With the rising cost of fuel, airlines are clamping down on carry-on.

Diligently check your airline's luggage parameters. Be aware of any new requirements to check all luggage. Note the sizes of permitted carry-on luggage as it has been reduced. Carefully pack, make a check-list first, ask yourself is it absolutely necessary? Can I make due with less? See Cruise to Alaska - packing tips.

Do lock your luggage, but buy a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approved lock.

If airport security personnel need to inspect your checked bag, they no longer need to cut your locks or force the bag open and risk damaging it. Travel Sentry® locks allow TSA to open your locks and re-lock your bags, sending them quickly on their way. Locking your luggage ensures you are protected from the liability of anyone smuggling contraband in your luggage.

Don’t confuse the function of an adapter with that of a converter.

An adapter allows you to plug a North American appliance (hair dryers and irons, etc.) into an outlet abroad. An adapter does not convert the current to make it compatible with your appliance. That is the role of a converter. Most adapter/converter kits feature a converter that adjusts common foreign electrical currents with 4 coded adapter plugs that correspond with countries worldwide. Look for a compact converter/adapter kit that includes its own convenient travel case and an easy-to-use electrical reference chart for most countries around the world. It is recommended that for computers you look under laptop gear for a suitable adapter.

Recommended carry-on vacation necessities.

For distance travel – definitely carry-on a super comfortable travel pillow. Even if you don’t use it to rest, it can also be a lumbar support. No Jet-Lag (all natural holistic) to prevent jet-lag, leg swelling, fatigue, encourage good sleep and adjust to time changes and/or long distance travel. Pressure ease ear plugs, filters sound, allows conversation while preventing inner ear compression due to changes in air pressure. Luxury eye mask; soft breathable fabric prevents perspiration, while the under-eye flap blocks light. Eco-friendly clip-on bag that folds out for magazines, bottled water, a cover-up and small purchases.

For your security – we recommend RFID sleeves or wallet for your credit cards and passport – also see our RFID Waist Stash or Neck Stash.

Suggestions to reduce bulk in your luggage.

Be prepared to do in room hand laundry. Take a travel clothesline – suctions/or hooks to walls to drape clothing for drying, and compact laundry detergent. Bring our Enzymic roll-on/blot spot remover – organically removes stains without damage to fabric fibres. 

Use our Compression Bags – Designed for travelers who want to pack more in less space by compressing bulky items. Transparent for quick content identification, reusable, protects items from dirt, insects, moisture and odour.

How do I know if my luggage is overweight or will fit? 

Bring our Micro Scale. It is compact, has a capacity of 110 lbs and packs easily. Look up your airlines parameters regarding weight and size. Don't assume your aging roll aboard will meet carry on size restrictions. Space on planes is ever more at a premium, and travelers want to avoid checking their luggage. Check before you go! 

Cruise to Alaska - pack, prepare, be aware - for a 7 Day Alaska Cruise on the Holland America Koningsdam Music Entertainment Ship; 2 dressy nights, 1 optional bar crawl and 3 shore exploration plus excursion opportunities

Lightweight Baggallini Shoulder bag, regular purse size for off ship excursions

Keep credit cards and debit cards in RFID protected sleeves at all time

Small compact crossbody Baggallini bag for use aboard ship

5 pairs of socks, black and grey (2 black dressy, 3 casual)  cotton, bamboo and merino wool recommended

6 pairs of underwear, black and nude

2 bras, nude and neutral

1 swimsuit

1 pair pajamas, 1 nightgown

Bottoms: 3 pairs of black pants – 1 jean, 1 casual, 1 funky & fun. Plus full length legging.

2 nice black and white tops

2 casual black t-shirts, 1 ¾ sleeve V-neck, 1 short sleeve ruched at hip

1 print multi colour button up long sleeve cardigan

1 short black Lululemon zipper jacket

1 maxi length coral print dress

1 short sleeve twist multi colour print dress

1 ¾ sleeve mesh sage green shrug

1 Lululemon sleeve shrug black

1 grey casual sandal

1 grey/black dressy sandal

1 Waterproof Vessi black slip-on shoe

1 lightweight compactable zipper front down vest

1 White waterproof ¾ length zipper hooded jacket

Gloves and Earmuffs (A warm hat would suffice) for Glacier viewing on deck.

3 necklaces

6 pairs of earrings

3 bracelets

Plastic bag for dirty clothing

Brush, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste

Cell Phone and watch charging stand

Ceramic curling iron

Nasal decongestant (rooms can be quite dry and stuffy)

Vitamins

Aleve and/or Tylenol

Prescription medicals (carry on in a clear plastic bag in the original prescription container

Make-up and personal hygiene products

A book for when you’re cruising between destinations

I found I didn’t need the items below (*available in the room):

*Umbrella

*Shampoo & conditioner

*Shower gel/soap

*Body Moisturizer

*Handheld mirror

*Hairdryer

Slippers (I wore my socks in the cabin)

Swimsuit Cover-up (*Robe provided)

*Shopping Bag

Extra pair of casual grey slip-on flats (the Vessi’s were enough)

3 more dresses never got worn, it’s pretty casual aboard the ship most of the time

Had to Buy/Borrow:

Travel Sickness Medication

Throat Lozenges (dry room)

Hair Gel

Discoveries;

It’s worthwhile to opt for the beverage package, the regular one is adequate, take note though that it covers drinks up to $11, anything over that will be charged to your room.

Espresso Martini – if you like coffee, you’ll love this

When in the Lido Food court, ask for canned water and/or Pelligrino, take it to your room and refrigerate. Avoid room bar charges

Enjoy the coffee beverages and free snacks at the Dutch Café

Watch for those extra charges – the juice bar and gelato bar are a la carte

Check your onboard Navigator account for perks like $50 credits for the spa

The spa is expensive and priced in US dollars. Apply the onboard credits. The end result will be you’ll pay close to what you may pay at your local spa or salon

There are lots of games and puzzles available to play in the Crows Nest plus comfortable tables and chairs, or find a comfy window seat and take in the majestic views

Every evening - check the daily cruise guide for the next days activities, highlights and opportunities, there is a lot going on so don't miss out!