Mobal Members Chuck and Mimi Zentgraf sent me these cruising tips:

1. Why you should always book excursions through your cruise company

We always try to book any excursions on line as soon as possible. These can sell out quickly and we want to be sure to get those we really want.
We also count on the cruise line sponsored excursions. This is for a couple reasons. The main one is that, IF something were to happen, such as a bus breaking down, which would cause us to be late returning to the ship, the cruise line is responsible for getting us back onboard, or even hold the ship. If we book ourselves on land and something were to happen, we would have to get ourselves to the next port to re-board the ship. This usually entails far more than renting a car and driving, and in some cases (Alaska is one and when traveling overseas, the ship travels to a different country) this is not even possible. A second reason is, the cost is frequently less than getting a trip while on land, but not always. But, those trips assure us we get what the description tells us.

2. How to cope with illness on a cruise

Because of the recent outbreaks of various intestinal and stomach viruses on ships, it is no longer possible to purchase even simple Pepto Bismol in the ship's store. This would now cause notification to the ship's doctor who may then quarantine the passengers involved for up to 48 hours to be sure they are free of any virus. And it may be nothing more than a simple case of indigestion. SO, please take any and all medications you think you could possibly need in foreign countries.

3. The hygienic item you should never forget to take on a cruise

Some cruise lines have hand washers at each dining facility entrance, but some do not, so we always carry a small purse size bottle of Purell or the individually wrapped wipes. These we use not only before eating, but EVERY place on and off the ship and quite often.

4. The quickest way to address your post cards

We have another travel tip which anyone can use.
I always print address labels for those to whom I want to send cards. So much easier to pack one flat sheet of paper then books or lists and then just stick on cards when purchased. Print more than one copy of each name if needed.

Mobal Member Bruce Stenman sent me these tips:

5. The best way to dry your hair when traveling

buy a cheap hair dryer that is already for 240 volts. The power converters are larger and more costly for high wattage appliances and a hair dryer is the only high wattage appliance one carries. Some sold through marine suppliers can be used with a cigarette lighter socket in cars.

6. The most efficient way to charge items when traveling

Instead of multiple voltage converters I take a 2 foot long extension cord with three standard USA outlets and one adapter for the country's electrical outlets I am visiting. Often there is only one outlet available and the cord turns it into three outlets. Often the outlet is difficult to access or attach both a socket adapter and a power converter and the appliance. Much easier with a short extension cord where they can all lay flat on a shelf or the floor.

7. How to make any meal a bit more tasty

In many European countries the food can be rather bland so I take small plastic containers with spices from home (Tabasco, red pepper, etc.) which I can add to the food.

8. A clever way to increase your amount of carry on luggage

If I am concerned about a particular airlines carry-on luggage restrictions I wear a photographer's vest and stuff all the pockets with gear. I have an empty bag stuffed into the carry-on bag and transfer the items later. The vest can easily be stuffed as is into the overhead bin a lot more readily than a carry case. And satchel or shoulder bags than can be swung around on my back help make my profile seem less of a concern as I only have a single bag visible from the front while passing through the boarding gate. Several small bags are easier to carry, easier to stow in the hotel room or in a small rental car's trunk or boot, and to transport (with bungee cords to attach them to a wheeled case) than using a single large suitcase.