DISNEY1975 Posted February 15, 2014 #626 Share Posted February 15, 2014 OK, we're down to a few weeks before our first-ever cruise (2 adults, 2 kids 10 and 7), and we're starting to think about packing. So my question - what are the things that first-time cruisers would never think to bring, and that I'll be kicking myself about all week? Not the obvious - wine opener, passport, etc. - looking for stuff I'd NEVER think of. Thanks in advance - and I will compile a Top 10 list and post it (based on my own assessment, of course...) if I get enough responses (and then we can argue about my rankings). With kids that age..bring scissors! Lots of "themed" nights at the Splash Academy and the kids are given TShirt to decorate and design. I had a pair of scissors with me (to cut tags from new clothes) and designed a pretty awesome pirate shirt! Also bring a white tank or cami for under the size XL adult shirt they give the kids! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrypop Posted February 16, 2014 #627 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Not sure if it was already mentioned but the best tip I got off of these boards was to buy an over the door see through shoe holder. Since the bathrooms don't have much if any counter space this worked great and held all our toiletries on the inside of the bathroom door. Cherie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowlernme Posted April 10, 2014 #628 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Not sure if this has been mentioned: If you're a sports fan - bring an extra t-shirt of your favorite team to leave at a beach bar. I went to St. Kitts one year and at one of the beaches (Reggae Beach), their bar is decorated with sports-themed t-shirts. Because I happened to be wearing my 2010 Giants World Series shirt, I left it there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrumpyNor Posted April 10, 2014 #629 Share Posted April 10, 2014 I always bring a highlighter/text marker that I use on the Freestyle Daily. Every morning I highlight what we might be interested in doing, some times there are several things at the same time but I still find it easier to "choose" what to do/see/participate in when I have given myself just a few "choices" instead of trying to remember "everything" that is listed in the FD. Before I started using the highlighter a couple of years ago, we often missed shows and other entertainment but not any more..... :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spidybabe Posted April 10, 2014 #630 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Magnet to hang the freestyle daily. The walls are metal. Safe sailing Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimala Posted April 10, 2014 #631 Share Posted April 10, 2014 On one cruise I had made the decision to leave my hubby's dress shirts hanging in the closet until last minute to help avoid wrinkles. I had packed everything else. And you've probably guessed it, yes, I forgot all of his dress shirts. This was years ago and on a more traditional cruise line...we ended up having to purchase him a couple of shirts at the first port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbmrt Posted April 10, 2014 #632 Share Posted April 10, 2014 I bring those towel holder clips (flamingos, etc) from Bed/Bath stores and have received many compliments on their usefulness. Useful for holding towels on pool chairs and balcony lounges, wet bathing suits on balcony chairs, hanging your coverup and beachbag on, etc. I'm always a bit paranoid that someone will steal them when we leave our chairs for a short time, but so far, so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare nbsjcruiser Posted April 10, 2014 #633 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Over the counter meds. Don't assume that because you can buy it home you can buy it in Miami or other ports. I made that mistake with muscle relaxers for my back one year. It was feeling a little wonky when we were packing to go and I thought I'll pick them up in Miami. Nope. Not without a prescription. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpecorari Posted April 10, 2014 #634 Share Posted April 10, 2014 (edited) I bring those towel holder clips (flamingos, etc) from Bed/Bath stores and have received many compliments on their usefulness. Useful for holding towels on pool chairs and balcony lounges, wet bathing suits on balcony chairs, hanging your coverup and beachbag on, etc. I'm always a bit paranoid that someone will steal them when we leave our chairs for a short time, but so far, so good. I use good old fashioned clothespins for the same thing! Something else I always bring.....every since a specific cruise line went 'dark' for a while - a small flashlight! Also, if traveling on the Epic, Breakaway, Getaway or Escape I bring an old hotel room card for the key card slot to keep lights on so I can charge my electronics. Harriet Edited April 10, 2014 by hpecorari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakerprin Posted May 20, 2014 #635 Share Posted May 20, 2014 My husband always says Plan for twice the money and half the clothes. After many cruises, we seem to always over pack and come home to a bill that is larger than we planned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelJoe Posted May 20, 2014 #636 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Don't bring an iron. It's a safety hazard. Do bring Post-Its. Most important.... bring your tickets,documents,passports. Suggest that you leave a photocopy of passports with someone at home in case you need it faxed to an embassy, and I always have two photocopies of each one with me -- once packed in the suitcase and the other in a different place. Perhaps a little over the top, but better safe than sorry in the event something is lost. I do this for all non-US travel, not just cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreestyleNovice Posted May 20, 2014 #637 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Also, if traveling on the Epic, Breakaway, Getaway or Escape I bring an old hotel room card for the key card slot to keep lights on so I can charge my electronics. Harriet Onboard Epic last TA they had an extra, blank, keycard in the slot. I thought it was forgotten by housekeeping but they stated not. It did dissapear mid cruise though haha, got an extra blank directly from Guest Services when asked for. Still curious if it was a new standard, it even had a little triangle cut into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyPeasy Posted May 20, 2014 #638 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Birth control. We have 3 cruise souvenirs at our house ages 19, 17 an 17 That is so funny! Made me LOL. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zimomiller Posted May 20, 2014 #639 Share Posted May 20, 2014 That is so funny! Made me LOL. :) They are now 23, 21 and 21 .....and busy packing as we prepare to sail the Getaway this Saturday..... and Yes, I will be encouraging them to practice safe cruising.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted May 20, 2014 #640 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I had to purchase an athletic style bag on my last cruise to take home fragile souveiniers that I did not want to pack in my luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasyPeasy Posted May 20, 2014 #641 Share Posted May 20, 2014 They are now 23, 21 and 21 .....and busy packing as we prepare to sail the Getaway this Saturday..... and Yes, I will be encouraging them to practice safe cruising.... Good idea! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoboy08753 Posted June 13, 2014 #642 Share Posted June 13, 2014 A lot of great ideas here! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Robberts Posted June 13, 2014 #643 Share Posted June 13, 2014 Flash light,Duct tape, multi tool. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LrgPizza Posted June 14, 2014 #644 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This thread has turned into "Things I think you might need, although most people never would" as opposed to the original topic, "Things newbies forget to bring" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeachGal2u Posted June 14, 2014 #645 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Birth control. We have 3 cruise souvenirs at our house ages 19, 17 an 17 Thank you ..too funny! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julsluv2cruise Posted June 14, 2014 #646 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Birth control. We have 3 cruise souvenirs at our house ages 19, 17 an 17 Lol!!!! This is soooooo funny!!! But a great idea!! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonredsoxfans Posted July 3, 2014 #647 Share Posted July 3, 2014 An alarm Clock!! OMG- thank you for the reminder! Nothing worse than waking up in an inside state room with no clock! I don't know if I laid down for a nap or it's the middle of the night! I'm not an inside cabin person but have read on here that if you set the TV station to the ships camera, the sunrise will help wake you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonredsoxfans Posted July 3, 2014 #648 Share Posted July 3, 2014 (edited) My apologies if these have been mentioned prior... My fiance swears by Scopolamine patches. Poor guy gets motion sickness on the lake. I swear by "Poo-purri" :) It's an all natural oil you spritz before "you go" I'm not advertising, I just think it's helpful. Beats air freshener! Would someone please tell me (definitely) whether or not a hair straightening iron is allowed (travel size or not)? I always see "no irons" which I assume means clothing irons. But, I've seen some say no hair irons either. Thanks everyone!!! I have always brought a hair iron,,,,never had an issue with anyone telling me I can't have it (room steward or ship luggage scanners)....did get caught with a small travel iron once, but the steward just asked me politely to put away and not use it which I did. Also, I agree...found when traveling with friends that poopurri is great! Edited July 3, 2014 by bostonredsoxfans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonredsoxfans Posted July 3, 2014 #649 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Onboard Epic last TA they had an extra, blank, keycard in the slot. I thought it was forgotten by housekeeping but they stated not. It did dissapear mid cruise though haha, got an extra blank directly from Guest Services when asked for. Still curious if it was a new standard, it even had a little triangle cut into it. Only been on RCI and never had this, going on NCL in October,,,,what is this "keycard" thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazio1974 Posted August 31, 2014 #650 Share Posted August 31, 2014 wow, thats just wrong , please stay home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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