Tell me how you get ready, since I'm CLUELESS!

[falkcor]

also, other items i didn't see mentioned yet:

 

1) post it notes - great to leave notes to room steward or others in your party

 

2) plenty (i brought 50) $1 bills, and plenty of other smaller change bills - $5's, $10's, etc. i'd start out planning for at least $100 in small bills - at least 50 of those $1 - needed for tipping people... well, EVERYWHERE you go :D

 

3) one you don't have to pack - but pick up a deck plan from the purser's office

 

4) visit the casino for a free lanyard. they, or the purser, can punch a hole in your S&S card, if you want. otherwise... just a free lanyard lol (i do NOT wear a lanyard around my neck - i just take all the cards, etc. out of my wallet, and carry it with the cash (small bills)

[falkcor]

Falkcor you must be reading my mind 'cuz I sent you an email earlier asking for your help since you are the cruise authority!

 

BTW, you missed one heck of a birthday party! :D

 

lol, yes, i'm psychic :cool:

 

i don't check my email much. just work email, because, well, i have to :(

 

glad to hear it was a good party! ps, my birthday was yesterday :D

[ksatte03]

lol, yes, i'm psychic :cool:

 

i don't check my email much. just work email, because, well, i have to :(

 

glad to hear it was a good party! ps, my birthday was yesterday :D

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Geminis are so cool aren't we? :D

Now go check your dang email and answer my questions!!!! :mad: LOL

[falkcor]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Geminis are so cool aren't we? :D

Now go check your dang email and answer my questions!!!! :mad: LOL

 

thank you, and dang right. and i did. here's my 'only essentials' packing list:

 

here's what i'd advise:

 

1) a nightlight for the bathroom - you can plug it into the outlet that says 'shavers only' - i don't know why they put that sign there, but my room steward said it's fine

 

2) a highlighter, for capers

 

3) post-it notes, for messages to steward or members of your party

 

4) zip ties, for luggage left in the hall (though i prefer to self disembark and bring my bags with me)

 

5) depending on ship, a 1->3 adapter or power strip - this really depends on how much you need to plug in. personally, i'm fine with 2 places to plug in (even if just 1 outlet)

 

6) i don't pack a first aid kit. if and when i need something, i'm willing to buy from the infirmary or ship stores. i'd spend more pre-buying (and not using) these things, than buying what i need on ship (and i DID need a bandaid, once. oh boy, 4.00 for a pack of band-aids - yeah, more $, but so what)

 

7) cash. bring a lot of small bills for tipping. 1s, 5s, 10s. bring a LOT of 1s for little tips around the ship. i brought $200 of small bills, and ended up cashing 20's for smaller bills, but i tip a lot proportionally - including for bar drinks, for the piano player, etc.

 

8) ziplock bags. they're just plain useful. for storing room service food on ice, keeping things dry in the water, or just organizing things like receipts or souvenirs / small items.

 

that's it.

 

no over the door shoe organizer thingy required

[ksatte03]

thank you, and dang right. and i did. here's my 'only essentials' packing list:

 

here's what i'd advise:

 

1) a nightlight for the bathroom - you can plug it into the outlet that says 'shavers only' - i don't know why they put that sign there, but my room steward said it's fine

 

2) a highlighter, for capers

 

3) post-it notes, for messages to steward or members of your party

 

4) zip ties, for luggage left in the hall (though i prefer to self disembark and bring my bags with me)

 

5) depending on ship, a 1->3 adapter or power strip - this really depends on how much you need to plug in. personally, i'm fine with 2 places to plug in (even if just 1 outlet)

 

6) i don't pack a first aid kit. if and when i need something, i'm willing to buy from the infirmary or ship stores. i'd spend more pre-buying (and not using) these things, than buying what i need on ship (and i DID need a bandaid, once. oh boy, 4.00 for a pack of band-aids - yeah, more $, but so what)

 

7) cash. bring a lot of small bills for tipping. 1s, 5s, 10s. bring a LOT of 1s for little tips around the ship. i brought $200 of small bills, and ended up cashing 20's for smaller bills, but i tip a lot proportionally - including for bar drinks, for the piano player, etc.

 

8) ziplock bags. they're just plain useful. for storing room service food on ice, keeping things dry in the water, or just organizing things like receipts or souvenirs / small items.

 

that's it.

 

no over the door shoe organizer thingy required

 

PERFECT! You probably just saved me a bunch of $$$

Now if you can fix my ipod I dropped in the pool yesterday I will be forever indebted to you:D

[falkcor]

that's it.

 

i thought i'd just clarify for anyone who might otherwise question...

 

yes, i do bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. - the format of that list is just things on top of, whatever i'd bring... anywhere else when traveling. i think everybody knows, and does bring, the standard hygiene / essential type things, so not worth mentioning.

[BethyAnn]

Just off my first cruise so I feel your pain LOL!

Some might say to get the lanyard for your s/s card but I picked up some wrist things that some use for keys and it was FAB I loved it and just always knew where it was! Prefer over have it hanging around my neck and getting in the way.

Also if you plan on any water excursions consider a waterproof camera. We payed a small fortune for ours on the boat.

Small light scented body spray (travel size) like bath body works for the potty room.

This may sound dumb but here it goes. I happened to have a small pocketsize spiral notebook in my purse and was sooooooo glad. I used it to collect email addy's from all my new friends especially those at the dinner table.

 

Last but not least take what YOU think you'll need and LEAVE your worries at home!!!!!!

 

 

HUGS have a blast!

[TnMama]

To the OP, woooo hoooo for your first cruise!!! and its so close!!!

 

I keep a travel bag of toiletries packed, b/c we never know when we're going to hop in the car and go.So I plan to take that!

 

I asked a friend who has been on Oh So many cruises what was one MUST have item he always took. He said the power strip.The one,Im sure you already have at home with your TV and DVD player already plugged into it.I asked about a sound machine for white noise,as I take mine with me,or even a small fan.He suggested leaving the TV on on the bridge channel. Im going to take that advice,as well as the less is more approach.Im a huge over packer!!!

When you get back, tell us what you took and used,and what you took and didnt.It will help us novices!

HAVE A BALLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zqvol]

My first ever cruise leaves in 29 days!

 

Sooo, I need a checklist of things I need to do/buy in the next few weeks to be prepared. Any suggestions?

 

I already have my passport and funpass completed!

:DThanks!!!

 

Figure out what you would take on a regular vacation and you are good to go. Ignore the packing lists (like the one in post #4 above) because 90% of the people who cruise only use 10% of the stuff on the lists. After you are packed take out half the clothes and if you have more than four pairs of shoes all the extras. People tend to seriously overpack for their first cruise. When you have four or five completed you will get it down to a single suitcase plus one for snorkel gear if you take that with you.

[VABeach]

Wow. Reading the list of what to pack reminds me of my first cruise. :p

 

Funny, the more I cruise, the less I pack. You won't use half of stuff, and IF you do, you can find it SOMEWHERE, or just make do with out it.

 

First cruises are exciting. Even after widdling my luggage down to a small sized suitcase and a small shoulder bag, I still only use half of what I bring.

 

1) Your basic toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo you like, deoderant, make-up.

2) One pair dress shoes (black), one pair walking/pool/beach shoes.

3) Two pair of black slacks, one skirt, 7 cute glitzy tops for evening.

4) Three pair of shorts, two bathing suits, and a few t-shirts (will buy more on the islands , always do.)

5) Underware - a LOT. I take at least 3 showers a day!

6) Underwater Cameras, Digital Cameras.

7) Snorkle, sunscreen, hat if you need it, aloe vera and lotion for sunburn.

8) Vitamins (or meds if you take meds).

9) Cute costume jewelry that I don't mind getting lost or broken. (Who wants to walk around with expensive jewelry around all those VENDORS!)

10) Credit Cards, Cash, Passport, Travel Docs.....

... yep, that's ALL I take, and it still ends up being too much. :rolleyes:

 

Everything else, you will buy if you need it, including the "extra carry-on bag" which will have the cool name of the island that you were on when you bought it. ;)

 

You'll have a great time! Enjoy. ~

[VABeach]

.....Oh..... and I forgot the Liquid BandAid. :)

[WhansaMi]

A mistake I made on my first cruise -- get your bikini wax before you go. Since there was a salon/spa on-board, I thought I could get it done there. You can't.

[Geckophoto]

Defenite power cord with 3 outlets on it for charging Ipod and other accessories.

 

Bring some Oust spray for bathroom use. (LOL lots of food/eating & tiny bathroom, need I say more?) I mainly got it for the swine flu issue to spray down the room and it helped a lot. Thankfully our cabin wasn't close to the other one where people were seasick and it even smelled out in the hall but they kept cleaning, feel sorry for the next travelers in THAT room!

 

Maybe some extra clothes hangers...limited in the closets we had.

[Froufie]

My carry on 'tote' I take on the plane doubles as my 'beach bag' for excursions - saves packing one more thing! I also agree with the travel size toiletries - or another option is to bring your 'almost finished' favorite products from home (in original bottles in ziplock bags of course)- and when done just chuck the empty bottle and you have saved both space and weight for the trip home!

[clearwater10]

will add just a few things. bottled water and soda. i like to have it in the room or carry one to the pool. saves money. also, we take our bathing suits in our carry on so we can go straight to the pool as it will be awhile before you get your luggage. i have a little black wrist purse it isn't bigger then the size of a credit card. if i dont have pockets at night i use it for my card and lipstick. i also tend to bring way too many shoes. so if you lay out all your nighttime outfits, you can pick the one that you can wear with black or brown shoes instead of 6 different colored. shoes take up too much space. i always bring one extra dressy outfit incase something happens to one.we also take snacks for the room. nuts, candy, chips. we like to have something like this while we are getting ready for dinner, etc.

[ksatte03]

i thought i'd just clarify for anyone who might otherwise question...

 

yes, i do bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. - the format of that list is just things on top of, whatever i'd bring... anywhere else when traveling. i think everybody knows, and does bring, the standard hygiene / essential type things, so not worth mentioning.

 

I'm glad you clarified that because I was wondering :rolleyes:

[ksatte03]

A mistake I made on my first cruise -- get your bikini wax before you go. Since there was a salon/spa on-board, I thought I could get it done there. You can't.

 

Now that's a DEFINITE must!! :p

[PJames]

I got me a list here -- of what to bring.

It has all the stuff I've read from umpteen posters.

You'll need several suitcases and a (small) trunk.

 

It does, however, give you pause for thought.

[VABeach]

Maybe some extra clothes hangers...limited in the closets we had.

 

You can ask for extra hangers. No need to carry them with you.

[TrustNoOneKMC]

I have to ask, what is the calculator for?

 

And, I'm gonna get flamed, but here is my packing list (I take my own pillowcases and sheets because I am allergic to the industrial cleaners most places use.) I usually use almost everything except for the sewing kit and rubbing alcohol.

 

Birth Certificate Drivers Licence Credit Card Travlers Check ID Copies Itinerary E-Tickets Conf. Papers Conf. Numbers

Cash Small Bills (tips) Boarding Pass S S # Card Med ID Cards ATM Card Medicines Med RX Papers Dramamine

Doctor #s Tylenol/Bayer Dad's Meds Sugar Tester Band Aids Q-Tips Antiseptic Wipes Rubbing Alcohol Tweezers

Benadryl Stick Baking Soda Off - Bug Repellant Sunscreen Eye Drops Burn Gel Chapstick Vaseline Nail Clippers

Soap Washrags Swim Container Beach Towels Swim Shoes Goggles/Snorkel Sandals Phone Cards Sewing Kit/Scissors

Safety Pins Night-Light Tissues Hand Soap Nail File Brush / Comb Hair Accessories Scruncies Hairspray Gel Makeup

Shampoo Toothbrush Toothpaste Dental Floss Mints/Spray Razors Shaving Cream Alarm Clock Waterproof Watch

Travel Pillow Flashlight Plastic Bags Dry Containers Ziplock Baggies Rubber Bands Sheet Pillowcases Deodorant

Batteries Gameboy Walkie/Talkies MP3 Player Headphones Books Puzzle Magazine Dad Glasses / Case

Sunglasses Visor/Hat Cameras / Film Small Backpack Pen/Pencils Magazines Books Deck Plans Maps Cologne

Emergency Info Lint Roller Health Ins. Card Cell Phone/Plug Jewelry Tape/Duck Lanyard Waterproof Swim Container

Hanging Organizer Mesh Pop Up Hamper LRC Dice Game Clothes

 

 

TO DO:

Make 2 Copies of Drivers Licence & Birth Certificate

Flight & Cruise Papers confirmed

Contact Credit Card Company

Purchase Travler's checks & Copy numbers

Create Emergency ID Cards

Luggage tags - interior / exterior

[TrustNoOneKMC]

Oh yeah, and a passport! That's a new one for me!

[grandmato4]

No list of what to bring here:D but a list of what to do.

 

Make your packing list and then a list of what you need to go to the store and get for your cruise-BUT REALLY important to remember that if you don't already have it, NOT very likely you need it on your cruise either;) so your list shouldn't be very long !

 

Have you decided what you're doing in each port? Booked excursions with the crusieline or privately OR written out directions or stuff to do in port on your own? Research important here to make the most of your short time in ports !

 

Make a list of what to do that last week before the cruise. Things like call your credit card company to tell them you will be out of the country. Get and fill out a hold your mail card for the post office. Make a hair cut appointment.

 

Did you figure out how much cash to bring with you yet?

 

If you're taking your cell phone call your provider and see if you need to have internationing dialing (not the same thing as getting an international plan which you do NOT need) on your phone. Check out the charges so you know what to expect IF you use your phone while cruising.

 

Did you make plans yet for who's taking care of the dog? Or checking on the house at least once while you're gone?

 

I always make a "before I go out the door" list. Last thing I want to think about as I'm almost ready to leave is what do I have to remember ;) Last thing I do before going out the door to leave for my cruise is check off my "before I go out the door" list and I'm ready to go!!!! Things like turn computer off, turn heat down, feed cat, do I have my cruise doc, airline tickets, passport, and credit card? AFter ll thoe are the only things that are really important. 2 suitcases and one carryon in the car. There's always something that I forgot to do or take that I find on my list!:eek: On the other hand, if it wasn't on this last list it wasn't really important. I think you get the idea.

 

Because of weight limits on airplanes and wishing to limit my luggage I usually do a prepack sometime the week before the cruise to see how everythings gonna fit. MOST things just stay in the suitcases so much of my packing is done and the hanging clothes get hung all together so the last night all I have to do is take them out of the closet and put them in the suitcase. But don't forget the note to self to NOT forget the clothes hanging in the closet (did that once, but fortunately not on a cruise) I try not to take much of what I'm wearing at home those last few days so I don't have to worry too much about last minute washing and remembering to get those things into the suitcase. Any packing you can do ahead of time or at least getting things all in one place is a GOOD thing. I make DH come and pick out his clothes and shoes he's gonna take at this point too.

 

I always take a copy of the ships deck plans to look at when on the airplane when I have nothing better to do. The better feel for the ship before I board the easier it is to find our way around and then we get to laugh at everyone else that is totally lost.:eek:

 

Remember to not stress too much. You only REALLY need your cruise docs, airline info if flying, passport or ID, credit card and a bit of cash. A few clothes, swimsuits and lots of suntan location come in handy and if you're leaving home for a few days locking the door behind you is a good idea too but Everything else is just icing on the cake:)