Cruise document notebooks & organization

[tami88]

I use a vinyl three prong binder with pockets that you can buy anywhere for under $2.00. I modeled mine after a video from you tube by Audrey's wife life named cruise planning. I put each page in protective covers and then use it to store tickets and and mementos in that page. It has check lists, packing lists, and daily information in the binder.

[shiznics]

I use a folder for air/cruise/hotel/tour confirmations and a spreadsheet of the entire trip, but also create pdfs of each document and put in my Dropbox account so I can have that information on my phone is the hard copies get lost.;)

 

I'm keeping a 3-ring binder with print outs for all my information stored in plastic sleeve protectors.... I honestly hadn't thought about turning the documents into PDF and putting them into drop box..... I like that idea and am definitely going to take advantage of it!

[jothrasher]

Ya'll have been great!! I have started my notebook this morning and also keeping notes word doc and spreadsheets on my computer to be printed out later. I will also sync those with my iPad for quick access.

[Ehpride]

Ya'll have been great!! I have started my notebook this morning and also keeping notes word doc and spreadsheets on my computer to be printed out later. I will also sync those with my iPad for quick access.

 

If you plan on making a packing list, try doing it day by day. I find that helps keep me organized instead of just 3 pairs of shorts, 6 shirts, etc.

[Roadtripster]

I use the larger size envelopes with the clasp on the flap. I have one for every day I am gone. Each envelope has every thing I need for that day. Even down to money that I have to pay the taxi driver or tour guide etc.... I write on the front what we are doing for that day, plane info or excursion info or I can write on the back how much money I spent on what or charged. Write notes etc... Next day, I grab the new envelope.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I have a plastic binder with pockets that I put all my information in. The first picture shows it closed and the second open. I liked this one because it has small pockets at the bottom (lavender part) to hold small items.

 

 

I bought it at either Walmart or Office Max.

 

I like to use this type of folder too. Very lightweight. I start up a file or two in MS Word on my computer and copy and paste info about ports as I find them. I'll print that out eventually (after editing out unnecessary info) with sightseeing ideas, phone numbers for taxi services, etc. I might have each port on a separate page. (When we're going out in a port, I can just take the page(s) for that port and put in my purse along with a map/guidebook). I'll also put our itinerary along with pertinent emergency phone numbers so that my hubby can pass along to a couple of neighbors, and we can email to his brother and my sister.

[PattyG12]

I have a 3 ring binder with the divider tabs. One for the flight, one for the hotel, one for the cruise and one for excursions. OK, I have 3 going right now. I also keep our passports in which ever cruise is closest.

[wwcruisers]

I have a 3 ring binder with the divider tabs. One for the flight, one for the hotel, one for the cruise and one for excursions. OK, I have 3 going right now. I also keep our passports in which ever cruise is closest.

 

LOL Patty, now I don't feel so weird! :D

In addition to the "Blue" accordian folder, for our upcoming cruise, I also have manila folders labelled "next cruise" and "past cruise".

(Confessions of the hyper-organized ... :p)

[Going Coastal]

I keep everything for each cruise in electronic files and then print what I need. After the trip I keep it all as x-whatever, which moves it down but keeps all the info, because you never know when you might need it again, for yourself or for someone else.

[TruckerDave]

Binders, notebooks, folders wow...:eek:

 

I use tripit (have the app on my phone) for hotels and flights.

Airline mobile app for flights (and mobile boarding passes)

All cruise info I just re-email to myself (so it is on top).

Pretty much the only thing I print is my luggage tags.

 

I like things simple, see no need to drag around a big notebook full of info that can be stored on the phone or cloud and not take up any extra space or add weight.

[ROCruiser]

Using "TripIt" to keep all the reservations and details. Great tools!

Also have a soft vinyl accordian style folder with several slots to keep hard copies of important documents that can be readily available. I also keep this in the front pocket of my carry-on where I can reach for easily.

[wwcruisers]

Binders, notebooks, folders wow...:eek:

 

I use tripit (have the app on my phone) for hotels and flights.

Airline mobile app for flights (and mobile boarding passes)

All cruise info I just re-email to myself (so it is on top).

Pretty much the only thing I print is my luggage tags.

 

I like things simple, see no need to drag around a big notebook full of info that can be stored on the phone or cloud and not take up any extra space or add weight.

 

OK -- question from a dinosaur :o (who most definitely doesn't have a smart phone or i-pad): Ships are notorious for:

a) having exorbitant rates for at-sea phone usage, and

b) having very expensive and unreliable internet connections;

So, once at sea, how do you reliably access any information you might need -- without it costing an arm and a leg? :eek:

LOL -- while it is bulky, my blue accordian folder is always at my fingertips, and it doesn't cost anything for me to access its contents. ;)

[Athankfulheart]

OK -- question from a dinosaur :o (who most definitely doesn't have a smart phone or i-pad): Ships are notorious for:

a) having exorbitant rates for at-sea phone usage, and

b) having very expensive and unreliable internet connections;

So, once at sea, how do you reliably access any information you might need -- without it costing an arm and a leg? :eek:

LOL -- while it is bulky, my blue accordian folder is always at my fingertips, and it doesn't cost anything for me to access its contents. ;)

 

 

I have all kinds of electronics and I still bring my necessary docs with me in a folder :) I take a break from all that stuff when I'm on a cruise. By the way, I'm not a dinosaur either ;).

[TruckerDave]

OK -- question from a dinosaur :o (who most definitely doesn't have a smart phone or i-pad): Ships are notorious for:

a) having exorbitant rates for at-sea phone usage, and

b) having very expensive and unreliable internet connections;

So, once at sea, how do you reliably access any information you might need -- without it costing an arm and a leg? :eek:

LOL -- while it is bulky, my blue accordian folder is always at my fingertips, and it doesn't cost anything for me to access its contents. ;)

 

My phone is turned off while at sea (or airplane mode if I want to listen to some music). I really don't need to know what my hotel reservation or airline flight numbers are while at sea. What other info does one need? I am already on the boat, I know what ports we are going to, I just don't see any need to have hard copies of things. (I also bring my laptop for my pictures, so I do have all my pdf files on it as well.) I don't have any need for internet while on vacation.

[wwcruisers]

My phone is turned off while at sea (or airplane mode if I want to listen to some music). I really don't need to know what my hotel reservation or airline flight numbers are while at sea. What other info does one need? I am already on the boat, I know what ports we are going to, I just don't see any need to have hard copies of things. (I also bring my laptop for my pictures, so I do have all my pdf files on it as well.) I don't have any need for internet while on vacation.

 

Well, there have been a couple of times when our OBC (or somthing like that) didn't ever show up on the ship's computer. So, we just run back to the cabin and grab the hard copy, to show the folks at Guest Services. :cool: It probably just speaks to my age demographic. My basic computer skills are fine, but my comfort level still requires a hard copy of anything important. ;)

[mitsugirly]

I am an anal planner when it comes to vacation. I research everything and I have a "system" that works for us.

 

I will use folders to put my things in. I have a separate folder for everything so that I don't get things mixed up and I'm not searching for something I need. I have a folder for the plane, the ship, each port, casino, food along the way (either by plane or by car) and so on.

 

Within each folder you will find any email confirmations for bookings, possibly a map for the place or port, any helpful information printed out that I wanted to bring along, and also an excel spread sheet of the break down of the expenses of each place.

 

Within that folder, I will also have an envelope with the cash for each port.

 

I have a bag that I use and carry this stuff with me along the way (like when flying) instead of "checking" the bag in case my luggage would ever get lost. Once I board the ship, the folders and contents go in the safe. I simply pull out each folder to take with us to each port. Everything is organized. :)

 

I have been doing this since I first started vacationing back in the early 80's and it has always worked for me. It keeps our expenses in check and I'm usually pretty spot on with my estimations. :p

[SMerritt]

I have a plastic binder with pockets that I put all my information in. The first picture shows it closed and the second open. I liked this one because it has small pockets at the bottom (lavender part) to hold small items.

 

 

I bought it at either Walmart or Office Max.

 

This is exactly what I have, even the same clips! Easy to find, hard to lose.

 

I keep it on the desk on the ship as a "file cabinet" also

 

It has become a "keepsake", the same folder since our first cruise.

 

I am going to Beta Test my new Ipad mini but I am only part way through reading "Ipad for Senior Dummies" and I do not want to get into a stress situation and only be able open up Candy Crush or Facebook at the airport or embarkation :D

[Ama Cruise]

I started to use a 1/2 inch binder too, separated into several sections: Itenerary (Where I also keep a list of things I would like to prepay for and how much I need: like excursions, the gratuity, soft drink package etc), Shore Excursions (with a list and description of the things we would like to do), Useful notes (for things I find useful and interesting off the CC forums), Cruise documents (where I am keeping our birth certificates and the edocs when I am able to print them out). I also have a pencil holder with pens, highlighter, post it pad and envelopes where I have labeled spending money, gratuity...kind of like Dave Ramsay's envelope system.

 

Ya, I'm a bit of a detail freak. lol I also think I've missed a section or two that I have in the binder...at work right now and don't have it with me. :D

[Staticfire229]

I have a clip board that I have

Cruise itinerary/ excursion's and documents

Airfare and documents

Hotels and confirmation

Cruise documents

Animal boarding info and reservation

Checklists (packing, to print off, to do before cruise)

I also have a folder in my e-mail account for everything cruise

And a Pinterest board with tip's ect. On it

[deladypilot]

I use an envelope!

 

Us too ^

[canadiangal40]

I use this:

 

I print out everything I need in order, flight confirmations, hotel reservations, cruise boarding passes, All information on each port we are visiting and any shore excursion confirmations booked on our own, car rental confirmations, directions. All port info and excursion confirmations for each port are clipped together with a large paper clip. Trip insurance policy is in the back as well as our Credit card insurance policy (we have a premier travel card).

 

So all of these papers are in order exactly the way I will need to use them/pull them out of folder. when done with each one it goes to the back of the folder to hang onto just in case.

 

We do this for every trip or vacation. This fits in my carry-on cross body pack. This pack never leaves my sight or contact with me or my husband. Even when flying on a plane, I have my foot through the strap while it is under the seat in front of me.

 

I also have an email folder set with all confirmations for that specific trip.

I also copy all e-mail confirmations onto word documents and keep them on my laptop and tablet, whichever I am bringing with me.

 

I tend to be a little OCD when it comes to planning and being prepared, for 20 years we have never had any problems with our trips or vacations, other than weather of flight delays, but even those resulted in suite upgrades at the hotels we were staying in, just for calling and letting them know we are delayed due to weather.

 

We do bring cash with us for tips, small shopping purchases, but I will try and pay for any and everything with my Credit Card. I will have a running total of what was spent a great way to keep track, but I pre-pay for everything I can beforehand also.

[Ehpride]

My phone is turned off while at sea (or airplane mode if I want to listen to some music). I really don't need to know what my hotel reservation or airline flight numbers are while at sea. What other info does one need? I am already on the boat, I know what ports we are going to, I just don't see any need to have hard copies of things. (I also bring my laptop for my pictures, so I do have all my pdf files on it as well.) I don't have any need for internet while on vacation.

 

My brother's ship was late getting back once and he was going to miss his flight. His airline information was in his e-mail and the on land cell tower wasn't strong enough for his e-mail or internet to work well. He had to call my mom and I to get the information. Because I have my folder, I have every piece of information that I could need in case there's a problem and I can have it in a second. Most of the information, I luckily never need, but I'll be prepared if I do.

[MermaidWatcher]

Does anyone ever put together a notebook to keep all their travel / flight / cruise / excursion / insurance documents in? If so, how do you organize your notebooks. I'm looking to put one together for our cruise but am not sure the easiest way to organize it. Any helpful hint would be appreciated.

 

I use the Meade "Trapper". Sturdy, with an elastic strap, and contains 8 pockets.

[wrigley80]

I have a 1" binder with 8 dividers and I am quite anal about organizing things and making sure everything has its place.

 

My dividers are labeled as....

1. Airline E-tickets and receipts

2. Cruise Receipts, Boarding Passes, extra Luggage Tags

3. Hotel Information

4. Rental Car bookings (if we have one booked)

5-8. Port of Call info ---- coupons, excursion bookings, and stores that we want to visit

[Jiminy1955]

All great ideas, some of which I already do! Now to decide what to incorporate into my own process that I just started specifically for the cruise. Land based trips I have a system that works for me and some of it I will use for this cruise.