What to Pack: my version

[justaims29]

We're just off the Crown last week and prior to this cruise (which was our first), I read everything I could get my hands on as far as what to pack. Some things I thought I needed ended up not being needed, others the opposite. I will also preface this with the fact that we had a mini suite. And this is just my experience and opinion. Take it as you will.

1. Over the door organizer--no, you don't need this. There is room on shelves in the tub for shampoo and such. They also provide shampoo and body wash.

 

More storage by the sink.

 

I used this organizer from Amazon for our toothbrushes, my hair products, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R9SV2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jJRZvbQ7TE0C3

 

2. First aid kit--didn't need it but I was glad I had it. I picked up a basic one for $5 at Walmart.

 

3. Clothes pins--good to have a few. We didn't have any trouble with the curtains, but there is a retractable clothes line in the tub:

The black dot on the left is the clothes line. It attaches to a hook on the opposite end of the tub.

 

4. New power strip--I read lots of posts that used something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0QEUCG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IURZvbAZF6WE1

You can just as easily use a regular power strip you probably already have. This was our setup:

We plugged the power strip into the outlet, then plugged our devices into the strip. There are also useable outlets behind each TV:

My phone charger is plugged in in this photo.

 

5. Flameless candles/electric tea lights--very useful! We put one near the couch (in case we needed some balcony time in the early morning hours), and one near the bathroom.

 

6. One of the most useful things I bought was this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXTJBP4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_b2RZvbDAQ9PP9

 

Perfect for around the ship, I put my cruise card, some Shout stain wipes, a few business cards, a pen, and Chapstick.

 

I'll add to this list as I think of things.

[caribill]

There is room on shelves in the tub for shampoo and such. They also provide shampoo and body wash.

[ATTACH]359155[/ATTACH]

 

 

What type cabin did you have? I have not seen those two shelves in the shower on my Princess cruises on various ships including the Crown.

 

Here is a view of the shower in our Crown cabin. The little indented shelf above the knobs is the only type of shelf in that shower.

 

Edited August 15, 2015 by caribill

[Keith1010]

Good information.

Keith

[justaims29]

What type cabin did you have? I have not seen those two shelves in the shower on my Princess cruises on various ships including the Crown.

 

Here is a view of the shower in our Crown cabin. The little indented shelf above the knobs is the only type of shelf in that shower.

 

 

 

We had a mini suite. That may explain the difference.

[caribill]

We had a mini suite. That may explain the difference.

 

That's the explanation. We did not.

[crochetcruise]

We're just off the Crown last week and prior to this cruise (which was our first), I read everything I could get my hands on as far as what to pack. Some things I thought I needed ended up not being needed, others the opposite. I will also preface this with the fact that we had a mini suite. And this is just my experience and opinion. Take it as you will.

1. Over the door organizer--no, you don't need this. There is room on shelves in the tub for shampoo and such. They also provide shampoo and body wash.

[ATTACH]359155[/ATTACH]

 

More storage by the sink.

[ATTACH]359156[/ATTACH]

 

I used this organizer from Amazon for our toothbrushes, my hair products, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R9SV2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jJRZvbQ7TE0C3

 

2. First aid kit--didn't need it but I was glad I had it. I picked up a basic one for $5 at Walmart.

 

3. Clothes pins--good to have a few. We didn't have any trouble with the curtains, but there is a retractable clothes line in the tub:

[ATTACH]359157[/ATTACH]

The black dot on the left is the clothes line. It attaches to a hook on the opposite end of the tub.

 

4. New power strip--I read lots of posts that used something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0QEUCG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IURZvbAZF6WE1

You can just as easily use a regular power strip you probably already have. This was our setup:

[ATTACH]359158[/ATTACH]

We plugged the power strip into the outlet, then plugged our devices into the strip. There are also useable outlets behind each TV:

[ATTACH]359160[/ATTACH]

My phone charger is plugged in in this photo.

 

5. Flameless candles/electric tea lights--very useful! We put one near the couch (in case we needed some balcony time in the early morning hours), and one near the bathroom.

 

6. One of the most useful things I bought was this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXTJBP4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_b2RZvbDAQ9PP9

 

Perfect for around the ship, I put my cruise card, some Shout stain wipes, a few business cards, a pen, and Chapstick.

 

I'll add to this list as I think of things.

 

THANK YOU! I saw an RFID wallet in my local motoring shop-non drivers can become members and get the shop discount-so will DEINITELY put this on my shopping list for my cruise in November, 2016. I had been considering it, the recommendation from an experienced cruiser confirms my gut feeling it is an essential safety item!

 

The wallet and a rashie to wear over my swimsuit to protect my back from sunburn are the only things still left to buy for the suitcase. Still working on saving the money for On Board Spending and finalising payment for the cruise. My TA gave me the date she wanted my final payment by, so it would be transferred to Princess in good time. I'll do the On Board; Photography; Casino Credit Speciality Dining x 3 (every night of the 3 night cruise :D , MDR for lunch unless a Pub Lunch is offered; Culinary Delights; Beverage Package and Gifts for friends also then-have noted to have the money transferred from the savings account at my main bank to the account at the old bank, there's a difference between the accounts, the main bank pays 1.33 times what the old bank does, so of course I'm keeping the savings there. I DO need to factor in a cost of $5 per withdrawal, the daily limit means 2 withdrawals but more annoying than anything!

 

Must go and ask the question you've reminded me about a Suite perk on the appropriate thread. Again THANK YOU for your invaluable help. A former work colleague is sailing on the same cruise-I shall pass the information on the RFID wallet on to him-he works as a Security Guard so I might be teaching Grandma to sucks eggs, he already knows to do this! :D

[emmak8]

Thanks for posting. Best to eliminate what is really not needed. Some packing lists get carried away.

[SusieKay]

RFID sleeve warning: We purchased these to use with each credit card we took. My husband placed his in his neck pouch, and mine in my money belt. We had a problem with them from the very start of our TA, as we were going through security at our home airport. It is a small regional airport . Set off the alarms like crazy. So we had to remove everything, exposing our secure items, placing them in the bins with everything else.

Thankfully things were not busy and all items were retrieved without incident. None of the information that came with the sleeves informed us this could happen or we would have placed them inside our carry ons with our other valuables and put them on after going through security. Just something to be aware of.

[Wehwalt]

I bring the bedroom clock I use at home, which has two-inch high digital numbers on it. I usually plug it into the outlet behind the TV people have mentioned, and put it someplace where it will be visible from the bed(s).

 

I have a collapsible plate cover that I use when taking a plate from the Lido back to the cabin to eat on the balcony, as I commonly do for breakfast. Not only does it protect against heedless fellow passengers, but it is opaque and so guards against inquisitive eyes :)

 

In the last few days of a cruise, I try to reduce the "footprint" of the cabin I'm occupying with my stuff by moving things (including clothes) into my suitcase if they likely won't be used again. I try to compact my drawer usage down to one. This means, usually, that come the last day, there's very little needing to be done.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Wehwalt

[Pythian]

My DW takes a shoe hanger that holds about 8 pair of shoes. Fits in the closet really nice and doesn’t take up much space (collapses into a small flat package). Also, a dirty clothes collapsible hamper for the corner of the closet. We have also found the magnetic clips are nice to have as they snap right onto the wall and you can clip schedules, tickets, etc to them so they don’t get misplaced.

[#1Nanna]

Great info!

[pompeii]

RFID sleeve warning: We purchased these to use with each credit card we took. My husband placed his in his neck pouch, and mine in my money belt. We had a problem with them from the very start of our TA, as we were going through security at our home airport. It is a small regional airport . Set off the alarms like crazy. So we had to remove everything, exposing our secure items, placing them in the bins with everything else.

Thankfully things were not busy and all items were retrieved without incident. None of the information that came with the sleeves informed us this could happen or we would have placed them inside our carry ons with our other valuables and put them on after going through security. Just something to be aware of.

 

We've used RFID holders for our passports for several years now and never once had any issue with them. But wouldn't you have to put a neck pouch in the bin anyway?

[beg3yrs]

We're just off the Crown last week and prior to this cruise (which was our first), I read everything I could get my hands on as far as what to pack.

 

4. New power strip--I read lots of posts that used something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0QEUCG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IURZvbAZF6WE1

You can just as easily use a regular power strip you probably already have.

 

First of all, thanks for posting your experience. This kind of post is helpful for even the most seasoned travelers among us.

 

You said you read everything you could get your hand on regarding packing. Evidently you missed this thread:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2236232

 

It was a long and contentious nerd discussion but the bottom line was that using a surge protector on a ship is dangerous. The US Coast Guard recommends they not be used in a maritime situation and several cruise lines ban them outright.

 

That said, the device you found is kind of cool for domestic travel on land ...

[SusieKay]

We've used RFID holders for our passports for several years now and never once had any issue with them. But wouldn't you have to put a neck pouch in the bin anyway?

 

No, not unless there is something in them that would set off the alarm. Paper currency, passport copies, etc won't do it. We also use the RFID holders for passports, but since our passports are out to be displayed when going through security, we have never had an issue with those either.

[shredie]

We had a mini suite. That may explain the difference.

 

Yes, there is far less storage in a regular bathroom (inside, OV, balcony). Someone with lots of stuff may need that over-the-door thingy after all.

[Grego]

 

In the last few days of a cruise, I try to reduce the "footprint" of the cabin I'm occupying with my stuff by moving things (including clothes) into my suitcase if they likely won't be used again. I try to compact my drawer usage down to one. This means, usually, that come the last day, there's very little needing to be done.

 

We put our daily dirty clothes in one of the larger suitcase stored under the bed and transfer to the other more carefully on packing day.

 

We don't bother bringing a clock but use our iPhone as the nighttime clock to save packing space.

 

Over the years we have kept track of what we used and what was excess and developed a spreadsheet that fills in suggested items and quantities based upon cruise length, port days, sea days and travel days to and from the ship.

[Shelly97060]

Over the years we have kept track of what we used and what was excess and developed a spreadsheet that fills in suggested items and quantities based upon cruise length, port days, sea days and travel days to and from the ship.

 

I thought I was the only one who did this :D thanks for letting me know it's not just me! Having the list with exactly what is needed has been fantastic time (and space) saver.

[justaims29]

First of all, thanks for posting your experience. This kind of post is helpful for even the most seasoned travelers among us.

 

You said you read everything you could get your hand on regarding packing. Evidently you missed this thread:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2236232

 

It was a long and contentious nerd discussion but the bottom line was that using a surge protector on a ship is dangerous. The US Coast Guard recommends they not be used in a maritime situation and several cruise lines ban them outright.

 

That said, the device you found is kind of cool for domestic travel on land ...

 

 

I must have miscommunicated that part. The link I gave was an example of the devices that are commonly mentioned on various cruise sites. I did read quite a bit on surge protectors, that's why the power strip we took (shown in photo) doesn't have one. :)

 

 

Over the years we have kept track of what we used and what was excess and developed a spreadsheet that fills in suggested items and quantities based upon cruise length, port days, sea days and travel days to and from the ship.

 

 

What a great idea!! I'm a little bit of a "spreadsheet enthusiast" so that's right up my alley!

[justaims29]

Yes, there is far less storage in a regular bathroom (inside, OV, balcony). Someone with lots of stuff may need that over-the-door thingy after all.

 

 

My point in this post was really that there are things that not everyone needs, or that you might have an alternative to already, without spending $$ on extra things. For example, the power strip. Also the laundry hamper. We used a large reusable shopping bag that we already had. Also I did preface this with the fact that we were in a mini suite, and that this was my opinion. I'm definitely not saying that my needs are the same as everyone's. Just sharing my experience.

Edited August 15, 2015 by justaims29

[Crabby_Cruiser]

Do you think the hairdryer in the room was adequate? I have medium length hair and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and bring my own or use the one provided. Thanks.

[Kinkacruiser]

Yes, there is far less storage in a regular bathroom (inside, OV, balcony). Someone with lots of stuff may need that over-the-door thingy after all.

 

Agree with the tiny shelf space. I use the bottom shelf for items not used daily and leave these in a large ziploc bag.

[justaims29]

Do you think the hairdryer in the room was adequate? I have medium length hair and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and bring my own or use the one provided. Thanks.

 

 

I have to agree with other posts I've read here. Take your own if you can. The one in our room at least, did blow warm air but on high it was about what my hairdryer is on low.

[Shelly97060]

Do you think the hairdryer in the room was adequate? I have medium length hair and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and bring my own or use the one provided. Thanks.

 

The hairdryer is no where near as good as the one I have at home but it does the trick. I just plan on extra time to dry my hair. It is comparable to other low watt hair dryers I have used in hotels. For me it isn't bad enough to entice me to pack my own. But that's just me.:)

[2time_cruiser]

What type cabin did you have? I have not seen those two shelves in the shower on my Princess cruises on various ships including the Crown.

 

Here is a view of the shower in our Crown cabin. The little indented shelf above the knobs is the only type of shelf in that shower.

 

 

Is there soap/ shampoo in all cabins or just some??

Edited August 15, 2015 by 2time_cruiser

[Crabby_Cruiser]

I have to agree with other posts I've read here. Take your own if you can. The one in our room at least, did blow warm air but on high it was about what my hairdryer is on low.

 

The hairdryer is no where near as good as the one I have at home but it does the trick. I just plan on extra time to dry my hair. It is comparable to other low watt hair dryers I have used in hotels. For me it isn't bad enough to entice me to pack my own. But that's just me.:)

 

Thank you both for your reply. I just want the hair dryer to get most of it dry since I usually just throw it up into a ponytail or bun anyway. A low wattage sounds like it'll work for me. I hate the idea of packing any more than I need to.