4 weeks until our first cruise! Advise?

[lovebirdslair]

We are taking our first cruise departing on 12/13 on the NCL Gem departing from NYC, 10 days Eastern Caribbean. We have booked a Oceanview Family room and there will be 4 of us (3 adults and a 7 year old). We know that space will be cramped, so we are planning our packing accordingly.

 

For a 10 day cruise, how much do you recommend packing?

 

As far as "extras", we plan to do an over the door organizer, damage-free hooks for hanging, OTC meds, Rx meds, 3 pairs of shoes each (sneakers, dress & sandals), chargers, a day bag for excursions... what else would you recommend? I don't want to over pack, but we would also like suggestions on how to maximize space in the cabin.

[OCruisers]

Keep in mind that you'll need some warmer clothes for your first day or two out and back to NYC. ;)

Edited November 16, 2015 by OCruisers

[lovebirdslair]

Keep in mind that you'll need some warmer clothes for your first day or two out and back to NYC. ;)

 

We are getting into NYC the day before, so we will be prepared. And we are from upstate NY anyhow. Escaping the cold for a few days. :D

[perditax]

One piece of advice I ignored on my first two cruises was to bring some sort of air freshener for the bathroom, due to the close quarters, and the idiosyncrasies of cruise ship plumbing. I thought people were just being overly smell-sensitive until I experienced my first plumbing mishap (tub drainage backup) and the bathroom smelled like mold for the rest of the cruise.

 

With three adults in the room ... Well worth considering. :)

Edited November 16, 2015 by perditax

[GoneJohnson]

Enjoy yourself... :D

[CruisinHarvey]

Just an FYI.. unless you want to, you don't need dress shoes. Just closed toe shoes for men in the MDR and Le Bistro. So, nice jeans, collared shirt and gym shoes will do. I've seen a lot of them on NCL.

 

Here's NCL dress code.

 

https://www.ncl.com/faq#packing

Edited November 16, 2015 by CruisinHarvey

[spookwife]

Things to consider:

 

the outfits for Dinner can be worn more than once. (unless you are a spiller of shrimp cocktail sauce)

 

so a pair or two of slacks and 4-5 tops(non tee shirt style) will more than do for that. for out and about bring things that can mix and match. for instance: as a female I bring 2 skorts in neutrals(a black and a navy blue print) and 4 tops that can be worn with either. they are also very travel friendly and wrinkles fall out with a shake.

 

bring multiple bathing suits of that is your thing and just rinse them out and hand in the bathroom.

 

Underwear: three options here: bring enough with spares for every day. bring half and wash out in the sink using shampoo or shower gel/use the machines on board if applicable. bring half and send it out for a wash and fold.

 

if you are doing formal night: ONE outfit. for the guys, change ties on the second day. for the ladies, change baubles and the wrap.

 

I also tend to bring items that can transition from running around port sightseeing right to cocktail hour.