I need help packing: things not normally thought of!

[redwings1958]

Don't forget return address labels.
Will make debarkation sooooo much easier.
Highlighter
Duct tape
clock
power strip
ID holder

Radiance of the Seas 12/02
Inspiration 12/98
Norwegian Wind 12/94
Monarch of the Seas 12/92
Carnivale 3/88
Jubilee 12/86
Holiday 12/85
Tropicale 12/84
Mardi Gras 2/84
Skyward 6/82

Bruce

[kruz]

I think I have the complete list:

1) BBQ grill

2) keg of beer

3) blender

4) juicer (they are charging now you know!)

5) lounge chair (you'll never find one on your own)

6) towels( they are stingy about letting you use theirs)

 

Song of America 1996 spring

Song of America 1996 fall

Song of America 1997

Song of America 1998

Soveriegn of the Seas 1998

Monarch of the Seas 2001

Zandaam 2002

Mariner of the Seas 12/14/2003

Mariner of the Seas in

[Karenlee]

What small gifts would you bring from home for the cabin steward? Dining waiters, too?

[gnfcon]

Tu917: I got the nylon backpacks at Kohls, but I think you could find them at any major sporting goods store. They originally were used for soccer, but are now "mainstream". They're probably about 10-12 inches across and 12-14 inches tall.

NOS 04/03/04!!!
Majesty 04/03, 08/03

[mconthehighseas]

Karenlee - I brought decks of cards that had my hometown on them. I knew it had to be a small gift, because the crew has smaller cabins than we do. I heard that many of the crew play cards after hours, and the people we gave them to thought they were great. We gave them to the cabin steward, and both waiters.

If your cruise is in warm waters, fold-up koozies could be a good gift. For cooler climates, maybe woolen caps. It doesn't have to be expensive. And this is NOT in lieu of a tip. These people work very hard, and most of them send their money to their families back home.

Adventure of the Seas 9/21/03 - wish I was still there!!!

[Karenlee]

The deck of cards idea is a good one! Guess I am really a dolt ~ what's a fold-up koozie? Yes, we are heading to the Panama Canal this Sunday. any other ideas would be great. Not to worry, these would NEVER be in lieu of a tip from me!! Thanks!

[mconthehighseas]

Koozies are the plastic foamie cup holders that people put cold cans in - keeps the drink cold without giving your hand freezer-burn. Here's a picture of one from the CC store:
[url="http://www.cruisecritic.com/store/product.cfm?ID=22"]http://www.cruisecritic.com/store/product.cfm?ID=22[/url]
Convenience stores sell them with weird sayings, but a lot of souvenir shops sell them too. They now make ones that fold flat, and hopefully I can find some that have on them the name of a place or attraction nearby.

Adventure of the Seas 9/21/03 - wish I was still there!!!

[justcruzin85374]

My best advice is to take half the clothing planned and double the money!

Our next cruise I'm taking 2 over the door hooks, (for the outstide of the closet doors) so I can hang my dress/outfit or suit on. I find the hooks that are in the cabin are not very convenient when dressing, especially on formal nights.

Soveriegn 92 E. Caribbean
Majesty 95 W. Caribbean
Granduer 97 E. Caribbean
Rhapsody 00 Mexico
Vision 02 Alaska
Radiance 03 Panama Canal
Brilliance 3/29/04



Radiance of the Seas/Panama Canal 10/18/2003
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;10;18;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img] Are we there yet?
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;10;18;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

My bags are always packed!
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;3;29;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] Brilliance 3/29/2004

[CathyG]

A zip lock bag to put hubbies change, money clip, etc. in while going thru security at airport.

[lindalu62]

THE most valuable item I packed by far---a large plastic insulated mug with a top!! Fill with free lemonade and tea, and juice at meals/breakfast in the buffet area, and drink cold, free drinks all day! May want to add a shot of vodka to the lemonade or juice for a refreshing beverage around the pool, etc.!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[sscruising]

You really do not need to bring anything to clean out the souvenir glasses. Just bring your dirty one to any bar that sells the drinks and ask for a clean one in trade and they will give it to you.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hardingk:
How about those Palmolive dish wipes for washing out those souviner glasses?

Otherwise, we always bring a highlighter, post-its, tums, sinus meds, travel alarm clock, extra batteries, magnet for our cc door sign.

___________________________
RCL~Navigator 8/2003, Majesty 7/2003, Radiance 4/2003, Monarch 8/2002, Nordic Empress 8/2001
Celebrity~Century 7/2001 & 7/1998, Horizon 7/1991

Future Cruises:
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=1513051247&p=3"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=1513051247&p=3[/url]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=3883087867"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=3883087867[/url]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=2413078377&r=7333062777#7333062777"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=2413078377&r=7333062777#7333062777[/url]
[url="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;7;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-1000"]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;7;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/url]
Till Hawaii on the Legend of the Seas!

[url="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500"]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/url]
Till Belize on the Enchantment of the Seas!

[url="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;1;14;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500"]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;1;14;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/url]
Till the Panama Canal on Brilliance of the Seas!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[DedeM]

As a newbie, I'm not sure I understand why you'd need return address labels. They give you labels in your travel documents that you are supposed to put on your suitcases.

What do you do with address labels?

Navigator of the Seas 5/1/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;1;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[Robinob]

I always bring a lanyard for the sea pass.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;7;16;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Until my next cruise.

[jkrislc]

It all depends on the person, but some preprint address labels for postcards they plan to send. Others bring labels with their own address so that they can label everything in case it gets misplaced (e.g., film, cameras, mugs, etc.).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DedeM:
As a newbie, I'm not sure I understand why you'd need return address labels. They give you labels in your travel documents that you are supposed to put on your suitcases.

What do you do with address labels?

Navigator of the Seas 5/1/04
[url="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;1;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>"]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;1;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>[/url]

KLC
UPCOMING CRUISES:
---------------------
MONARCH OF THE SEAS (04/04)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;4;16;17;30;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
PRIDE OF ???????-HAWAII (01/05)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2005;01;2;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]

PREVIOUS CRUISES
-------------------------
RCI's Monarch of the Seas (01/04)
Star Princess (6/03)
RCI's Rhapsody of the Seas (4/01)
Carnival's Ecstasy (6/96)
RCI's Viking Serenade (1/94)

[mconthehighseas]

Some people give the address labels to the new friends they make. You don't have to put down your drink to find a pen that way.
[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Counting down to the Rhapsody OTS - 12/05/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;12;5;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[DedeM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mconthehighseas:
Some people give the address labels to the new friends they make. You don't have to put down your drink to find a pen that way.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh see? That makes sense to me LOL!

thank you, and thank you too jlkrislc [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Navigator of the Seas 5/1/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;1;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[holomuku]

For those of us on medications-

always carry a list of what you take (names and doses) in a bag that does not have your meds in it. If you should become separated for some reason [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] you can get your meds replaced for short term.

and this, unfortunately, comes from the voice of experience....I now have copies of the list in my wallet, my passport case and in my suitcase. I figure I'll have one of them available!

[madforcruising]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DedeM:
As a newbie, I'm not sure I understand why you'd need return address labels. They give you labels in your travel documents that you are supposed to put on your suitcases.

What do you do with address labels?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The luggage tags you get with your docs are for embarkation you can´t use them for debarkation. You get the ones for debarktion onboard. If you leave your luggage tags from embarkation on your luggage it may take a back to back without you [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

First pics of the undocking of the Jewel of the Seas:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/125049819TVWuuS"]http://community.webshots.com/album/125049819TVWuuS[/url]

Jewel of the Seas left Meyerwerft Shipyard
See Photos of River Ems passage
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/131001309cIkOdH"]http://community.webshots.com/album/131001309cIkOdH[/url]
Jewel of the Seas - 05/28/04 Scandinavia / Russia / Baltic
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;05;28;7;20;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

Jewel of the Seas - 09/28/04 Canada / New England
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;09;28;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]


09/2003 - Legend of the Seas Hawaii
06/2003 - Norwegian Dawn Florida and Bahamas
2002 - MS Columbus - Cruise to nowhere
2001 - Grandeur of the Seas Mediterranean and Transatlantic
2000 - Splendour of the Seas Transatlantic
2000 - Viking Star on the Danube River
1999 - Vision of the Seas Panamacanal cruise
1998 - Vision of the Seas Transatlantic
1997 - Crystal Symphonie to Mexican Riviera
1996 - Delta Queen on the Mississippi
1995 - Legend of the Seas to Alaska

[mconthehighseas]

Madforcruising - I'm not totally sure what you mean.
I thought people were talking about the stick-on address labels that you get in the mail to use for return addresses.
If you are suggesting that you use them on the departure tags you get to leave the ship, that's a good idea. (That way you don't have to worry about people reading your writing.)

But do you mean something else?

Counting down to the Rhapsody OTS - 12/05/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;12;5;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[beachchick]

To add to holomuku's excellent suggestion, bring a CURRENT, SIGNED (by your doctor on office letterhead) prescription medication list, especially if you are leaving the US. Many meds are controlled by different countries in different ways. You need to be able to PROVE that this is your current medication and that it is a legal prescription. We always take the originals and have an extra copy in a separate bag just in case. (Frankly, I'd rather not have to travel with any meds at all, but it's the only way we can travel so we try to deal with it safely.)

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]beachchick

[Sheffie]

Regarding the address stickers: I also put them on my "throw-away" cameras. If I happen to lay one down on the ship, it will be easy for the people at the lost and found desk to return it to me. Those stickers are also great to take with you when you have your film developed when you get back home. Just put one on each envelope and you will only have to fill out the date and phone number. Can save a LOT of time!

[madforcruising]

mconthehighseas

Yes that´s exact what I meant. I put those labels on the debarkation tags.

First pics of the undocking of the Jewel of the Seas:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/125049819TVWuuS"]http://community.webshots.com/album/125049819TVWuuS[/url]

Jewel of the Seas left Meyerwerft Shipyard
See Photos of River Ems passage
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/131001309cIkOdH"]http://community.webshots.com/album/131001309cIkOdH[/url]
Jewel of the Seas - 05/28/04 Scandinavia / Russia / Baltic
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;05;28;7;20;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

Jewel of the Seas - 09/28/04 Canada / New England
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;09;28;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]


09/2003 - Legend of the Seas Hawaii
06/2003 - Norwegian Dawn Florida and Bahamas
2002 - MS Columbus - Cruise to nowhere
2001 - Grandeur of the Seas Mediterranean and Transatlantic
2000 - Splendour of the Seas Transatlantic
2000 - Viking Star on the Danube River
1999 - Vision of the Seas Panamacanal cruise
1998 - Vision of the Seas Transatlantic
1997 - Crystal Symphonie to Mexican Riviera
1996 - Delta Queen on the Mississippi
1995 - Legend of the Seas to Alaska

[mconthehighseas]

mad4cruising - thanks for clearing that up. I figured that if I was a little confused, someone else might be as well.

I am amazed that we are still getting more excellent ideas every day on this thread.

Counting down to the Rhapsody OTS - 12/05/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;12;5;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[Petunia]

I made sure I got dry cleaner bags to put items that would wrinkle in while packing. Believe it or not, it worked great. Also, pack you bathing suit in your carry on in case your luggage is delayed and you want to use the hot tub/pool. We had a time of 2:00 p.m. for check-in on our documents and found out on the boards we could go earlier. We were on board and eating lunch at 12:00. Also, your own hairdryer. My hair is thick (shoulder length) and the ships would cut out when it got too hot. Getting ready at the last minute wouldn't have worked. I wish I'd taken my own shampoo and conditioner too.