A very good thorough packing list?

[computerkitten]

I see numerous packing lists out there but is there a "known" thorough packing list for a new cruiser? We will be going the first time on Carnival Miracle.

 

Thanks!

[klmorg]

I see numerous packing lists out there but is there a "known" thorough packing list for a new cruiser? We will be going the first time on Carnival Miracle.

 

Thanks!

 

 

There are tons of lists and tons of websites, and some will tell you to definitely take this or that, while others will tell you you will never need this or that. Many have found this interactive one useful, and it covers everything we typically take on a cruise. Except I can't remember if it has insualted mugs. If not, we definitely include those, for morning coffee and drinks after that.

 

http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing/

[computerkitten]

Thank you, I printed this out and it looks like a really good basic list. Now looking for one that pertains specifically for cruising too since we are newbies.

 

Thanks

[Traveler353]

OP: You will not really need anything special for a vacation on cruise ship that you would not need on a land vacation. If anything you will need less. For most people days revolve around the pool. Evening are spent mostly indoors, dinner, shows, etc. Most shore days involve a lot of walking, so a good pair of walking shoes is in order. Sun screen, hat and bug spray for the beaches or inland trips.

 

Before my first cruise someone told me to take out everything I thought I would need, lay it out and then put half of it back. Of course I did not take that advice. I should have it was very good advice. I find that I actually take less each cruise. If you can get it down to one carry on size bag per person it makes getting on and off the boat much easier and you will have no fears of anything getting lost or stolen.

Also figure out how much cash you think that you will need and then double it.:p Have a great first cruise and don't sweat the small stuff.

[sixgun8]

don't forget the extra pints of your own blood and the world's largest rubber band ball, ya never know when ya might need it.

 

Sorry for the sarcasm, Yeah, i agree with the above poster. There are so many thing you wont need. Just bring your clothes, your toiletries(leave shampoo and soap at home) have a roll of tape for your luggage tags and just go! it's not a real tough thing to plan for. some of these lists can be unreal, you would not have room in your bags to smuggle the liquor.

[busymama3]

This is my first cruise also, but as for toiletries, I've been told to leave soap home but bring shampoo. The pools are salt water and obviously so is the ocean. A friend told me she felt like her hair was never properly clean the whole week.

[sixgun8]

This is my first cruise also, but as for toiletries, I've been told to leave soap home but bring shampoo. The pools are salt water and obviously so is the ocean. A friend told me she felt like her hair was never properly clean the whole week.

 

 

if you are partial to a particular shampoo then bring it. they do provide a shampoo in the shower. I never had an issue with feeling unclean.

[wildcatksu]

Here is what I found most important:

alarm clock with white noise

extension cord surge protector thing to plug in the clock, mp3, camera, etc

conditioner for my hair

insulated cup to bring drinks back to room

lots of sunscreen

something to hang on your door to identify it as yours (worked great with kids)

post it notes for messages for each other

highlighter to mark what activities we were doing for the day

slip on shoes

swimsuit cover up

backpack for trips to the islands

 

Did not pack enough tank tops and really casual clothes

 

forget the Tylenol and seasickness meds--you can pick that up on the ship for free. Don't for get to get your free lanyard for your cards in the casino

 

Robin

[momofzeke]

My first cruise, I got ahold of one of those MEGA-packing lists here on the board and I packed SO MANY things that I never used! :eek:

 

We had an inside cabin that cruise, and I had flashlight, tap light, nightlite, power cord, duct tape, over-the-door-shoe hanger, lanyards, a whole medicine cabinet's worth of antacids, seasick remedies, and various other first-aid junk, tons too many clothes.....I was an over-packing mess.

 

Use common sense, and take WAY less clothes than you think you need. Days will be spent in swim suits and shorts. Try to mix-and-match for evening wear. Try to find a couple of shoes that work for every outfit.

 

Remember, all that stuff has to be unpacked, and then packed again on the last night of the cruise....time that could be spent doing fun things.

 

Enjoy!

[hazeleyez3]

Half the clothes you would think and twice the money.

 

Seriously...like others have said, you don't need much. I usually bring clothes I can mix and max each night, a couple pairs of shoes, toiletries (usually have travel size ones which makes it easier for me), and Crystal Light packets (we aren't soda drinkers and sometimes want something different then tea).

 

We would be able to fit everything in one of our suitcases I just refuse to because my husband has a tendency of re-packing and leaving some of my things at home. So...we just take two small suitcases.

[computerkitten]

Thank you, the point about the power strip is a good idea as I didn't know there were few plugins. I have twins that will have just turned 2 years old to worry about too so thanks for the feedback!

 

CK

[trvlqueen]

Is Febreeze ... that way even if your room smells like smoke, cats, or skunk, you can deal with it. I forgot to take it on the Imagination last week and was buying it in Key West within 24 hours.

 

The most important thing to pack, though, is a good attitude and a teflon skin ... better to let the little things roll off! :p

[sonicbuffalo]

Thanks for the advice...but I know we're taking too much anyways....

 

sb

[silkhair1]

When we cruise with our kids I bring an over the door shoe holder to help organize all the little stuff we have!

[jeshghn]

Good list so far! Less is more... as in more smuggled booze :D:D

Here is what I'll add:

Carnival only provides shampoo and body wash, so bring conditioner if you use it. I used my cell phone for an alarm clock (made no calls) and had no roaming charges on it after, much smaller then an alarm clock! Took turns recharging ipod and camera so no need for the power bar, depends on how many electronics you have.

At sea days spent in slip on shoes and bathing suit and wrap then at night changed once for dinner and etc.

Bring a beach bag for port days and by the pool, they provide the beach towels that you can use in port so leave your at home.

I bring my own tea bags cause I am picky! :p

[usrbphi]

Zip lock bags in both large and small size. Carry with you on shore trips to put camera, cell phone in, in the case, as often it does, begins to rain.

[jeshghn]

Bring enough books to last the whole cruise. The store and library have a limited selection, might not be the type you like! Not to sound like a nerd but I go through at least 4 books while sitting by the pool, its such a treat to be able to read under the sun with a nice drink without anyone interrupting!

[jakesplus]

I also bring Black Binder clips - you can use these to clip your wet swim suits or clothes to a deck chair (if you have a balconey) or to a hanger to dry quicker.

 

Also, highly recommend zip loc baggies, big and small. Bring less clothes than you think...

[GothicCutie]

My cell phone time kept getting messed up, bring a water proof watch with and alarm and set it for ship time.

[KJPG]

Small roll of duct tape. My husband laughed when I packed it for our first cruise. I ended up fixing our toilet with it within 10 minutes of being in our cabin (The rubber gasket thing behind the flush button had a hole.) Of course, I have always wondered if future cruisers happened to notice the repair and if they wondered if Carnival fixed everything with duct tape... :D

[Reenwad]

Like this one!

[gtlovell]

Pack less than you think you need. I only take 3 pairs of shoes: gym, dress/heels and water shoes. (My friend took 20 shoes! She used 5 of them!) And 3-4 suits if you are planning on being in the water alot. The suits don't try very quickly.

A few ziploc bags of differing sizes is a good idea too.

 

Here are links to two of my packing lists:

 

Packing Life For A Seven-Day Cruise

 

15 Strange Items To Pack For A Cruise