Packing list

[vizzle]

Is there a link to a "model" packing list here. Or do you have one to suggest?

[3boysvus]

Ha:) ng on Vizzle,

You will get some very complete packing lists...some of these folks have it down to an artform.

[vizzle]

Awesome thanks!

[masdolphin]

This is packing and tips for cruising:

 

Secrets and Tips-

 

-Make sure that your bank and credit card company are aware that you will be out of the country. They will note it on your account so you won't be flagged for fraudulent activity.

 

-If you need postcards go to the pursers desk.......they have ones with the picture of the ship for free.

 

-The pursers desk will carry stamps of the different countries that you are going to.

 

-You can get a free deck of cards at the pursers desk.

 

-If you need asprin, seasick pills or a variety of general medications, check the "O"deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There are free samples for the taking in individual packets. There is also a scale in case you need to weigh your suitcase or yourself.

 

-You can also go to the pursers desk for seasick pills.

 

-In the casino, they will give you a lanyard as well as punch a hole in your S&S card for you. (Some people carry their S&S card around their neck on a lanyard.)

 

-The library has a supply of crossword puzzles (a different one each day) and a sheet of trivia questions(one for each day) On some ships they set these our each day but on others you have to ask for them.

 

-The couch in your cabin has drawers built in underneath.

 

-There is lots of room under the bed to store all your suitcases so you don't have to have them out taking up room.

 

-You can call Carnival's Bon Voyage Department and pre-order alcohol to be delivered to your cabin. You can order bottles of hard liquor so that you can make your own drinks in your room. You can't order online. You must call to set this up. It is a bit pricey but worth it and actually cheaper than buying it by the drink.

 

-If you have a fridge in your cabin you can ask your room steward to remove the mini bar stuff that is in it and use it for your own stuff. Or just let him know that you are going to do it yourself so you do not get charged by accident for it

 

-There are steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs in the SPA and they are free to use by all guests.

 

-There are showers in the SPA also. They are multiple head showers like being in a rain forest. Very cool. Good place to take a shower if you have multiple people in your cabin trying to get ready for formal night.

 

-Make your reservations ASAP for the alternative dining room as they have limited space and reservations go fast.

 

-Go to the dining room as soon as you get on board and check out your table. If you are not happy with your table or dining time speak to the Maitre D and if it is possible he will help you get what you want.

 

-You can bring a reasonable amount of wine, soda and bottled water on board.

 

-You can set automated wake-up calls for yourself on your cabin phone.

 

-At the Captain's cocktail party or at the past guest party instead of drinking the drinks the waitress walks around with you can ask her for whatever you want or just go up to the bar in the room the party is in. IT IS STILL FREE!!!

 

-You can order as many entrees as you want in the dining room.

 

-Any pasta dish on the main entree section of the menu is also available as an appetizer.

 

-In the dining room when they bring out the dessert menu ask to see a childrens menu. They have great things like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes

etc. etc.

 

-Cappuccino and Espresso are free in the dining room.

 

-Children under 12 can get soda with their dinner for free in the dining room.

 

-You can see the menu for the dining room on your tv so you can see if you like that day's selections.

 

-You can buy buckets of beer.

 

-You can order a whole pizza at the pizza stand with whatever toppings you want. It takes about 10 minutes but its worth it.

 

-The pizza place makes a great ceaser salad. They make great calzones also. You have to wait while they make them........about 10 minutes but they are great.

 

-There are usually two grill areas open on the deck. (One near each pool area) One of them only serves hot dogs and hamburgers. The other one does the hot dogs and the hamburgers but they also serve grilled chicken breast sandwiches and minute steak sandwiches.

 

-There is 24 hour soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt. Make sure you check your Capers to find out what days there are sundae toppings.

 

-Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, OJ, Milk and Lemonade are free!!!!!!!!!

 

-If you want orange juice any time remember the exact place you got it during breakfast time. All they do is remove the label, making you think there is no OJ.

 

-You can make your own drinks with the stuff they have on the Lido. You can mix ice cream and hot chocolate together for a cool, creamy drink.

Get crushed ice, coffee and ice cream for a good coffee drink.

 

-If you have the souvernier glass you can order any frozen drink as a refill not just the drink of the day.They do charge you the price of the other frozen drink you ordered but you get it in the bigger glass.

 

-On formal nights get your pictures at all of the "settings." You do not have to buy them all and that way you will have choices and get to pick out a few that you really love.

 

-Room service is free but you should always tip the person who brings your food.

 

-The gold and silver that they sell by the inch are plated not solid.

 

-If you forget to pack anything (ex. toothpaste) ask your room steward if they have any sample sizes. They usually do.

 

-You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

 

-You can ask your room steward for the book that is in your cabin that is about the ship.

 

-Don't be a chair hog

 

-Don't sit in the balcony when attending the shore/shopping talks, they give stuff away and it rarely makes it past the first 15 rows of the main area.

 

-If you like to check your email, most ships now have wireless and you can bring your laptop. Compose email in notepad before you connect to save money. At 75 cents a minute you don't want to be writing letters online. Alternatively, all ports will have an internet cafe somewhere near the dock with rates like 3 dollars for 30 minutes. You can do your leisure surfing there.

 

-Bring a bungee cord so you can keep your balcony door open.

 

-On some ships the balcony door frame has a button on the inside of the door frame. When you leave your balcony door open, the air conditioner in your room will not work while the door is open. Simply put a small refridgerator magnet over the button and your air will continue to run while the door is open.

 

-Do not book shore excursions through the cruise line. Do a little homework before you go and book your excursions directly. Cruise Critic Boards and an excellent source of information and many excursion companies live or die based of cruise critic reviews.

 

-If you have early embarkation to the ship (before the cabins are ready) proceed directly to the lido deck for a buffet lunch.

 

-Cross pack everyone's clothes that way if a piece of luggage gets lost everyone will still have clothes to wear.

 

-Bring your bathing suit and a change of clothes in your carry on. Sometimes it takes a while for you to get the rest of your luggage. Some people just wear their bathing suit under their clothes so they can enjoy the pool and hot tubs as soon as they get on the ship.

 

-If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table- there are NO QUEENS in the deck.

 

 

-When the ship is in port you can always come back on the ship to drop off packages, get changed or have dinner on board and you can leave the ship again. Just remember to be back a half hour before the ship leaves.

 

-Look for specials in the spa on port days. There is also happy hour at the bars on port days.

 

-When the lights start to dim in the dining room this means entertainment is coming. Make sure you have your camera ready.

 

-There is a Bingo game every day. They are large bingo pots. Usually its just one game. $500 one day. $600 another day, 1$1,000 another day and even a 7 day free cruise for two.

 

-Carry off your own bags at debarkation to save time and prevent potential loss of luggage.

 

-Make copies of your passport.

 

-Carnival sells Coke products. If you want another brand (ex Pepsi) bring your own.

 

-Bring a sweater the dining room gets cold.

 

-Put down a towel on a balcony chair if you are wearing white. There is a light layer of soot and it shows on white clothing.

 

-Cat 11 or higher have tubs.

 

 

Must Brings-

-Over the door shoe holder.(organize your bathroom stuff, sunblock, sunglasses, camera etc.etc.etc

 

-Duct tape- Many uses for this from fixing a broken suitcase to taping the drawers closed when there is bad weather.

 

-Cell phone and camera charger.

 

-Highlighter so you can highlight the interesting things to do in the Capers.

 

-Extension cord because there are limited outlets in the cabin.

 

-Hot/Cold cup with a lid. That way you don't have to keep refilling up their little cups with lemonade, juice, coffee or ice tea.

-Zip lock bags. Good for packing wet bathing suits in for the flight or ride home. Many other uses for them as well. You can also store food in the zip lock bags. You can order room service in advance, pack the sandwiches, cookies etc in the zip lock bags. Take it with you when you off the ship, great if you have kids or on a tight budget.

 

-Extra hangers

 

-Bungee cord

 

-Magnet

 

-Downy wrinkle release

 

-Sunscreen

 

-Sunglasses

 

-Extra batteries

 

-Travel First Aid Kit

 

-Post it notes

 

-One dollar bills for tipping

 

-Nightlight

 

-Extra bathing suit so you don't have to put on a wet suit

 

-cheap plastic watch

 

-sea sick medication, advil, pepto etc.....

 

-beach shoes

 

-clothes pins

 

-frabreeze

 

-travel steamer- Irons are not allowed on board (Some carry travel irons without a problem)

 

-disposable water camera

 

-hat

 

 

[jayscore]

One piece of advice I believe in is this: Look at all the stuff you want to pack, then cut that amount in half! You would be amazed at how much you DON'T really need!;)

[*Sass*]

I found this one a couple of weeks ago at cruisediva dot com /print and she also has one for men too. I don't know how good it is.

[Gayle V]

Also try Calgon's lists. They are very extensive, and he also has a great cruise preparation timeline.

 

http://www.geocities.com/calgon1/

 

The link to the lists is at the bottom of the page, so you need to scroll down.

 

I can also direct you to another very good list and tips page, but can't post that here, so e-mail me if you're interested.

 

gayle-eeyore@hotmail.com

[vizzle]

Thanks guys, I love how helpful this place is!~