jlp20 Posted October 29, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 29, 2017 For thosenew to cruising, what to take with you can be puzzling. By our fifth cruise wehad a handle on this issue. Found a small storage behind the door “bag” withindividual compartments. It stays in the luggage and is ready to go all thetime OUR LIST: Small “Swiss Army” style pocket knife that isin my pocket soon after embarkation. “Leatherman” typetool. Small flashlight,that happens to be waterproof. “Bungee” type elasticcord. 20’ of thin nyloncord (don’t laugh, doesn’t weigh anything and dosen’t take up any space. Makesa great clothesline) Small roll of ducttape Travel type sewingkit. Very small first aidkit Power strip, this hasbeen used every trip. Why cruise lines have not changed small outlets is beyondme. May be frowned on by ship security, put in carry on. Clothes pins/springclips Small handful oflarge paper clips (can be bent into a multitude of needed shapes). A couple of $20 billsstashed away. Then add a miniaturizedpharmacy to cover everyday needs While most of thesethings are available on the ship, I don’t feel right paying $5 for two aspirinor waiting for the steward to deliver a loaned item. Every item listed has been used at least twice while on a ship. Anyway, this works for us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted October 29, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 29, 2017 (edited) I also pack a travel alarm clock. Post-It-Notes for leaving messages for Cabin Steward. Edited October 29, 2017 by NLH Arizona Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizmark'sMom Posted October 29, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 29, 2017 I add a small pair of scissors. If I don't need them, somebody else will be asking around for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOTall1 Posted October 29, 2017 #4 Share Posted October 29, 2017 I can agree with most of those. Personally, I like to include surface disinfecting wipes (clorox/lysol), reusable water bottle, and travel sized dish soap for the bottle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2cruisesoon Posted October 29, 2017 #5 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Corkscrew/bottle opener Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted October 29, 2017 #6 Share Posted October 29, 2017 A small flashlight even though I realize smartphones have flashlights. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted October 29, 2017 #7 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Pretty much none of the things mentioned. Save the first aid kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted October 29, 2017 #8 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Other than meds, have never needed anything that you have listed. To each his own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbrayr Posted October 29, 2017 #9 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Magnets for hanging daily news, schedule, etc on the metal walls. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky61 Posted October 29, 2017 #10 Share Posted October 29, 2017 A small flashlight even though I realize smartphones have flashlights.Keith The OP already suggested that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted October 29, 2017 #11 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Over twenty cruises. We have never taken any of those items with the exception of meds. Did you forget to pack door/cabin decorations or gifts for the crew????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leithbones Posted October 30, 2017 #12 Share Posted October 30, 2017 OUR LIST: Small “Swiss Army” style pocket knife that isin my pocket soon after embarkation. “Leatherman” typetool. Small flashlight,that happens to be waterproof. “Bungee” type elasticcord. 20’ of thin nyloncord (don’t laugh, doesn’t weigh anything and dosen’t take up any space. Makesa great clothesline) Small roll of ducttape Travel type sewingkit. Very small first aidkit Power strip, this hasbeen used every trip. Why cruise lines have not changed small outlets is beyondme. May be frowned on by ship security, put in carry on. Clothes pins/springclips Small handful oflarge paper clips (can be bent into a multitude of needed shapes). A couple of $20 billsstashed away. Then add a miniaturizedpharmacy to cover everyday needs OK, MacGyver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted October 30, 2017 #13 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Pretty much none of the things mentioned. Save the first aid kit. Amen. Especially duct tape (when you can just ask someone from the entertainment crew for gaffer tape when strong (but easily removable) tape may be needed. Room steward can supply everything else that you don't already have on a smart phone. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMuch Posted October 30, 2017 #14 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Years ago I asked CC members about whether or not is was ok to bring a small pocket-size folding knife onboard. What some people call a pen-knife. I asked because my husband always has one in his pocket with his change. I was soundly spanked by the CC community because members were astounded that I would dare suggest bringing such a deadly weapon onto the ship. So I question the idea of bringing your swiss army knife onboard. I have also heard of people having leatherman tools and scissors taken by security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelinGert Posted October 30, 2017 #15 Share Posted October 30, 2017 For thosenew to cruising, what to take with you can be puzzling. By our fifth cruise wehad a handle on this issue. Found a small storage behind the door “bag” withindividual compartments. It stays in the luggage and is ready to go all thetimeOUR LIST: Small “Swiss Army” style pocket knife that isin my pocket soon after embarkation. “Leatherman” typetool. Small flashlight,that happens to be waterproof. “Bungee” type elasticcord. 20’ of thin nyloncord (don’t laugh, doesn’t weigh anything and dosen’t take up any space. Makesa great clothesline) Small roll of ducttape Travel type sewingkit. Very small first aidkit Power strip, this hasbeen used every trip. Why cruise lines have not changed small outlets is beyondme. May be frowned on by ship security, put in carry on. Clothes pins/springclips Small handful oflarge paper clips (can be bent into a multitude of needed shapes). A couple of $20 billsstashed away. Then add a miniaturizedpharmacy to cover everyday needs While most of thesethings are available on the ship, I don’t feel right paying $5 for two aspirinor waiting for the steward to deliver a loaned item. Every item listed has been used at least twice while on a ship. Anyway, this works for us Great list! I can see how many of those things would be useful. We carry the following because we have found it useful on many trips and cruises: Ziploc Snack bag first aid kit - contains single use antibiotic cream, cleaning wipes, a few adhesive bandages, splinter remover, and single dose ibuprophen flash light that floats and has a magnetic base - can stick to wall for an easy night light or carry with me in case of a power outage tweezers folding scissors power strip and a doodad that changes a light socket to a power outlet - just make sure you put the bulb in a safe place and return it to the socket. We put it back each morning after our electronics are charged but the person who gave us the idea said they just let their cabin steward know they will be returning it and never had a problem. travel sewing kit with extra safety pins in several sizes elastic clothes line 4-5 clothes pins 6 magnetic 25 lb hooks - great for making places to hang swimsuits to dry duct tape - you don't have to take a big roll I wound some on a smaller, lighter cardboard center that came from some Christmas wrap Fabric over door shoe rack with clear pockets for organizing everything Beach bag - great for keeping track of things and keeping your hands free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlp20 Posted October 30, 2017 Author #16 Share Posted October 30, 2017 ...Did you forget to pack...gifts for the crew????? Other than prepaid calling cards, crew has no need of any "gift". I prefer plain cash, crew can do what they want or need. Only takes a couple of days to figure out if your steward is just OK or better. We usually make additional TIP upfront on 3rd day to help supervision dipping into stewards pockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S&S Cruisers 1983 Posted October 30, 2017 #17 Share Posted October 30, 2017 (edited) power strip and a doodad that changes a light socket to a power outlet - just make sure you put the bulb in a safe place and return it to the socket. We put it back each morning after our electronics are charged but the person who gave us the idea said they just let their cabin steward know they will be returning it and never had a problem. TravelinGert - Edited to ask if you know what the voltage is in the lights in the cabin? In other words, will one of these that I buy in the US work? Sorry, I am electrically dumb... Edited October 30, 2017 by Steve and Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted October 30, 2017 #18 Share Posted October 30, 2017 TravelinGert I am very interested as to what this doodad is called and where you get one. It's just a threaded fitting that replaces a lightbulb and has an outlet on its side as well as the female threaded end to allow replacement of the lamp's light bulb. Any regular hardware store has them. But, if you think you need one on a cruise, you're bringing way too many electronic/electric appliance devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S&S Cruisers 1983 Posted October 30, 2017 #19 Share Posted October 30, 2017 It's just a threaded fitting that replaces a lightbulb and has an outlet on its side as well as the female threaded end to allow replacement of the lamp's light bulb. Any regular hardware store has them.But, if you think you need one on a cruise, you're bringing way too many electronic/electric appliance devices. Thanks. It really has nothing to do with the amount of electronics I bring. Just trying to avoid bringing an extension cord long enough to reach the bed for a small travel fan that I always sleep with. I thought it could work in the bedside light. Hubby likes the room too hot for me, so I bring a fan to sleep more comfortably. I get to pick the cabin location, so he gets to keep the cabin temp he likes. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted October 30, 2017 #20 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Years ago I asked CC members about whether or not is was ok to bring a small pocket-size folding knife onboard. What some people call a pen-knife. I asked because my husband always has one in his pocket with his change. I was soundly spanked by the CC community because members were astounded that I would dare suggest bringing such a deadly weapon onto the ship. So I question the idea of bringing your swiss army knife onboard. I have also heard of people having leatherman tools and scissors taken by security.I always bring a tiny Swiss Army knife (about 1 1/2 inches long), because it also has little scissors. I put it in my checked luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMuch Posted October 30, 2017 #21 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I always bring a tiny Swiss Army knife (about 1 1/2 inches long), because it also has little scissors. I put it in my checked luggage. I keep one of those in my purse all the time. That scissors is so tiny but it is incredibly useful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted October 30, 2017 #22 Share Posted October 30, 2017 What...no bolt cutters, metal sheers, pliers??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notentirelynormal Posted November 6, 2017 #23 Share Posted November 6, 2017 Other than prepaid calling cards, crew has no need of any "gift". I prefer plain cash, crew can do what they want or need. Only takes a couple of days to figure out if your steward is just OK or better. We usually make additional TIP upfront on 3rd day to help supervision dipping into stewards pockets. The crew has no need for prepaid calling cards either. IF they need them they can get them cheaper on board. Plus many cards bought in the US can only be used from the US making the worthless. With Syke and all the other on line programs they hardly need to use the phone anymore when they can see family on line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murray5225 Posted November 10, 2017 #24 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Am I the only one that brings their own toilet paper? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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