Items You Regret Packing/Not Packing?

[CosmoLover]

When you went on a cruise, were there any items you packed that you realized were (1) not needed, or (2) really a waste of space (available on ship, or weather did not require it)..

 

Likewise, were there any items you did NOT pack but wish you did?

[FreshOffTheBoat]

The only thing I ever regret not packing was on my very first cruise. I didn't pack any shampoo, the interior room we were in didn't have any and we had to buy some really bad brand of shampoo from the shop on board.

 

We always now bring our own shampoo.

[rmurray847]

When you went on a cruise, were there any items you packed that you realized were (1) not needed, or (2) really a waste of space (available on ship, or weather did not require it)..

 

Likewise, were there any items you did NOT pack but wish you did?

 

I realized I didn't need to pack my own life jackets...the ship provides them!!;)

 

Seriously, on our one and only cruise, we did pretty well, thanks to tips on this board and elsewhere. But I wished we had packed TWO bathing suits each...it took forever for our first set to dry (our cruise was in the late fall...so the temps were not great for drying on the balcony) and pulling on cold, damp bathing trunks is not my idea of fun.

[golfer1966]

We packed the wrong steamer and spent over an hour in line in the naughty room. Steamers are allowed, but the one we had was the one with the triangular head and they thought it was an iron. Once we opened the suitcase, they saw it and approved it, but I hated standing there...lol

[hazeleyez3]

Packing too many clothes and shoes.

 

I've learned to just mix-match tops and bottoms. As for shoes, 1 pair that can go with all my evening outfits, 1 or 2 pairs of sneakers (depends on the type of activities I know we'll be doing, and 1 pair of casual sandals.

[Classynfun1]

I always bring a "emergency aid" kit that I make and I am always thankful I have. I take it ashore too! I get small trial sizes of pepto tabs, benadril, motrin, asprin, bandaids, alcohol wipes, sea sick meds, tums, and sewing kit. Friends always make fun of me...until someone needs it! Happens EVERY cruise!

 

Also, I always bring an extention cord, wire hangers, and duct tape. I am always happy I have them!

[CosmoLover]

duct tape? what would you need duct tape for?

hangers? are there not enough in the cabin closets??

 

great ideas everyone!! I dont want to overpack..its hard to know what to leave and what to take...

[SailingSiren]

I realized I didn't need to pack my own life jackets...the ship provides them!!;)

 

I actually thought you were serious for a second! :eek: LOL!

[north29]

When I have taken them never needed them, when I did not take them I wish I had taken them.

[CRUIS4ME]

Definitely pack wire hangars - never enough in the closet and we can leave the hangars behind when we leave. Extension cord always useful. Three prong plug adapter just in case computer plug cabin only has two prong plugs. My insulated cup with lid and straw for getting ice tea on board. Little clutch purse with wrist strap as don't need purse on board just enough for a few dollars (for the casino) and seapass. My own splenda/sweetner and decaf tea bags.

[m*u*g*]

Regret leaving list:

-Electric razor and shave gel. Left it by mistake. Bad mistake. Hotel shop had shave cream.

-Wish I had packed a pair of black dress pants. (in addition to my tux)

-My Duke Blue Crocs-pool deck is dang hot and didn't want my other shoes wet

 

 

Leave at home next time list:

-ipad-only used on the plane

-camera tripod

-extended family-Seriously, who spends ALL their cash on souvenirs and doesn't have enough cash to get a *taxi to the airport or back to the ship no less? Had a good time though :)

 

*Tip-figure out the cost of your taxi/shuttle to and from the airport or hotel and put the cash in a separate envelope (don't count on the taxi being able to take cards) prior to the cruise and don't touch it. Even if that rainbow tie dyed St. Maarten t-shirt is calling your name.

[BeagleOne]

Clothespins to weigh down the shower curtain if it tends to blow out of the shower stall, letting water drain on the floor. Can also be used for their original purpose for the little shower clothesline or clipping wet swimsuits to a balcony chair.

 

A big plastic insulated cup for taking iced tea out on deck, since I usually read on the promenade deck where there's no bar service. I fill it from already-poured out glasses and put the glasses on the dirty tray so I'm not contaminating anything.

 

A little bottle of laundry soap. I did my own laundry on my most recent cruise and packed half as many clothes as I usually do. I brought quarters but of course you can get change from guest services.

 

A HAT!

 

A little flashlight in case ship's power went out. An extremely rare occurrence, but better safe than sorry.

 

Extra batteries.

 

Small binoculars/opera glasses.

 

An air band radio for Maho Beach on St. Maarten. :)

 

A little container of Advil, Aleve, etc.

 

Too much jewelry. Next cruise I probably won't take any at all.

[BillOh]

When you went on a cruise, were there any items you packed that you realized were (1) not needed, or (2) really a waste of space (available on ship, or weather did not require it)..

 

Likewise, were there any items you did NOT pack but wish you did?

 

The only thing I have regretted packing was too much clothes. That was before the airlines charged the ridiculous amount for bags. Nobody on the pool deck notices if I only have 2 pairs of shorts or wear the same t-shirt twice.

[BeagleOne]

Can't you ask the cabin steward for extra hangers?

 

I also brought a little hang-around-the-neck flat purse to take ashore. Tucked it under my shirt. Worked great.

 

A couple of plastic grocery bags and newspaper sleeves for packing things that are damp, like swimsuits from the last day, or that might leak, like a shampoo bottle.

[redlobster]

I REGRET that I packed two suits.

I REGRET that I packed two pairs of tennis shoes

[cruisinck]

The best thing I ever got to take on a cruise was a little battery operated alarm clock. It cost like $5.00 at the drugstore and has been on 20 cruises. Yes I could look at my phone but I lock that in the safe before sailaway.

[pltag]

PLTAG Motto #1 -- Life is Too Short to Pack Lightly!

 

PLTAG Motto #2 -- If you bring EVERYTHING, you won't forget ANYTHING!!

 

:) :)

[pasodancer]

Regret not packing: emergency meds (one or other of us always get bumps, bruises, sore feet, sore back, blisters, toes, insect bites, food poisioning, etc.). A visit to the ships doctor can be very very very EXPENSIVE!!!!!

 

Regret packing: shoes for every outfit and outfits for every activity.......5 suitecases to include 1 of just shoes was a little overkill!

[pennys mum]

When you went on a cruise, were there any items you packed that you realized were (1) not needed, or (2) really a waste of space (available on ship, or weather did not require it)..

 

Likewise, were there any items you did NOT pack but wish you did?

 

Take a highlighter pen- markiing things on cruise compass that you want to see / do

[Loves_Dogs]

I was lucky enough to find Cruise Critic before my first cruise so I was pretty well prepared. The one thing I regret not bringing was on my first cruise. My son was about 14 years old at the time and never had issues with acne. Not sure if it was the sunscreen or what but while on that cruise his face broke out bad. I could not find any acne medicine anywhere, cream, pads, nothing. I felt awful for him. To this day I always throw a small tube of acne cream :D in with my little medicine bag of goodies to bring.

[Familygoboston]

I'm a planner so whenever I start getting into a packing snit ( do I have this? Will I need that?) I remind myself I only need 3 things:

1- documents to board and identify myself

2- any prescription meds that can't be easily replaced/purchased( I also carry a complete first aid kit with all the possible OTC remedies, because nothing is a flow killa like hanging out in the infirmary for Tylenol!

3- a good credit card and / or cash will cover the cost of anything else I might need in a pinch.

 

I've seen these packing lists and it just gets ridiculous! Here's where I've made mistakes in the past:

-Packed too many " day" clothes when I was in my bathing suit most days.

- one a family trip packed so many bags we lost track and left one at the airport!

- packed too many novels that I never get a chance to read, now I use my ipad and read trashy celeb or travel magazines pool side.

 

Now we each get one roll aboard and one carry on. We might, ( if the itinerary requires specialized clothing like wet suits or formal wear)also carry one large roller duffle or garment bag that we all share.

 

Some people enjoy all the " costume changes" during a cruise and that's great if that's their style, I'm thinking of Host Faith and Little Miss Magic whose reviews I love because they are so stylish:D...but need, that's another thing!;) you will just find me in the same sorry beach cover up every day and wearing my capris at least 2 nights:eek:

[pennys mum]

I'm a planner so whenever I start getting into a packing snit ( do I have this? Will I need that?) I remind myself I only need 3 things:

1- documents to board and identify myself

2- any prescription meds that can't be easily replaced/purchased( I also carry a complete first aid kit with all the possible OTC remedies, because nothing is a flow killa like hanging out in the infirmary for Tylenol!

3- a good credit card and / or cash will cover the cost of anything else I might need in a pinch.

 

I've seen these packing lists and it just gets ridiculous! Here's where I've made mistakes in the past:

-Packed too many " day" clothes when I was in my bathing suit most days.

- one a family trip packed so many bags we lost track and left one at the airport!

- packed too many novels that I never get a chance to read, now I use my ipad and read trashy celeb or travel magazines pool side.

 

Now we each get one roll aboard and one carry on. We might, ( if the itinerary requires specialized clothing like wet suits or formal wear)also carry one large roller duffle or garment bag that we all share.

 

Some people enjoy all the " costume changes" during a cruise and that's great if that's their style, I'm thinking of Host Faith and Little Miss Magic whose reviews I love because they are so stylish:D...but need, that's another thing!;) you will just find me in the same sorry beach cover up every day and wearing my capris at least 2 nights:eek:

 

Hear Hear

I would add a passport to my list, as i always say ..there will be shops for anything i have forgotten.

[las313]

I include post it notes to leave messages.

Louise

[cirman52]

A suction hook to hang a light weight item, also take a folding cube/ box( dollar store) for table top storage of small things. I bring duct tape ( in case suitcase zipper breaks )

[Classynfun1]

Someone asked why I bring duct tape! My second cruise, the airline broke my bag and I was lucky to get it to the ship in one piece. I got duct tape from another cruiser and it worked to get my bag back home!

 

Also used before: on a broken balcony door seal (it was making a crazy sucking noise), over a light in a cabin that was flush to the wall and wouldn't turn off, to hold down the hair dryer button because I have long hair and was getting hand craps, to secure a note pad to the door, etc. I end up using the tape every single cruise on something! lol