Great items to take on your cruise

[Nan_Sea]

The shelves provide very little space. Mike. I'm looking for some kind of replacement for the shelf that is normally under the sink..

[crochetcruise]

The shelves provide very little space. Mike. I'm looking for some kind of replacement for the shelf that is normally under the sink..

 

The only thing I can think of, is to keep everything in your sponge bag. Yes, it's a right pain-in-the-sitting-area, I am disabled myself so know what limited storage space and being unable to keep items where they are to be used is like-using the sponge bag is the only practical solution I've yet found. Equally, I also have limited eyesight-only 10% vision which means I am classed as Legally Blind and also have Cerebral Palsy so use a Rollator for stability and mobility, and my specialised needs are probably very different to yours. I travel alone so must rely on myself-I had a sink in a corner with mirrors above on the 2 walls once-lovely for seeing but LIMITED in the storage space! Oh, would it be possible to close the toilet lid, and use that to hold items for use at the vanity? Afraid that's the only other option I can think of!

 

Enjoy your cruise! I'm counting down the days until I sail. Under 526 days for me!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[Nan_Sea]

Thank you Crochet. I'm sure we will find a way to manage, it just won't be quite as convenient. We get to cruise so life is good!

[Wehwalt]

I'm on the Liberty of the Seas right now (they don't charge internet by the minute). Looking around my cabin, here are some of the things I make sure to bring along:

 

1. Collapsable plate cover. The one I use is opaque, too.

 

2. My bedroom alarm clock. I rarely use the alarm (iPhone does that fine) but it has two-inch high lettering and can be read from the bed without glasses.

 

3. Headphones for the balcony in case the neighboring conversations are too loud and partying.

 

4. Small flashlight just in case. The ones that you plug into an outlet and use if a blackout.

 

5. A 12-inch extension cord with four outlets at the end of it. USB chargers generally sit in two of them

 

6. In the shower I see my Head & Shoulders, in a very handy 90ml size I got in Mexico and refill as needed from the big bottle at home. Lasts about 10 days or so.

 

7. lightweight coffee maker with a travel mug. And an automatic shut off. I bring any soft pods I have handy and some instant coffee. Very useful when you want coffee but don't want to have to trek for it.

 

8. A handheld counter that you click to increase by 1. Very useful when exercising on the fitness track.

[azippy]

The shelves provide very little space. Mike. I'm looking for some kind of replacement for the shelf that is normally under the sink..

 

not it that position myself -- but maybe a collapsible storage bin - your stuff then woudl be on the floor, but all together when you pick it up -- then maybe use the toilet seat .....I have a smaller rectangle one -- I put my contact lens stuff and comb and brush and tuck it on the shelf you wont have !! It is a good corral !!

 

What I would do very first is ask the room steward to see if there is a balcony table that can be put in the bathroom for you to use -- I used my balcony table in what NCL refers to as a bathroom on the EPIC -- held the curtain wall in place and while it is small it held held a few items ....

 

azippy

Edited June 6, 2015 by azippy

[Kinkacruiser]

I've just added magnetic hooks (for the cabin walls) to my list....excellent if you have limited space (as on the Pacific Princess).

Non-slip mats for the dresser drawers is also a good idea.

4 x sheets of bubble wrap for the duty free spirits, as the airport outlets don't package them adequately/safely for travel.

[Thrak]

I thought the era of the huge steamer trunk was gone but, if I wanted to pack all of the various items that are suggested, I think that might be exactly what would be needed. :D

Edited June 6, 2015 by Thrak

[Nan_Sea]

Thanks Zippy. The table is a great idea and the cabin stewards are always willing to accommodate.

[cr8tiv1]

I've read bits and pieces of this thread and decided it was time for me to add my 2 bits (inflation).

 

I declare that I am not an efficient packer and always end up with too much. But I absolutely fanatical about organizers. I have collapsible boxes, plastic cases for my paperwork/patters, BIG (not the gallon size) zip lock bags, etc. But I do travel a lot and find the following item an absolute must have:

 

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/travelon-packable-shelves-in-black/1041769331?skuId=41769331&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_luggage_&adpos=1o2&creative=43742656789&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CPGpvK6H_MUCFUNafgodKqoAtg

 

It is a portable shelf that hangs in the closet. It amazingly holds lots and lots of folded wear. That frees up the small closet with the safe for other things.

 

I am also the one that brings magnetic hooks and a shower curtain for a room divider. Ahhhh, the comforts of home while on the high seas.

 

And yes, Thrak....bring back the steamer trunks.

[crochetcruise]

I've just added magnetic hooks (for the cabin walls) to my list....excellent if you have limited space (as on the Pacific Princess).

Non-slip mats for the dresser drawers is also a good idea.

4 x sheets of bubble wrap for the duty free spirits, as the airport outlets don't package them adequately/safely for travel.

 

THANK YOU! I'd never thought of bubble wrap to protect bottles and souvenirs coming home! It's now on my shopping list I have had the experience of a broken souvenir mug before, so now wary.

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[susancruzs]

I check back and read this thread, it is entertaining! :) :D I put it in whatever floats your boat category. I can see for families, younger people (I'm 67), new cruisers, some items might be a necessity. I can imagine a small bathroom with kids a need for organizers!

 

I sail by myself, last year onboard for 25 days straight, same number this Fall and 95% of the items listed I don't bring. I have one 26" Pullman for 25 days, everything has to fit in one suitcase. I bought a taller 30" one, couldn't lift it, gave it to a charity auction.

 

The steamer trunk comment is classic! I have seen luggage outside a cabin with 2 people and 4 or 5 bags! People do love to travel with their stuff. I gave it up when I stopped the long dresses, shoes and purses to match, shawls and other fancy items! I lugged a great deal before luggage had wheels, with a foldable luggage cart! Those were the days and I don't miss lugging the luggage! :) :D

 

Enjoy your cruises everyone!

[rpcv77]

I check back and read this thread, it is entertaining! :) :D I put it in whatever floats your boat category. I can see for families, younger people (I'm 67), new cruisers, some items might be a necessity. I can imagine a small bathroom with kids a need for organizers!

 

I sail by myself, last year onboard for 25 days straight, same number this Fall and 95% of the items listed I don't bring. I have one 26" Pullman for 25 days, everything has to fit in one suitcase. I bought a taller 30" one, couldn't lift it, gave it to a charity auction.

 

The steamer trunk comment is classic! I have seen luggage outside a cabin with 2 people and 4 or 5 bags! People do love to travel with their stuff. I gave it up when I stopped the long dresses, shoes and purses to match, shawls and other fancy items! I lugged a great deal before luggage had wheels, with a foldable luggage cart! Those were the days and I don't miss lugging the luggage! :) :D

 

Enjoy your cruises everyone!

 

Personally, I try to take as little as possible too. If this causes some inconvenience, well, I'm willing to rough it. My goal is to get down to a carry on only, however everyone has their own requirements and I hope we all have great cruises.

[5waldos]

I remember my first cruise and reading through lists like these and wondering how much of it I might really need. Especially the duct tape which EVERYONE seemed to feel I would need. And EVERYONE swore would not be available onboard.

 

So as I boarded my very first cruise, I watched as the photographers set things up for a shoot. Using miles of duct tape to keep their cords in place.

 

But the idea of the battery tea lights is fun- we have a huge aft balcony in August and certainly we don't need them but might be nice to sit out at night and have a drink with a bit of flickering candle. We'll see if my one roll on will have space.

[susancruzs]

Being in an inside cabin, the battery tea lights are cool! I put one in the bathroom, great idea and they don't take much space! :D

[Sue Do-Over]

Shoe organizer... we used ours twice -- zip-tied to a hanger inside the closet where it didn't get bumped all the time. After that, we realized it took up as much room in the luggage as an entire ziplock bag of clothing, so we ditched it.

 

Now, it lives at home and is where we stash all the cruise-specific items. Has Mardi Gras beads, Sea Bands, lanyards, Bonine, tiny insect repellent and sun-screen, dollar-store rain ponchos, etc.

 

We pick thru the pockets and pack according to the cruise and who's going along.

[azippy]

.............WEHWALT .................

 

please elaborate on your coffee maker--

 

7. lightweight coffee maker with a travel mug. And an automatic shut off. I bring any soft pods I have handy and some instant coffee. Very useful when you want coffee but don't want to have to trek for it.

 

I am interested as we are heading to NORWAY for a Hurtigruten cruise and the have a cafeteria for off hours........... thanks

 

azippy

[basor]

Thanks to other CC suggestions - our #1 go-to item to bring is a small LED motion detector light for our bathroom. It works great as a night lite. We purchased the Mr. Beam 3 pack on Amazon. We take one of these with Command mounting strips so can be mounted on a wall and taken off with no mess.

 

When not traveling we use them in our bathrooms/hallways at home

[FritzG]

Without our over the door shoe hanger that we put on the outside of the bathroom door our cabin would be very disorganized, and after a few days DH wouldn't be able to find anything. There's never been a shoe in it, but it's a great organizer for all kinds of little things that would clutter up the desk area.

Edited June 7, 2015 by FritzG

[Therese S.]

This may have been mentioned in an earlier post, but in addition to the over the door shoe hanger, I also like to bring plastic suction type hangers (the kind you lick) to stick on the main mirror. Good for hanging up your sign /sail card, new orleans type beads that we always seem to collect, plastic flower leis, etc. At dollar tree for an assortment of sizes and very light weight.

[lovevacadays]

As far as dirty laundry, I bought a mesh pop up hamper, that folds completely flat and we pop it up and put it in the corner of the closet. When collapsed, it will fit nicely on top of everything in the suitcase. If we do laundry it is easy to carry to the laundry room. Looks just like this one, but you can get them at Wal-Mart or Target.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Essentials-Mesh-Pop-Hampers/dp/B006ZZZLP8

 

Sounds like a great idea. I'll have to add this to my cruise packing list.

[kcfoxy]

The last 4 years we've needed an accessible cabin for the foldable WC. In order to be ADA compliant, the main cabin and bathroom both require non-threshold and a 36" turning circle. Some are more compliant than others, but the wheel-up sink design sacrifices a lot of your counter space, as others have already mentioned.

 

I like to use the bathroom door hooks for a medium sized cosmetic bag.

The LL Bean one has lasted well over 10 years now, and I find the size just right for small bottles of lotion, astringent, mouthwash, toothpaste, brush, small hair brush/comb, Bandaides, cotton balls and small containers of makeup.

 

The way it hangs open, I can easily reach the things I need most often, even from a seated potion if need be.

 

Instead of wasting the suitcase space and weight for liquid shampoo and conditioner, I always pack solid shampoo. Sometimes 2for1 bars with both shampoo and conditioner. I make my own, but a clever etsy friend, (full disclosure) also has her own travel version with 3 small shampoo bars and 1 conditioner, since you will not need that as much. Weighs less than 6 oz and you can choose your own scents or unscented. No more leakage!

 

You can Google 'syndet bars'. These are very mild and work on all hair types. And no, Virginia, regular old bar soap is not the same thing.

 

I like to take naps but don't want to get undressed or under the covers for brief refreshing sleeps. Weighing in at 9 oz, a thin flannel throw, about 50" x 60" easily rolls up and fits into those spaces your pack-it cubes do not. It takes the chill off coolish cabins or long plane rides...a great comfort measure, which won't weigh you down.

 

An inexpensive, lightweight wrist watch, so we can keep track of show times and tour meetings. A tiny, easy to pack alarm clock, which also doubles as a mini flashlight. Turning the right end (dial) let's you instantly update time zones...important for those transatlantic jaunts. Also helps when sometimes those automatic wake up calls...aren't.

 

We are both diabetics, but also prone to low blood sugar, especially on longer tours that don't allow much time for more than a comfort break or photo op. Small individually wrapped/sealed packets of cheese and crackers or fruit gummies work a treat.

 

I also bring a lightweight container of low sodium seasoning such as Spike or Lemon Pepper when something is just too terribly bland. Packets of Crystal Light PURE (the one with stevia, not NutraSweet), also really help to get the needed hydration without extra calories or alcohol. :cool:

Edited June 8, 2015 by kcfoxy

[Wehwalt]

.............WEHWALT .................

 

please elaborate on your coffee maker--

 

7. lightweight coffee maker with a travel mug. And an automatic shut off. I bring any soft pods I have handy and some instant coffee. Very useful when you want coffee but don't want to have to trek for it.

 

I am interested as we are heading to NORWAY for a Hurtigruten cruise and the have a cafeteria for off hours........... thanks

 

azippy

 

Black and Decker model CM618.

[crochetcruise]

The last 4 years we've needed an accessible cabin for the foldable WC. In order to be ADA compliant, the main cabin and bathroom both require non-threshold and a 36" turning circle. Some are more compliant than others, but the wheel-up sink design sacrifices a lot of your counter space, as others have already mentioned.

 

I like to use the bathroom door hooks for a medium sized cosmetic bag.

The LL Bean one has lasted well over 10 years now, and I find the size just right for small bottles of lotion, astringent, mouthwash, toothpaste, brush, small hair brush/comb, Bandaides, cotton balls and small containers of makeup.

 

The way it hangs open, I can easily reach the things I need most often, even from a seated potion if need be.

 

Instead of wasting the suitcase space and weight for liquid shampoo and conditioner, I always pack solid shampoo. Sometimes 2for1 bars with both shampoo and conditioner. I make my own, but a clever etsy friend, (full disclosure) also has her own travel version with 3 small shampoo bars and 1 conditioner, since you will not need that as much. Weighs less than 6 oz and you can choose your own scents or unscented. No more leakage!

 

You can Google 'syndet bars'. These are very mild and work on all hair types. And no, Virginia, regular old bar soap is not the same thing.

 

I like to take naps but don't want to get undressed or under the covers for brief refreshing sleeps. Weighing in at 9 oz, a thin flannel throw, about 50" x 60" easily rolls up and fits into those spaces your pack-it cubes do not. It takes the chill off coolish cabins or long plane rides...a great comfort measure, which won't weigh you down.

 

An inexpensive, lightweight wrist watch, so we can keep track of show times and tour meetings. A tiny, easy to pack alarm clock, which also doubles as a mini flashlight. Turning the right end (dial) let's you instantly update time zones...important for those transatlantic jaunts. Also helps when sometimes those automatic wake up calls...aren't.

 

We are both diabetics, but also prone to low blood sugar, especially on longer tours that don't allow much time for more than a comfort break or photo op. Small individually wrapped/sealed packets of cheese and crackers or fruit gummies work a treat.

 

I also bring a lightweight container of low sodium seasoning such as Spike or Lemon Pepper when something is just too terribly bland. Packets of Crystal Light PURE (the one with stevia, not NutraSweet), also really help to get the needed hydration without extra calories or alcohol. :cool:

 

THANK YOU! You have reminded me of a free "gift" I got with a cosmetic purchase, a lovely folding compartmented travel case. I am tidying up, so will keep a sharp eye out and put it into the carry on case! I already have miniature skins care, shampoo samples and dental care. Medication is planned for. I do have a lightweight rug I can put in the case, loathe being cold when trying to sleep! Snacks are also planned, will collect them when I stay with my cousins just before embarkation. Am not, personally diabetic, but have several friends who are, and need painkillers which DO seem to "kick in" better when taken, even with just a single biscuit, does help the medicine go down!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[flamomo]

Suggestion for ladies who pack nail polish ..... A couple of years ago I had put a bottle of polish in one of my cosmetic bags that was packed in a checked suitcase, as I had done many times before. When I got home and opened that suitcase I immediately smelled nail polish. Panic time!

Somehow the neck of the polish bottle had gotten cracked (maybe thanks to overly-enthusastic baggage handlers??), and the polish leaked on everything in the cosmetic bag. Fortunately it was contained in the bag and none got on anything in the suitcase.

Now when I pack nail polish, it goes in an empty pill bottle that has been lined with a bit of bubble wrap for cushioning. It's well protected and if it should happen to leak it would be contained in the pill bottle.

[flamomo]

I pack a few magnets for hanging up messages, notices, and other important papers on the cabin wall near t desk, so they are easily seen, rather than getting lost in a pile stuff on the desk.