Ultimate Packing List for the Newbies....

[rookiecruiser2014]

3 weeks to go until our cruise and I keep revisiting this thread!

[nursemom2]

3 weeks to go until our cruise and I keep revisiting this thread!

 

I'm leaving in 3 weeks also, on a short 5 day cruise with my 2 oldest grandkids....I'm very excited as it's the first time I have cruised with children!:eek:

[cruzilove]

I was asked to share a list, so here is my list.

 

Besides the list and talking about my list below, I have also attached a file that you can print and save to help you.

 

It is never too early to start gathering things up. I have started with a few things and just add to it as time goes by. Besides the obvious clothing items here are a few things I just can’t leave home without.

 

First, we have a clear over the door shoe organizer. I say clear because you would want to be able to see inside each of the pockets. This we would hang on the back of the bathroom door and place all of your little items in it to keep your counters free of clutter. This idea was passed down to me from another fellow cruiser so I don’t take the credit for it but I certainly think it is a great idea. I got mine online from Finger Hut.

 

http://www.fingerhut.com/ProductGroup.aspx?offergroupxid=92929&cmCategoryID =search

 

One of the first things we do when we get in the cabin is wipe down all the door knobs, handles, phone and remote control with those Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. If you think about it, but the time you get in your cabin, another couple or family has been living in it for a week and has touched everything. The cabin has been cleaned but who knows if they wipe every little thing down. This is for my own piece of mind. So I would add that to your shopping list. I carry my Clorox Wipes in my purse because once I get to the cabin I do it right away as the luggage won't appear for a couple of hours.

 

Other things I bring:

 

Ø Zip-lock bags – different sizes for many different things

Ø Hangers – I think you can ask your room attendant for extra but I always bring mine own. The room attendant may not get the hangers to you fast enough because they are generally still delivering things to the cabins, introducing themself and then they have to go to the life boat drill.

Ø Clothes Pins

Ø Power Strip – not many outlets in the room.

Ø Extension Cord - I will run an extension cord if I need to.

Ø Alarm Clock – Some people just use their cell phones.

Ø Night Light – Cabin is dark, if you don’t use your cell phone for light then bring one.

Ø Bathroom Spray –

Ø Landyards – these are those things you wear around your neck and attach your Sea Pass card to it. Front desk will hole punch your card or bring your own hole puncher.

Ø Bar Soap – I like to bring my own instead of using the small bars they give.

Ø Portable Ipod Speakers- so you can enjoy your downloaded Caribbean music as you sail.

Ø Motion Sickness Medicine – if you think you need it, some you need a written RX.

Ø Prescriptions and Medicine – the over the counter, Tums, Imodium, Pepto Bismol, aspirin

Ø Sudafed, tooth ache gel, band-aids, mole skin, aloe vera lotion for sunburns

 

Ø Cell Phone charger – you will need to charge up before we get home!

Ø Extra Camera Memory Card - Last thing you want to do is run out of memory!!!

 

Ø Extra camera batteries or rechargeable batteries and charger.

Ø Small roll of duct tape – many uses. One is we tape our luggage tags on our cases of water, soda or whatever else we bring that we buy at the store before we go to port. Duct tape has many uses.

Ø Small spray bottle.. use this up by the pool to spray myself when it is hot

Ø Walkie Talkies- we always bring them, keep the volume low.. Traveling with large groups on a large ship we sometimes need to find someone. Or if you need to find your kids. Please note this can be disturbing to other travelers so we really keep the volume very low!

Ø Binoculars –

Ø Rum Runners –

Ø Hand sanitizers – small kind to put in pocket purse or clip on landyards

Ø Sports Bottles – We use these at the pool and around the ship for “special drinks”

Ø Snack Items We have cocktail parties in our cabins with our friends so we munch on snack or salty items. We buy these at the store before we go to the port.

o Ritz Crackers

o Cheese in Can

o Nuts

o Cookies

o Candy

o Plastic Glasses as the ones in the cabin are too small.

o Powdered Crystal Light – for our bottled water

 

Ø Small Rolling Ice Chest – We bring this to keep our drinks really cold in our room. The room attendant will fill it with ice daily for us. Got mine on ebay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/52-Can-Collapsible-Rolling-Cooler-Orange-Grey-W-Tags_W0QQitemZ140292469301QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item140292469301&_trksid=p3286. c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39 %3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

Ø Suitcase Scale – We bring one of those luggage weight scales to we can make sure we are within our weight limits as we fly.

 

v We bring lots of one dollar bills for tipping.

v We tie bright colored ribbon on our suitcases to help us identify them.

v Bungee Cord - Brought a bungee cord to secure a door that we wanted to keep open from banging. We once had all of our cabins next to each other and had the doors to the balconies opened up all the way. Our door kept banging.. so this helped it to stop.

 

They say that the cabins have hair dryers and robes in (some) them. AND get some water (aqua) shoes for going on shore, you will want them in the water. I think this is about all I have unless I forgot something. And I know that if you pack your clothes in dry cleaner bags that they will not wrinkle. Tips for packing: http://www.fodors.com/news/story_1449.html

 

Besides the copies of the passports I also call our credit card companies and give them the dates we will be traveling so they will not lock down our account thinking the card was stolen. If they tried to call us, we would not be home to answer the phone!! Sooooooo call your credit card companies and let them know.

 

Here is my packing list you can print....

[ATTACH]117538[/ATTACH]

 

Here is my review...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=985034

 

and FINALLY....

 

Don't go on your cruise without hearing from the CRUISE DIVA... I find all my best stuff here!!!

 

On the web you search for "cruisediva dot com".

 

Wow..you bring everything but the kitchen sink......my philosophy is a bit different....K.I.S.S.:D

[Whimsy88]

I didn't read all 32 pages of this post so I may be duplicating, but one of the smartest thing I ever saw on a post was to write down your name, a contact phone #, and your cruise info (ship, sailing date & cabin number) on a piece of paper and take a picture of it on the camera you will be taking. If you lose the camera, you have a slightly better chance of getting it back because the first picture if someone scrolls through is your info.

 

I also strongly 2nd the various sizes of ziplocs - handy for everything!

[nursepixie]

I didn't read all 32 pages of this post so I may be duplicating, but one of the smartest thing I ever saw on a post was to write down your name, a contact phone #, and your cruise info (ship, sailing date & cabin number) on a piece of paper and take a picture of it on the camera you will be taking. If you lose the camera, you have a slightly better chance of getting it back because the first picture if someone scrolls through is your info.

 

 

 

I also strongly 2nd the various sizes of ziplocs - handy for everything!

 

 

Great idea!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[tickford]

Great blog nursemom2, I like your way of thinking re packing.

 

For our first cruise I was overwhelmed when I started reading this forum and what others thought would be needed for a cruise. I took stuff I never needed. 2nd cruise had it all worked out, now for the 3rd one coming up it will be easier again but I will go and read some of the later posts here for other hints.

[alibabacruisers]

Just love reading these kind of threads on CC!

 

Karan, I love that red jacket you were wearing! Can you tell me where you got it or what brand it is?

[nursemom2]

Just love reading these kind of threads on CC!

 

Karan, I love that red jacket you were wearing! Can you tell me where you got it or what brand it is?

 

That Jacket is from Chico's, and I've had it for several years! It is one of the most versatile pieces I own.....and goes with me everywhere! I'm glad you like it too.:)

[cvskult]

Well that's just great for you. But you have made a rather sweeping generalization. Perhaps more accurate to say that YOU are over packed if your combined luggage weighs over 35 lbs.

 

Some people relish the ability to pack minimally. Others prefer the security of packing for eventualities. Some vacations (to cool destinations) require heavier and bulkier items. IMHO there is no single RIGHT way to pack that will suit everyone.

 

Is it possible to pack lightly? Of course. I once spent 3 weeks in Germany in March with only a carry on suitcase. Is it necessary or even desirable in all cases? I would suggest not.

 

 

If it fits in the suitcase your paying for anyway what's the harm in packing it

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic app

[TRTLBAY]

I love lists! They help me feel like I am somewhat organized. Thank you to everyone who have posted some very interesting ideas. I now have a little kit that includes duct tape, small scissors, zip ties, zip lock bags, wine opener, safety pins, hi-lighter bungee cord and a few other things I am sure.... I have used everything in my kit at one time or another. Airline broke zipper pull off last cruise and I was prepared! One thing that I like to do is bring my "list" with me. Sometimes I jot down a thing or two that maybe I wished I had brought with me, other times I cross off the things I brought and didn't need at all. This helps me with future packing lists.

[alibabacruisers]

That Jacket is from Chico's, and I've had it for several years! It is one of the most versatile pieces I own.....and goes with me everywhere! I'm glad you like it too.:)

 

Thanks for that Karen! It is so hard for me to find a versatile piece that I can pair with other things but this looks like my first good pick. Going now to try and find it!;)

[Lutèce]

Can you really get all that stuff into a suitcase? Tell me how? Or are you not flying into your departure port?

[celereflect]

Glad to find out so many interesting packing ideas on this forum. [emoji2]

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[Traveller20074]

We were on NCL Dawn in March - and our ice bucket was filled twice daily. We had plenty of hangers as well. Because we had to pay per bag on American, we tried not to take too many things with us. The clothes pins came in very handy - I used them when we dried clothing on the balcony and to keep our towels from flipping over on the lounges at the pool. I know that some people bring their own soft drinks, but I would never consider packing them in a suitcase. Wiping things down with Chlorox wipes is a great idea.

 

ebay has wipes with hypoclorite (bleach I think).

 

taking a package with me, since the original pack is so big, I'll put some in ziplics. they're hospital type. These kill noro and flu viruses. And, some other bugs.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Traveller20074

[katrocity1]

What are the best shoes for kids on board the ship? Planning on them bringing sneakers, crocks, flip flops and black shoes for formal nights. Does that sound ok? Are crocs ok on ship?

 

Thanks

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Alysky]

My husband brings crocs but I find they can be slippery on the dock and inside when wet. I am almost always in flip flops and even those can be slippery at times if wet. I think what you are planning should be good.

 

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

[Flatbush Flyer]

My husband brings crocs but I find they can be slippery on the dock and inside when wet. I am almost always in flip flops and even those can be slippery at times if wet. I think what you are planning should be good.

 

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

 

 

The best shoes for deck and dock surfaces, which may often be wet, are deck and boat shoes such as sperry topsiders or sebago docksiders. Both have non-skid soles and are offered in a variety of styles that could double for day and evening wear. You can look at many examples online at West Marine or Zappos. There are also sneakers made for competitive sailing but the prices can be a bit much for a casual cruiser.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[nursemom2]

Can you really get all that stuff into a suitcase? Tell me how? Or are you not flying into your departure port?

Yes, everything is lightweight, non wrinkle material, and It all fits into a large suitcase that weighs only 7 pounds.

[Lutèce]

I actually meant the very first post! I would be very interested to know how you can get a rolling ice-chest on to an international flight:D

[Flatbush Flyer]

I actually meant the very first post! I would be very interested to know how you can get a rolling ice-chest on to an international flight:D

 

 

The key word in the OP was "collapsible" (as in you can fold it up to about the size of its hard wheeled base and several inches thick). We used to have one for grocery shopping. It could hold a couple of six packs of cans or a few items needing refrigeration in transit plus ice.

However, IMHO this really is a waste of luggage space and weight. Hopefully, you're not intending to load an ice chest with bottled water. Desalinated/purified ship tap water is VERY pure.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[sapete]

I was asked to share a list, so here is my list.

 

Besides the list and talking about my list below, I have also attached a file that you can print and save to help you.

 

It is never too early to start gathering things up. I have started with a few things and just add to it as time goes by. Besides the obvious clothing items here are a few things I just can’t leave home without.

 

First, we have a clear over the door shoe organizer. I say clear because you would want to be able to see inside each of the pockets. This we would hang on the back of the bathroom door and place all of your little items in it to keep your counters free of clutter. This idea was passed down to me from another fellow cruiser so I don’t take the credit for it but I certainly think it is a great idea. I got mine online from Finger Hut.

 

http://www.fingerhut.com/ProductGroup.aspx?offergroupxid=92929&cmCategoryID =search

 

One of the first things we do when we get in the cabin is wipe down all the door knobs, handles, phone and remote control with those Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. If you think about it, but the time you get in your cabin, another couple or family has been living in it for a week and has touched everything. The cabin has been cleaned but who knows if they wipe every little thing down. This is for my own piece of mind. So I would add that to your shopping list. I carry my Clorox Wipes in my purse because once I get to the cabin I do it right away as the luggage won't appear for a couple of hours.

 

Other things I bring:

 

Ø Zip-lock bags – different sizes for many different things

Ø Hangers – I think you can ask your room attendant for extra but I always bring mine own. The room attendant may not get the hangers to you fast enough because they are generally still delivering things to the cabins, introducing themself and then they have to go to the life boat drill.

Ø Clothes Pins

Ø Power Strip – not many outlets in the room.

Ø Extension Cord - I will run an extension cord if I need to.

Ø Alarm Clock – Some people just use their cell phones.

Ø Night Light – Cabin is dark, if you don’t use your cell phone for light then bring one.

Ø Bathroom Spray –

Ø Landyards – these are those things you wear around your neck and attach your Sea Pass card to it. Front desk will hole punch your card or bring your own hole puncher.

Ø Bar Soap – I like to bring my own instead of using the small bars they give.

Ø Portable Ipod Speakers- so you can enjoy your downloaded Caribbean music as you sail.

Ø Motion Sickness Medicine – if you think you need it, some you need a written RX.

Ø Prescriptions and Medicine – the over the counter, Tums, Imodium, Pepto Bismol, aspirin

Ø Sudafed, tooth ache gel, band-aids, mole skin, aloe vera lotion for sunburns

 

Ø Cell Phone charger – you will need to charge up before we get home!

Ø Extra Camera Memory Card - Last thing you want to do is run out of memory!!!

 

Ø Extra camera batteries or rechargeable batteries and charger.

Ø Small roll of duct tape – many uses. One is we tape our luggage tags on our cases of water, soda or whatever else we bring that we buy at the store before we go to port. Duct tape has many uses.

Ø Small spray bottle.. use this up by the pool to spray myself when it is hot

Ø Walkie Talkies- we always bring them, keep the volume low.. Traveling with large groups on a large ship we sometimes need to find someone. Or if you need to find your kids. Please note this can be disturbing to other travelers so we really keep the volume very low!

Ø Binoculars –

Ø Rum Runners –

Ø Hand sanitizers – small kind to put in pocket purse or clip on landyards

Ø Sports Bottles – We use these at the pool and around the ship for “special drinks”

Ø Snack Items We have cocktail parties in our cabins with our friends so we munch on snack or salty items. We buy these at the store before we go to the port.

o Ritz Crackers

o Cheese in Can

o Nuts

o Cookies

o Candy

o Plastic Glasses as the ones in the cabin are too small.

o Powdered Crystal Light – for our bottled water

 

Ø Small Rolling Ice Chest – We bring this to keep our drinks really cold in our room. The room attendant will fill it with ice daily for us. Got mine on ebay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/52-Can-Collapsible-Rolling-Cooler-Orange-Grey-W-Tags_W0QQitemZ140292469301QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item140292469301&_trksid=p3286. c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39 %3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

Ø Suitcase Scale – We bring one of those luggage weight scales to we can make sure we are within our weight limits as we fly.

 

v We bring lots of one dollar bills for tipping.

v We tie bright colored ribbon on our suitcases to help us identify them.

v Bungee Cord - Brought a bungee cord to secure a door that we wanted to keep open from banging. We once had all of our cabins next to each other and had the doors to the balconies opened up all the way. Our door kept banging.. so this helped it to stop.

 

They say that the cabins have hair dryers and robes in (some) them. AND get some water (aqua) shoes for going on shore, you will want them in the water. I think this is about all I have unless I forgot something. And I know that if you pack your clothes in dry cleaner bags that they will not wrinkle. Tips for packing: http://www.fodors.com/news/story_1449.html

 

Besides the copies of the passports I also call our credit card companies and give them the dates we will be traveling so they will not lock down our account thinking the card was stolen. If they tried to call us, we would not be home to answer the phone!! Sooooooo call your credit card companies and let them know.

 

Here is my packing list you can print....

[ATTACH]117538[/ATTACH]

 

Here is my review...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=985034

 

and FINALLY....

 

Don't go on your cruise without hearing from the CRUISE DIVA... I find all my best stuff here!!!

 

On the web you search for "cruisediva dot com".

 

 

 

The. Most. Ridiculous, List. I. Have. Seen!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Syrenitee]

 

But the over the door shoe holder.. that was the absolute bomb diggity... even my husband was able to find things on his own.. that's a plus right there!!!

 

 

Husband can find things on his own???? SOLD!!!! You should've started with that...lol on my way to the store to grab one now!

 

 

:D

[dancinman66]

Husband can find things on his own???? SOLD!!!! You should've started with that...lol on my way to the store to grab one now!

 

 

:D

 

 

So agree

A must for any cruise but especially for long ones

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[angelheartkac03]

Following

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[websiteauthor]

Wow..you bring everything but the kitchen sink......my philosophy is a bit different....K.I.S.S.:D

 

I'm ashamed to admit I probably have that many things just in my camera bag!

 

:D