Top 10 items not to forget!

[Hotfire]

Mini liquor bottles or a flask.

 

Fits in your pocket or beach bag. Instant mixed drink no matter where you go.

[mek]

I always take a few basic medications, just in case.

A travel alarm

Power strip

Travel size air freshener

Over the door hooks

Highlighter

Binder with tabs to keep all of my documents and any information sorted by ports

Lots of $1 bills

Extra pair of sunglasses

Rain ponchos and umbrella

[MEOWSMURPHY]

Maybe I missed it on the previous lists..but don't forget to take chargers..especially for cameras that have proprietary batteries...

[sheri18]

lots of great little tips..thanks....

[flvol77]

People laugh at us but I honestly think packing a first aid kit is one of the most important things - and when I say first aid kit I mean things like pepto, aspirin etc, I know they say the ship has doctors but you really many times are on your own, you have to think what if its 1 am none of the ships stores are open and you are feeling ill because of something you ate, you don't want to tell anyone because they will lock you up in your cabin eventhough the nex day your fine. We think of the worst things that could happen and we take it, we have a First aid kit check list and it always goes with us.

 

We had a bad experience once (don't want to get into it) but I was shocked to see that the Ships personal really isn't ready to handle anything that comes their way and it was a huge deal but ever since then the first aid kit comes with us.

[truecruiser]

besides OTCs, my top 4 items are

 

1. travel coffee mug w/ dishwand to wash;

 

2. lighted clock (to not dig around for watch in middle of the night. battery operated is preferred. due to fluctuations in the ship's electrical current, electric clocks may lose some time here and there);

 

3. power strip;

 

4. nightlight (for kids)

[saturnsc]

A travel steamer for those formal nights! Comes in really handy!

[RatherBFishin]

1) Camera

2) Rum or Tequila

3) MP3 player

4) Good Book to read

5) Rest of family

 

(Note: #5 is optional)

[MamaParrotHead]

The mile-long packing list circulating around here is more than overkill. You'll need an entire large suitcase just for that crap. I should know, I had a good deal of it on our first cruise and it was a total pain.

 

My second cruise I ditched the unnecessary stuff and almost got it right (the amount of stuff needed...even though I'm a total "what if" kind of person and still brough a lot of that stuff).

 

This cruise I have faith I'll get even closer (though it will be more of a challenge packing for 4 versus for 2, as we're bringing the kiddos.

 

My Top 10 List:

1.) Bonine, immodium, pepto, ibuprofen and/or ginger pills

2.) sunscreen/solarcaine spray

3.) a few good books

4.) bandaids

5.) antibiotic ointment

6.) extra batteries/charger for camera

7.) print outs of all excursion confirmations, carnival confirmations, airline and hotel confirmations (plus "Plan B's" for poor weather)

8.) lanyard for S&S card

9.) sunglasses

10.) dollar bills for tipping (cabbies, porters, room service, etc.)

[3boysvus]

Sorry if this offends anyone - if it does grow up -- bring tampons or pads. The supply in the ship store is small, not my brand, and pricey for very few. Nothing like being the lady stuck going door-to-door; I've been on both sides of the knock. Even if you don't think you'll need them, bring them - the fates can be cruel.

[crzndeb]

One thing I always bring is earplugs...for myself and extras for those that are close enough to hear my snoring

[NCTribeFan]

The mile-long packing list circulating around here is more than overkill. You'll need an entire large suitcase just for that crap. I should know, I had a good deal of it on our first cruise and it was a total pain.

 

My second cruise I ditched the unnecessary stuff and almost got it right (the amount of stuff needed...even though I'm a total "what if" kind of person and still brough a lot of that stuff).

 

This cruise I have faith I'll get even closer (though it will be more of a challenge packing for 4 versus for 2, as we're bringing the kiddos.

 

My Top 10 List:

1.) Bonine, immodium, pepto, ibuprofen and/or ginger pills

2.) sunscreen/solarcaine spray

3.) a few good books

4.) bandaids

5.) antibiotic ointment

6.) extra batteries/charger for camera

7.) print outs of all excursion confirmations, carnival confirmations, airline and hotel confirmations (plus "Plan B's" for poor weather)

8.) lanyard for S&S card

9.) sunglasses

10.) dollar bills for tipping (cabbies, porters, room service, etc.)

 

I agree with most of this.

 

The biggies: tickets, money, passport (as they used to say on Absolutely Fabulous).

 

I don't take a wad of $1s. I only take enough to get me on the ship. Then I head to the casino, feed a large bill into a slot machine, play for 2 minutes, cash out, turn in my quarters. Easier than carrying thick wads of small bills. I also get a lanyard in the casino.

 

Bandaids are a must.

 

Never used the power strip (unless you need to charge 8 electronics at once and why would you need to do that; just stagger when you recharge items).

 

I bring a small "white noise" maker.

 

Bought a small waterproof, clear "wallet" that holds 2 passports, credit cards, and a little cash.

 

Didn't bring a beach bag and needed to buy one in St Thomas. Gotta lug those beach towels, sunscreen, book, etc. around somehow!

[TexasOC]

bug repellent if you are going to any evening/night excursions

 

a sweater if you are cold natured, the decks can be chilly at night, also the dining rooms and performance halls.

[FlyingGirl]

Just curious as to what the zip lock bags are for?

[mebjar]

It's been mentioned a few times before, but I really can't stress the importance of some kind of air freshener/deoderizer for the bathroom. We had four to a cabin this last time and a can of Oust was essential! I also brought a plug-in for the cabin and it was nice to smell Tropical Vanilla when we walked in and not wet bathing suits and 10 year old boy.

 

I also second the battery alarm clock and something to leave messages on.

[kentuckymom]

If you have a balcony, binoculars are a must. Ports, other ships,people watching, very cheap entertainment!!!!!;) ;) ;) :D

[sunshin9]

Was a big tumbler. I have the big Tupperware insulted tumblers that don't sweat. I could make my cocktails and head out to the pool. Even if you don't make your own drinks you can take the tumbler and fill up on your fruit punch instead of using the smal cups at the buffet.

 

Everyone we met thought the tumbler was an excellent idea.

[FamilyDoc]

Shoe rack for over the door is my favorite!! It really keeps the cabin organized.

 

Ziplocks for taking cookies or small snacks ashore for our dive trips and for packing the wet swimsuits the last day. For putting things in while on the beach, etc. We always find a million uses for them.

 

lanyard for the room key

 

we pack an extra suitcase in the suitcase for all the extras we come home with

 

an extra swimsuit, it's never fun to have to find one while on vacation in case of loss or tears. :)

 

visor or hat

 

Your patience and sense of humor!!!!!!

[fllady61]

don't forget the imodiam Ad (spelling???) never know when the urge will hit.

[CorbinCatFan]

Just curious as to what the zip lock bags are for?

 

While some talk about taking food off of the ship, we use it for our cameras on the beach. It keep these electronics dry and free from sand. At the end of the cruise, it is handy to pack wet/damp swim suits.

[misguidedangel]

If you wear contacts most of the time, but wear glasses when not wearing contacts, it is a good idea to bring your case for your glasses. I realized that I forgot it while putting my contact lenses in on our connecting flight to Houston.....

[disneylover89]

great thread with some great ideas ;)

[MCLASS111]

The BEST ideas!!! (from these boards)

• CLEAR over the door bag with about 20 pockets! Keeps the bathroom and desk tops from getting cluttered. You can get it at KMart about $6.00 I still thank the person who made this suggestion!!

• International Calling Cards (if you end up not needing it you can give to room steward as an extra tip)

• Mesh beach shoes (alot of beaches are very rocky under the water) got mine out of season at KMart $1.00

Have a truly Restful Vacation!!!

 

[scperk]

I always take a bar of dial soap(hate the liquid soap) and I take my own mask and snorkel tube(If you look how they re-use them and clean them--YUK)....Dennis

[mcgore83]

Birth control, to avoid future surprises.