Getting ready to go on our first cruise in 28 days. Woo Hoo!!! Anyhow we are trying to pack light (but you know how that goes) and wonder what must bring things do you pack for a cruise besides the obvious cruise tickets, passports, id's and money?
Thanks!!!
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Susan
Inspiration 4/05
Caribbean Princess 2/07
Definitely bring an extension cord as there is usually only one outlet for the entire room. Also, bring a hi-liter to "hi-lite" the events in the Capers that you want to do each day. My wife and I planned our next days events that way and it made for less confusion. Don't pack beach towels as they will be provided for you fresh every day (as well as bath towels, but that's sort of a given). That's all I can think of right now. Just go and have the most fun you can. After all.....you're on vacation!!!
Pat
SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, aloe burn jel, good walking sneakers, hat for everyone, good sunglassess that block glare UVA/UVB rays, water sandals, small backpack or tote for beach stuff and "goodies", pen, battery-operated travel alarm clock, travel hair dryer if you hair is long, thick, coarse or curly, if you take any kind of daily prescription meds, bring enough for the cruise - use those daily pill containers, bring along a copy of the original prescription if you are taking anykind of narcotic, basic daily grooming needs, OTC medications(Tylenol/Advil, Tums/Rolaids, Bonine, etc) Bandaids, small sewing kit, small pair of nailclippers, tucked into the outside compartment of your checked baggage ( to snip off the cable-ties used to "lock" your bags)
I started making a list of all the things that people took that I'd never thought about. I'll share my list.
Walkie talkies (2way radios), post it notes, air freshner, Downey Wrinkle release, night light, extension cord or surge protector (depending on how many girls are using hair dryers ), over the door shoe organizer for bathroom door. I suppose you keep brushes, hair dryer, tall hair spray cans, etc. in that. Also fanny pack or one of those little wallets Carnival sells onboard to put S&S card, reading glasses, some casino cash and deck plan in so that you don't have to walk around carry a stupid pocketbook!! Happy cruising!
A power strip. There was only one outlet in our room.
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Celebrity Century 1/09
Carnival Destiny 10/07
Carnival Destiny 9/06
Monarch of the Seas 3/06
Carnival Inspiration 8/05
Carnival Miracle 4/05
Carnival Inspiration 4/04
Sovereign of the Seas 4/03
To add to the list: A bunge cord, small roll of duct tape, and binoculars. Let me
explain: The bunge cord comes in handy to hold doors open. We had a bathroom door
that we used the bunge cord to keep it open. The door did not want to stay shut and
would hit you, so we used the bunge cord to hold it in place. The duct tape will come
in handy for so many things. On our last cruise we gave some to our neighbors to
help them tape up a suitcase that the airline tore up. And the binoculars: take them
up on deck to scan the ocean. On our last cruise we saw a school of dolphins off the
bow of the ship. The only other suggestion I have is to take several plastic bags for
damp clothing. All the other suggestions are great too. Have a great cruise.
Happy Sailing................
They provide shampoo, conditioner So if you have no special needs you can use theres. They also have disposable razors, tylenol,and bath soap in the bathroom. I take any kind of over the counter meds i might need plus things you never need at home.Bandaids, Water camera, Ziplock bags.own snorkle. 2 bathing suits. A couple of wash cloths to take on excursions. A hat,water shoes, back pack lets your hands be free while shopping. also a great way to carry everything you need in. one water bottel to fill up on ship and take to shore. Snacks. Money credit cards passport, or ID. Extra batteries for cameras or video cam. zip ties. Something nice for formal night and plenty of sunscreen. An open mind set for a week of fun. Cell phone and walkie talkies. have wonderful first cruise and start planning the second.Also a small bag empty that you can put all of your great buys in.
Post Edited (03-14-05 20:41)
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TheMomtk Glory Pride of America
Check the message board under Practical advice/Packing this has already been covered and there are many great suggestions on there as well. I like to bring a sleep mask incase too much light is coming in or I want to doze on the plane. Little book of paper to write notes and stuff, post it's in case you want to leave your room steward a message etc. Don't forget comfortable shoes such as hiking boots for shore excursions. Bug repellant. I like those disposable Olay cloths to wash my face any where. Anti bacterial hand gel is a must to protect from illness such as Norwalk. A sweater or jacket for cool nights at sea, maybe one casual and one dressy? A book to read in the airport, in line etc... An address book with your friends and familys addresses, emails and phone in case you need to get in touch or just want to mail a post card. Stamps. More film then you think you need, cause it's way cheaper to bring your own. Sea sickness pills or patch. Im going with Bonine. Any prescription or non prescription drugs you might need. Hair clips and ties. I found a product called Sun Guard at Walmart near the laundry items and Rit dye, you wash your clothes in it and it leaves a sunblock behind in your clothing only cost about $2. Comfy soft cloth pants that double as pjs if needed are comfortable for flying. I brought a pair of zip off pants that become shorts great for flying out of cold citys and arriving in warm citys. Or you could pack a swimsuit or change of clothes on your carry on. A little sun block stick for faces or touch ups, clothes that mix and match, I like those woven light weight purses, flip flops, a cover up, slipper socks. Laundry soap tablets, and dryer sheets. Trail mix or granola type energy bars. Of course don't forget your tickets, passport, or ID's. Have a wonderful vacation!
We always bring Bonine and take it religiously every day....no sense in risking feeling poorly when you've invested so much time & money on a vacation!
Also definately purchase disposable underwater cameras before you leave...they are a FRACTION of the cost in your local department store than what they charge onboard!
Enjoy!
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8/92 Mex. Riv. Commodore
9/98, 9/00, 9/02 & 7/04 Caribbean - Paradise
10/00, 08/05 Pac. Wtrs. Holiday, Monarch
04/06 Hawaii - Celebrity Summit
09/07 Alaska - Celebrity Summit
07/09 Western Caribbean RCCL Liberty of the Seas
Send me an email and I will glad to send you both of my lists. I have a "To Do List," and a "Packing List". These lists have saved me countless hours. When I leave to go on a cruise, I do not worry about anything.
1. Documents and tickets
2. 40 single dollar bills for tipping
3. 5X make-up mirror with suction cup
4. ear plugs (cabin mate) and night light -- cabin is pitch dark and one trips over furniture getting to and from bathroom
5. Framed photo of dog (optional)
6. Extra reading glasses
7. Any medication I may ever possibly need, for colds and flu
8. Three trashy novels and iPod
In regard to Kuki's credit card jest :-), DO call your credit card company to let them know the countries you'll be visiting. Otherwise, their theft deterent system may shut you down. This happened to me in Paris, even though I did contact them ahead of time....so, always carry 2 credit cards :-)
I also like to bring ziplock bags...they come in handy for so many little odds and ends including bringing back that beautiful shell you find on the beach and don't want to get your luggage sandy!
Thanks to my most recent trip I've added a pocket size recorder. There are several varieties on the market, tape, digital, voice activated, etc. The beauty and joy is the ability to make verbal comments and observations for later recall. Hearing the joy or excitement in my voice serves as a mini transport device taking me back instantly to a great time. Plus the running commentaries of my travel mates add to my memories and enjoyment.
1. Downy wrinkle release
2. yellow sticky notes (for leaving notes for each other and our steward).
3. highlighter for Capers
4. roll of quarters for the arcade
5. battery recharger for the digital camera
6. an large empty nylon bag to bring back goodies!
7. more cash than you think you'll need
dorothy
__________________ Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation March 11
Carnival Imagination Sept 07
Carniival Sensation Dec 06
RCI Sovereign of the Seas Sept 06
Carnival Miracle Sept 05
Carnival Glory Sept 04
Carnival Fantasy Jan 04
Please send your "to do" list and "packing" list to me. jvicknair27@msn.com. Going on the Conquest April10th. I've gotten a lot of good ideas what we need to bring--nightlight, bungee cord, extension cords, etc, etc, etc, etc. Thanks, Susan
Before I went on my first cruise last year to the Western Carribean on the Paradise, I searched the internet and found a 'natural' sunscreen. I don't know how much better it really is in terms of being safer for the sealife, but it seemed to work very well as a sunscreen and didn't have a mile-long list of chemicals in it. We went to Stingray Sandbar in Grand Cayman, and as hordes of us stood in the shallow, still water awaiting our 'turn' to touch and hold them, I found myself thinking about that.
Hey, something you don't have to bring, but can buy on Carnival ships.......Carnival has a fold up travel bag for $14.99. It doesn't have wheels or a pull handle, just a strap. It starts out about 8-1/2 x 11 and unfolds into a pretty big carry on bag. We bought one because, well, we overpacked to begin with and when we started filling out suitcase with our goodies from our shore excursions, we needed an extra suitcase. We now own two and our daughters took them off to college for weekend excursions, quick beach trips, etc. Know what people say when they see them........."Hey what Carnival ship were you on, when did you go, etc.??? Instant conversation starter...!!
Where are you? I tried sending you an e-mail to get your "To Do List" and "Packing List." Message couldn't be sent for some reason or another. Please share your tips here for everyone to see. Thanks, Su-z-q
Air freshener!!!! We took a small collapsible cooler which was nice because we kept a few bottled sodas (that we brought in our carry on) in the cooler. The ice bucket is good for ice but not much else.
1. Digital Camera - we've given film a rest and gone digital. Take several memory cards, and be careful depending on one large capacity. If it goes bad all your images are gone. I carry a gig Secure Digital card in my wallet for a backup.
2. iPod and small speakers - We create custom playlists for evenings, workouts and at night it is very nice to go to sleep with music. We got a pair of small Sony speakers for < $20.00 bucks. Also, we have preloaded a couple of books we bought on CD and that made a relaxing day at sea listening to our music and books.
3. Good first aid kit. I take a backpack to all the shore excursions, and we used it on our last visit to Chankannab while snorkeling. Most outdoors stores will have nylon case kits with ample supplies in it. As a college athletic trainer from the old days I custom pack one with other meds like Bonnine, Pepto, and a couple of good antibiotics.
(Note: Norwalk is most often viral, so antibiotics have little effect. Use OTC meds to treat the symptoms.
4. Walkie talkies. Get the good ones, with the 7-mile range. Make sure they are both GMRS and FMRS capable. This allows for higher wattage, more channels and better range. We tried the two-mile range ones on the ship and they were worthless.
5. Handheld GPS. We have had a blast with one of these, and we got several waypoints from the web and knew exactly where we were and ETA's to our ports. The last cruise we made a rainy "fun day at sea" a little more fun tinkering with the GPS.
6. Flashlight. I carry a Mag Light AAA model in my pocket on the ship from embarkation to debarkation. (Call me a geek...)
7. Phone calling cards. We give them to the cabin steward the first day, as they call home while in ports. The local Sams Club sells them by the multi-pack and we buy a ten pack of 100 min cards.
8. Nice pullover sweater, sweatshirt or golf wind shirt. We use these at some of the shows that are cold, on deck while cruising in fall and spring and as a pillow while enjoying a deck chair.
9. Duffle bag. We place it under the bed and then fill it with dirty laundry. It makes for an easy day packing for departure, and also gives room for the shopping finds into the luggage. I purchased two of the Eddie Bauer models years ago and they have little if any wear after 6 cruises.
10. Small portfolio satchel. We carry the cruise documents in it, and it serves as a good protector for the photos we buy from the cruise photography staff. Simply put, it makes an easy and handy storage carrier for the "important stuff."
11. Business cards with our family name, e-mail; and address. We have a list of friends we've met aboard and shared digital images with.
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What must bring items do you pack?
), over the door shoe organizer for bathroom door. I suppose you keep brushes, hair dryer, tall hair spray cans, etc. in that. Also fanny pack or one of those little wallets Carnival sells onboard to put S&S card, reading glasses, some casino cash and deck plan in so that you don't have to walk around carry a stupid pocketbook!! Happy cruising!
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