Technology can enhance or hinder your mobility. And while you don’t need to bring every piece of technology you own home, there are a few things that can help you improve your sailing skills.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best travel tech that we recommend packing on every trip. And while you may prefer to leave all your gear at home instead of a simple vacation, you may find that some of these items are worth adding to your packing list.
I won’t include your cell phone in this list as it means so much these days. You can make reservations, check the daily schedule, and communicate with your group using the ship’s Wi-Fi and your mobile phone. The old advice of leaving your phone in a safe cabin for the duration of the trip is gone.
By the way, the links below are not affiliate links. We just added links to make it easier to find the products.
Here are some of the best things to pack on your trip:
1. Portable battery charger
You may be used to your phone’s internal battery lasting all day, but when you’re looking for a call center in another country that battery life can be cut in half while your phone searches for a signal. Even if your carrier has coverage in the area you are traveling to, having an external power supply is always a good thing to have with you.
You’ll be taking more photos and videos than you normally would on a vacation like this and you won’t have a grocery store nearby. A portable battery charger allows you to keep your phone or other devices at hand when you travel. Walking with a 2% red flash on your phone won’t cut it when you’re about to take the photo you need to have.
These chargers come in different sizes and capacities. I recommend having a battery of at least 10,000 mAh. This may be the same or smaller than your phone but it can allow enough power to charge your phone twice, since the battery of the mobile phone is about 4,500 mAh.
If you want to have enough power for all the devices in your group you can also choose a 15,000 or 20,000 mAh charger. Just make sure you pack it in your bag and pay it all before you go on your trip.
On Amazon: Anker 10000 mAh power bank
2. Smart watch or fitness tracker
If you are going on a direct cruise you will be surprised at how much walking you can do. And that’s in addition to all the walking you’ll do back and forth on the train.
Having a smart watch or fitness tracker can help you monitor your activity, monitor your heart rate, and make sure you’re getting rid of the extra calories you’re sure you’re eating and all the healthy nutrients they contain.
Many of these exercisers also keep track of how many times you took the stairs instead of the elevator if you need that extra boost.
While I 100% believe that vacations are a time to relax and unwind, exercise is a great way to slow down and relax.
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Just remember to keep the clock on the ship’s time instead of the local time so you know when you need to get back on the ship. You can set notifications in case you forget and when time passes.
Note: Even if you are not bringing a smartwatch or fitness tracker I recommend bringing a wristwatch that is set to send the time. You can rely on your phone at that time but your phone will be set to local time, which is not always the same as the shipping time.
Related: 15 things people always forget to pack on a cruise
3. GoPro or action camera
There is a reason why many cruise ships sell these cameras on board. Sure, your smartphone may be waterproof, but GoPro cameras are built to handle anything a boat trip can throw at it.
Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, ziplining, or driving an ATV through a tropical forest, an action camera is not only tough enough to survive, but it also soaks up all the bumps in the road.
A 360-degree camera is also a good option to make sure you cover every aspect of your trip.
On Amazon: GoPro Max 360 Degree Camera
4. Bluetooth trackers for goods
My brother, Ben, uses this on every trip he takes. Bluetooth trackers like AirTags or SmartTags allow you to track your luggage and other items while you travel.
These navigation tools can enhance your travel experience in three ways.
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First, let them handle your luggage to make sure it arrives safely at your home. Use the app to track your bags, even when they’re being transferred at the check-in counter. This reduces the risk of lost or lost items, and gives you peace of mind throughout your trip.
Second, you can monitor your kids by attaching AirTags or SmartTags to their devices. This app allows you to track their whereabouts, make sure they are safe and prevent them from getting lost or straying too far.
Third, these bluetooth trackers protect your belongings from being stolen. Placing a tracker in your purse or valuables allows you to receive instant notifications if someone tries to pick them up, giving you extra security.
While they may have limitations in poorly connected areas, they remain an essential tool for travelers seeking peace of mind.
Bluetooth trackers on Amazon
5. Carry a Bluetooth speaker
This comes with a caveat. Don’t bring a Bluetooth speaker if you want to blast music from your balcony. I know many readers who are regular travelers will support me on this. Grab that Bluetooth speaker to add some air to your cabin or add to your beach day.
Cruise lines have begun banning large Bluetooth speakers that play loud music because it can be distracting if passengers can’t hear announcements on the speaker. Additionally, it’s bad cruise etiquette to force everyone around you to listen to your music.
Here’s what’s on your private playlist at home or on a road trip with your group. Otherwise, the next tool will be more suitable.
Check out bluetooth speakers on Amazon
6. Noise canceling headphones or earphones
You may have already filled this out on your trip to port. If you want to block out a lot of noise on board and escape to the mind while you sunbathe on the lido deck, this could be for you.
I know many sailors who like to listen to podcasts and audiobooks while on a cruise. Use headphones instead of a Bluetooth speaker for this so you won’t be a distraction to those around you but you can still travel as you please.
I personally have these Sony headphones, which are a great choice for noise canceling on road trips.
7. E-Reader or tablet
Speaking of books, why not start a new book while on your trip? Especially if your trip has a few days at sea, an E-Reader with a few good books can help make the trip even more enjoyable.
And if you are traveling with children you already know that a tablet can be valuable, whether it is used to play a few movies or some games it is a good way to keep peace.
I should note that most cruise ships have libraries if you want to check out the book selection, but they are usually limited.
The E-Reader allows you to pack as many books as possible without adding extra pounds to the bundle.
8. Open Wi-Fi hotspots
Internet speed on cruise ships is always improving. Thanks to companies like Starlink that provide high-speed support to most channels today, you can enjoy enough speed to watch videos, upload photos, and play video games.
But Wi-Fi reliability can be hit or miss. You can have a great time at the port of call and take in the sights while sailing.
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot will only provide an extra cable if the ship’s Wi-Fi runs out or two.
This policy is for those who need to stay connected while at sea for work or family at home.
One of these landing spots also gives you access to the Internet when you get off the train. When you’re in port, don’t rely on an insecure Wi-Fi connection from your local coffee shop. Just use your local Wi-Fi network and use it to make calls if your phone provider doesn’t offer free data in this area.
Check with your cellular provider first to see what they offer.
9. Electrical cables
New ships have twice as much power as ships built 15 years ago. Travel agencies know that we like to travel with all kinds of equipment that needs to be charged for the industry to change.
But you may still find that your home doesn’t have enough storage space. A small power cord will ensure that you don’t have to keep switching gears to get everything set up.
Just be aware that it must be a cruise-approved power cord, and no surge protectors are allowed. You can find many legal bars online.
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Note: If you’re traveling on a European cruise ship you’ll want to bring a travel adapter. Usually these ships have both 110 and 220 places but the adapter allows you to use all the places in your house.
Here are a few powerful tools you can use on your cruise. Double check to make sure they do no have a strong defense.
10. Scale of goods
While you don’t have to worry about the weight of your suitcase when you board a cruise ship, if you’re flying home you’ll want to make sure you don’t have to pay any fees for all the souvenirs you’ve got. he was carried along the way.
I love the old analog scales, but the digital luggage scale is so small that it takes up less space in your suitcase.
Even if you don’t plan on buying a lot on your trip you’ll be surprised how much those small purchases add up to.
With a luggage scale you will be ready on the day of the drop, so there are no unnecessary surprises.
Related: Travel packing made easy in 10 easy steps
Addendum: Pictures of fixed binoculars
Here is an additional tool that may not be necessary but is very useful if you are going to an area known for its amazing views on this trip. Fixed image binoculars eliminate all excess vibration when looking through. It makes a huge difference in enjoying the wildlife up close without having to take a break to stay quiet. There is a big difference in price, but if you can afford it your trip to Alaska will be the best.
Read more: Buyer’s Regret: 10 Things Cruisers Regret About Traveling
