First time so what is a must to bring?

[mexskinoi]

Me and my soon to be wife will be taking the 7 day Caribbean Norwegian Jade. We are clueless what to bring and what not to bring. We upgraded to a balcony room and have the unlimited drinks included (Beer, wine, soda and ...). What other tips can you can your give to help our budget?:)

[NMLady]

Me and my soon to be wife will be taking the 7 day Caribbean Norwegian Jade. We are clueless what to bring and what not to bring. We upgraded to a balcony room and have the unlimited drinks included (Beer, wine, soda and ...). What other tips can you can your give to help our budget?:)

 

Lots of Sunscreen

 

Seasick med such as Meclazine (generic Bonine, non-drowsy Dramamine)

 

OTC meds like aspirin, anti-diarheal, stomach upset med, etc

They're expensive onboard and not available middle of night

[OCruisers]

This doesn't really help with your budget but it's nice to take a small flashlight along with you.

 

Look forward to having a great cruise! :)

[Keith1010]

Don't bring different clothes for each and every evening knowing you are only wearing them for a few hours.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful cruise.

 

Keith

[Host Walt]

Don't bring different clothes for each and every evening knowing you are only wearing them for a few hours.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful cruise.

 

Keith

Boy is that true!

 

First night is open because many will be dressed in travel gear. Their luggage may not have made it to their stateroom yet or they are just too travel weary to bother.

 

Three changes max for the remaining 6 nights is plenty. It's unlikely anyone will notice that you are wearing the same thing you wore two nights earlier, and if they do, who cares? Especially if you "mix and match" tops and bottoms.

 

And even if you are sloppy as I am and you spill something on your clothes, there's the ship's dry cleaning service that can take care of you.

[KKB]

You may change clothes several times a day--tee & shorts to grab breakfast, then change into bathing suit, then into nicer shorts/capris for the rest of the day. I only bring about 3 pair of shorts, 3 capris and a top +1 for each day.

 

I agree about sunscreen & meds--terribly expensive to buy if you need. (and you will need LOTS of sunscreen--at least a bottle each)

 

Other than that, a bit of money (figure $100-200 per port unless you plan on doing some jewelry shopping). Personally we save $ by avoiding shopping. We prefer to enjoy the beach or see the island.

 

To save $--avoid ship excursions. Other than Jamaica, we tour islands ourselves (where are you going? would be happy to advise). Avoid most photos--but we always buy one, usually a formal one, as the photo will run less than a photo shoot fee at home. Avoid bingo--it has gotten very expensive over the last 10 years. Eat/drink on the ship instead of in the port to save $. Avoid the casino.

 

Honestly, we find cruising to be such a great value, especially with a drink package. About the only thing we spend money on is a photo (and we do like the casino--bring cash for that as they will charge a % to get cash)

[cb at sea]

Pack as you would for any vacation in the climate you'll be visiting! Daytime is shorts/swim-suits, etc.... Nighttime, slacks, capris, sundress, etc.... If you only wear something during dinner, you can re-wear if you want...no one cares!

 

Yes...bring all the toiletries you'll need....trying to find your "brand" is difficult...and you'll pay an arm and leg for them! Put your liquid items in your CHECKED bags if flying to port.

 

Yes...a guidebook will give you a good idea of what's avail. and how to do it. Excursions are VERY pricey...and usually, totally unnecessary! But..you must know something about where you're going...so hit your library and get a guidebook!

 

If you have binoculars...bring them...lots to see at sea, especially with a balcony!

 

Cruising is but a form of vacationing....there is no right or wrong way to do it.

[crystalspin]

I will agree with NMLady -- a fairly complete OTC/first aid kit... not for anything life-threatening of course, but Nu-skin and bandaids, maybe some Tagaderms of a larger size than the bandaids. You want to avoid an infirmary charge for a simple abrasion.

 

Of course any prescription meds you take on occasion -- assume you won't forget anything you take daily.

 

Sunhats. You don't have to pack towels, ship will provide beach towels. Don't lose them though!

 

Other than dinner clothes worn in the relatively controlled climate of the ship, and swimsuits you rinse out yourself (if you are swimmers, bring more than one of those), I would bring enough clothing not to have to send out laundry. Assuming you are sailing from Texas? that shouldn't cost you any more than packing lightly. If you are flying, it may be less expensive to budget for laundry than check an extra bag!

[puppycanducruise]

Patience and a sense of humour.

[Floridiana]

What other tips can you can you give to help our budget?:)

 

Stay out of the casino. Don't buy souvenirs on the ship or on shore unless it is something you will really use later on. Eat meals in the included restaurants

on the ship.

 

Depending on the island, do your own excursion, take a public bus to nearby beaches, walk around. I would book an excursion for Jamaica because the vendors there are relentless.

 

As others have said, bring a small emergency kit with band aids, motion sickness tablets, ginger candy etc. Bring plenty of sunscreen from home.

 

I usually sit on my balcony with a book or e-reader. Some ships have a nice library, I don't know about yours. Relax, take it easy, enjoy!

[Flatbush Flyer]

Per the US National Park Service:

Please read the label of any sunscreen you may consider:

 

Protect Yourself, Protect The Reef!

The impacts of sunscreens on our coral reefs

Discovering an underwater wonderland

Our living reefs

A day on the water can be exciting and create lasting memories. When it comes to experiencing the coral reef, snorkeling and diving are the best ways to get up-close and personal. When we enter the water to explore these fascinating places, we may not consider the products that are rinsing off our bodies and how they may affect the tiny animals that make up our fragile coral reefs.

Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, and have even been called “biodiversity hotspots.” They cover less than 1% of the ocean’s floor, but nearly one million species of fish, invertebrates, and algae are estimated to live in and around the world’s reefs.

Corals are made up of tiny soft-bodied animals called polyps. They belong to a group called “Cnidaria” which includes species such as sea anemones and jellyfish. Symbiotic algae, called zooxanthellae, live within the coral polyps making them “solar powered” and provide coral with food energy through the process of photosynthesis. These algae give coral its vibrant colors,

such as green, brown, or orange. The polyps of “stony” corals use calcium from seawater to manufacture cup-like limestone skeletons. Generations of polyps create adjoining cups that result in fantastically-shaped colonies resembling flowers, mountains, or animal antlers. When many colonies of various species grow in close proximity to each other, they create the living fortresses we call reefs.

Our understanding of coral reefs is constantly growing, and now we know that more than 60% of coral reefs are at risk of being impacted by a variety of sources including marine pollutants, overfishing, boat groundings, and disease. Each of us can take steps to reduce these effects. One step is to limit what we bring into the water.

Sunscreens are among the products we are encouraged to use liberally to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. However, researchers are finding that while protecting humans, some compounds in many sunscreens can harm the coral on our reefs. Researchers testing the effects of sunscreen on corals explain that chemicals in sunscreen can awaken coral viruses. The coral then becomes sick and expel their life-giving algae. Without these algae, the coral “bleaches” (turns white), and often dies.

We may not realize that the products covering our skin wash off when we enter the water, and

it adds up! Research tells us that 4,000 to 6,000 TONS of sunscreen enters reef areas annually. This does not spread out rapidly or evenly over the entire ocean, but concentrates on popular tourist sites. It is estimated that 90% of snorkeling/diving tourists are concentrated on 10% of the world’s reefs. This means that our most popular reefs, such as those in our national parks, are exposed to the majority of sunscreens.

As a visitor to the park and the reefs, you can reduce the risk of harming coral by taking a more “reef friendly” approach to sun protection.

CHECK THE LABELS: While no sunscreen has been proven to be completely ‘reef-friendly,’ those with titanium oxide or zinc oxide, which are natural mineral ingredients, have not been found harmful to corals. Sunscreens sold for children or for those with sensitive skin may contain these gentler compounds as the active ingredients.

COVER UP: You can protect yourself as well as the reef by ‘covering-up’ before you enter the water. On the water, wear hats, sunglasses and light, long-sleeved clothing to protect you. In the water, a long-sleeved shirt or rash guard will help prevent sunburn.

Remember, if it’s on your skin, it’s on the reef. Be reef friendly! Reduce the amount of sunscreen you leave behind...

Edited December 13, 2015 by Flatbush Flyer

[wilmingtech]

Pack a bathing suit and maybe shorts/t-shirts in your carry on. Often times you can get in your room early but your luggage might not arrive until 5 or 6pm. Maybe even later.

 

Its nice to be able to throw on some shorts or a bathing suit to hang out by the pool on the first day.

 

Unless of course you are headed out of NYC in January. Then pack your thermals hat and mittens in your carry on so you can stand out on the deck for sail away!

 

-Sean

[Medinatn]

You may change clothes several times a day--tee & shorts to grab breakfast, then change into bathing suit, then into nicer shorts/capris for the rest of the day. I only bring about 3 pair of shorts, 3 capris and a top +1 for each day.

 

I agree about sunscreen & meds--terribly expensive to buy if you need. (and you will need LOTS of sunscreen--at least a bottle each)

 

Other than that, a bit of money (figure $100-200 per port unless you plan on doing some jewelry shopping). Personally we save $ by avoiding shopping. We prefer to enjoy the beach or see the island.

 

To save $--avoid ship excursions. Other than Jamaica, we tour islands ourselves (where are you going? would be happy to advise). Avoid most photos--but we always buy one, usually a formal one, as the photo will run less than a photo shoot fee at home. Avoid bingo--it has gotten very expensive over the last 10 years. Eat/drink on the ship instead of in the port to save $. Avoid the casino.

 

Honestly, we find cruising to be such a great value, especially with a drink package. About the only thing we spend money on is a photo (and we do like the casino--bring cash for that as they will charge a % to get cash)

 

We are going to Freeport and Nassau, any info would be great! We want to basically lay on the beach at each location!

[phillygirl63]

I have a cloth over-the-door shoe organizer that I bring to hang in the bathroom to organize all of our toiletries. It keeps those small bathrooms very organized. Try to buy as many toiletries as you can in travel sizes, so that you only have to bring home those that were not opened.

 

Start taking seasickness medication at least 2 days before embarkation so that it's in your system prior to getting on the boat. I think many people wait to see if they actually get seasick before starting to take anything, but why take the chance. I prefer Bonine, since you only need to take once a day before bedtime. No drowsiness during the day.

 

An electrical power strip is always a good thing to bring, as the rooms don't have an abundance of electrical outlets.

 

I also always bring Downy wrinkle releaser (travel size) and a clothes steamer, as you are not allowed to bring irons on board. However, they do have some irons and boards on board to loan out for an hour or two. I just never found it convenient to to iron everything all at once.

 

Hope this helps a little.

[crystalspin]

Some of Phillygirl's recommendations remind me -- check with your specific cruiseline about things that are not allowed. I've heard recently (here on CC) of some line allowing only over-the-door organizers (be they shoeholders or other) that will not scratch any surface! No metal hooks at the top!

 

Some do not allow powerstrips but have their own for you to use (get one early on). I've read this is because so many powerstrips have surge protectors, and that can cause whole regions of the ship to experience power outages. I do carry a 3-outlet, NO surge protector, strip like you might find at any hardware store. It only cost about $3-5 so if it is seized I won't be heartbroke like I would with the $20 Monster one.

 

Some lines ALSO do not allow clothes steamers (along with irons, electric kettles, or coil water heaters). But pressing is available for a price from the ship as is laundry and dry cleaning.

 

I'm sure Phillygirl has done all she states (looks like mostly on NCL) -- but just do the research so you won't be counting on something that isn't allowed.

[GUT2407]

Any medications you might need. They get real expensive on the ship. Any toiletries you may want (ditto). Half the clothes you may think you need. Plenty of storage for photos if you're a camera nut.

[4x4bob]

If you are traveling with Meds that you must take everyday, take extra just in case a whoops happens and you are delayed in getting back home or something.

 

Bob

[Host Walt]

If you are traveling with Meds that you must take everyday, take extra just in case a whoops happens and you are delayed in getting back home or something.

 

Bob

Excellent point. After boarding on a cruise and while unpacking I discovered my med case was missing (it was still on my dresser at home). Good news; the meds were common items. Bad news; the ship's doctor needed a prescription before he would dispense them. Worst news; the price PER PILL was a flat $20 each.

 

He accepted a call from my MD so I got past the prescription part but not the cost part.

 

We now always pack two med cases for each of us, one in carry on and one in checked.

[phillygirl63]

Some of Phillygirl's recommendations remind me -- check with your specific cruiseline about things that are not allowed. I've heard recently (here on CC) of some line allowing only over-the-door organizers (be they shoeholders or other) that will not scratch any surface! No metal hooks at the top!

 

Some do not allow powerstrips but have their own for you to use (get one early on). I've read this is because so many powerstrips have surge protectors, and that can cause whole regions of the ship to experience power outages. I do carry a 3-outlet, NO surge protector, strip like you might find at any hardware store. It only cost about $3-5 so if it is seized I won't be heartbroke like I would with the $20 Monster one.

 

Some lines ALSO do not allow clothes steamers (along with irons, electric kettles, or coil water heaters). But pressing is available for a price from the ship as is laundry and dry cleaning.

 

I'm sure Phillygirl has done all she states (looks like mostly on NCL) -- but just do the research so you won't be counting on something that isn't allowed.

 

The OP is also sailing on NCL. On all of my NCL cruises, as well as the ones I have taken on RCCI, Celebrity and Oceania, they allowed all of the things I mentioned. I do agree, however, that the OP should check NCL's website to make sure they haven't made any changes to their policies, which is something everyone should do before relying solely on these boards. No one wants to be called to the "naughty room."

[mulewagon]

1) Check on what proof of citizenship your cruise line recommends, and whether you need a passport. Order what you need immediately.

 

2) Check the dates on all your IDs, cards, etc to make sure they'll be current.

 

3) Check whether you will have medical coverage. (Medicare, for example, isn't usually active outside the U.S.) You can get trip medical coverage through the cruise line or an independent travel insurer.

 

4) Check what kind of insurance for cancellation, lost luggage, delayed flights, etc. that you can get through the card you booked with, your airline, your liability insurance, the cruise line, or an independent agent. Make up an emergency list just in case.

 

5) Check and double-check what time you're due back on the ship and leave a generous margin. So far as I can tell the biggest money drain besides needing a medical airlift is missing the ship and having to take an immediate flight to the next port.

 

Signed,

A Compulsive Planner

[crystalspin]

phillygirl!

I didn't mean to sound so contradictory! But here in First Time Cruisers anybody on any line could be reading and not privy to NCL's generous room allowables. On the NCL board I would not have said anything.

 

I loved that (NCL balcony and up) got to have a coffee maker in the room. I brought some Jamaica Blue Mountain ground coffee and filters just to kick it up a notch!

[cruiseaway99]

Me and my soon to be wife will be taking the 7 day Caribbean Norwegian Jade. We are clueless what to bring and what not to bring. We upgraded to a balcony room and have the unlimited drinks included (Beer, wine, soda and ...). What other tips can you can your give to help our budget?:)

 

This probably won't help your budget! But one thing I have never forgotten to take on my cruises is a...highlighter. I go on the P&O Cruises and they deliver a daily planner with the events that are happening around the ship, highlighting makes it easier to see what you want to do, what your partner wants to do and what you want to do together! Hope that helps :)

[ladygal4.4]

Be aware of what upcharges you might encounter for food. Not all places are included

 

Band aids/cough/cold products.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ragsann56]

ncl pride of america 2/13/16 7 day hawaii

[Kartgv]

Always take more than one credit card. Take the one you plan to use for your onboard account settlement, but leave it in the room safe. Take another one to take off ship for any port purchases. That way, just in case your credit card 'disappears' or is somehow compromised in port, you can still settle your onboard account. We had friends who only had the one card, had it declined in their 2nd or 3rd port stop, learned it had been compromised somehow. That meant that the charge was also declined when cruise line tried to put through their billing. They were finally allowed to sign a 'promissory note' before getting off the ship, but lots of hassle and stress!

 

Credit card theft shouldn't be as much of an issue in Hawaii as in some other parts of the world, but it can happen anywhere. We did have one disappear in Hawaii - used it at the rental car agency, drove directly to a restaurant for lunch, and the card was gone. Rental agency couldn't find it, but luckily we had other cards we could use.