No advice on the camera, but go to WalMart and get you one of those pockets that holds your passport, fun pass, etc.

If folds up and goes around your neck. So easy to show when you are going thru security at airport, and your travels. And you can tuck it under your shirt, when you are on your excursions, etc. Not bulky at all. Sure beats carrying it in your hand.

The passport pocket: being as you don't need your drivers license, make a copy of it and put it on the other side. There's also a part that you can put your folding money in, thus you don't need a purse. Also a place to insert your credit card.

I've used it bunches. Not expensive, saves on the hassles of having to pull everything out to show. Security at airport generally makes you pull out your passport, but so easy with the pocket (that's not the name, but that's all I can think of right now.
You insert your passport on one side where it shows your passport picture, the other side your copy of your drivers license and center holds your credit cards, fun pass (if that's what your ship calls it) And back holds your money.

You will be so glad you have one, I promise.

I can't wait to hear about this trip cause you know it's on my bucket list.
Take good notes cause I want details Missy.

How long are passports good for?

Sounds like a great trip. Just wondering...why do you need a passport to travel to Alaska?

DO NOT take traveler's checks, not even American Express. Use a debit card. My DD has been turned down 4 times here, including the PO. They will not accept them to buy anything. She will be contacting AE when she gets back. In fact my bank stopped selling them because they had so many complaints.
Have a great time, and be sure and take rain jackets etc.

Your media card will be fine going through security.
Have fun!

Xrays don't affect digital memory cards. Besides, you can always ask for your camera, memory cards, etc., to be hand inspected.

Pic of my passport pocket, as I call it. Wasn't tucked under my shirt, this time.. This was as we were headed back to ship after spending afternoon on a beautiful Greek Isle.
{{!gwi}}

The neck can be adjusted how high or low you want it to hang.

Whoooeeee start packing those bags now girl!
Gosh the time is going fast!

Be sure and take insect repellant!

I hear you on the insect repellant Carol.
A friend who lives in Alaska assures me at the end of August there will be a minimum of bugs. But I'll be ready just in case!

The passports cost us $100 each and we need them because the cruise ends in Vancouver where we will be flying home. Passports are good for ten years but I've been told to renew at 9 and a half months.

I'm so relieved to hear media cards are not wiped out by security xray. I have a collection (6) of large capacity cards as I have no intention of bringing a laptop. I wonder if Princess Cruise Lines have computers available on the ship? If so I could take a memory stick and download pictures to it.

Good idea about the debit card.
I used to have one but hated it so I quit using.
I will order another before the trip.
We don't have credit cards...and I'll bet if I asked to pay with a check I'd get laughed at?????
I would really prefer to use cash and cashiers checks....
Is the possible? I am allergic to plastic. It can get you into trouble if you are not careful!

Thanks everyone!

Lori

Guess no interest in the passport wallet.

Just a suggestion! duh

OMGOODNESS!! The travelin Lori...You are gonna have a blast and I can't wait to see your wonderful pics upon your return!!

Your camera will be fine...I just put mine in my onboard tote bag and it's always nearby! When I'm working I have a little pocket camera and it's never been a problem either!

Check with your airline for carry on restrictions and remember the TSA directives about what you can and cannot bring on board!

Have a blast!!

Hi Lori, most cruise ships have computer rooms with perhaps a dozen computers where they might schedule classes plus they will have another area that has maybe 5 or 6 computers if people wish to purchase internet minutes to check email. If you take a media stick, they will let you transfer your pics on their equipment usually free of charge. They do have cd's available for purchase & you can put your pics on those too but they charge something like $5 each. You could carry a few blank cd's & transfer your pics too.

The passport pouch is a good idea but on the cruiseline we travelled with, they suggested we just carry photocopies of the identification pages on the passport when we went ashore in the various ports. The passports themselves and other important valuables were locked in the room safe. We had no problems. I think that you'll find that you would be required to remove your passport from the pouch yourself and hand it to the Customs/Immigration Agent by itself. When I was a newbie traveller, I purchased a pouch that goes around your waist inside your clothes. It held money, passport, traveller's cheques, etc. I used it the first year we went away & dropped it like a hot potato. Now I have the wallet that I use. It is easier for me but I usually travel alone (hubby stays home, I go with my sister). If you have kids that are going with you & you carry all their ID, you'll have to hunt around for a suitable method of carrying them.

I'm sure you will enjoy Princess Cruise Line. My brother & his wife have 28 or 29 cruises under their belt with Princess so the perks are VERY good for them right now. My sister & I usually travel on Celebrity...not much for perks but we love the luxury. Have fun on your vacation!!

A passport is good for ten years but you should renew at about 9 years. Happy travels.

Well, Miss Lori...I had no idea you two were setting sail! Have a great time!!

I am cruising to the Bahamas in January with two gal pals. None of us have ever cruised before, so it should be a blast! My passport came in the mail awhile back, and it made the trip seem very real---even though it is 183 days away yet!

Thanks for the tips everyone.

Our travel agent gives us the same advice as yours smilin.
Before we leave I will contact her and verify.
However, with the exception of Vancouver, all ports on the cruise are in Alaska. Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think we'll need passports to depart and reboard, will we? Again, I'll verify with the travel agent or go to the Princess site and ask.

I'm sure the pouch works well for you Glenda; thanks for sharing but it doesn't look like something husband and I would want to use. :)

Thanks again!

lori

Lori...one thing I did with my passport and it may have already been recommended...I made photocopies of the page with my picture and keep one at home...one in my suitcase...that way if it is ever lost or stolen...it does help you get back in the country...

Happy Travels...I hope you get a nice view of the Northern Lights...What a photo op!! Do you have a portable tripod you can take?

when you get off and on in Alaska, all you should have for reboarding is driver's license and the cruise ship card. Plus, they will tell you what you need.
Take a warm jacket. Will you be going to Glacier Bay?
I can't wait to see your pics. DH and I loved our Alaskan cruise!!

I meant to say all you should HAVE TO HAVE not all you have!

I'm looking forward to THOSE pictures!

I know NOTHING about traveling, so all I can say is "Have Fun!"