11/10/2013
Cruise Ready? Here is a few packing tips that will help you along the way.
The preparation for a cruise can be somewhat overwhelming. We have been fortunate to have gone on a number of cruises and have learned some good cruise packing tricks. I get asked all the time “what types of things should I pack for my cruise?” There are the “standard” packing lists all over the web. This one isn’t going to have your usual shirts, shoes, dresses, bathing suits, etc. This is the “extras”…. some are space saving and some are just those items that make your life easier on board.
Space Saving Items
Like I mentioned before, cruises have something for everyone. However, there is one thing that is lacking on a cruise – space! Not space around the ship – these mega-ships are enormous! There have been ships that I have been on for a week that I haven’t seen the whole ship! What I am referring to are the staterooms. The cruise industry has tried everything to maximize the space in the staterooms – some do it better than others (Disney does a pretty darn good job!) - but however you slice it, there just isn’t a lot of room.
Shoe bag for bathroom – hang it on the back of the door and put your smaller toiletries in the pockets i.e. toothbrushes, toothpaste, razor, hairbrush, hairspray, mousse, etc.
Sweater bag for closet – this is great for the kids clothes, t-shirts, shorts, etc.
Soft sided luggage – pack in duffles or things that you can slide under the bed after you unpack
Tip: ask your cabin steward for extra hangers – you can hang a ton of stuff up, but there isn’t a lot of room in the drawers – hang your bulkier items and use the drawers for your smaller items.
SO Smart Items
Not one of the items below are “essential” by any means. They will just make your life easier on board!
Plug power strip – there are usually on a few outlets – this will give you plenty of extra outlets to charge all of those important devices
Clock – I have no clue why, but many of the ships do not have a clock in the room
Landyard with a plastic holder – this is great to carry your room key
Magnetic door sign – all of the doors look alike…. this will help you remember which is yours
Pillow case and fabric markers (Disney Cruise only – give this to the guest services desk when you get there and they will have all of the characters sign it and give it back to you the last day)
Motion Sickness Bands – JIC (just in case)
Shampoo and conditioner – believe it or not, many do not provide these
Nightlight – the room gets REALLY dark at night – put a nightlight in the bathroom
Ziplock bags – we like our snacks! We will grab some stuff off the morning buffet and bring them off the ship when we are walking around. On Disney you can order PB&J sandwiches from room service and they will send you Uncrustables – these are GREAT to bring off the ship for a cheap and easy lunch
Soft-sided color – also to bring snacks off the ship – like I said, I like snacks
Highlighter – don’t ask why, but we always use it
Old hotel room key card – many of the cruises make you put your room key in a slot by the door to turn on the lights and the air conditioning. They are standard hotel room key size – if you have an extra you can just keep that on in there and then the room will still be cool when you come back from the hot sun!
Ducktape – just like the highlighter, for some reason, we always use it
Pack of sticky notes – great for leaving notes on the door or on the mirror to tell your family where you are (or maybe you prefer for them not to know!!)
Clips – i.e. towel clips or clothes hangers – it gets really windy on the pool deck… these will keep your towel from flying away!
Insultated cup with straw – keeps the ice from melting fast in the sun
Are there other items that you have found to make your cruising experience better? I am always looking for new ideas! Questons, leave me a message.
