YoureMoving

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advice. We generally pack very little, but there were always those few must have things that we learned were really useful for us.

I once forgot nail clippers, needed them and had to buy some in Cozumel. I once forgot to put my polo/dress shirts in the suitcase and was screwed.

Oh Greg! Yes! My husband once forgot to pack his pants. ALL of his pants. All he had was the pair of shorts he wore when we boarded. That turned out to be a very expensive cruise for us.:eek:

minimus.biz has single dose packs of many OTC medications, I have a snack sized plastic bag with a bunch of these in it that I'm certain cost less than having to purchase even one item in the gift shop....

Thank you for the tip about minimus! That might be my new favorite site! I don't need them for cruising, but I make these essentials packs for friends and family to keep in glove box, purse or backpack, and that's a gold mine!:D

And I can't live without a highlighter. Crazy but true.

Thanks so much for all of the responses so far. I never take more than a backpack and a carry on for 7 days or less, and just mix and match clothes. Good tip about the extension cord vs power strip. I'll make that change. The bungee is essential for us, and though the a/c turns off in the cabin, we use it at night while the ship is underway. There's something about hearing the ocean rushing by that gives us the best sleep we've ever had. Plus, it airs out the room overnight and the underway air is so cool we don't need the air conditioning. I have a shoe bag with a hangar top instead of over the door; do you think that would make the cut? It's nice to have a place to store toiletries in such a small space.

Thanks again!:)

Hi everyone!

We're sailing on the Liberty on October 22 (5 day Cozumel and Progresso) and it's been 11 years since our last cruise. We moved from Florida to landlocked Denver, and we have really missed the easy access to cruising! I used to have a list of those "unusual" items that we packed with us, but it's been so long that I have no idea what happened to it. I remember that we used to bring a powerstrip for extra outlet space in the cabin, and small bungee to keep the balcony door open, but I can't remember what else.

What are the "must haves" that you pack to make your cruise experience smoother?

Thanks!

Gina

I feel your pain.

But as you say, you knew this day was coming, you just thought you had one more.

I would say " son, this is important to me and this is all I want for Christmas, one last family vacation".

 

If he still doesn't want to go......... book for the rest of the family......( ps - if you keep the same room, you will be able to add him back on later)

That's a really good point. You could go ahead and book for the rest of the fam, and if he changes his mind, add him back in later. I'm sorry this is such a tough spot; I know it would be for me as well. He's old enough to stay home by himself, or with a trusted family friend if that would make you more comfortable. I have older teens, too, and we just booked our first vacation without our oldest. He'll still be in school at that time, but dang, it still hurt to think of going without him. This will be a learning experience for you all. Best of luck to you as you navigate this.

Gina

Bummer. Thanks for the info.

I was under the impression that if you buy Cheers before the cruise, you could use it on day one, but that it could not be purchased on board until the second day. Is that not correct?

Thanks for asking this. We're cruising to Progreso in October and would love to bring supplies with us. I just sent an email.

Thanks so much everyone! That's exactly what I was hoping you all would say. We've always had such a wonderful time at Paradise Beach, and though we'll miss seeing Tom, I'm excited to hear that it's everything it used to be and then some. While I'm here, does anyone have recommendations of non-excursion things to do in Progreso? I'm just starting to research and it looks like there have been an awful lot of folks who did not like the port at all. We may just stay on the ship and enjoy the quiet that day, but if you have suggestions I'd love to hear them!

Thanks!

Gina

Hi Cozumel cruisers!

I'm thrilled to be returning to Cozumel on the Oct. 22 sailing of the Carnival Liberty! My husband, daughter and I will be traveling, and have not been to Paradise Beach since our last cruise in 2005. Every time we've been there, it's been the highlight of our cruise. I'm sure Tom is probably no longer running the show there, but I'm hoping that they still have massages on the beach, and the friendliest staff in Mexico? Can't wait to return, so please tell me it's still the best beach deal and good time in Coz?

Thanks!

Gina:D

My husband would probably kill me if he read this, but here goes...

We were on SOS last May for our Anniversary and got addicted to watching the karoeke every night. We got up at one point and sang "I got you babe". The last night of the cruise, my DH finally gave into my dare from night #1. He got up in front of about 200 people and sang "Man, I Feel Like a Woman"! Complete with swaying hips and swinging the microphone. One of the ladies in the group next to me actually peed her pants! I've never laughed so hard in my entire life...my kingdom for a video camera... :D

Gina