What are the must-have items to cruise in 2022?
It feels like so much in the world has changed since we first heard the words “Corona Virus”, Covid-19, and Global Pandemic. It’s impacted our lives in so many ways and shut down the cruise industry for well over a year. But, cruising is back!
Since the slow and steady restart in June of 2021, many things we love about cruising have remained but there are also several changes. There are a least a couple of new things you MUST have to cruise in 2022. Forgetting any of these items will have you standing at the pier as your dream cruise sails away without you.
In this post, I’ll share the must-have items to cruise in 2022 and a few extras you may want to consider as well.
Passport –
This isn’t new for 2022 but definitely a must-have. While it’s true that you can take a closed-loop cruise from the United States (a cruise that begins and ends in the U.S) with only a birth certificate, it’s not the safest approach. For example, what if there is a family emergency while you are sailing and the nearest port is St. Maarten? You’ll need your passport to fly home. What if there is a medical emergency and you need to remain in a port for medical attention? You’ll need a passport to return home. Yes, these are both “what-if” scenarios, but, in my world, “safe is better than sorry”.
Pro tip: Wrap your passport with a colored elastic! This helps identify your passport among your family members and allows easy access to your photo page 
Vaccination Record –
At the time of this post-cruise lines are asking all eligible cruisers to be fully vaccinated with an additional two-week period following their latest vaccination. Many cruise lines are also encouraging booster doses. Cruisers will need to provide their vaccination documentation during pre-cruise check-in and again at the port on embarkation day.
Pro tip: I ordered a pack of these protective sleeves from Amazon and I tuck it right in my passport holder.
Negative Covid Test –
Currently, all major cruise lines are requiring proof of a negative Covid test – (Antigen or PCR) prior to boarding. The timing of the test is very important and can certainly add a bit of stress to your planning. For most, you need to have a test taken within 2 days of your embarkation. Some cruise lines and sailings have hosted testing at the pier but many times this was just available for children too young to be vaccinated or for those who didn’t provide proper documentation and therefore had to pay for an expensive test on-site in order to board the ship.
Check with your cruise line each week leading up to your cruise as things are regularly being updated.
If you choose to get tested at your local pharmacy, start checking the scheduling website 2 weeks prior to your cruise. The national pharmacy, CVS, posts a rolling 14-day schedule. You’ll want to grab your appointment as soon as possible because you have a short window in which to test.
For example, If your cruise departs on Sunday and you fly to your embarkation on Saturday, you’ll need to schedule your test for Friday – but no sooner than Friday. Alternatively, you could schedule a test at your embarkation city but then you run the risk of not getting your results in time – or, if you happen to test positive, you may have trouble returning home.
“At home option”
A great option to help relieve scheduling stress is to order a cruise line-approved proctored at-home test. This is similar to other at-home tests but you essentially take the test while on a zoom call with an approved 3rd party. They will verify your results and email you the proper documentation. This eliminates the need to schedule with your local pharmacy and wait for your results, but they can be a bit expensive and you need to make sure you are ordering an approved test for your chosen cruise line.
Here are links to the current protocol pages from the major cruise lines.
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- MSC Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Masks –
I feel like we’ve been in the great mask debate for the last two years. Honestly, I’ve gotten used to wearing a mask and when I’m indoors, it honestly doesn’t bother me. At the time of this post, mask mandates are letting up but because all things during this pandemic have been up and down and up and down, I feel that it’s best to be prepared.
So, if you may have to wear a mask during your cruise, why not make it cute? There are so many clever options on Etsy and Amazon.
A Few Recommended Extras:
While these aren’t must-have cruise items for 2022, I am not cruising without them. 🙂
Travel Insurance –
Travel insurance used to seem like an extra and unnecessary expense to me. I always equated it to a lost suitcase…well, I could live with that. It’s obviously so much more and as I got older, I started paying more attention to the medical side of travel insurance. Yes, I can afford to replace a damaged suitcase, but can’t afford to be airlifted to a hospital if I have appendicitis on board. Add a global pandemic into that mix and travel insurance is something I plan for in my budget.
But, let’s be honest, it’s confusing! I’ve wanted to develop a post specific to travel insurance for years but have never felt qualified to do so. I still don’t worry too much about the damaged suitcase but I have added medical coverage for all of my travels. In fact, because I am lucky enough to cruise and travel several times a year, I have opted for an annual plan. A couple of popular options are Insure My Trip, Allianz, and Geo Blue.
Credit Card and/or Emergency Cash –
There is a chance, although slim, you may have to quarantine. I would recommend having a credit card and/or a little extra cash on hand just in case. Stay tuned for a page full of my top travel recommendations including my favorite travel reward card.
Don’t forget to check out these related posts:
- What Happens When You Get Covid on a Cruise
- Hotel Quarantine After a Cruise
- Packing Tips!
- Tourist Day Bag Essentials
- What’s in my Embarkation Bag?
Download Cruise Line App –
While not required, the cruise line apps have come a long way. Currently, you are able to access check-in information, review menus, and even schedule dining and shows. I strongly recommend you download the cruise line app prior to your sailing. Don’t wait until you are at the cruise port or onboard to do it! One of my new favorites is the ability to watch the muster drill information on my phone and then simply check in at my muster station. No more long muster drills! Yay!
Pro tip: Many now offer features that allow you to chat with other guests in your travel party for a smaller fee than the full internet package.
Worrier’s Guide:
- Yes, there are risks involved with traveling right now. Being prepared is the key to combatting worry.
- Remember, you can also get Covid from spending time in Wal-Mart, I’d rather be on a cruise!
- Regardless of whether or not mask mandates are lifted, you are always an advocate for your own health. Stick to outdoor areas, limit your time in crowded indoor locations and continue to wear a mask if that reduces your stress.
There you have it, friends! The must-have items to cruise in 2022. Plus a few bonuses! Is there an item you would add? Leave me a comment below and join our positive online communities.
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