to help you enjoy your cruise.
10 things NOT TO PACK for a cruise – what to bring instead
Did you know that many items are banned on cruise ships? And they might not be what you expected! Did you also know that the cruise ship will have some essentials, so you won’t need to bring them? I’m going to tell you about 10 items you should NOT bring on a cruise, but to make up for it, at the end I’ll give you six items that will become YOUR cruise essentials! Iron or clothes steamer What? I can’t take an iron or steamer onboard? But my clothes are wrinkled! Cruise lines don’t like things that heat up being taken onboard, for fire and safety reasons. So don’t pack that travel iron or steamer. Some ships have a passenger laundry with an iron you can use, some offer ironing services (at a cost!) or you can use a wrinkle release spray – I’ll link one in the description. But I reduce my travel load by not bringing a spray and just hanging clothes in the bathroom while we shower. The steam usually helps all the wrinkles drop out! Coffee maker or kettle I can’t imagine that anyone would do this but according to stories online, people do sometimes stash their Nespresso machine in their luggage! But like the irons and steamers, coffee machines and kettles are also forbidden! I know, I love my tea, so it’s a bit of a bummer but there are options. Sometimes the room steward can provide a kettle although a coffee machine is unlikely to be available. Or you can get tea and coffee from the buffet. And on some ships, you get complimentary breakfast room service so you can order your early morning hot drink, and have it brought to you – I can’t say this is my preferred option because the tea arrives too strong and stewed but I can always send Michael out to the buffet! Beach towels Hang on! What’s wrong with beach towels? Surely they aren’t banned? No, of course not but when it comes to beach towels it’s unnecessary to fill your luggage with them because the ship will provide them! Sometimes you need to check them out with your cruise card and if you don’t return them, you’ll be charged. Or sometimes you can just grab them from a pile for free. In beach ports you’re allowed to take them off the ship too – just make sure you return them! Clothes hangers Clothes hangers aren’t banned either but again you can save your luggage space by requesting them from your room steward. We don’t go overboard on the clothes we bring so I never have to do this, but maybe for a longer cruise you might find it necessary. Of course, you can buy folding travel hangers but why waste the space and lug extra weight? Spirits Most cruise lines permit passengers to bring wine and soft drinks onboard, subject to certain limits. But spirits, such as whiskey, gin, vodka and tequila, are a no no. There’s lots of information online about smuggling them aboard but why risk it? You can be fined, refused embarkation and even banned for life! Toiletries This is a bit of an iffy one. The ship will have toiletries onboard for you to use. However, depending on the cruise line and your cabin type they may not be the best quality. I don’t mind using liquid soap and body lotion from the cruise line, but I’d never use the shampoo! If there’s a separate conditioner, I’d use that but mostly they have a combination shampoo and conditioner that does a really poor job of both tasks! Make sure you read online reviews or even contact the cruise line directly to find out what they provide and only bring what you need. Candles or incense By now you can probably see that the cruise lines don’t like fire or safety risks, so I probably don’t need to tell you that candles and incense are also banned! Remember that your luggage will be scanned before it’s brought onboard, and anything banned will be taken from you. There should be an opportunity to get it back when the cruise ends but don’t bet on it! Snacks Snacks are another one that’s in the “why bother” category. One thing you’ll never be on a cruise ship is hungry! And if you like to have some snacks in your room you can always take a zip lock bag or two to the buffet and save some for later! Expensive jewellery In my video on travel safety for women I said that flashy clothing and expensive jewellery shouldn’t be taken and that applies to cruising too. Not only do you run the risk of having items lost or stolen; by wearing them you can attract unwanted attention. Thieves or pickpockets in port may think you’re likely to be carrying lots of cash and target you. Or they may just go for the jewellery you’re wearing. And putting it in the cruise cabin safe isn’t necessarily going to work – there are heaps of videos online showing how to get into those safes without the passcode – how do you think hotels or cruise lines open them when travellers leave them locked? Too many clothes This isn’t something I’m guilty of – I have a fairly simple wardrobe – just a few dresses and layering pieces and accessories for different climates and situations. But some people think they need a different outfit for dinner every night, something different to wear each day, and a tonne of shoes to go with it all! Just remember, people don’t really notice what other people wear! And unless you’re in a particularly hot and sweaty climate you can re-wear your clothes. I don’t wash clothes (not including underwear of course!) unless they are dirty, or they smell. It’s actually hard on your clothes being washed so by not washing them you give them a longer life! I’ve seen stories of people
Cruise lines – things they don’t want you to know
I don’t know about you, but I love learning hidden secrets about cruise ships, airlines and the like. They’re fascinating! I bet there’ll be at least one thing here that you didn’t know before you read this. Let me know in the comments what you think is the most interesting secret. Get a better price Have you ever bought something only to discover later that it was on sale? Here’s some good news – sometimes, you can get a discounted price on your cruise even after you’ve booked! When you book a cruise, you pay a deposit, with the balance usually due 90 days before it sets sail. If you spot the same cruise at a lower price after paying that deposit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your travel agent or the cruise line. You might just get that discount applied to your booking, saving you a nice bit of cash. Even if you see a price drop after you’ve made your final payment, it’s still worth a shot to ask. Sometimes, you can score onboard credit. In fact, I did both of these for an upcoming trip and saved nearly $6,000 Aussie dollars! Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, frequently have sales on drink packages. If you see a price drop after you’ve booked a package, cancel and rebuy it to take advantage of those savings. Have you ever noticed how cruise lines almost always seem to be having a sale? Norwegian Cruise Line cycles between 35% off for two passengers and 70% off the second guest. That’s the same discount expressed in two different ways. So, don’t feel rushed to book your cruise before a sale ends; there’s almost always a comparable one right around the corner. Another way of saving money is to book the same cruise on an older ship. The newer ships typically have higher prices. Older ships might not have all the bells and whistles, but you can score the same itinerary and inclusions whilst paying less. Some cruisers prefer the older girls! Cruise Contract Let’s talk about that cruise contract you get when you book. Who actually reads those things? Let’s be honest; it’s hard to keep your eyes from glazing over. But when you buy a ticket, you’re agreeing to that contract. This contract is essential; but it includes clauses that might raise your eyebrows. For instance, it might allow the cruise line to search you and your cabin. It can state that the cruise line holds no liability for onboard contractors like retail shops and medical services. And their photographers can use your pictures for marketing, but you might find yourself restricted from sharing your own photos online! And don’t forget about the legal jurisdiction designated in the contract—it’s typically the one that benefits the cruise line the most. Maybe it’s time we all start reading those contracts a little more closely! They want your money! Cruise lines expect you to spend about 50% of the amount you paid for your fare while you’re onboard and they include this in their budgeting, so there are incentives for the crew to part you with your hard-earned dollars. Your cruise fare probably wasn’t cheap so how do you avoid breaking the bank while living it up at sea? You can definitely go on a cruise and not spend one cent extra, except for those sneaky cruise lines that hit your onboard account up with daily gratuities. But it’s always nice to have some delicious cocktails or a special dinner. Start by setting a daily budget. Think about how much you can afford to spend each day and stick to it! A beverage package might be a smart investment to help manage costs, too. And don’t forget to bring essentials like medications, which always carry a hefty markup onboard! When visiting private islands, keep in mind that some activities may be included in your packages, but many are priced at a premium. You can often find similar experiences for a lot less if you book with third-party vendors at other ports. And for the gamblers out there, set a budget for the casino! Michael likes to treat his gambling budget as entertainment money rather than a way to get rich quick. Remember, cruise casinos operate in international waters, often without the same regulations as land-based casinos, which can lead to less favourable odds. In port You might think the cruise ship will wait for you if you’re late coming back from an excursion but think again. The ship will not wait for you if you’re late, unless you’re on a ship-sponsored excursion. I’m always amazed by how many stories you hear about passengers getting left behind. And those pier runners? I’d be mortified to be in that situation! Speaking of excursions, remember that you don’t HAVE to take the ones offered by the cruise line. Many ports are fantastic for exploring on your own. Or you could opt for a third-party excursion, which is usually cheaper and often comes with smaller group sizes. Just make sure those third-party excursions offer a refund policy if the port ends up being missed, which can happen more often than you might think due to safety or weather issues. And if you’ve been to a particular port before or simply want to chill, you can always stay on the ship. You’ll likely find smaller crowds, and some activities that normally have a charge may be discounted or even free. Royal Caribbean has exciting options like iFLY and North Star that are sometimes free on port days. Logistics Here’s something I find fascinating—logistics. Maybe it’s because I used to be an accountant. Can you imagine how much food a cruise line has to stock for a single itinerary? It’s mind-blowing! They even use AI to help predict what to order based on the demographics of the passengers on that specific cruise. If a cruise is filled with kids, stock up on chicken nuggets and pizza! For those
Diamond Princess Sydney Harbour Sailaway – is this the world’s best sailaway?
Our YouTube video shows the Diamond Princess sailing away from Sydney Harbour – known as the world’s best sail away. See the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks and more. It was a cool drizzly day but the sights were still spectacular. Thursday morning in Sydney welcomed us with weather straight from a drizzly storybook—wet, windy, and cold. We braved the elements, jumping on the light rail headed to Circular Quay, where our next adventure awaited aboard the Diamond Princess. The Diamond Princess is an elegant cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, renowned for its luxurious design and array of amenities catering to diverse traveller preferences. Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2019, the ship offers spacious accommodation, including luxurious suites and comfortable staterooms with stunning ocean views. Onboard, guests can indulge in various dining options featuring international cuisine, as well as multiple pools, hot tubs, and engaging entertainment such as Broadway-style shows and live music performances. https://youtu.be/GLYZEtCemI0 We had started planning this trip a few months prior, taking the Diamond Princess from Sydney to Melbourne, a short vacation bracketed by fantastic dinners in both cities. It felt like a long-overdue return to the cruising experience, especially since we have two more cruises planned for later this year. The pandemic had effectively paused our travel adventures for far too long, and we were eager to get our sea legs back. For us, ultra-short cruises like this one—lasting about 40 hours—offer a unique way to “suspend reality.” At one end is the bustling life of Sydney; at the other end is the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne, which, ironically, was basking in glorious sunshine during our visit. The 40 hours in between felt like a refreshing escape, where time loses its strict hold on us; you can eat when you want, sleep when you like, and simply enjoy the feeling of being at sea. The transition from land to sea was swift and exhilarating as we moved through the passenger terminal, onto the gangplank, and aboard the ship. The boarding experience was flawless, allowing us to quickly familiarise ourselves with the Diamond Princess and settle down for a leisurely lunch. After our meal, we located our stateroom—a beautiful room with a balcony on the Lido deck – deck 14 – and headed to the stern of the ship to witness one of the most captivating moments in travel: the sail away from Sydney Harbour. The sight was nothing short of enchanting: the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed overhead like a giant coathanger, while the sails of the Opera House seemed to wave goodbye to us. As Kirribilli House faded from view, we admired the multi-million-dollar properties lining the harbor, marvelling at the luxurious real estate. As the vessel made its way out through the heads, we observed the tugboats expertly manoeuvring the 290-meter-long ship into a safe passage out to open water. The swell of the ocean increased, causing us to rock gently as the offshore southerly wind whipped rain across our faces; sometimes, it felt like icy razor blades! Yet, we couldn’t bear to take our eyes off the glorious sight of Sydney Harbour as it transitioned into the open ocean. Once we were out at sea, we retreated to our stateroom, watching the coastline slip away. Practicing what Michael likes to call “Mardi Magic,” within a few minutes, our room was perfectly organised, and everything had a designated place for easy access. As we continued our exploration of the ship, the weather began to clear, and we enjoyed visiting the various decks. Click here for a brief overview of the amenities we discovered. After exploring, we made a stop at the Explorer’s Lounge for drinks and participated in a Beatles trivia contest. The ship had a distinctly Beatles theme, and judging by the attire of many passengers, the AFL Grand Final wasn’t just a game; it felt like a festival, with many sporting the red and white of the Sydney Swans. We didn’t realise until later, but Princess Cruises is a sponsor of the Sydney Swans, who were playing in the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne the day we arrived. After a rest, we opted for a casual dinner at the Trident Grill. Being just down the hallway from our room made it a convenient choice, and we relished a selection of pizza, hot dogs, and burgers washed down with a couple of drinks. Later, we attended a performance by an Australian Beatles cover band, who truly brought the excitement with their renditions of classic hits. Following the show, Michael decided to try his luck at the casino. While he’s not a regular gambler, he enjoys the social aspect of shooting craps. Unfortunately, he found himself alone at the craps table on the Diamond Princess (apart from me but I don’t play), which took some of the fun out of it. With no fellow players to share in the excitement and banter, he quickly grew bored and decided to switch gears and try his hand at roulette instead. At the roulette table, we encountered a livelier atmosphere. Bets were low—only a dollar each—so it felt fun and casual as we watched the wheel spin and the white ball dance between the numbers. It was a quintessential cruise experience, firmly rooted in the thrill of chance. Eventually, we ended our night and returned to our stateroom, where the ocean had calmed a bit. We opened the door to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the ship, which quickly lulled us to sleep. Friday morning greeted us with bright sunshine and smooth sailing; a stark contrast to the tumultuous weather we had experienced just a day earlier. We decided to take it easy, finally coaxing ourselves out of our stateroom for breakfast in the buffet then a stroll around the promenade deck. We observed a couple of cargo ships pass in the nearby channel and spent some time admiring the ocean views. In the afternoon, we joined a
Travel tips for solo women travellers – including safety!
No one understands the need for safety quite like another woman. We’ve all spent years considering how we dress, behave, and what we carry with us to reduce our vulnerability. Who hasn’t found herself walking alone at night, clutching her keys like a weapon, ready to defend against a potential attacker? Who hasn’t felt a rush of anxiety upon hearing footsteps behind her, wondering if they’re a threat or just someone going about their day? Unfortunately, feeling completely safe is something many women miss out on—a reality that’s often not understood by men. But that shouldn’t stop us from embarking on solo travel! With careful planning and a focus on safety, we can explore the world confidently. Preparation It’s vital to thoroughly research your destination before you set off. Familiarise yourself with everything from safety tips, local customs, and travel advisories to potential issues related to your insurance and documentation. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about your destination, the more empowered you’ll feel. If you’re still deciding where to go, consider researching destinations that are known for being safe for solo female travellers. Once you’ve chosen your destination, dive into specifics. Identify the safest areas to stay and be aware of any common scams that might catch unwitting tourists off guard. Don’t forget to review your government’s travel website—it offers valuable insights into potential safety risks across the globe. Australian government travel advisory US government travel advisory UK government travel advisory Canadian government travel advisory You need to prepare your travel insurance and your documentation. Is your passport ready to go? Does your travel insurance cover the destination and any valuables you intend to take with you? Does it cover all activities you plan to do – you usually need to notify them about anything high risk, such as skiing. Always make sure your travel insurance information is accessible – I keep mine on my phone but what if my phone breaks or is stolen? I can also access it from my iPad and laptop, but you may feel safer with a hard copy backup. You should also keep a copy of your passport, your hotel address and local emergency numbers as a backup too. Learn a little of the language, if the country you are going to does not speak the same language as you. Even just please, thank you, hello, goodbye can make you feel more comfortable and less out of place. Update your ICE contact in your phone. Make sure it is accessible if you were to need medical attention whilst unconscious – most phones from the last few years can do this, so research how to do it on yours. And finally, save offline maps in Google maps in case you don’t have wifi or a network accessible where you are going. Packing A top tip here is to avoid overpacking. Ensure you can handle your own bags comfortably, as you’ll need to keep them with you in public toilets and other tight spaces. You won’t want to rely on others for assistance, because this can increase the risk of theft. Place an Apple Air Tag or similar device in all your bags. This way, you can always monitor their location. Use physical luggage tags with minimal personal information; I just put our surname, “Linke” and Michael’s mobile phone number on ours. I don’t want someone seeing a female name, or address details on my tags. Or being able to send me harassing texts or photos. Be smart about what you pack. Leave behind any sentimental items that cannot be replaced. This way, if anything goes missing or gets stolen, you can rely on your travel insurance for replacements. Ensure you check whether you need to itemise valuable items, such as cameras, with your insurer. Refrain from taking and wearing expensive jewellery or flashy clothing. These items can attract unwanted attention, leading thieves to assume you’re carrying a lot of cash. Always pack your valuables in multiple locations. Keep cash and credit cards in separate spots, so you have a backup if something gets lost or taken. Consider using RFID-blocking sleeves for your cards and passport, for added protection. Your medications may be valuable on the black market so protect them too! As for safety gadgets, consider packing a few items that can provide an extra layer of security. For instance, a portable door lock can secure your hotel room, while portable alarms or motion-activated lights can keep unwelcome visitors at bay. Some travellers even swear by using an old phone as a webcam in their hotel room, along with an app like Alfred, to monitor for any unexpected intruders while they are out. I’ll link all the gadgets I’m aware of in the description below, so feel free to check them out. Transport and tours Staying aware whilst navigating transportation is critical. Using rideshares like Uber can offer a sense of safety, but it’s essential to verify that the license plate matches what you see in the app. If you have luggage in the boot – trunk for Americans – wait until the driver exits the vehicle before you do, to avoid them driving off with your possessions. If you are hailing a taxi, take a photo of the licence plate before you get in. And whether it’s an Uber or a taxi, if you’re in an unfamiliar location follow along on a map to make sure you aren’t being taken to the wrong place! If traveling from home to the airport with luggage, which makes it obvious that I’m going away, I often have a fake phone conversation with a friend to talk about them housesitting with their big scary boyfriend—this trick can deter potential house breakers. When booking tours, choose reputable companies with positive reviews, and if it helps your sense of security, look for options tailored specifically for women. Always have a plan in place for what happens if you get separated from the group. In general, exercise
Cruise drinks packages – cruise tips you need to know for your next cruise ship holiday!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by cruise drink packages? You’re not alone! I was in the same boat until I started researching to ensure I was getting the best value for my cruise—and maximising my onboard experience! If you’re searching for low-cost cruises, understanding these packages is crucial to avoid any pitfalls! Recently, I discovered that there are 23 cruise lines catering to English-speaking travellers, each adopting a unique approach to their drink packages. Some of these packages include just beverages, while others offer additional perks like Wi-Fi, exercise classes, specialty dining, and even crew appreciation charges. I won’t dive into the details of all 23 cruise lines—this post would take days to read! Instead, I’ll focus on seven cruise lines across different categories from mass-market to ultra luxury, offering you examples of the types of packages you might encounter. All amounts are in US dollars and reflect packages as advertised for the US market; prices may vary slightly for Australian and other markets. It’s wise to conduct your own research before booking, but don’t worry—this information will set you on the right path to understanding how each cruise line operates. And after I go through the seven cruise lines’ drinks packages, I give an example of how I calculate if the package is worth it for us! Royal Caribbean Let’s start with Royal Caribbean, which offers three drinks packages—a method that’s fairly standard but unique because pricing varies by ship, itinerary, and even when you decide to purchase the package. Generally, it’s cheaper to buy before boarding, but not when booking. After you’ve made your reservation, Royal Caribbean often sends out promotional discounts that can lower package prices. They also offer fantastic deals for Black Friday. While their drinks packages focus solely on beverages, they do offer dining and Wi-Fi packages as well. A key point to remember: if anyone in your cabin wants to purchase an alcoholic beverage package, all guests of legal drinking age in the same cabin must purchase the package together. However, other beverage packages can be bought by just one person, and all packages are for individual use—no sharing allowed! Here’s a quick overview of Royal Caribbean’s drinks packages: The Royal Caribbean website doesn’t show the pricing, so I got that from this article by the Points Guy. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian have recently announced that the current package – Free at Sea – is no longer being offered. While it continues to exist on cruises booked before the change that sail in 2024, any bookings since 1 October 2024 and all cruises sailing on or after 1 January 2025 will have the More at Sea included package. I’ll cover More at Sea, but firstly, for those sailing between now and the end of 2024 here is the information on Free at Sea. Free at See is included in the cruise fare and offers: You can upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, it’s $49 per adult, $29 per child, or $42 for a solo traveller per day, adding: If you upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, you can further upgrade the Wi-Fi to a streaming package for an additional $10 per person, per day. Remember, if upgrading to Free at Sea Plus, all adults in the cabin must upgrade as well. So what is More at Sea? It is also included in the cruise fare but there is no “More at Sea Plus” upgrade package. More at Sea offers: If you want to upgrade any aspect of More at Sea, there are individual upgrade packages for beverages and internet. Beverage packages include a water package ($20 for 12 16oz (473ml) bottles, $35 for 24, $50 for $48), unlimited Starbucks package ($16 pp pd) and an unlimited soda package ($12 pp pd). Princess Cruises Moving on to Princess Cruises, there are two packages available: Plus and Premier. Both come at an additional cost, allowing you to sail without them and pay as you go if you prefer. Princess Plus $60 per person per day Princess Premier $90 per person per day OceanNow delivery is a food and drink delivery service. You order on the Princess app, and it’s brought to you wherever you are on the ship. This is done by tracking the location of your cruise medallion on the MedallionNet system. All adults in the cabin must have the same package. Virgin Voyages Virgin Voyages takes an “almost all-inclusive” approach, where your cruise fare encompasses They don’t have drinks packages; instead, it’s a pay-as-you-go system. However, if you pre-load a “bar tab” with funds, you can receive a bonus. For example, if you add $200 to your bar tab, you’ll get $225 to spend on drinks. Viking Ocean Next, Viking Ocean also promotes an almost all-inclusive experience. They offer You can additionally purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package for $25 per person, per night, which includes: Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings group and has also announced that the current package – Simply More – is no longer being offered. While it continues to exist on cruises booked before the change that sail in 2024, any bookings since 1 October 2024 and all cruises sailing on or after 1 January 2025 will have the Your World Included package. I’ll cover Your World Included, but firstly, for those sailing between now and the end of 2024 here is the information on Simply More. The Simply More package is included in the cruise price and provides: You can upgrade to the Prestige Select package for an additional $30 per person per day, which adds unlimited premium spirits, champagne, beer, and wine whenever and wherever you desire. Importantly, this upgrade doesn’t have to be purchased for everyone in your cabin. The Your World Included package is included in the cruise price and provides: The Prestige Select beverage package is available from $59 per person per day. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the closest to an all-inclusive experience!
