"I wish I knew before..."

[flgirl1964]

I have found some of the things people have listed to be great, and then other things, I have bought and never used.

 

One of the things that I don't recall seeing is sunglasses. For those of us who do not wear glasses it is pretty much a given to bring a pair. But on a cruise last year to the Caribbean, my DH (who wears prescript glasses) really needed a pair of sunglasses for the ocean. He doesn't have script sunglasses but the sun down there is so bright he really was in dire need to find a pair.

 

We finally found a drug store where he had to pay a fairly big amont for a pair of sun glasses to wear for the day. I would suggest to buy a couple of pairs of cheap dollar store glasses. That way if you need them great, and if you don't you have lost very little.

 

Just a thought.

[johneeo]

I would suggest to buy a couple of pairs of cheap dollar store glasses. That way if you need them great, and if you don't you have lost very little.

 

Just a thought.

 

Yep, I am one of those that lose the sunglasses every cruise.

 

Last time, went to the dollar store and bought a couple of pairs.

 

Don't know where the heck they are now, but it was good to have a couple of cheap sets of sunglasses.

[summer_girl]

Or maybe call a cab to get them to the airport.

 

Let's see, maybe you could blow the whistle when:

 

1. In MDR ... People arrive late, wear shorts, service is slow.

2. You catch kids playing on the elevator.

3. Scooter riders could blow it to let you know they are gonna run you over.

4. When you get tired of waiting for a drink.

5. You see children in the Solarium.

6. In the WJ, someone takes too long picking out their food in the buffet line.

 

Gotta get me a whistle.:rolleyes:

 

Other whistle suggestions appreciated.

 

Agreed...we ALL need whistles! LOL

[summer_girl]

Something warm to put on (a sweater or light jacket) for evening activities on the ship will be a must for me next go around!! I froze even in Mexico in August! :eek:

 

I also will remember an outlet strip...and will be packing lighter! I didn't wear half of what I packed!

[Underwatr]

After an eventful (breezy) stargazing gathering on the fantail I was glad I packed a backup pair of prescription glasses...

[CruiseLuvver]

One of the things that I don't recall seeing is sunglasses. For those of us who do not wear glasses it is pretty much a given to bring a pair. But on a cruise last year to the Caribbean, my DH (who wears prescript glasses) really needed a pair of sunglasses for the ocean.

 

I have to wear prescription sunglasses, and I always bring at least 3 pairs of glasses with me plus loads of contact lenses, as I can barely see beyond the end of my nose without them. For anyone with poor sight, plain sunglasses probably won't be useful, but an alternative (also available in the dollar store/pound shop) are clip-ons, which just clip onto the prescription glasses. They're not the prettiest things in the world, but they do the job. It's even possible to get prescription glasses with a posher version of these, which attach with small magnets and look much more attractive.

[Marian Paroo]

I always take spare eyeglasses when I travel.

 

I think I took two pairs on the cruise, it's not as if there was a optician around the corner.

[flgirl1964]

I agree about your statement" For anyone with poor sight, plain sunglasses probably won't be useful" but my husband was desperate on that last cruise. His eye sight is probably not as bad as yours, but he did risk some seeing for the sunglasses because of the sun hurting his eyse so much.

[Datachick1213]

First time, overly frugal, nervous cruiser appreciates all of this advice! I'll probably read the whole thread before our cruise.:)

Edited September 29, 2011 by Datachick1213

[Alaskanb]

I use polarized clip-ons with bifocals (primarily for reading) --controls the glare off water. I take spare readers and extra clip-ons. I have a travel cross-body bag with loads of pockets to keep it all under control!!!

[rmurray847]

It might take me a month to read all this, but in preparing for our first cruise, I think it'll be worthwhile for sure!

 

[pjtmay]

Great info. As for the clothes how many different day outfits would you need for a 7 night cruise? My sister has picked out an outfit for everyday...plus evening wear=2 formals and 5 fancy casual! Is that to many? I keep reading bring half the clothes but i'm not sure what everyone brought in the first place.

Thanks for your help....We leave in 9 days!!!

[ddcile5]

My problem is our dress clothes.:eek:

 

I am bringing enough for 2 formal nights for both of us and it requires 2 dresses & 1 pair of black shoes, for me & 2 dress pants, shirt and tie and black shoes for him hence 2 formal nights. Now how do you do that in a back pack?? I use a garment bag where I can put all the extras like jewlrey, shoes, etc.

 

Then for clothes I bring 4 swim suits with matching shorts.and only 2 coverups, 4 dressy outfits like capris and dressy tops. 1 dressy sweater, casual jacket ,plus undies, jammies, 2 pair flip flops, 1 work out set of clothes, tennis shoes etc.

 

I like to be able to mix and match my tops and bottoms so I am doing black, white and pink accent.

 

Sound like too much?

[Marian Paroo]

My cruise was seven days on the MSC Musica (loved every minute!), Mediterannean in May.

 

I took four pairs of slacks, one formal dress (c0cktail length) with enough accessories for two formal nights, forget how many tops, but quite a few, including a couple of long sleeve shirts that I could roll the sleeves up if it was warm, or use as "jackets" over the tank tops. Three pairs of shoes = formal, gym, regular. Formal tiny clutch bag, small every day purse, and the purse I used for the plane travel.

 

I think that was it. It all went into a one over the size of suitcase that you can take on the plane with you.

 

I do not understand women who need a zillion pairs of shoes and different purses.

[kruzkween]

One thing that too many people do is take an abundance of shoes. They are heavy, bulky and you just simply don't need them. The poster that said 3 pairs...gym, formal & day-time is right on! Use the same shoes both formal nights which means coordinating your outfits color-wise. And what I actually do about my formal outfits, very often I take one pair of pretty black palazzo(?) pants then two different tops & different jewelry. Every cruise you take you'll learn a little more and become a more savvy packer, But from those of us who know, do NOT take many shoes, wear your slacks or shorts or carpis more than one day, and two bathing suits is plenty. Gook luck, have fun, and happy sailing!!

 

kruzkween

[vickster6k]

This info is SOOO useful, not only for first timers, but for anyone that is planning a cruise! I learned many new tricks & made a list of things to do & things to bring. We are booked on b2b2b starting Oct 13th. When we're done with these 3, we will have been on 7 cruises in 3 1/2 years. We are STILL learning!

 

Some of what I have learned-

*Take a small notebook, best if it has 5 sections. I record all important info in the 1st, flight numbers & times, rental car & hotel reservation confirmation numbers, emergency phone numbers, itinerary, excursions booked etc. in the 2nd. I also carry a folder for Documents (fun pass, printed email confirmations, etc.) In the 3rd section of the notebook I make lists of things I need to purchase before getting to the port etc, ideas for things to do in port etc. In section 4, I jot down names of cabin steward, waiter, bartender, favorite activities director etc. I also record names, adresses & emails of the new friends we meet. Finally I use the last section to journal memories.

*ALWAYS arrive at least 1 day early. On our 1st cruise (honeymoon-july '08) we flew in the day of-one of the worst experiences of MY LIFE!! First flight was delayed due to mech probs. Had 10 mins to change planes in Atlanta then sat on runway for HOURS due to rain! We had been scheduled to arrive in Miami at noon, finally arrived at Miami airport at 3:45!! Because there were 20+ ppl on flight sailing with carnival, and most had transfers (we didn't), they held the ship for us, and someone from Carnival met us at the gate, escorted us to baggage claim, then onto a bus for the ride to the port. GREAT customer service!! Since we didn't have passports at the time, we were STRESSING!! Not worth it!

*For similar reasons, we never fly home the day of debarkation either. We stay at least overnight, longer if possible. This also helps with the 'debarkation blues'. Easier to get off the ship if you still have a short vacation to look forward to-especially for kids!

*Call your bank 2-3 days before you leave to tell them your travel plans. Learned this the hard way when they froze our debit card due to numerous out of state transactions.

*Take a larger suitcase than you need. We stuffed ours full, not realizing how much we would purchase, and that dirty clothes take up more room than clean ones for some reason-had to buy another suitcase & pay to check it at airport!

*I use vacuum seal travel bags. Vacuum at home, on the ship you can roll them to get the air out-make sure they are TRAVEL bags that you don't NEED to vacuum!

*The in-room safe is FREE to use, but you need a card with personal info on a magnetic strip. You DO NOT need to use a credit card and I don't. I use a grocery store reward card.

*When flying, we TRY to get by using carry-ons only. To do this, we go to the Wal Mart near the hotel (there is ALWAYS a Wal Mart near the hotel!) to buy toiletries-shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste etc. (think cheapo suave brand). Whatever we don't use, we leave on the counter with a note (or give to the steward) explaining that they are welcome to use/donate/dispose of due to travelling/packing constraints. They seemed to really appreciate this.

*My first purchase in every port is a tote bag. I then have something to put all purchases in as well as a nice souvenier.

*Get onboard as early as possible, and walk the ENTIRE ship, before it is full. FINALLY found the door to the deck at the front of the ship on the last day of our 3rd cruise. Wish I would have found it sooner!

*Kids & young adults look cute in braids. 40+ yr old women DO NOT!! Learned this after spending 1+ hour & $40 in Jamaica, then taking them out 2 hours later when DH couldn't stop giggling-live & learn! HOWEVER, for around $10, they will do a TIGHT french braid that makes you cooler and looks lovely.

*We get sandwiches from the deli or room service and put in baggies. we also grab extra individual cereal boxes to take into port with us.

*I take small snack baggies to collect sand from every port. I have had it confiscated twice at the security point before getting back on the ship-now we put them in DHs pockets instead of my tote that gets searched. When we get home I put the sand in old baby food jars with the name of the port on the lid.

*When the casino opens, take your sign & sail card to the teller. They will punch a hole in it & give you a springy cord for it that you can attach to your belt loop or make into a necklace-or get a lanyard.

*Set your watch to ship time & leave it there until you debark. Do not go by local time-only ship time! You cell will not reflect the ship time either, and sometimes if you don't have signal, it won't even update the right local time-do NOT rely on this. (missed our 1st dinner due to this)

*When you go into port, take the coupon for the free charm bracelet. (Carnival owned store) Get it! Then at each port after, go to the store for your free charm. Extras are $5. Great souveniers!!!

*Steam wrinkles out by running shower with clothes hanging in bath-if this doesn't work, they have free irons in the laundry room.

*Printed luggage tags are FLIMSY!! Print & take to local office supply store. They will laminate them inexpensively. Punch hole & attach with small zip tie. Put your personal info inside your suitcase just in case the tag falls off. Use another zip tie to secure luggage zipper closed.

*If you don't intend to use the expensive mini-bar items-or have small children that may get into them-ask the room steward to remove them to make room in fridge for your drinks you carried on.

*Every morning, we check the menu for the MDR on the TV. Then we decide if we will go to the MDR or just eat at the dinner buffet on the Lido deck. Saves time at dinner for the kids to decide AND we know what to look forward to!

*Remember that they automatically add 15% gratuity to every bar purchase. I have never seen this done, but was told that you CAN remove (cross it out) this charge, if you so choose. Add this amount to your running mental tab.

*Get a large SD card for your camera. You don't want to have to download photos every night. You can also store files on this (copies of credit card numbers, passport, travel docs etc) in case you lose anything.

*Take costume jewelry that goes with anything. They have great deals in the funshop ($10 for necklace & earing set) in case you forget to pack your jewelry (I did once). They also have nice pashmina shawls, as well as small dressy handbags-both also $10.

*At dinner every night, have everyone tell what their highs & lows were for the day-it is a great conversation starter and it is a nice way to gauge what your kids are enjoying/not enjoying.

*When you are in port, be prepare to say NO! No I don't want my hair braided, no I don't need a taxi, no I don't want 22 silver bracelets, no I DO NOT want illegal drugs-the locals wait for their ship to come in, literally! Many (especially in the poorer locales) support large families through cruise ship tourism. They can get VERY pushy. Politely, but FIRMLY tell them no, then keep walking. Don't be surprised if they follow. Ignore them if need be.

*Before going into port, ask crew members where the best places are to: call home inexpensively-some places even offer free phone calls with a small purchase, Eat local foods, buy crafts, the best free beaches, the best drinks, etc-they have been there MANY times and are a great source of info!!!

 

Remember-

*Power strip and/or extension cords

*Baggies-many diff sizes & uses

*Bungie cord-keeps things open OR closed (great when travelling with kids)

*1st aid kit-remember ex-lax & anti diarhea meds-you will be eating different foods in a different climate-you never know!

*Sewing kits with extra safety pins

*Clothes pins or clips-many uses

*Duct tape and or scotch tape

*Night light, tap lights or small flashlights-expecially in an interior cabin-they are PITCH black at all times!

*Luggage scale-overweight charges are expensive & it is a pain trying to re-pack at the airport!

*Cabin door decoration-gets you in the mood & helps you & others find your door.

*Magnetic dry erase boards (& dry erase markers) are great to attach to the outside of your cabin door when travelling with friends/family for leaving notes where you are/what you are doing/when & where to meet you etc.

*Highlighter & black sharpie

*Cooler-if your cabin doesn't have a mini fridge

*Alarm Clock/Ipod dock

*a good book & kids activities for down time/rainy days and the trip to the port

 

 

ENJOY YOUR CRUISE!!

 

Sorry 4 the length of this post-I got carried away!!

[Eriemermaid]

This is a great thread! Thanks for all the tips :)

[pjtmay]

Wow...thanks Vickster! I have 2 adults and 2 children going in my family. How will I ever get all this stuff in our luggage and carry ones? lol According to SWA each person can have 2 checked bags up to 50 pounds, and one carry on. I have 2 luggage bags. Will I really need an extension cord/power strip? Are you talking about a small cord with 3 plug ins? I understand the ship has hair dryers right?

What about the over the door shoe holder to put things in the bathroom? do you use those? I am having trouble finding an inexpensive one.

What about zip-ties on luggage. Does the port go thru that bags? Will they cut those off?

 

What is the ONE thing you would never do without?

Thanks for any further suggestions!

[Marian Paroo]

I did very well without a power strip or socket extender, but I was one person.

 

The shoe bag thing sounded silly to me, and it would have been a special purchase to throw out later -- closets here (Tel Aviv) are usually not built in, but are wardrobes with mostly sliding doors.

 

I brought a couple of magnets - the kind with clips, and stuck them on the door, which was, of course, metal.

 

One really useless item I brought was a couple of pairs of latex gloves, but at least they didn't take up a lot of space.

[pjtmay]

Cool...Thanks! I went back and looked over older post which of course explained the need for extension cords.

Now I'm going back over it with my list and add what I've left off and pack today!!! (what I can).

[vickster6k]

The one item i can't do without? Has to be comfy shoes! The other is a power strip & extension cord. There is NO outlet in the bathroom. There IS a blow dryer, in the room in a drawer, in front of the big mirror. Our 1st cruise was with an interior cabin, all others have been balconies. Just our preference-we book the kids in an interior cabin & we all hang out in our balcony room. I am fairly sure the interior had the blow dryer in the same place. anyway, you CAN"T unplug the blow dryer, it is hard wired IN the drawer. There are lamps on both nightstands, but they has different plugs, so you can't unplug them and use that outlet. there are 2 open outlets right under the mirror. Only one is a 2 or 3 prong 'american' outlet. The way it is positionsed, right on top of the counter and right under the mirror, there is no way to plug a camera battery or anything other thn a normal plug. The power strip plugs in just fine, then you can plug your extension cord, chargers, alarm clock, etc into that. I use a heating pad for my bak at night, and that needs the extension cord. When we leave the room in the morning, I leave the power strip out, but 'hide' the extension cord & heating pad. Feel free to ask any questions you think of

[johneeo]

there is no way to plug a camera battery or anything other thn a normal plug. ....

 

Explorer, Yep, infuriating. No way whatsoever to plug in my battery charger.

 

The power strip plugs in just fine, ....

 

Not for me. However, I was prepared for anything second time on the EOS. My 3 prong power strip would not plug in, but I took one of those 3 to 2 prong plugs and hooked that up to the power strip.

 

I remember first time on the EOS I tried disconnecting and moving the TV, but that did not work either.

[vickster6k]

now that you mention it, I think we had one of those 3 to 2 prong adapters on our power strip! Thanks for reminding me, just went & checked to make sure I had one packed!

[CruiseLuvver]

Great info. As for the clothes how many different day outfits would you need for a 7 night cruise? My sister has picked out an outfit for everyday...plus evening wear=2 formals and 5 fancy casual! Is that to many?

 

If I was on a 14 day cruise, I'd take enough for 8 days and wash halfway through because it's such a faff taking more than easily caried, but on a 7-day, I'd say the week's worth and give yourself a week off washing - you should still get them into a suitcase + travel bag.

[CruiseLuvver]

*The in-room safe is FREE to use, but you need a card with personal info on a magnetic strip. You DO NOT need to use a credit card and I don't. I use a grocery store reward card.

 

This is an interesting point, which I haven't come across before. Which line does this?