HdGDanceMom

I just joined the CC boards, but have been on the Disney Boards for awhile. We have cruised many times on Disney, and once on Hal. This June will be our first time ON Royal Carribbean, as we sail out of Baltimore to do the New England/Canada cruise.

Things we have found that help are:

ZIPLOC BAGS! When I pack, I at least make sure all the underwear is in a gallon bag, bras, also socks. Separate for the family members. Then, you don't need to worry about someone going through your personal items if your bag is checked. And, you will end up using them for many things at the end of the cruise (even if its not to put the underwear back in). Could be for wet swim suits, shoes that may have become wet/dirty and you don't want with your clothes, liquid items you may need to take back home with you, etc. List is endless. Throw a few quart and maybe even a 2 gallon or so in there. You will be glad you did!

I see we can't do this on RC, but Disney had Laundry rooms. Those Purex sheets are awesome for that. Make sure to find out how much the machines are for a wash and dry, so you can pack enough quarters since they aren't always available. I will have to rethink my normal packing strategy now that we won't have a laundry room available!

A couple of large clips (like bag clips or those large paper clips) are great to keep the curtains closed in the cabin, esp if 4 are sleeping in the same room! A small flashlight is a good idea.

Take all the formal pictures you want, you don't HAVE to buy them. But you may actually like a few of them! You can choose later!

I really think the soda/juice plans are the way to go. Esp when you are eating dinner and your kids want something other than water or iced tea. That is one definate perk to Disney, you have unlimited soda/juice/milk/ coffee/tea refills the whole trip! Saves you tons of $$$

It does help to prepay the tips, then you don't have to add in those $$ to your trip money. For some who charge everything to their CC and pay it off each month, it helps if you pay the tips a few months before so they are done and no longer an issue!