Must haves for long cruises.

[Pam in CA]

just want to mention while thinking about e-books. I subscribe (free) to BookBub.com. You tell them what genre of reading you are interested in.

Another great source is ereadernewstoday.com. The vast majority of their books are $.00-.99.

 

One unusual thing we are bringing this year is a small container of maple syrup. The horrible syrup served by the cruise ship ruins pancakes and French toast for me.

That stuff they have on the ship is gross. I feel sorry for anyone who thinks that's what maple syrup tastes like. It's corn syrup with an artificial maple flavor. Yuck! The poorest (cheap) grade of real maple syrup is dark and thicker. The best grade is much lighter in color and has a lighter flavor.

[grams98]

Our longest so far was a 17 night SE Asia cruise. Still,rather inexperienced at all this, but I read more online books than I expected. And the Internet onboard just wasn't strong enough, Or took to long, can't remember which, To download more books. So I will not make that mistake again.

But, am I understanding it correctly that for month long cruisers or even longer, we are still only allowed to bring on board only one bottle of wine without a corkage fee?

[Crowsie]

We did 19 nights Sydney to Bangkok (seems like eons ago).

 

As a young working couple we were only granted vacation permission for such an extended period of time if we agreed to handle some work issues when needed.

Therefore, we took a satellite phone with us, so we could communicate with work/home during those long sea days without (or with unreliable) cell / internet service.

All of the major cellular carriers have satellite phones available for rent.

 

Also...back then you could carry-on a bottle....and buy bottles from the bar if needed. We like to have cocktails in the cabin as we are getting ready for dinner...so...although I could easily find vodka in most bottle shops throughout the world....finding the Rose's Lime Juice for my gimlet was an entirely different matter. So, I packed a big bottle of that in my luggage.

 

Even now, with the new AIB package, I bring Rose's on board. I will order a double vodka - neat. Carry it back to my stateroom and save in an airtight container so that when DH is making cocktails I have a double shot and the Rose's for my gimlet.

 

I agree with the fully loaded Kindle. I also download any apps (Princess Messenger) to my Ipad and make sure all of my games (Angry Birds, Candy Crush etc) have been updated before leaving home.

 

I pack powdered laundry detergent and dryer sheets in ziploc baggies in my luggage for doing laundy...and get a roll of quarters, as well.

 

A bluetooth speaker and download music to your phone (instead of relying on Spotify or Pandora) for in the stateroom.

 

Extension cord with multiple ports.

 

If you bring your laptop you can offload your sim card from your phone/camera..otherwise you have to pay $$$$$ to have the photo shop burn you CD's...so in that case extra sim cards are a must.

 

We also take portable battery chargers for cell phones/Ipads when flying overseas. Best Buy has a great variety.

 

I put together a spreadsheet for our house babysitters that included trash and recycling pick up days, neighbors for emergency contacts, family emergency contacts, vet info for the puppy, school/friends contact info for the kids etc.

 

Don't forget basics like out of office messages on email/cell phones, stop the paper delivery, have mail collected and arrangements for watering, mowing or snowblowing/shoveling etc

[crochetcruise]

Enough medications.

 

Yep and for more conditions, for a week or two I may not take some medications for a month or more I will take a greater range as well as more of any I need regularly.

 

I'd personally bring the current set of medications and 2 extra sets so I was thoroughly covered. I'd also bring an extra bottle of my Calcium tablets (Osteoporosis prevention) and a big bottle of Fish Oil Capsules (Osteo-arthritis treatment). Also bring all your current prescriptions with you. I've always used a newly dispensed set of medications when travelling for a few days, so I had a few weeks grace if I got sick, but I ALWAYS bring the prescriptions which are usually stored at the chemist, with me. Paranoid? Yes, certainly, but familiar medications are safer when you're dealing with an unfamiliar environment.

 

THANK YOU for discreetly reminding me to write that reminder down on my Cruise Notepad-the pre-cruise stopovers in my Capital city and with my cousins, the cruise and the post-cruise overnight in another State Capital, mean I need to plan to have at least 14 days-I'm planning a partly used set and a full set as back up-of medication with me. I still have over 15 calendar months to be organised, but this is something I honestly hadn't thought about! Grateful for you asking the question.

 

Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen with you, and keep reapplying it sooner than recommended. Have heard that the Southern Hempisphere sun is different to the Northern, no personal experience of this, but have had several bad sunburns as a young and stupid kid! I've learnt-IT HURTS! You most definitely don't want your holiday spoilt through stupidly overlooking something, and if you use a specific brand, better to bring your own supplies.

[shredie]

 

THANK YOU for discreetly reminding me to write that reminder down on my Cruise Notepad-the pre-cruise stopovers in my Capital city and with my cousins, the cruise and the post-cruise overnight in another State Capital, mean I need to plan to have at least 14 days-I'm planning a partly used set and a full set as back up-of medication with me. I still have over 15 calendar months to be organised, but this is something I honestly hadn't thought about! Grateful for you asking the question.

I leaned this the hard way. I once miscalculated how much medication I would need, and I ended up in a foreign country with not enough. I was forced to ration, taking about 2/3 of the dose I needed. Fortunately, no real damage was done, but I scared myself. Now I double-check those six bottles of pills I use every day!

Edited August 6, 2015 by shredie

[FoghornLeghorn]

I was on your same cruise last year. The one that was supposed to be 28 days and turned into 29 days.

 

So, in regards to that, I was glad I had things either printed or on my Kindle that didn't require internet access. I was also glad I printed out our roll call list with cabin numbers. It came in handy to call someone or leave something in their mailbox.

 

I had plenty of meds ready to go, but at the last minute, was rushed and missed packing a box of my insulin pens. So, I had to contact my Dr once we got to Hawaii and have them call them in. Enough meds and some extra is important. Especially since we ended up coming in a day late and then we had to stay over to get a flight out. Some of the Over-the-counter stuff, so you don't have to pay the high prices for them. Plenty of Bonine or ginger tablets, or whatever you use for sea-sickness.

 

Make sure you take enough toothpaste, deodarant, your makeup...you can always buy them in port if you have to.

 

A pair of water shoes, and extra flip flops...seems one was drying or full of sand, and I had another pair to use.

 

I always do a calendar to hang on one of my magnetic clips.

I hang it right by the door, along with friends cabin numbers.

[Thrak]

I leaned this the hard way. I once miscalculated how much medication I would need, and I ended up in a foreign country with not enough. I was forced to ration, taking about 2/3 of the dose I needed. Fortunately, no real damage was done, but I scared myself. Now I double-check those six bottles of pills I use every day!

 

It's very hard to take extra meds along if you take meds that must be renewed monthly and can't be faxed or phoned in. The new laws mean I have to visit my doctor monthly and hand carry my prescription to the pharmacy. I'm going to have to ask for "extra" on my next refill as I will be at sea when my refill time comes around. I only hope it's granted.

[GUT2407]

On the other side of the coin ... I seem to need as much "must have stuff" for a 7 day as I do for a 21 day cruise. :o

 

LuLu

 

 

Pretty close.

 

Our last cruise was 8 days, next is 34, we will take almost the same stuff.

 

DW wants to take a few extra mix and match formal gear [6 formals instead of 2] and I'll take an extra good shirt and maybe two extra ties.

 

We will take more medications and toiletries [full tube of toothpaste instead of a 1/2 empty one].

 

Probably a few extra books, though we might just get those in port as we go.

 

And maybe a few extra sets of underwear.

[Woobstr112G]

Enough medications.

 

Definitely.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Enough medications.

 

Definitely.....:):):)

 

Bob

[GUT2407]

It's very hard to take extra meds along if you take meds that must be renewed monthly and can't be faxed or phoned in. The new laws mean I have to visit my doctor monthly and hand carry my prescription to the pharmacy. I'm going to have to ask for "extra" on my next refill as I will be at sea when my refill time comes around. I only hope it's granted.

 

 

Something we are trying to sort out, but a couple of years to get there yet, for a month we'll be fine, but really want to do a RtW in the next few years.

[gcvt]

Longest so far was a 15-day. I took my girlfriend for that one :D

[GUT2407]

Longest so far was a 15-day. I took my girlfriend for that one :D

 

 

Not sure I'd want to cruise at all without DW. Even a day or two.

[shredie]

It's very hard to take extra meds along if you take meds that must be renewed monthly and can't be faxed or phoned in. The new laws mean I have to visit my doctor monthly and hand carry my prescription to the pharmacy. I'm going to have to ask for "extra" on my next refill as I will be at sea when my refill time comes around. I only hope it's granted.

 

Ask for a travel dose. You can get a small amount extra for that purpose on most insurance.

[crochetcruise]

I was on your same cruise last year. The one that was supposed to be 28 days and turned into 29 days.

 

So, in regards to that, I was glad I had things either printed or on my Kindle that didn't require internet access. I was also glad I printed out our roll call list with cabin numbers. It came in handy to call someone or leave something in their mailbox.

 

I had plenty of meds ready to go, but at the last minute, was rushed and missed packing a box of my insulin pens. So, I had to contact my Dr once we got to Hawaii and have them call them in. Enough meds and some extra is important. Especially since we ended up coming in a day late and then we had to stay over to get a flight out. Some of the Over-the-counter stuff, so you don't have to pay the high prices for them. Plenty of Bonine or ginger tablets, or whatever you use for sea-sickness.

 

Make sure you take enough toothpaste, deodarant, your makeup...you can always buy them in port if you have to.

 

A pair of water shoes, and extra flip flops...seems one was drying or full of sand, and I had another pair to use.

 

I always do a calendar to hang on one of my magnetic clips.

I hang it right by the door, along with friends cabin numbers.

 

Toothpaste and deodorant are brand new for the cruise; lipstick will be small Avon samples so I have a variety of shades to choose from and I have matching toiletries specially put aside for the cruise-new unopened set. Oh, that's jogged my memory so THANK YOU, hunt out the sets I was planning to give my cousins-will have 1 case full of gifts going over, so all cruise purchases will go in there for travelling home. I have enough concealer, foundation, blusher and eye shadow, and a good portable mirror-will overhaul the cosmetic bag holding samples of assorted toiletries, haircare, dental care and make up to identify any gaps-I may need to purchase a VERY few things if really not found in sample sizes. Thank Goodness the variety of products is getting bigger to choose from. Have already noted to purchase sunscreen August/September 2016 for the cruise.

 

Oh magnets-must add that to the Cruise Souvenir list, pricing at $5 each-such a PRACTICAL souvenir, also mugs and pens as who doesn't drink or have to sign their name at some stage?

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[crochetcruise]

It's very hard to take extra meds along if you take meds that must be renewed monthly and can't be faxed or phoned in. The new laws mean I have to visit my doctor monthly and hand carry my prescription to the pharmacy. I'm going to have to ask for "extra" on my next refill as I will be at sea when my refill time comes around. I only hope it's granted.

 

Show them your cruise documentation verifying that you'll be away, and explain that you wish to organise that particular refill early so you have adequate supplies with you.

 

I'm lucky in that I can get 5 repeats on the original script, so I get them dispensed every 3 weeks, and store them in my "First Aid Cupboard" with the date I must start them written on each packet/bottle. I seem to have more trouble keeping an adequate supply of the Over-The-Counter stuff, been caught running out of vitamins taken under Dr's orders but purchased when on special to save a few $$$$. The Cancer Specialist told me to do that with Caltrate-we'd just found out I had Osteo-porosis, and needed to supplement Calcium, as that brand of supplement is regularly on special. Check the regular price, so you know when to buy up! My pain medication I get on prescription as 2 boxes for me are cheaper than buying 1 box over the counter!

[partybarbie]

My two longest cruises have been a 32-day and a 30-day. If you wear contact lens, make sure you bring enough solution for the duration of the cruise. I ran out and the ship's store didn't have any either. Trying to find contact lens solution in Gibraltar was like "mission impossible". I was finally able to find a small bottle of something similar to what I use (and it was pricey).

 

I also bring a copy of my contact lens and glasses prescription. My vision is so bad, that if I lost or broke my glasses, I would be considered legally blind. At least I could hopefully get an emergency pair of glasses made.

 

Another suggestion is to make copies of your passports and store them separately from the originals. You can also take a picture of the passport and store it on your phone or e-mail the picture to yourself. This way if your passport is lost or stolen, you will have a way to expedite a replacement.

 

We also bring two credit cards and two debit cards. This way if any of the cards are lost, stolen, etc., we have a back-up way to cover our expenses.

 

I also pack a first-aid kit with band-aids, advil, tums, allergy pills, anti-diarrhea medicine, cough drops, etc. The gift shops on the ship are closed while in port and they aren't open in the middle of the night. It's much more convenient to have these items in the cabin when you need them.

 

Enjoy your long cruise. The time just flew by for us. :D

[Twirling Coconuts]

We were on the 29 day South Pacific last Oct. Yes we had an extra day! We took a small folding 4 shelf hanger that was great for extra clothes and all our stuff! Don't forget lots of bug spray and make sure you have some with at least 40% deet for some of the islands. Lots of sunscreen is a most! It was a great cruise with a very active roll call. Have fun!

[caribill]

But, am I understanding it correctly that for month long cruisers or even longer, we are still only allowed to bring on board only one bottle of wine without a corkage fee?

 

If the voyage is composed of multiple segments, you can bring on one bottle for each segment without corkage fee (although the fee will be charged if you bring a bottle to the dining room).

 

Just be sure to present your proof of being on for multiple segments when you check in.

[Duffysmom]

WOW!!! I have to say I'm amazed at the generosity of you all sharing your experiences; I've learned so much. Today my husband had a doctor's appointment and thanks to the suggestion of you wise cruisers, he asked for a prescription for antibiotics in case he falls ill on the cruise. The doctor gave him Cipro as well as BellaDonna just in case. I've made tons of notes and my excitement level is off the charts which is a good thing.:)

Edited August 6, 2015 by DUFFYSMOM

[Kinkacruiser]

In case you run out of essentials, there's a shop on board. Don't forget your cold medications, as the stock can run out .

[grammi]

I might want to bring a scale. If I gain 10 pounds on a 7 day cruise, I wouldn't want to gain 30 pounds on a 28 day cruise so better to watch it rather than be shocked when I arrived home.:D:D

[caribill]

I might want to bring a scale. If I gain 10 pounds on a 7 day cruise, I wouldn't want to gain 30 pounds on a 28 day cruise so better to watch it rather than be shocked when I arrived home.:D:D

 

There is a scale in the gym area. No need to bring your own.

[PescadoAmarillo]

I second the suggestion to take all the contact lens solutions you'll need. I don't know where the people in French Polynesia buy RGP solutions, because I found them nowhere.

 

Watch out for the souvenir ship photo magnets sold onboard. Their magnets aren't strong enough to hold up a scrap of paper, let alone a whole sheet. We buy ours at Home Depot; they're heavy duty clips with magnets attached. And we really use them. On embarkation day, the welcome aboard Patter and the menu for the E/S/P lounge get clipped up. Any invitations (CC, MTP) get added. We also use a calendar I prepare using Excel (see below example) and that stays up the entire time we're on the ship.

[Mommypig]

Out longest cruise so far has been 51 days. We are doing the 2016 World cruise so we are already working on the necessary items. The first port is Honolulu, so we may hit Walmart there and stock up rather than flying with it all.

 

The must haves we bring are

 

strong magnets to hold papers, pictures.

magnetized student locker pencil cups, to make a place for glasses nextto the bed, over the night stand.

very strong hooks to hang a sheet or shower curtain over the closet area to create a dressing area for when I get up earlier than hubs. It can also double as a screen for when we project movies.

 

battery operated votive candles, both night light and romantic ambiance

 

a big calendar, world map, to keep track of what day it is and where we are

 

plenty of lace weight or sock yarn for knitting

 

Hubs brings a small 8 shaft loom and an extra suitcase of weaving fiber.

 

Plenty of toiletries. Sunblock is the most important thing because the stuff on the ship I am allergic to. Shampoo and Conditioner are second because the Princess stuff is awful.

 

Tide pods and laundry sheets for the laundry

 

Stuff for repairs -- sewing kit, duck tape, packing tape, super glue, glasses kit

 

Extra glasses (my Rx is never one you can get in an hour...)

 

extra bathing suits. The Thalasso pool on the Pacific Princess eats Lycra, and the bathing suits sold in the shops on board do not fit anyone we have ever seen on board. Nothing for somebody shaped like an egg.

 

gin gins ginger candy, and sea band ginger gum. Crossing the Tasman Sea was so rough that I was breaking through the Bonine. Ginger gum is available on Amazon.

 

Photos of adorable grandchildren to decorate your walls

 

Address labels already completed so you can easily send postcards to friends and family in different ports.

 

Half the clothes and twice the money. Some people on the 51 day cruise came onboard with just a carry on. Nobody cares about you wearing the same dress for all the formal nights.

 

I am planning on journaling as I go, so the supplies I want to use for that, including a small blue tooth printer with supplies for it.

 

camera with extra battery and cards. underwater camera.

 

couple boxes of protein bars, snacks. I have had problems in some areas eating the local food. So I carry wrapped snacks with me. That way I don't get hangry if there is nothing I can eat.

 

copies of passport, contact numbers for credit cards and banks, and multiple ways of paying for things. Cash, credit cards, checkbook. Keep everything in the safe except when you take a card out to go on shore.

 

Ipad and Kindle paperwhite, loaded with ebooks. Ipod loaded with audio books for during walking on the track or sunbathing.

 

Snorkle gear and rash guards if you will have an opportunity for that. Watershoes as well.