Category Archives: Tips

Problem Solved… MagSafe Wallet for Your Ship Card!

One thing you always need when you’re on a cruise ship is your… ship card. It functions are your room key, allows you to pay for things, lets you access drink packages, lets you access reservations, acts as an ID of sorts, gets you back on the ship and more.

Beyond your ship card, while you’re walking around onboard, you may not need a whole lot more. Maybe a cell phone.  So, how do you keep track of your card and the few things you may want to carry?

A Lanyard is one option and works for some people. Personally I don’t want anything extra around my neck and I’d like the ability to carry a couple more things (maybe some cash) without having to dig in the lanyard.

Another option is a Phone Card Holder. That allows you to keep your ship card right with your phone. This is a big improvement, in my book, everything in one place, compact and easy to keep track of. But, these are adhesive based and need to be semi-permanently installed on a phone or phone case. My solution up until now was to keep an extra phone case with a phone holder installed for use while cruising.

How about… a MagSafe wallet?  These work with compatible iOS devices and compatible Android devices (with the help of a case). They can be easily affixed (and removed) as needed. Whammo!

Here’s a look at these MagSafe wallets for using on a cruise.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Check Current Price and Availability:

[2 Pack] Magnetic Card Holder Wallet for iPhone 15/14/13/12 Series with Magsafe, Leather Wallet for iPhone 15 14 Pro Max Plus Model, Mag-Safe Wallet for iPhone 13 12 Pro Max Mini Model  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Shop around – search Amazon for “MagSafe Wallet”

Android user? An add on case or ring is generally required to make MagSafe Accessories work.  See section on Android toward the end of this article for more information.

If you don’t have a MagSafe capable phone, consider… COCASES Phone Card Holder

A look in the package. I bought a two pack.

For size reference next to a bottle of Sun Bum sunscreen (my standard size reference item on Cruise Packing List)

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

This stays on securely but comes off when you’re done using it or want easier access to contents

In action during a Royal Caribbean 70s Disco Party

Conclusions

This is a cheap fix to the question.. where should I put my cruise card? It provides a secure location to keep your card and a little bit of cash so that it’s not floating around who knows where.

Credit for the original idea (the stick on card holder) goes to Emma of Emma cruises. She came up with the original “put your card with your phone” idea. Thanks Emma!  If you have a MagSafe capable phone or phone case, I think this is a great upgrade to the stick on holder.

I’ve used this on multiple cruises and it’s worked well. It’s now a must pack item for me!

Check Current Price and Availability:

[2 Pack] Magnetic Card Holder Wallet for iPhone 15/14/13/12 Series with Magsafe, Leather Wallet for iPhone 15 14 Pro Max Plus Model, Mag-Safe Wallet for iPhone 13 12 Pro Max Mini Model  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

If you don’t have a MagSafe capable phone, consider… COCASES Phone Card Holder

Does MagSafe work with Android phones?

The technology the allows magnetic accessories to work is Qi wireless charging. Newer iPhone and Android phones often times have this technology built in. MagSafe is a registered Apple trademark. As such you’re probably not going to see an Android marketed as having MagSafe.

The Android implementation of Qi wireless charging is a little bit different than iPhone. The result is that the magnet can be weaker. A solution to this is to get a MagSafe compatible ring sticker or case. This helps to increase magnetic strength.

See: How to Add MagSafe to Android for some more information

MagSafe capable iPhones do not need these add ons.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Related: Setting up a WiFi Hotspot on your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:magsafe tag:tpru

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router!

But First… Read Cruise Lines Terms and Conditions

This article will walk you through options for creating your own WiFI hot spot on your next cruise. That can save you some money and make things a little easier around the cabin. You should also ask… can I do this? When you sign up or sign into your cruise line’s WiFi you will be presented with terms and conditions. I suggest reading through those to see if this is allowed or prohibited. This is going to vary by cruise line.

Next… What Are We Doing Again?

Setting up your own WiFi hot spot allows you to have your own mini network. You purchase an internet plan, setup a WiFi hot spot and then share that connection with other devices. The technologies used to do this will result in a small network that will be available in or very near your cabin. These solutions will not give you access throughout the entire ship.

Option 1: Travel Router

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Some Travel Router Options:

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router | WiFi Router | OpenVPN, Wireguard, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page, RV

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) - Support Multiple Modes, WiFi Router/Hotspot/Bridge/Range Extender/Access Point/Client Modes, Dual Band WiFi, 1 USB 2.0 Port

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router | AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 | 128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2(Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN WiFi Router - Access Point/Extender/WDS | OpenWrt | 2 x Ethernet Ports | OpenVPN/Wireguard VPN | USB 2.0 | 128MB RAM

There are other options available  – search Amazon for “travel router” – look for something with good ratings and something that can handle captive networks. Specific mention of being compatible with hotel and cruise ship networks is also something I’d look for.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Option 2: Connectify Hot Spot

Connectify is a program that you install on your compatible Windows laptop. After it’s installed it runs in the background and shares the internet connection that your laptop is using. You handle the captive network business on your laptop browser, so Connectify doesn’t have to specifically handle that.

Set your laptop power plan to always on so the hot spot stays up and going.

Connectify Hot Spot

Other Options to Save on Internet on Your Next Cruise

  • Sometimes cruise lines offer free to discounted internet via their loyalty programs or in certain cabin categories.
  • Sharing a log in. Some cruise lines (I know this is the case for Royal Caribbean) allow you to log in and log out of devices. This allows you to use one account across multiple devices.
  • Get an international plan and access internet on port days.
  • You’re on vacation… don’t get on the internet. 🙂

What Else?

Got another great solution or tip for accessing Internet on cruises?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:wifiap tag:tpru

European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why

European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why

This European cruise packing list focuses on the practical items that matter most when traveling through Europe before, during, and after your cruise. Packing for Europe comes with its own set of considerations, and it’s not about overhauling your entire suitcase. Think of this as adjusting your mindset more than anything else. Europe tends to reward comfortable, practical choices that still feel put-together—but where you’re going and when you’re traveling can make packing vastly different. Northern Europe in the winter requires a very different approach than Southern Europe or the Mediterranean during warmer months. Climate, daylight hours, walking conditions, and even local expectations can vary widely by region and season.

You’ll also likely be walking more than you expect, navigating older streets, public transportation, and compact accommodations. Clothing that layers well goes a long way when temperatures shift throughout the day or when plans move from sightseeing to dining out. Shoes deserve extra thought—comfort matters, but versatility does too. And because hotel rooms, elevators, and luggage storage can be smaller than what you’re used to, packing a bit lighter often makes the entire trip smoother.

This is an addendum to our primary cruise packing list. Many of those things apply, this write-up covers additional considerations that are unique to a European cruise vacation.

This isn’t about following strict rules or trying to pack like a local. It’s about packing with intention—bringing items that earn their place in your bag because they’re useful, comfortable, and flexible enough to handle a wide range of European travel scenarios.

Quick Summary

  • Pack lighter than you think – Europe often means cobblestones, stairs, compact rooms, and more transit.
  • Prioritize walking comfort – Shoes and blister prevention matter more than extra outfit options.
  • Layer-friendly clothing wins – Weather shifts quickly and varies by region and season.
  • Plan for phone dependence – Navigation, tickets, transit apps, photos, and translations drain batteries fast.
  • Anti-theft habits matter – Crowds + transit + tourist areas make simple deterrents worth it.

Jump To

European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why

  • If you have pre- or post-cruise add-ons (and why wouldn’t you?), consider minimizing down to carry-on luggage. Cobblestone streets, stairs-only access, and crowded trains all make lighter packing a big win.
  • Power bank – I don’t rely on power banks much when traveling, but Europe is different. Navigation, transit apps, tickets, and photos add up fast. For us, this is a must-pack item.
  • Comfortable walking shoes – Essential for long days on foot, uneven streets, and public transportation.
  • A dressier pair of shoes – Compact footwear that works for dinners, museums, or evenings out.
  • Layer-friendly clothing – Lightweight jackets, sweaters, or overshirts that adapt to changing conditions. On a recent Norway fjord cruise, I assumed that would be the coldest part of the trip—and I was wearing every layer I packed. Those layers gave me flexibility all week and enough warmth when it mattered.
  • Light zippered travel pants – Look for lightweight, quick-drying fabric and at least one zippered pocket for money or documents. I love my lululemon ABC 5 Pocket Pants.
  • Slim travel wallet – I downsized for my last Europe trip so I could keep it in zippered pockets and make it less noticeable to pickpockets. It worked so well I never switched back.
  • Zipper clips – Crowded tourist areas are notorious pickpocketing hot spots. These act as a simple deterrent. In busy areas, keep bags worn on the front of your body.
  • Crossbody bag – Big enough for essentials without becoming a burden, and easy to keep in front of you in crowds.
  • A phone lanyard – You’ll likely be using your phone constantly for navigation, tickets, and photos. That makes it a common target for thieves, and a lanyard helps prevent quick snatches or accidental drops.
  • Packable backpack – Takes up almost no space and is perfect for daily exploring.
  • Universal power adapter – I often recommend European Type C adapters for cruise cabins, but for a European cruise you’ll want a true universal adapter. We use models with multiple USB ports and bring two—one in each bag.
  • Weather protection – A travel umbrella or rain jacket is key. We buy inexpensive umbrellas and leave them behind at the end of the trip to make room for souvenirs. A packable rain jacket also doubles as a warming layer.
  • Laundry detergent sheets – Even if you don’t plan to wash laundry in the sink regularly, one or two take up almost no space and are perfect for sink washes or spot cleaning.
  • Moleskin for blisters – We walk a lot in Europe. Given the tiny size, this is an easy must-pack.
  • Extra medication and proper documentation – Some prescriptions are fine with labeled bottles; others may require additional paperwork.
  • International coverage and a backup eSIM – Connectivity matters for directions, reservations, transit, and tickets. I strongly recommend having a primary and backup carrier.

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Pickpocket Defense Tips

  • Use zipper clips on all bag zippers to discourage quick access.
  • Zip before you move – Make a habit of checking zippers before boarding trains, buses, or entering crowded areas.
  • Keep your purse, crossbody bag, or backpack secured and worn on the front of your body when possible, especially in crowded areas.
  • Use pants with zippered pockets for wallets, passports, and important documents.
  • Avoid back pockets entirely – Even zippered back pockets are easier to access without you noticing.
  • Use interior pockets when available – Inside jacket pockets or hidden interior compartments are harder targets than exterior pockets.
  • Downsize to a slim travel wallet to keep a low profile and reduce bulk.
  • Never leave bags unattended in public spaces—keep them on your person at all times.
  • Keep bags closed at all times – Open totes and loosely closed backpacks are easy targets.
  • Don’t leave your phone sitting on tables or ledges. Consider a phone lanyard, and when using your phone in public, keep it close with a firm grip.
  • Limit what you carry day-to-day – Leave extra cards, documents, and cash locked in your cabin or hotel safe. If you don’t have it on you, it can’t be stolen.
  • Split up valuables – Don’t keep your passport, phone, wallet, and credit cards all in one place. If something does go missing, you won’t lose everything at once.
  • Be extra alert in transition zones – Train stations, escalators, elevators, doorways, and crowded public transportation are prime distraction spots.
  • Watch for distraction tactics – Bumping, asking for directions, spilling something, or unsolicited help can all be used to divert attention.

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The Two Most Important Things: Passport and Money

Passport and money for international travel

In my opinion, the two most important things when traveling internationally are your passport and your money. Build redundancy into both. Carry multiple payment methods and spread them out between different bags or pockets so a single loss doesn’t become a trip-ending problem. Set up Apple Pay or similar mobile wallets as backups to your backups—because when something goes wrong, having options matters. Keep paper and digital copies of your passport and always keep it in a secure location.

I strongly recommend setting up a Wise account and card. Wise can hold destination currency, make purchases, provide access to compatible ATMs and act as a buffer between travel spending and your everyday financial accounts.

For the complete backup strategy, see: The Two Most Important Things When Traveling Internationally: Your Passport and Money.

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Related: Rick Steves remains (at least to me) the undisputed authority on European travel. His books and online resources are well worth reviewing before you go.

Packing Light for Europe: Things You Can Minimize or Leave Behind

The prevailing wisdom for Europe is simple: pack light. Most people don’t regret what they leave behind—they regret what they carried and never used.

  • Excess clothing – Re-wear items or plan for laundry. Most trips don’t require a fresh outfit every day.
  • “Just in case” shoes and clothes – Two pairs of shoes is usually enough. Extras add bulk and rarely get used.
  • Full-size toiletries – Decant into small containers or buy locally.
  • Hair dryers and styling tools – Often provided, and voltage differences can cause issues.
  • Multiple jackets or coats – One versatile outer layer usually covers most needs.
  • Heavy guidebooks – Digital guides are lighter, searchable, and easier to update.
  • Too many electronics – Extra devices and chargers tend to overlap in function.
  • Bulky travel pillows – Awkward to pack unless you truly rely on one.
  • Large amounts of cash – Cards and ATMs are widely available across Europe.
  • Duplicate accessories – Extra belts, hats, or bags that serve the same role.

Travel gets noticeably easier when your bag isn’t full of compromises. If something hasn’t clearly earned its place, it’s usually safe to leave it behind.

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Conclusions

A European cruise rewards travelers who pack with intention. The goal isn’t to bring more — it’s to bring smarter. Prioritize comfort, mobility, and flexibility so you can move easily through cities, transit hubs, and long walking days without fighting your luggage. Layers, practical shoes, anti-theft habits, and reliable connectivity will matter more than extra outfits or bulky gear. When your bag supports your trip instead of slowing you down, you’ll spend less time managing stuff and more time enjoying Europe — which is the whole point.

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Related Resources:

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FAQ: European Cruise Packing List

Do I need a power adapter for a European cruise?

Yes. Even if your cruise ship cabin uses North American-style outlets, your pre- and post-cruise time in Europe often won’t. A universal power adapter makes it easy to charge phones, cameras, and other devices in hotels, airports, and trains.

How many shoes should I bring for a European cruise?

For most travelers, two pairs is the sweet spot: one comfortable walking shoe for long port days and one dressier (but still comfortable) option for dinners, museums, or evenings out.

Is it better to use carry-on luggage for Europe?

In many cases, yes. European travel often includes cobblestones, stairs-only access, tight elevators, and crowded trains. Carry-on luggage (or a smaller rolling bag) makes moving around noticeably easier.

What’s the best way to prevent pickpocketing while sightseeing?

Use simple deterrents and habits: keep bags in front in crowds, use zippered pockets, avoid back pockets, and consider zipper clips or a phone lanyard. Most importantly, be extra alert in transit hubs and tight spaces where distraction tactics are common.

Do I need a backup eSIM or international plan on a European cruise?

Strongly recommended. You’ll rely on your phone more than you expect for navigation, tickets, transit apps, and reservations. A primary international plan plus a backup eSIM helps you stay connected if one provider has issues in a specific country or region.

What should I wear on a European cruise (especially in port)?

Think comfortable + put-together. Most days are walking-heavy, so prioritize breathable basics and pieces that layer well. A lightweight jacket or overshirt, comfortable pants/shorts (season dependent), and walking shoes cover most European port days.

Do I need to bring cash for Europe, or are cards enough?

Cards are widely accepted across Europe, but it’s smart to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases, tips where applicable, and places that are cash-preferred. The key is to avoid carrying large amounts—use ATMs as needed and keep cash split up.

Should I bring my passport ashore in European ports?

Usually, no—unless your cruise line specifically requires it for that port. Many travelers carry a photocopy (paper) and a digital copy on their phone and keep the actual passport secured in the cabin safe. If you do carry it, keep it in a zippered interior pocket or secured bag.

What’s the best way to handle laundry on a European cruise?

Plan for re-wears and do simple sink washes for essentials. Laundry detergent sheets take up almost no space and work well for spot cleaning or quick washes. For longer trips, consider using ship laundry services selectively or doing laundry during pre/post-cruise stays.

What’s one item people forget that matters most in Europe?

A blister-prevention plan. European cruising often involves far more walking on uneven streets than people expect. A small item like moleskin can save a vacation day, especially when you’re trying to keep up with excursions and long port days.

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See The Main List

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

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Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:europelist tag:tpr

Why a Backup SIM is a Requirement for International Travel

Why a Backup SIM is a Requirement for Foreign Travel

If you’ve traveled internationally enough, you’ve probably heard this before: “Don’t worry, your international plan will just work.” In theory, that’s true. In practice, it doesn’t always play out that way.

I’ve personally had multiple trips where my Verizon international plan was active, enabled, and paid for—and still didn’t work when I needed it most. No data. No reliable signal. Sometimes not even basic connectivity. When everything depends on that connection, the consequences can range from mildly annoying to genuinely stressful.

The photo above was taken during a river cruise on the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. It was an unforgettable vacation and an experience we’ll always treasure.

So why include that photo in a discussion about backup eSIMs? Because on this trip, our Verizon international coverage completely failed—on both my phone and my wife’s. Despite having an active international plan, we had no reliable connectivity when we needed it most.

If we hadn’t planned ahead with backup coverage, navigating the city, accessing reservations, and getting where we needed to go would have been far more difficult. In fact, we likely would have missed several key sites we’d wanted to see our entire lives. That experience reinforced just how critical a backup connection can be when traveling abroad.

That’s why I now consider a backup eSIM an essential part of foreign travel, right alongside a passport, power adapter, and travel insurance.

Jump To:

eSim Providers To Consider:

When Your “Guaranteed” International Plan Fails

Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile generally do a good job with international roaming—but they are still dependent on local variables that can break at the worst moment. Things like:

  • Local carrier partnerships (and which towers your phone is allowed to use)
  • Network congestion (especially in busy airports and city centers)
  • Regional coverage quirks (even within the same country)
  • Device compatibility / band support
  • Roaming provisioning working correctly at that moment

If any one of those fails, your phone can suddenly become far less useful than you expected. And if you’re landing after a long flight or trying to navigate a new city, that’s the last time you want to be troubleshooting.

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Why a Backup SIM (Especially an eSIM) Matters

A backup SIM isn’t about replacing your primary plan—it’s about redundancy. Think of it like carrying a spare credit card or packing a second charging cable. You hope you won’t need it, but if something goes wrong, you’re instantly glad you planned ahead.

A secondary SIM or eSIM gives you:

  • An independent connection to local networks
  • Immediate data access if roaming fails
  • A way to troubleshoot issues without being completely offline

With modern eSIMs, it’s even easier: you can install it before you leave, keep it inactive until you need it, and avoid physically swapping SIM cards.

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Situations Where Connectivity Really Matters

There are plenty of times when being offline isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a genuine problem. Examples include:

  • Navigating airports, ports, train stations, or unfamiliar cities
  • Accessing maps, ride-share apps, and transit schedules
  • Pulling up hotel confirmations, tour details, and reservation emails
  • Using translation tools on the fly
  • Handling flight delays, cancellations, or rebookings
  • Reaching travel companions when plans change

In those moments, “I’ll just find Wi-Fi” isn’t always a reliable plan.

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This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Why This Matters Even More for Cruises

Cruise travel adds an extra layer of complexity. On a cruise, you might be:

  • Embarking or disembarking in multiple countries
  • Moving quickly through ports with limited time
  • Switching between ship Wi-Fi, cellular roaming, and local networks

A backup eSIM helps ensure that the moment you step off the ship, you have working data—no guessing, no waiting, and no scrambling for a café with free Wi-Fi while your port day clock is ticking.

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It’s Also Okay to Disconnect (And That’s Great)

It’s worth saying clearly: not everyone wants to be connected while traveling—and that’s perfectly valid. For many people, travel (and cruising especially) is about unplugging:

  • No email
  • No notifications
  • No constant connectivity

If that’s your goal, you might not want to use a backup SIM much (or at all). But even for travelers who prefer to disconnect, a backup eSIM can still be a smart safety net—something you activate only if plans go sideways or you need to handle an important issue.

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Redundancy = A Smoother Trip and Less Hassle

The idea is simple: when something is important, having a backup matters. There’s a saying you may have heard—“two is one, and one is none.” It’s a reminder that relying on a single option can leave you stuck when something goes wrong.

On trips where reliable data really matters, I take that mindset seriously and carry two backup eSIM options. In addition to the backup on my own phone, my wife’s phone is set up with a plan from a different eSIM provider.

That extra layer of redundancy means we’re not relying on a single carrier, a single app, or a single network relationship. If one provider has issues in a specific country or region, the other often works just fine. It may sound like overkill, but when navigation, reservations, or time-sensitive plans are involved, having multiple independent options can be the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

You’ll often hear influencers say something like, “Today’s video is sponsored by ___, it’s the eSIM I always use.” You’re not going to hear that from me. On the Europe trip mentioned earlier, we used Airalo, GigSky, and Saily across two phones. When our primary service failed, we didn’t miss a beat.

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Bottom Line

International roaming plans are convenient, but they’re not infallible. When they fail, it’s often at the worst possible time.

A backup SIM or eSIM isn’t about being glued to your phone—it’s about being prepared. For anyone who values flexibility, safety, and stress-free travel days, it’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of frustration.

These services are generally inexpensive, which makes it practical to pick up two or even three eSIMs from different providers. Since these plans are meant to act as a safety net for your primary carrier, you can start with the cheapest data option and add more only if you need it.

When connectivity matters, having a backup isn’t overkill—it’s smart travel planning.

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Top eSIM Providers for International Travel

If you’re adding a backup eSIM to your travel toolkit, it helps to know the leading providers that make it easy to stay connected overseas. Below are some of the most popular and reliable options for travelers in 2026:

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most widely used eSIM providers for global travel. It offers a large marketplace of data plans that work in many countries worldwide — with plans available for as few as a few days up to a year. Travelers appreciate Airalo for its affordability, easy app interface, and ability to purchase and install eSIMs before departure, making it ideal for short trips or light data users. I personally use Airalo and it has worked great! Hands on Review

GigSky

GigSky is another top choice, especially for travelers who want broad geographic coverage and flexible data options. It supports data plans in a very large number of countries and regions, with plans ranging from a few gigabytes for a week to larger packages for longer stays. Some of its plans can be installed once and used as you move between destinations — a strong option if you’re visiting multiple countries on a single trip. As an added bonus, GigSky works on cruise ships! I’ve also personally used GigSky and been very happy. Hands on Review

Holafly

Holafly stands out for offering unlimited data options in many destinations, which can be excellent for heavy data users or travelers who don’t want to worry about gigabyte limits. While generally a bit more expensive, unlimited plans can be great for long trips, streaming, or working remotely.

Ubigi

Ubigi offers both one-off eSIM data plans and subscription options that work in a large number of countries. Its plans can make sense if you want flexibility between pay-as-you-go and recurrent usage, and many travelers find it useful for both short trips and longer stays.

There are many other eSIM providers on the market (like Saily, Jetpac, and aloSIM) with varying price points and features, but the ones above are consistently among the most recommended for international travelers in 2025–2026. Choosing the right one depends on your travel style — whether you value budget pricing, unlimited data, or robust multi-country coverage.

Saily

Saily is a traveler-friendly eSIM provider known for simple setup, flexible data plans, and broad coverage in 200+ destinations. You can purchase and install a plan before you depart and manage everything from the Saily app — making it a good choice if you want straightforward connectivity without swapping physical SIM cards.

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How eSIMs Work

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card that’s built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download a carrier profile by scanning a QR code or using an app.

Once installed, the eSIM connects your device to local cellular networks just like a physical SIM would. Most modern smartphones can store multiple eSIM profiles at once, allowing you to switch between them in your phone’s settings.

For travelers, this means you can set up a data plan before you leave, activate it only if needed, and avoid hunting for SIM cards or relying entirely on roaming when you arrive.

Related Resources:

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This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.  top:backupsim tag:tpr

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Airalo is app for iOS/iPhone and Android smart phones that makes it easy and inexpensive to use your compatible phone internationally. They partner with local and regional providers to provide short term coverage in many parts of the world.

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

What devices support Airalo eSIM?

To use an eSIM, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Airalo provides a regularly updated list of supported devices.

An eSIM example…

Here is a screenshot from my iPhone. On the top left you’ll see my primary carrier Verizon. Below that is my secondary carrier Tello. I use two carriers, one for business the other for personal. If you want to give Tello a try use referral code P3XR5K8D and earn Tello dollars.

Using Airalo for international coverage!…

We recently went on a cruise to Aruba, Curaçao and the Bahamas. I decided to give Airalo a try and purchased e-SIM cards for Aruba and Curaçao.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Curaçao. I went with 1 GB of data. We were in Curaçao for about a day. The e-SIM I purchased was valid for up to 7 days. This was a data only e-SIM meaning I didn’t have a local phone number. I didn’t need to use the phone if I had to I could have used Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime. Of course there are other apps that can utilize a data connection for phone calls and video chat.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Aruba. Also 1 GB data and 7 days.

Here’s my phone after purchasing and installing both e-SIM. As of this update iPhone 15 can handle up to eight e-SIM with a maximum of two active e-SIM cards at any one time. Note that my Verizon and Tello numbers have been redacted.

Using Airalo in Curaçao

I enabled my Curaçao e-SIM card and disabled all other e-SIMs installed on my phone

Whammo I’m connected

I fired up Google Maps for directions to the beach we wanted to go to.

We made it to Cas Abao beach!  It was beautiful!

I tried Blue Curaçao.  It was pretty good.

I tweeted from the beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Let's be friends! Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | RSS

When I bought the e-SIM card the carrier was named Dushi wireless. I had no idea what that meant, but learned when visiting. visitaruba.com says… “Dushi – This is such a dynamic Papiamento word. In Aruba, ‘dushi‘ is used to describe food as ‘sweet‘ or ‘yummy‘ tasting, or to indicate that a sensation is good (think of pleasant smells or nice music), but it is also used as a term of endearment for your lover, translated as ‘sweetheart‘ or ‘sweety‘.”

Speedtest. The connection was quite zippy. This test shows 58.4 megabits down and 46.6 megabits up.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

At the end of the day I still had 700 MB left. It’s worth noting that you can also buy longer eSIMs with more data AND you can purchase eSIMs for entire regions instead of a single country.

We had a wonderful time in Curaçao!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Using Airalo in Aruba

I tweeted from Eagle Beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Airalo’s partner in Aruba was blazing fast. Here’s a speed test.  This test shows 114 megabits down and 26.9 megabits up.

We had an amazing time in Aruba!  This was our first time doing a Southern Itinerary cruise and it was one of our favorites!

Conclusions

Airalo worked flawlessly! I paid $9.50 per eSIM card. Each card had 7 days of validity. That’s much cheaper than my carrier’s international coverage. Going forward Airalo will be a regular part of our international travel!

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 1.15.24 top:airaloreview tag:tpru

Hands on Review: Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights + The Problem with Cruise Ship Bathrooms at Night

A lot of cruise packing lists, blogs and videos recommend packing a night light for your next cruise vacation and for good reason cabins can get dark at night, especially interior cabins. A night light can help prevent you from bumping into things.

What About the Lack of Outlets?

The problem is… Traditional night lights take up an outlet. Outlets can be a precious commodity in your cruise ship cabin with some cabins having as little as… 1 outlet. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

One potential solution to this problem is a 220v night light. These utilize an often ignored and unused 220v outlet that is present in many cabins.

Another solution is a rechargeable night light. Since they’re rechargeable they don’t take up an outlet after they’ve been charged.

This is particularly helpful when it comes to cabin bathrooms. Very often these have 0 usable outlets.

The problem with cruise ship bathrooms at night

A rechargeable night light is also great for one particular trouble spot in your cabin… your cabin bathroom. Some cabin bathrooms are completely dark. Like… completely dark. Also a lot of times the light switch is on on the outside of the bathroom. To avoid being trapped in a small dark box you need to turn on the light before entering and potentially disturb your cabin mate. Also that much light can have a tendency to wake a person up. Okay, so… plug in a night light? Think again, most cabin bathrooms don’t have an outlet. 

An illustration of the dark cruise ship cabin bathroom

This is a video of me going from my bed into the bathroom with no lights on. There’s not much to the video, except for sound as it’s completely black because the room is so dark. The video was taken on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in a Jr Suite.

A picture to illustrate. This is the bathroom on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas with no lights on.

This is the door to the bathroom. As you can see, the light switch is on the outside of the door. That’s the case with most/all cruise ship cabins we’ve been in. So, let’s say you get up in the middle of the night and stumble your way over to this bathroom door. In order to have any amount of light in the bathroom you need to turn on the switch before entering. That means you’ve flooded your cabin with light and potentially woken someone up. Beyond that, when you get in the bathroom you’ll be in a completely lit room and that can make it more difficult to fall back asleep.

This is a video of me going from my bed into the bathroom with this rechargeable night light on. As you can see… this is a MUCH better experience. The video was taken on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in a Jr Suite.

A photo with the night light on. This is a much better experience all around. No fumbling for the switch, no flooding the cabin with light. Just a small amount of always on light .

Hands on Review Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights

Front of the box

Check Current Price, Availability and Specs:

AUVON Rechargeable Battery Night Light, Mini Motion Sensor Night Light, Warm White LED Stick-On Closet Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Adjustable Brightness for Wall, Stairs, Hallway, Cabinet (2 Pack) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Back of the box

It came with a manual and charging cable. I did not receiving a charging box. This can be used with any standard USB charging box.

Auvon USB rechargeable night light

A look at the back. These are magnetic. They also come with an installable base so they can be mounted on non magnetic surfaces. For cruise ship cabins, walls are generally made of metal, so no base is needed.

A look at the controls. The switch on the left let’s you choose between auto, on and off. The button on the right changes the light’s brightness. For the bathroom I set it to on and low light level. Mine easily lasted a week on one charge, leaving it on every night.

Charging the night light

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Turned on

All cruise ship cabin walls are generally made of metal. Here’s the Auvon rechargeable night light above the bathroom light switch on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Installed on the bathroom door frame on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Sitting below the sink on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Conclusions

These are a must-pack item when we travel, especially when we cruise. They are small, have a long battery life and are easy to charge. For cruises in particular these are an easy solution to two problems. First, outlets are generally in short supply. These don’t need an outlet. Second, some cruise ship cabins can be a little hazardous at night. Having these to add a little bit of light to dark spots is a huge help. Especially when it comes to the bathroom.

Check Current Price, Availability and Specs:

AUVON Rechargeable Battery Night Light, Mini Motion Sensor Night Light, Warm White LED Stick-On Closet Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Adjustable Brightness for Wall, Stairs, Hallway, Cabinet (2 Pack) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

What Are Other’s Saying?

Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

Related:

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:auvonnightlight tag:tpru

Hands on Review: GigSky World Mobile Data eSIM – works on cruise ships!

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

If you’re an avid reader you’ll have read my Airalo review. Airalo is an an app that allows international cell phone use throughout the world via their app and eSIM cards.

GigSky is in international coverage eSIM provider with a twist… keep reading.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

What makes GigSky revolutionary for cruise travelers?…

Most larger cruise ships have cellular capabilities. Ships have the equivalent of their own cell phone towers that provide service to people onboard and nearby. This is separate and different from Wi-Fi.  See Wil my phone work onboard? for more on this subject

Cruise ships are considered countries when it comes to coverage from your cell phone company. If you look under international coverage at your carrier you’ll often time see cruise ship names listed in the mix.

Here’s the thing… to my knowledge no carrier provides favorable rates or packaged data deals for ANY cruise ship. Beyond that no eSIM provider (again to my knowledge) provides coverage on a cruise ship.

GigSky…. DOES offer coverage on over 200 cruise ships!  That’s along with coverage in many foreign countries.

This means you can access the internet on ships in their network as part of their reasonable eSIM data bundles! They also offer tethering so you can use purchased data on your laptop with the aid of a compatible smart phone.

A compatible phone is required.

If you’re a light to moderate internet user when cruising a GigSky eSIM could save you a substantial amount of money compared to onboard internet. I’ll be trying this out on our next cruise. Some questions I’m going to get answered are what is the coverage like onboard and what internet speeds can we expect.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Hands on Review GigSky World Mobile Data!

The first step to getting going with GigSky is to install the app on your iPhone or Android and purchase a plan. If you’re planning to use GigSky on a cruise make sure to choose a Cruise+ plan that fits your needs.

GigSky Smartphone Apps

Tip: your plan becomes active as soon as you activate your eSIM in a covered country. Since my plan included the US GigSky nicely reminded me that my 15 days would start right away when I activated the card. Wait until just before your trip to activate your eSIM.

I tapped continue to activate my eSIM

Whammo!

After installing the eSIM this is how my Cellular settings looked. Verizon is my primary US carrier. I can toggle additional carriers on and off. The Curacao and Aruba eSIMs are from my Airalo Review.

Using GigSky onboard a Cruise Ship!

Once onboard I activated the GigSky eSIM card in Cellular Settings. It’s very important that you disable your primary US carrier when you do this. If you don’t you could incur extra charges. See: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling for more about that.

Coverage onboard Celebrity Ascent

At times it took a few minutes to get GigSky coverage onboard. I’m going to theorize how this all works so if that sounds boring, just keep reading. Modern cruise ships have many WiFi access points. I can confidently say hundreds, potentially thousands of access points. Those constantly serve a WiFi signal. My theory is that these access points also have cell phone capabilities. They each can act as a mini cell phone tower. But cell phone use is much less common. What I think happens is that these access points periodically start the cell phone signal to see if any clients are looking for a signal. If one is, the cell phone signal stays on as long as it’s needed. That way, they ship isn’t one massive cell phone tower consuming energy and whatever else a cell phone signal does. It’s only on in select areas as needed. Again, a theory.

Yes… you can tether your laptop with GigSky!

GigSky allows you to use personal hotspot to tether your laptop and other devices to your GigSky connection! I just enabled Personal Hotspot on my iPhone and connected my laptop.

Connecting on the laptop

And whammo, I can get to one of my favorite websites. Take a second to realize what’s happening here… I am accessing the Internet onboard a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with zero cost for WiFi from the cruise ship. This is amazing!

Speed Testing GigSky on a cruise ship

First a look at Celebrity’s WiFi. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both use SpaceX Starlink to power their WiFi networks. Everyone raves about SpaceX and it is revolutionary. But here’s a fact… When you buy a WiFi package you’re subject to a bandwidth cap. I had the premium WiFi and that pretty regularly came in under 5 megabits per second. Here it’s showing 4.77 megabits per second.

This is a test tethered to my iPhone using the GigSky connection. I got… 10.61 megabits per second well over double what I got with the Starlink connection! That’s amazing.

Using GigSky vs Cruise Line WiFi

If you’re a light to moderate Internet user onboard, GigSky is a great option and could potentially save you a lot of money. If you’re a heavy user that needs to do a lot of video conferencing or streaming cruise ship WiFi may be a better option.

As of this option GigSky offers plans up to 30 days in length so could easily use one plan on back to back cruises.

Speed Testing in the Dominican Republic

GigSky World Data provides… world data, so it works in many foreign countries as well. This is based on which plan you choose. I chose Cruise+ Americas/Caribbean.

As of this writing the following countries are included in that plan (subject to change, check GigSky for current plans)…

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Bolivia
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Curaçao
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • Mexico
  • Montserrat
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sint Maarten
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay

All that to say, I had GigSky coverage on all of our ports for this particular cruise.

Here’s a speed test in Puerto Plato Dominican Republic. 53.8 megabits download speed. That’s pretty good!

As a backup for your primary provider

As of  this writing my current primary cell phone plan is Verizon’s MyPlan Unlimited Ultimate. That plan includes international talk, text and data is 210+ countries. The list includes St Martin.

This screenshot was taken while I was in St Martin a country that is included in my Verizon plan and a country that should have coverage. I had no data coverage at all with my Verizon plan. I was supposed to, but I didn’t. That’s just how things work sometimes.

If international coverage is important to you, my recommendation is to have a backup eSIM plan. In my case, I just switched over to GigSky and I was up and going. We are planning to go to Europe this summer where Internet will be a necessity for walking directions and such. I’ll have a backup eSIM plan at the ready.

Conclusions

I am no stranger to eSIM plans. I’ve used multiple providers over the course of years. They are very helpful when it comes to international travel, giving you the capability to communicate at generally reasonable prices. GigSky takes this all to a whole new level by adding cruise ships to the mix. Using GigSky vs actually using a cruise ship cell connection could save you thousands of dollars. Using GigSky vs purchasing a Wi-Fi package could save you a considerable amount of money as well.  Simply put… GigSky is revolutionary.

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Smartphone Apps

FREE Trial

GigSky also offers a free 100 MB plan so you can try out their services! Note that the free trial plans does not include cruise ship coverage. However, it’s a great chance to see how GigSky works and especially helpful if you’ve never used an eSIM plan on your phone.

Related: Hands on Review Airalo eSIM

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Waterproof Phone Case

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:gigskyreview tag:tpru

8 Tips to Make the Most Of Limited Outlets On Your Next Cruise

Pictured: European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – See: Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Lack of power solutions in cruise ship cabins

Many cruise cabins have a common problem… lack of outlets. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

This article outlines some ways to stretch the power resources that are available in your next cruise ship cabin.

Related: Important Information for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruisers

Royal Caribbean Bans Multi-Plug Adapters and Extension Cords!

#1 Use the 220 Outlet(s)

To accommodate European travelers cruise lines will often include one or more 220 volt outlets. If you’re used to using three prong 120 volt electronics this outlet will most likely go unused.

One way to stretch out the outlets on your next cruise is to… use the 220 volt outlet.

What style is the 220 volt outlet on cruise ships?

European Type C seems to be the standard style on cruise ships. This may vary, but it seems to be fairly standard.

Some Adapters and Devices to Consider:

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

#2 Use An Approved Power Strip

Cruise Essentials Power Strip USB - Flat Plug Power Strip with 3 Outlets 3 USB Ports(1 USB C PD20W), 5ft Braided Extension Cord, Compact for Cruise Ship, Travel, Home and DormPictured: Cruise Essentials Power Strip USB – Flat Plug Power Strip with 3 Outlets 3 USB Ports(1 USB C PD20W), 5ft Braided Extension Cord, Compact for Cruise Ship, Travel, Home and Dorm

Most cruise lines allow the use of certain power strips. Generally speaking one thing you want to look for is a power strip that DOES NOT offer surge protection. Double check with your cruise line for specifics on what’s allowed on your ship.

#3 Use an Outlet Extender

Multi Plug Outlet Extender with USB Outlets, Power Strip Non Surge Protector Electric Outlet Splitter with 3 USB Wall Charger (1 USB C), Multiple Outlet Expander for Cruise, Dorm, Travel, Home, Office

Pictured: Multi Plug Outlet Extender with USB Outlets, Power Strip Non Surge Protector Electric Outlet Splitter with 3 USB Wall Charger (1 USB C), Multiple Outlet Expander for Cruise, Dorm, Travel, Home, Office  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

A similar solution as using a power strip, but more compact and outlet extender to split one power outlet into multiple outlets. Some include USB outlets.

#4 Use a Rechargeable Night Light

Using a rechargeable night light means no outlet is taken up most of the time. This is particularly helpful for bathrooms as those usually have 0 outlets.

Hands on Review: Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights + The Problem with Cruise Ship Bathrooms at Night

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

#5 Use a USB Night Light

USB night lights plug into a USB port. That means no outlet taken up. They could go on a laptop, USB wall charger or power bank.

#6 Check the Phone

Many newer or remodeled cruise ships offer a USB charging port on the phone. This is the phone that was in our cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.

#7 Use Rechargeable… Everything

Cruise Ship Approved Travel FanPictured: Cruise Ship Approved Travel Fan

When you’re making decisions on cruise gear considering opting for rechargeable items. These don’t constantly take up an outlet or USB port and when charged, they aren’t tethered to wherever an outlet happens to be.

#8 Use a Rechargeable Power Bank

Pictured: Anker Portable Charger

Using a rechargeable power bank gives you a de facto outlet (at least for USB devices) anywhere in your cabin. Beyond charging you can power loads of other USB compatible gear anywhere in your cabin.

Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Product specifications can change. Double check your product before use.

For lots more about cruise packing including some solutions for the outlet problem check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. top:outlets tag:tpru

The Smartest Watch for Your Next Cruise? – a recommendation for port days

Casio Men's Classic W800H-1AV Sport Watch with Black Resin BandPictured: Casio Men’s Classic W800H-1AV Sport Watch with Black Resin Band

Picture this… you’re on a cruise. Yay!! You dock at some amazing port that you’re excited about. You decide to go shopping, go to the beach or do some other fabulous activity. A few hours into the day you look down at your Apple Watch and you’re like, hey… is this the right time? After all, smart watches are smart, right?  Did your watch change time to the local time zone on it’s own? We’re not sure! So, you decide to ask a local what time it is. Wait, is that the same time zone as ship’s time? If it is the same time zone as ship’s time do they observe daylight savings time?  You think you’ve got it figured out but there’s that gnawing concern in the back of your head… what time is it really?? I don’t want to miss the ship and I don’t want to head back super early and miss port time.

I highly recommend taking along a regular watch on your cruise and anytime you’re in port. By regular I mean just a plain old watch, not a smart watch. We use this one. You don’t have to necessarily wear it if you don’t want to, just set it to ship’s time and throw it in your bag. The regular/non-smart watch part is important to me. Phones and smart watches have a tendency to automatically adjust based on location. I’ve had this happen even when connecting to WiFi, with the phone in airplane mode. Of course, you can change your device’s settings so that it doesn’t auto adjust, but having a simple watch with you is the easiest way to know you have the right time

Another tip for analog watches. Some models have more than one time zone. Each and every cruise I sync all time zones with ship time. That way I don’t have to worry about whether or not I hit the button to display an alternate time zone.

A couple more tips… when exiting the ship, take a picture or screenshot of the all on board time and emergency contact information for the port. Also, when you’re looking for a regular watch, get one that’s waterproof so it’s happy at the beach.

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Casio Men’s Classic W800H-1AV Sport Watch with Black Resin Band – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 9.20.24 top:smartwatch tag:tpru

Why a Power Bank is a must pack item for trips to Europe

Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank with USB-C Cable, Magsafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series

Pictured: Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank

We just returned for our first European cruise.  It was… fabulous. We spent several days in London ahead of the cruise. Visited Hamburg Germany, Bruges Belgium, Copenhagen Denmark and Oslo Norway on the cruise. Finally we spent two days in Paris prior to coming home. It was amazing!

In our extensive preparations for this trip we spent a lot of time deciding what to pack. We wanted to keep the size and weight of our luggage down to make the trip easier. We cut deep leaving a lot of things behind that we would normally take for something like a Caribbean cruise.

When we got to the subject of a power bank I said to my wife… we don’t need it. My laptop functions as a power bank. The plane will have outlets and everyplace we go will have outlets. Let’s save the weight and leave it behind.

She (very wisely) said… no, I’m taking it.

Fast forward to day one of our time in London and it’s very clear my phone is not going to make it through the day. I switched to low power mode and eventually moved to her phone for directions, trying to saving the last bits of battery on my phone to be able to access tickets and our itinerary.

We were constantly using phones for directions, to view our itinerary and to access tickets. I think there’s something else at play too. Something about a US phone being in Europe. I think my phone was constantly looking for Verizon towers to save Verizon roaming fees. That’s a theory, but whatever was happening, I went through battery at an astounding rate.

After the first day, I carried out battery bank every single day and used it every single day. I’m going to call a power bank a must have for European trips.

Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo), 5,000mAh Wireless Power Bank with USB-C Cable, Magsafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:pbeurope tag:tpr

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Airalo is app for iOS/iPhone and Android smart phones that makes it easy and inexpensive to use your compatible phone internationally. They partner with local and regional providers to provide short term coverage in many parts of the world.

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

What devices support Airalo eSIM?

To use an eSIM, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Airalo provides a regularly updated list of supported devices.

An eSIM example…

Here is a screenshot from my iPhone. On the top left you’ll see my primary carrier Verizon. Below that is my secondary carrier Tello. I use two carriers, one for business the other for personal. If you want to give Tello a try use referral code P3XR5K8D and earn Tello dollars.

Using Airalo for international coverage!…

We recently went on a cruise to Aruba, Curaçao and the Bahamas. I decided to give Airalo a try and purchased e-SIM cards for Aruba and Curaçao.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Curaçao. I went with 1 GB of data. We were in Curaçao for about a day. The e-SIM I purchased was valid for up to 7 days. This was a data only e-SIM meaning I didn’t have a local phone number. I didn’t need to use the phone if I had to I could have used Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime. Of course there are other apps that can utilize a data connection for phone calls and video chat.

Purchasing an e-SIM card for Aruba. Also 1 GB data and 7 days.

Here’s my phone after purchasing and installing both e-SIM. As of this update iPhone 15 can handle up to eight e-SIM with a maximum of two active e-SIM cards at any one time. Note that my Verizon and Tello numbers have been redacted.

Using Airalo in Curaçao

I enabled my Curaçao e-SIM card and disabled all other e-SIMs installed on my phone

Whammo I’m connected

I fired up Google Maps for directions to the beach we wanted to go to.

We made it to Cas Abao beach!  It was beautiful!

I tried Blue Curaçao.  It was pretty good.

I tweeted from the beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Let's be friends! Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | RSS

When I bought the e-SIM card the carrier was named Dushi wireless. I had no idea what that meant, but learned when visiting. visitaruba.com says… “Dushi – This is such a dynamic Papiamento word. In Aruba, ‘dushi‘ is used to describe food as ‘sweet‘ or ‘yummy‘ tasting, or to indicate that a sensation is good (think of pleasant smells or nice music), but it is also used as a term of endearment for your lover, translated as ‘sweetheart‘ or ‘sweety‘.”

Speedtest. The connection was quite zippy. This test shows 58.4 megabits down and 46.6 megabits up.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

At the end of the day I still had 700 MB left. It’s worth noting that you can also buy longer eSIMs with more data AND you can purchase eSIMs for entire regions instead of a single country.

We had a wonderful time in Curaçao!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Using Airalo in Aruba

I tweeted from Eagle Beach to test the connection. It worked great. Connect with me on X!

Airalo’s partner in Aruba was blazing fast. Here’s a speed test.  This test shows 114 megabits down and 26.9 megabits up.

We had an amazing time in Aruba!  This was our first time doing a Southern Itinerary cruise and it was one of our favorites!

Conclusions

Airalo worked flawlessly! I paid $9.50 per eSIM card. Each card had 7 days of validity. That’s much cheaper than my carrier’s international coverage. Going forward Airalo will be a regular part of our international travel!

Get FREE Airalo Credit!

Use code CHRIS1167 when you make your eSIM purchase and you’ll get $3 in free credit to apply to your purchase!

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 1.15.24 top:airaloreview tag:tpr

Hands on Review: European Type C Fast USB Charger by LiFiYiRc… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!

Many cruise cabins have a common problem… lack of outlets. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

To accommodate European travelers cruise lines will often include one or more 220 volt outlets. If you’re used to using three prong 120 volt electronics this outlet will most likely go unused.

One way to stretch out the outlets on your next cruise is to… use the 220 volt outlet.

This is a hands on look at the LiFiYiRc European Type C Mult Port Charging Block PD20W

This will allow you to make use of a European Type C outlet on your next cruise! Because it’s a USB charger there’s no need to check for AC 220/240 compatibility. That’s a requirement for many of the adapters featured on CPL. For lots more about this see: Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

Check Current Price & Availability:

European USB C Charger Block, PD20W QC3.0 Fast Charging Multi Ports, 2 USB C 3 USB A Europe Plug Compatible for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X SE Plus, Samsung S22 S21 A13, Phones  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Attention Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises:

This was reviewed, in part, on Royal Caribbean ships prior to their change in policy, banning multi-plug adapters. See article below. The way I interpret the policy, this should still be allowed since it does not have an AC outlet.

See Royal Caribbean Bans Multi-Plug Adapters and Extension Cords for more information and some alternatives

Related:

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

In the box. It reads 3USB+2PD, 65w Fast Charger, Type-C Charger, Model:F002, Input AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.5A, Output: 5V/7.2A, 9V/4.0A, 12V/3.0A Made in China

Close up of the bottom left front of the box

Back side of the box

For size reference next to a bottle of Sun Bum sunscreen (my standard size reference item on Cruise Packing List)

Hey… here it is on board Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas!

A look at the charger

Side view

Closeup shows specifications and product certifications

Laying down

A look at the ports. Unfortunately I had this upside down when I took this photo. Oh well… guess I have to go back on Odyssey! 🙂  If this were right side up the ports would be labeled PD20W, QC3.0, PD15W, 3.1A and 3.1A

Hey look…. these two prongs match the European style outlet on Odyssey!

Plugged in!

Loaded up with cables charging stuff!  The shows two 4 in 1 style USB charging cables. One in USB-A mode and one is USB-C mode (charging my laptop) along with a standard USB-A cable.

This can charge multiple items up to and including compatible laptops. My Dell XPS laptop has a 130 watt charger so this 65 watt charger is under powered although it was able to charge it at a slower rate. I wouldn’t leave the laptop charger at home, but this would work in a pinch.

Conclusions

This is a relatively cheap upgrade that makes cabin life easier. European type C devices have become must-pack items for all our cruises. Utilizing the European style outlet seems like magic. If you don’t have a European type C charger of some sort in your cruise gear, it’s a slam dunk. There are a number of styles to choose from. This is a great choice because of the ubiquity of USB devices and ease of use.

European USB C Charger Block, PD20W QC3.0 Fast Charging Multi Ports, 2 USB C 3 USB A Europe Plug Compatible for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XS XR X SE Plus, Samsung S22 S21 A13, Phones  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Consider:

What Are Other’s Saying?

Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. 9.13.24 review:LiFiYiRc tag:tpr

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Travel Router

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router – AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 |128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router – AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 |128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.
  • 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
  • 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
  • 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
  • 【Repeater for Public WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. In general, most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi. ***Do NOT support easytethering***

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router | AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 | 128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

More About Travel Routers:

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

Related Reviews:

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango Travel Router

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router + Hands on Review!

Related: Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router!

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Travel Router

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); Tethering Compatible; 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
  • 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard)
  • 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX’s Admin Panel.
  • 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
  • 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
  • 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Beryl AX is an ideal pocket Wi-Fi device perfect for international travel. With its compact size and travel-friendly features, the portable Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go.

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

For the security conscious, this is designed to work with VPN services like NordVPN and others

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router | WiFi Router | OpenVPN, Wireguard, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

More About Travel Routers:

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router | WiFi Router | OpenVPN, Wireguard, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page, RV

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Hands on Review: GigSky World Mobile Data eSIM – works on cruise ships!

First… What’s a SIM Card?

SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

If you’re an avid reader you’ll have read my Airalo review. Airalo is an an app that allows international cell phone use throughout the world via their app and eSIM cards.

GigSky is in international coverage eSIM provider with a twist… keep reading.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

What makes GigSky revolutionary for cruise travelers?…

Most larger cruise ships have cellular capabilities. Ships have the equivalent of their own cell phone towers that provide service to people onboard and nearby. This is separate and different from Wi-Fi.  See Wil my phone work onboard? for more on this subject

Cruise ships are considered countries when it comes to coverage from your cell phone company. If you look under international coverage at your carrier you’ll often time see cruise ship names listed in the mix.

Here’s the thing… to my knowledge no carrier provides favorable rates or packaged data deals for ANY cruise ship. Beyond that no eSIM provider (again to my knowledge) provides coverage on a cruise ship.

GigSky…. DOES offer coverage on over 200 cruise ships!  That’s along with coverage in many foreign countries.

This means you can access the internet on ships in their network as part of their reasonable eSIM data bundles! They also offer tethering so you can use purchased data on your laptop with the aid of a compatible smart phone.

A compatible phone is required.

If you’re a light to moderate internet user when cruising a GigSky eSIM could save you a substantial amount of money compared to onboard internet. I’ll be trying this out on our next cruise. Some questions I’m going to get answered are what is the coverage like onboard and what internet speeds can we expect.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Hands on Review GigSky World Mobile Data!

The first step to getting going with GigSky is to install the app on your iPhone or Android and purchase a plan. If you’re planning to use GigSky on a cruise make sure to choose a Cruise+ plan that fits your needs.

GigSky Smartphone Apps

Tip: your plan becomes active as soon as you activate your eSIM in a covered country. Since my plan included the US GigSky nicely reminded me that my 15 days would start right away when I activated the card. Wait until just before your trip to activate your eSIM.

I tapped continue to activate my eSIM

Whammo!

After installing the eSIM this is how my Cellular settings looked. Verizon is my primary US carrier. I can toggle additional carriers on and off. The Curacao and Aruba eSIMs are from my Airalo Review.

Using GigSky onboard a Cruise Ship!

Once onboard I activated the GigSky eSIM card in Cellular Settings. It’s very important that you disable your primary US carrier when you do this. If you don’t you could incur extra charges. See: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling for more about that.

Coverage onboard Celebrity Ascent

At times it took a few minutes to get GigSky coverage onboard. I’m going to theorize how this all works so if that sounds boring, just keep reading. Modern cruise ships have many WiFi access points. I can confidently say hundreds, potentially thousands of access points. Those constantly serve a WiFi signal. My theory is that these access points also have cell phone capabilities. They each can act as a mini cell phone tower. But cell phone use is much less common. What I think happens is that these access points periodically start the cell phone signal to see if any clients are looking for a signal. If one is, the cell phone signal stays on as long as it’s needed. That way, they ship isn’t one massive cell phone tower consuming energy and whatever else a cell phone signal does. It’s only on in select areas as needed. Again, a theory.

Yes… you can tether your laptop with GigSky!

GigSky allows you to use personal hotspot to tether your laptop and other devices to your GigSky connection! I just enabled Personal Hotspot on my iPhone and connected my laptop.

Connecting on the laptop

And whammo, I can get to one of my favorite websites. Take a second to realize what’s happening here… I am accessing the Internet onboard a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with zero cost for WiFi from the cruise ship. This is amazing!

Speed Testing GigSky on a cruise ship

First a look at Celebrity’s WiFi. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both use SpaceX Starlink to power their WiFi networks. Everyone raves about SpaceX and it is revolutionary. But here’s a fact… When you buy a WiFi package you’re subject to a bandwidth cap. I had the premium WiFi and that pretty regularly came in under 5 megabits per second. Here it’s showing 4.77 megabits per second.

This is a test tethered to my iPhone using the GigSky connection. I got… 10.61 megabits per second well over double what I got with the Starlink connection! That’s amazing.

Using GigSky vs Cruise Line WiFi

If you’re a light to moderate Internet user onboard, GigSky is a great option and could potentially save you a lot of money. If you’re a heavy user that needs to do a lot of video conferencing or streaming cruise ship WiFi may be a better option.

As of this option GigSky offers plans up to 30 days in length so could easily use one plan on back to back cruises.

Speed Testing in the Dominican Republic

GigSky World Data provides… world data, so it works in many foreign countries as well. This is based on which plan you choose. I chose Cruise+ Americas/Caribbean.

As of this writing the following countries are included in that plan (subject to change, check GigSky for current plans)…

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Bolivia
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Curaçao
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • French Guiana
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • Mexico
  • Montserrat
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sint Maarten
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay

All that to say, I had GigSky coverage on all of our ports for this particular cruise.

Here’s a speed test in Puerto Plato Dominican Republic. 53.8 megabits download speed. That’s pretty good!

As a backup for your primary provider

As of  this writing my current primary cell phone plan is Verizon’s MyPlan Unlimited Ultimate. That plan includes international talk, text and data is 210+ countries. The list includes St Martin.

This screenshot was taken while I was in St Martin a country that is included in my Verizon plan and a country that should have coverage. I had no data coverage at all with my Verizon plan. I was supposed to, but I didn’t. That’s just how things work sometimes.

If international coverage is important to you, my recommendation is to have a backup eSIM plan. In my case, I just switched over to GigSky and I was up and going. We are planning to go to Europe this summer where Internet will be a necessity for walking directions and such. I’ll have a backup eSIM plan at the ready.

Conclusions

I am no stranger to eSIM plans. I’ve used multiple providers over the course of years. They are very helpful when it comes to international travel, giving you the capability to communicate at generally reasonable prices. GigSky takes this all to a whole new level by adding cruise ships to the mix. Using GigSky vs actually using a cruise ship cell connection could save you thousands of dollars. Using GigSky vs purchasing a Wi-Fi package could save you a considerable amount of money as well.  Simply put… GigSky is revolutionary.

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Smartphone Apps

FREE Trial

GigSky also offers a free 100 MB plan so you can try out their services! Note that the free trial plans does not include cruise ship coverage. However, it’s a great chance to see how GigSky works and especially helpful if you’ve never used an eSIM plan on your phone.

Related: Hands on Review Airalo eSIM

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Waterproof Phone Case

Pelican Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch / Case (Regular Size) - Floating Waterproof Phone Case For iPhone 15 Pro Max/ 14 Pro Max/13 Pro Max/12/S24 Ultra - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow Related: Pelican’s IP68 Waterproof Phone Case – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:gigskyreview tag:tpr

Cruise Port Days… Should You Take Your Passport Off The Ship?

WHALEZON 5 Pack Clear Passport Cover, Transparent Plastic Passport ProtectorPictured: WHALEZON 5 Pack Clear Passport Cover

Cruising with a Passport vs Birth Certificate?

Most cruise lines will allow you to sail with an official copy of your birth certificate and government issued photo ID if you’re a US citizen and you’re starting and ending your cruise from a US port. Add on a marriage license if your name has changed because of marriage. Double check with your cruise line for your specific itinerary and their policies.

Here’s the problem… If your trip doesn’t go as planned and you’re stuck in a foreign port, you cannot fly internationally with a birth certificate. You’ll be forced to find an embassy or consulate to resolve the issue.

A passport is superior to a birth certificate. Having a passport gives you lots more flexibility if you run into problems.

Should You Take Your Passport Off The Ship on Port Days?

I think the quick official answer is yes. You should keep your passport on your person when traveling in a foreign country. However, I did practice this for years.

I used to think… What are the odds that I’m not going to make it back on the ship vs the odds that I’m going to lose my passport?  Which is the bigger risk?  I normally decided that losing the passport was the bigger risk and left it in the room safe. This wasn’t a great situation.

I realized, we also bring our birth certificates and… as US citizens passports aren’t usually even checked upon re-entry. If you’re not a US citizen, you’re normally going to get back to your embarkation country to work it out from there. I also realized one of the fears that was keeping me from taking my passport to the beach wasn’t that it would get lost it was that it would get damaged. So I got a high quality waterproof pouch and now take our passports when we get off the ship. The only time I don’t take my passport off the ship with me is on private islands.

What About Passport Cards?

I hear some cruise podcasts and from cruise Youtubers talking about passport cards as if they are the same as a passport book. They are not.

As of this writing US passport cards are not valid for international air travel, so leaving your passport book in your cabin safe and taking your passport card with you isn’t a great solution either. It’s not useless but it’s not a 1:1 replacement. Let’s say you got left in Cozumel. Your path to the US with a passport card would probably require you to fly to a city on the US border and then walk across.

From the US State Department: “We began issuing U.S. passport cards in 2008 to meet the needs of U.S. citizens who travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries by land or sea. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel”

See: What is a Passport Card?

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. top:protectpassport tag:tpru

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Travel Router

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router – AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 |128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router – AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 |128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.
  • 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
  • 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
  • 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
  • 【Repeater for Public WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. In general, most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi. ***Do NOT support easytethering***

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router | AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet | IPv6 USB 2.0 MU-MIMO DDR3 | 128MB Ram Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

More About Travel Routers:

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

Related Reviews:

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango Travel Router

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Cruise Ship Elevator Hack for Debarkation Day

Cruise ship elevator on debarkation day

Cruise Ship Elevator Hack for Debarkation Day

Cruises are amazing. The accommodations, food, ports of call and service are a big part of why so many of us keep coming back.

One of the least amazing parts is the end: debarkation day.

Not only is your cruise over, but you may also have a full day of travel ahead of you. And before you can even get off the ship, you have to deal with thousands of other passengers doing exactly the same thing at roughly the same time.

One of the biggest hassles can be simply getting an elevator on debarkation day. Elevators fill quickly with people and luggage, especially as everyone starts heading toward the gangway.

Here are four tips that can make that last trip through the ship much easier.

1. Skip the Elevator If You Can

If you’re comfortable using the stairs and can easily carry your backpack, carry-on or other luggage, consider skipping the elevator.

Going down several decks is usually much easier than going up, and on debarkation morning it can also be much faster than standing around waiting for an elevator with enough room for you and your bags.

Obviously, this isn’t a good option for everyone, but if you can comfortably manage the stairs, it’s probably the simplest solution.

2. Split Up Your Group

If someone in your group needs to use the elevator because of mobility needs or because you’re carrying larger luggage, you don’t necessarily all need to wait for the elevator together.

Consider sending one or more people with the luggage in the elevator while the rest of the group takes the stairs and meets them on the appropriate deck.

This can make it much easier to find enough elevator space without requiring room for your entire group.

3. Take ANY Elevator That Has Room

This is the cruise ship elevator hack that has worked for me time and time again.

On debarkation morning, don’t get hung up on finding an elevator that’s already going in the direction you want to go. Take any elevator that arrives with enough room for you and your luggage.

If you want to go down but an elevator going up arrives first, get on. Ride it until it reaches the top of its route and starts heading back down, then select the deck where you need to go.

The important thing on debarkation morning is to prioritize an elevator with room over one that’s already going the “right” direction.

You may spend an extra minute riding the wrong way, but that can be much faster than standing on your deck watching full elevators pass by.

It’s a simple trick, but I’ve found it can work like magic on a crowded debarkation morning.

One important note: Always follow crew instructions and any ship-specific debarkation procedures. If elevators, decks or passenger traffic are being specifically directed by the crew, follow those directions instead.

4. Try a Less-Busy Elevator Bank

Not every elevator bank on a cruise ship gets the same amount of traffic.

For example, I’ve noticed on Royal Caribbean ships that the aft elevators can sometimes be busier than the forward elevators. That’s not especially surprising since many restaurants and other popular venues are located toward the aft of the ship.

The same idea can apply on debarkation morning.

If the elevators closest to your cabin are packed, it may be worth walking to another elevator bank instead of waiting. A slightly longer walk can sometimes mean a much shorter elevator wait.

Make Debarkation Morning a Little Easier

Debarkation day probably isn’t going to be anyone’s favorite part of a cruise, but a little planning can make it less frustrating.

If you’re able to take the stairs, that’s usually the easiest solution. If you need the elevator, consider splitting up your group, trying a less-busy elevator bank and, most importantly, don’t assume the first elevator you take has to be going down.

That last trick has saved me a lot of waiting.

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 12.13.24 top:elevatorhack tag:tpr

New updates to optimize considering recent policy changes… Royal Caribbean Diamond Drink Hacks!

Free drink vouchers are a massive perk of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor loyalty program. The drink vouchers are valid on most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to a certain dollar amount. As of this writing people who’ve achieved the Diamond level get 4 free drinks daily, Diamond Plus members get 5 free drinks and Pinnacle members get 6 free drinks.

We have sailed on Royal quite a bit and have achieved the Diamond Plus level. We’re working our way to Pinnacle.

Since getting to these levels we’ve been able to skip any drink package and greatly cut down our alcohol bill. Between the two bottles of wine we can bring on, the free bottle of wine we’ve chosen as our Diamond Plus amenity and the free drink vouchers we’ll typically only need to purchase a few drinks. These perks have saved us thousands of dollars.

One of the articles I had meant to write was a trick that we’ve used to stretch these drinks out.

4, 5 or 6 drinks may be easy to consume on a sea day, but not so much after being at an all inclusive beach club for hours. The vouchers expire each day so they don’t roll forward. What we had done was swing by a bar at the end of each night and ask for unopened drinks for any unused vouchers. We’d then put those in our stateroom refrigerator (pic above) and consume as desired.

The problem with that is…. apparently Royal is starting to crack down on that hack. They are requiring bartenders to open drinks when they are served. Reports have differed, but enough have said this is happening to make me think it’s a new policy change. Bummer.

Update: Although nothing 100% official there have been continued reports of this policy and interaction with Michael Bayley’s office on Facebook has confirmed that this is an across the fleet procedure change:

“Thank you for contacting the Executive Office of Royal Caribbean International. Mr. Bayley has received your email and I am pleased to respond,” Bell-Floyd said.

“Thank you for your loyalty to Royal. Please know that our beverage policies are in place to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy their drinks safely and responsibly. Recently, we have updated this policy to include the following: Any canned or bottled alcoholic beverages ordered at our bars must be opened before leaving the venue.”

So, it seems this isn’t limited to Diamond Drinks in particular but it probably strikes people who are used to doing this the hardest.

I think there are still some pretty good ways to accomplish the same thing. Here are some ideas…

Bottled Beer

Wine Stoppers, Food-safe Silicone Bottle Stoppers, Expanding Manual Beverage Stopper, Reusable Wine Bottle Corks, Creates Airtight Seal, Assorted Colors 4 Pack (Assorted)

Get bottled beers and use a beverage stopper to seal them up right away

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Canned Beer

Jokari’s Fizz Keepers fit on standard 12 and 16 oz sized cans. They snap tight to keep pressure (and carbonation) in AND they feature a pump to add additional carbonation. Order your favorite beers from a bar tender and then put these little gadgets on to preserve the drink. Note that these do not work with smaller seltzer style cans.

Hard Liquor

Stanley Legendary Classic Pre-Party Liquor and Spirit Flask

Order shots and put them in a flask. When you’re ready for a drink mix with fruit juice or soda to make your own mixed drink.

Wine

Order glasses of wine and put them in a foldable Wine2Go Pouch. Purge the air before sealing to reduce oxygenation.

Related: Grab Collapsible Funnels

If you’re wanting to transfer wine or liquor for future using, considering grabbing some collapsible funnels to make it easy.

Conclusions

Royal Caribbean should have no issues with these work arounds. After you receive your open drink it’s really up to you how and when you consume it. These techniques will allow you to make the most out of Diamond drink vouchers and save you some money.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Also: Setting up a WiFi Hotspot on your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Also: Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 12.10.24 top:diamondrinks tag:tpru

Royal Caribbean Diamond Drink Hacks!

Free drink vouchers are a massive perk of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor loyalty program. The drink vouchers are valid on most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to a certain dollar amount. As of this writing people who’ve achieved the Diamond level get 4 free drinks daily, Diamond Plus members get 5 free drinks and Pinnacle members get 6 free drinks.

We have sailed on Royal quite a bit and have achieved the Diamond Plus level. We’re working our way to Pinnacle.

Since getting to these levels we’ve been able to skip any drink package and greatly cut down our alcohol bill. Between the two bottles of wine we can bring on, the free bottle of wine we’ve chosen as our Diamond Plus amenity and the free drink vouchers we’ll typically only need to purchase a few drinks. These perks have saved us thousands of dollars.

One of the articles I had meant to write was a trick that we’ve used to stretch these drinks out.

4, 5 or 6 drinks may be easy to consume on a sea day, but not so much after being at an all inclusive beach club for hours. The vouchers expire each day so they don’t roll forward. What we had done was swing by a bar at the end of each night and ask for unopened drinks for any unused vouchers. We’d then put those in our stateroom refrigerator (pic above) and consume as desired.

The problem with that is…. apparently Royal is starting to crack down on that hack. They are requiring bartenders to open drinks when they are served. Reports have differed, but enough have said this is happening to make me think it’s a new policy change. Bummer.

Update: Although nothing 100% official there have been continued reports of this policy and interaction with Michael Bayley’s office on Facebook has confirmed that this is an across the fleet procedure change:

“Thank you for contacting the Executive Office of Royal Caribbean International. Mr. Bayley has received your email and I am pleased to respond,” Bell-Floyd said.

“Thank you for your loyalty to Royal. Please know that our beverage policies are in place to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy their drinks safely and responsibly. Recently, we have updated this policy to include the following: Any canned or bottled alcoholic beverages ordered at our bars must be opened before leaving the venue.”

So, it seems this isn’t limited to Diamond Drinks in particular but it probably strikes people who are used to doing this the hardest.

I think there are still some pretty good ways to accomplish the same thing. Here are some ideas…

Bottled Beer

Wine Stoppers, Food-safe Silicone Bottle Stoppers, Expanding Manual Beverage Stopper, Reusable Wine Bottle Corks, Creates Airtight Seal, Assorted Colors 4 Pack (Assorted)

Get bottled beers and use a beverage stopper to seal them up right away

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Canned Beer

Jokari’s Fizz Keepers fit on standard 12 and 16 oz sized cans. They snap tight to keep pressure (and carbonation) in AND they feature a pump to add additional carbonation. Order your favorite beers from a bar tender and then put these little gadgets on to preserve the drink. Note that these do not work with smaller seltzer style cans.

Hard Liquor

Stanley Legendary Classic Pre-Party Liquor and Spirit Flask

Order shots and put them in a flask. When you’re ready for a drink mix with fruit juice or soda to make your own mixed drink.

Wine

Order glasses of wine and put them in a foldable Wine2Go Pouch. Purge the air before sealing to reduce oxygenation.

Related: Grab Collapsible Funnels

If you’re wanting to transfer wine or liquor for future using, considering grabbing some collapsible funnels to make it easy.

Conclusions

Royal Caribbean should have no issues with these work arounds. After you receive your open drink it’s really up to you how and when you consume it. These techniques will allow you to make the most out of Diamond drink vouchers and save you some money.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Also: Setting up a WiFi Hotspot on your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Also: Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 12.10.24 top:diamondrinks tag:tpr

Problem Solved… MagSafe Wallet for Your Ship Card!

One thing you always need when you’re on a cruise ship is your… ship card. It functions are your room key, allows you to pay for things, lets you access drink packages, lets you access reservations, acts as an ID of sorts, gets you back on the ship and more.

Beyond your ship card, while you’re walking around onboard, you may not need a whole lot more. Maybe a cell phone.  So, how do you keep track of your card and the few things you may want to carry?

A Lanyard is one option and works for some people. Personally I don’t want anything extra around my neck and I’d like the ability to carry a couple more things (maybe some cash) without having to dig in the lanyard.

Another option is a Phone Card Holder. That allows you to keep your ship card right with your phone. This is a big improvement, in my book, everything in one place, compact and easy to keep track of. But, these are adhesive based and need to be semi-permanently installed on a phone or phone case. My solution up until now was to keep an extra phone case with a phone holder installed for use while cruising.

How about… a MagSafe wallet?  These work with compatible iOS devices and compatible Android devices (with the help of a case). They can be easily affixed (and removed) as needed. Whammo!

Here’s a look at these MagSafe wallets for using on a cruise.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Check Current Price and Availability:

[2 Pack] Magnetic Card Holder Wallet for iPhone 15/14/13/12 Series with Magsafe, Leather Wallet for iPhone 15 14 Pro Max Plus Model, Mag-Safe Wallet for iPhone 13 12 Pro Max Mini Model  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Shop around – search Amazon for “MagSafe Wallet”

Android user? An add on case or ring is generally required to make MagSafe Accessories work.  See section on Android toward the end of this article for more information.

If you don’t have a MagSafe capable phone, consider… COCASES Phone Card Holder

A look in the package. I bought a two pack.

For size reference next to a bottle of Sun Bum sunscreen (my standard size reference item on Cruise Packing List)

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

This stays on securely but comes off when you’re done using it or want easier access to contents

Conclusions

This is a cheap fix to the question.. where should I put my cruise card? It provides a secure location to keep your card and a little bit of cash so that it’s not floating around who knows where.

Credit for the original idea (the stick on card holder) goes to Emma of Emma cruises. She came up with the original “put your card with your phone” idea. Thanks Emma!  If you have a MagSafe capable phone or phone case, I think this is a great upgrade to the stick on holder.

I’ve used this on multiple cruises and it’s worked well. It’s now a must pack item for me!

Check Current Price and Availability:

[2 Pack] Magnetic Card Holder Wallet for iPhone 15/14/13/12 Series with Magsafe, Leather Wallet for iPhone 15 14 Pro Max Plus Model, Mag-Safe Wallet for iPhone 13 12 Pro Max Mini Model  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

If you don’t have a MagSafe capable phone, consider… COCASES Phone Card Holder

Does MagSafe work with Android phones?

The technology the allows magnetic accessories to work is Qi wireless charging. Newer iPhone and Android phones often times have this technology built in. MagSafe is a registered Apple trademark. As such you’re probably not going to see an Android marketed as having MagSafe.

The Android implementation of Qi wireless charging is a little bit different than iPhone. The result is that the magnet can be weaker. A solution to this is to get a MagSafe compatible ring sticker or case. This helps to increase magnetic strength.

See: How to Add MagSafe to Android for some more information

MagSafe capable iPhones do not need these add ons.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Related: Setting up a WiFi Hotspot on your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

Hands on Review: Airalo e-SIM – use your phone internationally!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 6.18.24 top:magsafe tag:tpr

GigSky World Mobile Data e-SIM COUPON! Works on over 200 cruise ships!

What’s a SIM Card?

A SIM is an acronym stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s small card that fits in select phones that’s basically the digital identification for the phone. You can theoretically quickly change phones by swapping out your physical SIM card.

What’s an eSIM Card?

Fast forward to eSIM cards. eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.  Instead of a physical SIM card an eSIM is a logical identity for select phones. No need for a physical SIM card.

The part where the magic comes in… Some phones also allow you to have multiple eSIM cards. So you can actually have multiple phone numbers on a single phone.

If you’re an avid reader you’ll have read my Airalo review. Airalo is an an app that allows international cell phone use throughout the world via their app and eSIM cards.

GigSky is in international coverage eSIM provider.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

What makes GigSky revolutionary for cruise travelers?…

Most larger cruise ships have cellular capabilities. Ships have the equivalent of their own cell phone towers that provide service to people onboard and nearby. This is separate and different from Wi-Fi.  See Wil my phone work onboard? for more on this subject

Cruise ships are considered countries when it comes to coverage from your cell phone company. If you look under international coverage at your carrier you’ll often time see cruise ship names listed in the mix.

Here’s the thing… to my knowledge no carrier provides favorable rates or packaged data deals for ANY cruise ship. Beyond that no eSIM provider (again to my knowledge) provides coverage on a cruise ship.

GigSky…. DOES offer coverage on over 200 cruise ships!  That’s along with coverage in many foreign countries.

This means you can access the internet on ships in their network as part of their reasonable eSIM data bundles! They also offer tethering so you can use purchased data on your laptop with the aid of a compatible smart phone.

A compatible phone is required.

GigSky also offers a free 100 MB plan so you can try out their services!

If you’re a light to moderate internet user when cruising a GigSky eSIM could save you a substantial amount of money compared to onboard internet. I’ll be trying this out on our next cruise. Some questions I’m going to get answered are what is the coverage like onboard and what internet speeds can we expect.

Coupon Code!

Use coupon code cruisepacklist to save when you buy a GigSky eSIM package!

Hands on Review!

Hands on Review: GigSky World Mobile Data eSIM – works on cruise ships!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: FREE… Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Phone Wallpaper

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. top:gigsky tag:tpr

Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise

Pictured: European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – See: Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Lack of power solutions in cruise ship cabins

Many cruise cabins have a common problem… lack of outlets. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.

To accommodate European travelers cruise lines will often include one or more 220 volt outlets. If you’re used to using three prong 120 volt electronics this outlet will most likely go unused.

One way to stretch out the outlets on your next cruise is to… use the 220 volt outlet.

What style is the 220 volt outlet on cruise ships?

European Type C seems to be the standard style on cruise ships. This may vary, but it seems to be fairly standard.

Voltage Adapters vs Voltage Converters

Voltage adapters are generally compact and reasonably priced. Adapters only adapt the plug. They do not convert 220v to 120v. Voltage converters actually step down voltage from 220v to 120v. Those are generally bulkier and more expensive.

This article may contain affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won't pay more and you'll be supporting Cruise Packing List and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Will my 120v devices work with an adapter?

A 120v device (only) device will not work on a 220v outlet with an adapter, but… many of your devices may actually be rated for both 120v and 220v…

Dual Voltage and World Wide Voltage

Many devices are actually setup to use either voltage. As an example take a look at this laptop power charger. It’s designed to accept 100 volts up to 240 volts.

Another example, as of this writing… “Apple USB power adapters are designed for use with power sources rated to provide 100V AC to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz.” via About Apple USB Power Adapters

Another example Anker’s model A9123 which I own and use on cruises. It is designed to accept 100 volts up to 240 volts.

Many three prong devices are designed to work at a range of voltages including 220v. Those devices will work with an outlet adapter. As three prong cord users we just don’t think about it much. To see if your device is compatible with 220v check the label, product specifications or ask the manufacturer.

What about USB?

220v adapters that have USB ports should step down power to provide USB range DC power.

Example – This USB charger accepts 100-240V AC input and outputs DC 5V

Some Adapters and Devices to Consider:

Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB

Product specifications can change. Double check your product before use.

For lots more about cruise packing including some solutions for the outlet problem check out our complete packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. top:220 tag:tpru

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Travel Router + Related Review

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router, Extender/Repeater for Hotel&Public Network Storage, VPN Client&Server, OpenWrt, Adguard Home, USB 3.0, TF Card Slot

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router, Extender/Repeater for Hotel&Public Network Storage, VPN Client&Server, OpenWrt, Adguard Home, USB 3.0, TF Card Slot

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
  • 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 120 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
  • 【Easy File Sharing】Our NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents.
  • 【Runs on OpenWrt 21.02】Slate AX runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
  • 【Repeater for Public, Hotel WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private network(wired/wireless) for secure surfing. Work with Captive Portal. (Note: Most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi.)
  • 【Enable VPN or AdGuard Home Easily】Immediately enable/disable your selected feature (AdGuard Home or OpenVPN Client or WireGuard Client) through the physical toggle switch. ***The default setting of the button is NO Function, you need to set it in the admin panel before using this function.***

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router, Extender/Repeater for Hotel&Public Network Storage, VPN Client&Server, OpenWrt, Adguard Home, USB 3.0, TF Card Slot – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

More About Travel Routers:

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

Related Reviews:

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango Travel Router

Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

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GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router + Hands on Review!

Related: Hands on Review: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Travel Router!

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Travel Router

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); Tethering Compatible; 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
  • 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard)
  • 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX’s Admin Panel.
  • 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
  • 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
  • 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Beryl AX is an ideal pocket Wi-Fi device perfect for international travel. With its compact size and travel-friendly features, the portable Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go.

 

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “cruise” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

For the security conscious, this is designed to work with VPN services like NordVPN and others

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router | WiFi Router | OpenVPN, Wireguard, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

More About Travel Routers:

Travel routers are generally small devices that allow you to create a small Wi-Fi network.

The problem with traditional Wi-Fi routers is that they don’t know how to handle “captive networks”. Captive networks are networks that require you to log in before you can access the internet. Many publicly available WiFi networks are considered captive networks. That includes most hotels and cruise ships.

Travel routers are (or at least should be) designed to handle captive networks. You basically log in to the router through a web browser and then log into the captive network using the router’s settings.

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Setting Up Your Own Wireless WiFi Hotspot on Your Next Cruise!

Related: Using Your Cell Phone Onboard with WiFi Calling!

wifi calling and cruise shipsMy iPhone with Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Royal Promenade int eh Background. See “VZW Wi-Fi”

Related: Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise

Will My Phone Work on a Cruise Ship?

All About Night Lights for Your Next Cruise!

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router | WiFi Router | OpenVPN, Wireguard, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page, RV

All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Cruise Packing List!