alainamarie

I’ve had a few questions about packing cubes - what are they, how do you use them.

I’m starting to pack for my cruise next weekend and as I filled up the cubes, I took a couple of photos to help demonstrate.

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I wouldn't have thought to bring a diffuser either...just be aware that many essential oils are flammable...and flammable liquids aren't allowed on board. Some essential oils are very expensive so just be ware...I wouldn't want to risk losing some of what I've invested in essential oils due to flammability classification.

Thank you! I’m only bringing a couple of oils with me and neither are flammable. I was surprised at the number of oils that are!

Thank you for reading!

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I have that same aroma diffuser. I never thought about bringing it. But I just might do that with our Fall cruises to test it out.

 

 

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This is my first time bringing a diffuser! It also services as a nightlight if you want to. Love it!

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I also found a couple of items to update my medicine case with. I have never seen the travel size Tums case and this sure beats my plastic baggie for these chewable tablets.

Right to it was chewable Dramamine that I decided to grab.

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I always stop by target for some last minute necessities and other items I may not have in a travel size. I find target to have an extensive travel section.

If I have enough room in my luggage, I do rather enjoy the luxury of my own hand soap and sanitizer. Yes, many people will find this crazy and over the top, but I do take home what’s left and only pack this for longer trips if I have the space.

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Mines is back now. Weird. Maybe maintenance to the site.

Mine too. [emoji53]

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Mine has also disappeared, sailing on Jewel 5/26. I was only able to get to it via email. It still says pending.

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A close up of my new “charging station” - I’ve updated my blog too.

This has NO surge and I posted the amazon screen shot earlier. Thankfully it was brought to my attention that my Belkin indeed had a surge which is not allowed on ships due to a fire risk.

I personally cannot have a charger with just USB ports because my husband uses a CPAP.

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12 days!!! That must be so exciting. We leave in a few days more than you. I've tried the packing cubes. I couldn't make them work. I just couldn't figure out how to pack the packing cubes (ha-ha) and always seemed to toss them and repack every time. Of course my sock drawer seems to burst out at me, every time I open it, so that should give you a clue of how well I organize/pack!

Honestly, the packing cubes do not always work for me. Only on longer trips do I find them effective. I’m also a little lazy sometimes and simply don’t take them out and organize my clothing. I had the extra time and did this packing guide, so it forced me to take clothing out and get organized. I’ll show some photos of how I pack the cubes. [emoji846]

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How do packing cubes work?

 

 

 

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I wish I could pack as reasonably as you!

Here’s a photo of my packing cubes... each set has 3 different sizes and I roll items into each cube.

Example: my dresses will all be rolled into one large cube & all tops into the other large cube.

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I received some happy mail today! Still waiting on my stainless steel straws to come in.

I got the idea of an oil diffuser from Lisa who did a live review on Pearl (first cruise to Alaska of the season). Especially because I’m traveling with my husband, what can it hurt?!

My charging station WITHOUT surge is now ready to be used. I’ll post a close up in a separate post.

And I finally remembered to purchase luggage tags! I’ve always kicked it old school and printed my tags and stapled it before hopping on the cruise.

Let me know if anyone needs amazon links - all 3 items came from amazon.

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Thanks so much to the OP for this thread. I've added a few more items to my packing list for our Alaskan cruise, departing in just over 2 weeks. Never thought to bring Lysol or those first aid items and the nail file. This is my 9th cruise and each time I go, I bring less and less. I must have looked like I was packing for a month long trip on our first cruise (big oversize bag, medium bag, garment bag and 2 carry ons) only 7 days long. That was when I did the whole evening gown thing and had 3 separate outfits for every day. For our 9 days in Alaska this go around, I'm bringing 1 medium-large bag for both my clothes and my husbands and we'll each have a carry on bag. That is it! I'm going on a Princess cruise and if I run out of clothes, I'm simply wash midway through the trip. I know that other cruise lines don't have self serving laundry, so that isn't an option for some.

 

 

You've giving me a lot of good ideas, so thanks again!

Thank you so much for reading! I’m able to easily fit all of my things into one large suitcase. I’ve also found packing cubes help, too!

I’m so glad you found a few helpful tips! Enjoy your cruise! Mine leaves in 12 days!!!

Take care,

Alaina

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We just got off our 1st 12 day cruise and layered as we were told and it was perfect. The weather was mainly 46 degrees in port each day give or take a few. I wore a long sleeve light REI wicking shirt with a regular t-shirt over it and then a zip up sweatshirt jacket over those and my heavy jacket over that with I had to take off once when we were hiking as it was too warm.

 

On the ship I bought one of those poofy down jackets that folded down nicely and wasn't as bulky as the jacket I had taken. It only rained 2 days on us and that was in Ketchikan and Glacier Bay day and the water proof REI jacket was perfect.

 

I had a thin pair of wicking long under wear to wear under my jeans and wore them for 3 port days & glacier bay day.

 

I took hiking shoes and my husband took big hiking snow boots that gave him so much pain. I was comfy. We both took thick socks.

 

We waaaaaay over packed for the ship. We like to have things to choose from though. We took 4 checked bags, 2 carryon's, and a small checked bag with sodas. Next time we won't pack so much for around the ship. It's a very casual cruise.

Thank you for the feedback!

I find tennis shoes and some water shoes work just fine in port. Thanks for the info on your layers! I like having many choices and don’t have to worry about flying. I need to make a stop at REI before my cruise to check out the inventory.

Thanks for reading!

Alaina

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We’re all here to help each other out. Most cruise let a power strip as long as it’s not a surge protector. That’s the fire hazard part. We all have to remember these regulations are for the safety of the passengers and don’t make the cruise lines money. They are floating cities with limited fire fight capabilities. Room stewards are being asked to ensure vessel regulations are being followed

 

 

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You are absolutely right which is why I purchased a power strip without a surge. Thanks so much for reading along!

Alaina

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Celebrity cruises list electrical extension cords as a prohibited item. So, I'd double check NCL...as your solution is technically an extension cord and if found, should be confiscated on Celebrity.

On NCL, you can have the power strip by specially no surge protector. I’ve done extensive research today. Thanks for reading!

Alaina

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Thank you!! I am going to buy this one!

 

 

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The real thanks goes to you for saving me on this one!! I’ll update my blog post once I receive this one on Tuesday.

Thanks again!

Alaina

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I found a solution - no surge. I’m so glad it was pointed out that my Belkin is contraband because I certainly do not want to risk any fires. I’ll be purchasing this item to replace my belkin.

Thanks again for the feedback & thanks for reading!

Alaina

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The surge protector is what can cause the fire. Fire is the biggest danger on a ship. Ship electrical lines are not meant to handle deflected surges. If the charger with just USB ports does not have a surge protector then it is fine.

 

Just because Carnival or Royal Caribbean ( those are my current cruise lines, both of which say no surge protectors) did not “find mine” did not make it ok to put thousands of lives in Danger. Once I found out the rule; I am following their rule and not bringing it.

 

So I take a regular plug that I can plug our stuff into with their original charging cords.

 

I am not trying to debate you about this. I wanted you to be aware of the possibility of fire from the Belkin. You now know that a lot cruise lines don’t allow them and the reason.

Again, your list is helpful. Thank you for posting it.

 

 

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No debating from me, I’ve never known that my Belkin was an issue so I’m glad you brought it up. I’ll post my solution shortly. Thank you for pointing this out to me, I appreciate it!

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I hear ya. Mine was never bothered in 26 cruises but after I read that they are not allowed, I have not taken it the last 4.

 

 

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I’m still going to bring mine and hope for the best. I’ve thought about purchasing a charger with just USB ports. Not sure if that helps reduce risk of fire?

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This Belkin charger is a surge protector and most cruise lines do not allow protectors. Please check with your cruise line as it can cause a fire. I was sad to find this out, as I too, love this charger.

 

Thank you for the packing list. It is helpful.

 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks for reading!

It’s made it onto all 8 of my cruises with no issues. Thanks for the heads up. [emoji3]

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Thank you for the post and pictures. Very helpful! I like options when cruising as well.

Thank you for reading! I love having options because you can’t count on the weather much less your mood!

Take care & happy cruising,

Alaina

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Thanks, Alainamarie, for the packing list! I too am not flying so have the option to bring a bit more clothes. I tend to bring a lot of dressy clothes but opt to stay casual (and warm!) on an Alaskan cruise (upcoming one in May is my fourth). I've laid out my clothes but will be editing this week!

 

I think your list for the medicine kit is fantastic! Heading to Target tonight to add to my bag! Thanks!

 

(Think we're on the same cruise--Jewel on the 26th?)

 

 

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Yes we are on the same cruise! If I were not doing specialty dining for 6 nights, I would also opt for more casual attire at night. We enjoy taking off the day’s clothes and putting something nicer on. To each his own, right?!

I’m looking forward to meeting you at the m&g! I’m so glad the medicine section helped... can you tell I’m a nurse and my husband is a physician?!

Alaina

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I'm having to think about the layering of clothing so your suggestions are so helpful. I have cruised many times; however, this is the first Alaska cruise for me. I am trying to take several mix and match things that can be worn separate or together.

Layer to your comfort. If you’re like me, you enjoy options! I’m so glad this helped in your packing, I roll all of my clothing into packing cubes and it doesn’t take up much space. Enjoy!

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There are so many ways to skin a cat and we all have different needs. I chose to not re-wear layers multiple times, but I see how it works for others. I don’t have to fly, so I’m not concerned with space.

Having appropriate layers, a rain jacket, and being prepared is the point I hope came across.

Either way, it’s the destination that counts!

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Good grief .....are you packing for a 6 month cruise around the world !!!

 

Glad this works for you, but I sure wouldn't lug this stuff with me for a little 9 day trip.

To each his own. We all have different packing styles and this works for me. It all goes into one suitcase.

Thanks for reading!

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