I always do this 1 thing as soon as I get access to my cruise cabin — here’s why you should, too
I’ve been cruising the world for more than 30 years, so you might expect me to be able to tell you a harrowing tale or two about how a stolen wallet, lost passport or misplaced keys totally messed up my trip.
But the fact of the matter is, none of those things has ever happened to me on a cruise. Why? Because I always do this one thing as soon as I get access to my cruise cabin. Here’s why you should as well.
Being a victim is no fun
First, a backstory.
In 2001, my wallet was pickpocketed on the subway in New York City, where I’ve lived for more than 35 years, and a few months later, I was targeted again after checking out of a hotel in Miami. Both my luggage and my laptop were stolen from the trunk of my locked rental car after the thief was tipped off by a parking valet at the hotel.
At least, that was the working theory of the Miami Beach police when I told them the valet had asked me if I was heading directly to the airport. No, I’d told him. I had several stops to make before my flight.
Word to the wise: If you’re ever asked the airport question by a parking valet, say, “Yes.”
But we’re talking about cruising, so here’s the scoop. The first thing I do when I get access to my cruise cabin is secure my valuables.
Lessons, both learned and shared
I like to think that I’m a cautious person by nature — and now I know that I am also wiser by experience.
After the Miami incident, I began paying more attention to my surroundings. But if you ask my closest friends, they will tell you that it was after I lived with a man who was obsessed with security for around five years in the early 2000s that caused me to seriously up my game.
His precision when it came to locking doors, luggage and hotel room and cruise cabin safes was meticulous — and, almost as if by osmosis, his obsession rubbed off on me.
It is thanks to him that I have a security routine that I stick to at the start of each and every cruise, as well as a strategy for what I carry ashore. The steps I take are quick, easy and foolproof because I leave most of my valuables locked up at all times.
My embarkation day routine
Upon entering my cabin on embarkation day, I immediately open the safe and stash my passport, wallet, house keys and the small zippered bag that holds my jewelry. If my laptop doesn’t fit, I place it in my carry-on and lock it before slipping it beneath the bed.
Before heading out to explore, I lock the safe using a code that is not my birthday or birth year but is easy to remember if I have someone traveling with me.
That leaves me with just my cabin keycard. Rather than having it sitting loose in a pocket in my small crossbody bag or belt bag — two travel essentials I swear by since they’re more pickpocket-proof than a shoulder bag or backpack — I place it in a slender keycard holder.
Over the years, I have amassed a collection of keycard holders from premium and luxury cruise lines. My favorite one folds and has two clear plastic sleeves on the inside and a pocket on the outside. It’s the only “wallet” I use once I board a cruise ship since it can hold everything I need.
My port day routine
On days when I’m going ashore, I keep my cruise card in the outside pocket of the keycard holder so it’s handy at the gangway and then slide just one of my credit cards into one inside sleeve and some money, either local currency or dollars, for tipping guides into the other.
Once I’m on the cruise pier, I make sure the keycard holder is tucked into an inside pocket of my crossbody bag or belt bag.
What if the port requires showing a photo ID? If a driver’s license will suffice (you can inquire at the shore excursion desk), I slip my license behind my credit card. If I need to bring my passport, I carry it in a leather holder that fits next to my phone.
Consistency is key
If my cruise itinerary has multiple port days in a row, I leave my credit card and cash in the keycard holder since it will always be with me as I enjoy drinks, dinner and entertainment around the ship. That means I don’t have to keep moving my shore essentials into and out of the safe.
I make an exception for sea days, however, when I bring a canvas tote to the pool area and keep just my keycard in the holder. That way, if I end up soaking in a hot tub for a while, I know there’s nothing valuable in the tote I’ve left on my lounger.
Bottom line
Yes, I have totally become like my ex when it comes to security protocols, but I’ve taken more than 90 cruises and have never had anything stolen.
While I believe that the hardworking cabin attendants who have access to my stateroom are honest, I also know that doors are occasionally left open during cleaning and anyone walking by could possibly spot a laptop or jewelry left on a desk or do a quick rummage through drawers.
In my experience, sticking to this simple routine means that I am not setting myself up to become a victim again. It has also made me more organized.
After all, knowing exactly where everything is when you’re scrambling to get out of the cabin for an early morning shore excursion is just as valuable as knowing your cash, credit cards and favorite jewelry are secure.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.