I'm going on a cruise from NY, to Florida, to the Bahamas. This being my first cruise I have no idea what I am allowed or not allowed to take. Can anyone shed some light on some good things to take?

Anyone? Are cruises like airplanes security wise?

It all started Sept 11, 2001. That was when I was awakened in my hotel bed in Vancouver BC by the news report of the hijacking. Our cruise to Alaska was scheduled for the next morning. 4 days later, we were still sitting in Vancouver with no place to go and nothing to do. It was a nightmare, a very expensive nightmare. Since then, I've been told that security for cruises rivals that for commercial air travel. One thing I recommend you bring is extra cash, we ran out waiting to get on the boat. It helps if you take an extra sense of humor as well. Unfortunately, I didn't pack any extra on my trip. I'll never go on another cruise the rest of my life. I hated the ocean when I was a sailor, it didn't get any better when I had to pay for it.

Paul,

From what I heard number one survival item on the cruise are pants with elastic band.

Sorry my NJ brother I think all the guys here are hardcore simple man (and I'm no different) who hate girly pleasures like crusies and resort vacations. We rest best with fishing rod and a cooler or while chopping wood, or hopping from tree to tree on the mighty rivers of British Columbia...

Said that. I'm sorry I can't help you but please when you come back let us know your experiences about security and maybe some "survival" stories you went thru.

Cheers.

Matt

Paul: I saw a segment on the Discovery channel (or maybe one of its competitors). One of the clips showed people passing through airport style checkpoints complete with x-ray machines and metal detectors. They also showed a deep water harbor in Florida that is designed for the exclusive use of cruise ships. The security cameras and sensors used by the coast guard was amazing. I don't think you could sail a paint can in there without being detected and pinpointed within a foot.

Gear wise, don't forget the sunscreen and the wide brimmed hat for the southern lattitudes. Us northerners tend to get ourselves well baked under that southern sun. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW: If you don't mind my asking, what cruise line did you choose? The NY-FL-Bahamas route sounds like a good one since you don't have to fly to FL first.

Chris

I am going through Norweigen cruise line. Because it leaves out of NY is the reason we chose it. We hate commercial flying. Last time we went down to florida we took the train, which was very nice.....but expensive.

I have to agree. What a nightmare! Two or three weeks full of sunshine, sandy beaches and beautiful girls showing their bodies to the sun....uggggh....NEVER!
Even worse - watching romantic sunsets with your beloved in your arms, whilst sipping on your favourite cocktail. It sounds like hell on earth.
No. Us men like nothing better than to shiver our way through a wet weekend in the mountains, surviving on brackish water and a vivid imagination. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
It must be tough on a cruise.

Well, some are worse than others, re: the example above. If you really are more into the rugged experience, you can get that via the ALCAN ferry system. The ultimate in island hopping experience for the rough and tumble crowd. And at half the cost of a basic cruise package, you also get the convenience of going at your own pace and seeing what you want to see. If I EVER go back out to sea willingly, that will be the way I will do it.

When I went on a cruise recently I was faced with the same problem. My assessment is such. On a larger cruise ship, you are in a floating hotel. Fire is the number one hazard on the ship. No smoking, cooking etc in the rooms Security wise, I'm pretty sure you can carry about your edged tools without being molested by the security staff. All the X-rays of the baggage are to make sure you leave the BBQ grill at home on the porch and to make sure that no guns, ammo, assault rifles, bombs or drugs are brought on board for a drunken deck party.(Of course you can have this too without the contraband, just don't fall over the railing in drunken stupor <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />)

This is what I brought:
1. EvacU8 smoke hood
2. Infinity Ultra/Glow in the dark ACME storm whistle on neck lanyard
3. Waist pouch with FAK, Water in 500ml Nalgene, Space blanket, Cell phone in waterproof pouch + spare battery, Poncho, extra AA batteries, some paracord, passport & ID in waterproof pouch
4. Swisstool + SAK Survival kit on belt
5. PSK, PrincetonTec Blast, wallet/ credit cards,Climber SAK, etc in pockets,
I was in this get up except swimmg (duh!) but the pouch with everything else was always carried with me. We didn't go to the fancy restaurants on the ship (my kids not allowed).

All ready in case rapid evac needed and no time to go to the rooms. All we got on the PFDs were a little light and a whistle.Bleah!

Hope this helps. The security screening in your neck of the woods may be different from here in Singapore though...

<img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So basically a leatherman or SAK would probibly be allowed? As long as I can carry that and a few other things i'll be happy. One thing i've always been told going on a boat or ship is to carry a knife, a marlin spike, and a whistle......guess nobody follows that anymore. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />