Best Things to Buy Before Cruise

[Razor_Poke]

Don't forget an eyeglass repair kit. It is way geekier to have your glasses held together with duct tape then to wear a lanyard with your sail and sign card!

 

This. I think we ended up in medical once when a screw came out of my glasses. Fortunately, we found the screw and they had a screwdriver.

[A&Jfamily]

I am a new cruiser. Tell me the stuff you are glad to have bought prior to the cruise. I have read someone post a must buy is waterproof cameras as they are so expensive on board. I also plan on buying the Cheers package as I know this will save us money. So list your tips on must have purchases prior to cruising. :D

 

Personally, my advice is to keep it simple. Minimal packing. 1 outfit per day, black slacks (2-4 tops) 3-4 dresses for evening, exercise clothes, flip flops, dress sandals, tennis shoes, under wear, socks, bathing suits and a couple of coverups. A hoodie in case you get cool. Alll clothes wrinkle free. No need to do shampoo, conditioner or body wash, just the rest of your every day toiletries and meds. We bring our electronics, chargers, a mini speaker, clothes pins for the line in the shower, lanyards and command hooks to hold them, and a travel clock. That's it. It is SO SO SO nice to be able to do a 7 day Caribbean cruise out of a carry on suitcase and backpack.

 

We don't smuggle, bring water, any kind of food, shoe organizers, etc. In fact, we have this down to such a science that last year, with just one extra carry on suitcase, we were able to pack 2 3' and 4' collapsible x-mass trees, stockings and gel light stickers for the mirror so that we could celebrate Christmas on board. I could even fit in bags, tissue, wrapping paper, tape and scissors. We boarded and I wrapped. My boys had about 12 things each under the tree after we bought a few things in port, t-shirts etc. Hubby and I said no gifts for us that didn't fit in a stocking (yeh jewelry and new tablet!). Gifts were tiny in size but not necessarily in $ amount and they had a great chrismas with new 3DS,, games, cameras etc. It was literally Christmas in a 22" suitcase.

 

So that is a very long way of saying keep things small and light, and all in one bag!

[bnorris10]

Wait I'm confused?why buy a white noise machine when you have the sound of the ocean in literally high def!

 

The only time i have ever heard the ocean is literally the one time the air was not working so well and i slept on the balcony

 

 

I sleep with a LOUD fan in my room year round I need the noise to sleep

[bnorris10]

Personally, my advice is to keep it simple. Minimal packing. 1 outfit per day, black slacks (2-4 tops) 3-4 dresses for evening, exercise clothes, flip flops, dress sandals, tennis shoes, under wear, socks, bathing suits and a couple of coverups. A hoodie in case you get cool. Alll clothes wrinkle free. No need to do shampoo, conditioner or body wash, just the rest of your every day toiletries and meds. We bring our electronics, chargers, a mini speaker, clothes pins for the line in the shower, lanyards and command hooks to hold them, and a travel clock. That's it. It is SO SO SO nice to be able to do a 7 day Caribbean cruise out of a carry on suitcase and backpack.

 

We don't smuggle, bring water, any kind of food, shoe organizers, etc. In fact, we have this down to such a science that last year, with just one extra carry on suitcase, we were able to pack 2 3' and 4' collapsible x-mass trees, stockings and gel light stickers for the mirror so that we could celebrate Christmas on board. I could even fit in bags, tissue, wrapping paper, tape and scissors. We boarded and I wrapped. My boys had about 12 things each under the tree after we bought a few things in port, t-shirts etc. Hubby and I said no gifts for us that didn't fit in a stocking (yeh jewelry and new tablet!). Gifts were tiny in size but not necessarily in $ amount and they had a great chrismas with new 3DS,, games, cameras etc. It was literally Christmas in a 22" suitcase.

 

So that is a very long way of saying keep things small and light, and all in one bag!

 

Our first christmas on a ship was on the disney cruise ship in 2014 and my hubby actually forgot to bring me something on board so he had to go to the store onboard and get something he ended up finding me the cutest mickey mouse christmas tree with tiny ornaments - Needless to say I LOVED it and so we bring that with us every year now

 

We do our christmas early before we leave for the cruise to get it taken care of and then the girls bring us each one gift and we bring the girls like 3 gifts each usually smaller sized items and I really like it if it's something they can use right away when on board like last year I packed extra white copy paper because I knew I had bought my daughter the drawing book she wanted so in her downtime she could draw

[alabamaprincess]

I never cruise without ozium air sanitizer. It is small and you only need a couple of sprays to remove unpleasant odors in the bathroom. I have bought it at Fred's in the automotive section.

[crusinpsychRN]

I always make sure I bring the allowed 1 bottle of wine per person.

 

Or champagne.

[jkspringtexas]

Last fall we did an around the world (cruises, trains and land) for 40 days all with one 26" suitcase and a Pac Safe purse/murse each. We had various temperatures to deal with, but with advance planning, had plenty of space in our suitcases and the lowest weight limit of 40 pounds when flying from China to Mongolia. We still laugh at our first Europe trip when we each took two large suitcases filled with everything including the "kitchen sink" and maxed out at 50 lbs. We dragged those darn things around for 3 weeks.....lol

 

Our best suggestions for any trip would be to layer your clothes and stick to 3 colors that coordinate together. You will be amazed at how many different looks you can achieve. Formal night is no longer a big deal for us - so formal wear now stays at home and we pick an alternate venue for dinner on those nights. Other tips include copies of all of your important documents, credit cards and passport, Downey Wrinkle Release, cords and chargers for your devices and now insect repellant for Zita.

 

In two weeks we have an upcoming cruise from our homeport and can take any and everything our hearts desire since we will be driving. However, that 40 days with one suitcase really changed our ways. We finally discovered how to simplify and make travel easy for ourselves.

[Luke Dawg]

electric strip for all your devices but don't pull it out until later in the day. we had two cabins and we each had one and they confiscated them during the security sweep, had a letter on in our cabin saying it was a hazard.

[smyliecruising]

Bonine or Dramamine non drowsy formula.

[dmdiver]

The Purex sheets are no longer being made, might be able to find them online. They had an issue with clogging up the drain pipe. We have lots of them and only bring them on long vacations. We've discovered that a half a sheet, put into a puny sweater bag, works well with the small machines onboard.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Oh wow, had no idea. Since we only use them on vacation my current box has lasted for years.

[Saint Greg]

electric strip for all your devices but don't pull it out until later in the day. we had two cabins and we each had one and they confiscated them during the security sweep, had a letter on in our cabin saying it was a hazard.

 

The power strips that are a hazard are the ones with surge protectors on them. I would suggest spending a couple bucks on a legal one rather than putting other passengers at risk with something carnival considers to be dangerous. Heck I have a 3-outlet adapter that I bought at the dollar store that is perfectly legal.

 

"Electrical devices such as fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark"

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2261/~/restricted-items-list

Edited June 14, 2016 by Saint Greg

[sjn911]

Not buy..lol...if budget is tight...just make make and save money,,,,save for travel,,,,keep it to simple dressy for dress night..easy tops and slacks, dresses, capris and shorts....for Carnival you can save alot if you cut back on clothes and need for expensive new...Best expense....a great right size for weight either checking or carry on BAG with good rolling capacity AND ABILITY TO SLIP ALL YOUR CARREY ONS ON IT for the long boarding..be able to easily roll whatever you take on yourself..all of it....this is best achey body and back saving yourself. You can get a lot of nice things in one check-on or one carry on depending on what you require and be simple yet elegant or nicely dressed on more casual Carnival.

 

Love places like TJ Maxx and JC Penney sales for luggage.

Edited June 14, 2016 by sjn911

[caprcorn28]

Bring a can of Pringles and some candy if you like. I've seen Pringles priced at $10 before and I'm sure people pay it because they just want some damn chips.

 

That made me LOL!! BECAUSE....I have gotten off the ship and went directly to a gas station and picked up chips!! haha Weird how I missed them of all things!! And I don't even eat chips on a daily basis on land!!

[MMastell]

In 2000 I did my first cruise and now I'll be taking #46 in October. I looked at all the cruise packing lists and all the things people said you must have and after 45 cruises this is what I find that I really need.

 

1. A good travel wallet for your cruise documents. (Boarding pass, reservations for hotels etc.)

2. Credit Card

3. Passport

4. Travel Insurance

5. An additional Visa card issued by another bank than your primary

6. Swimsuit (2 are better than 1)

7. Enough medication to last for your cruise and a few days longer.

8. Spinner luggage and spinner carry on.

9. Cash in $1, $2 and $5 denominations ($50 total) for tips and enough cash for cabs and spending for buying small items. How much that is, is up to you but I suggest a minimum of $200.

 

The rest is up to you. Of course you'll need some clothes but DO NOT overpack. You can re-wear a lot of dinner pants and shirts and ladies can mix and match tops, slacks and skirts to get multiple outfits out of just five or six items.

 

The DO NOT OVERPACK is the hardest. Even after a large number of cruises it's hard not to "think" you'll need something and then never wear it. Also, remember there is self service and send out laundry on board.

 

Take care and enjoy the cruise. You'll be amazed at how much fun you can have without bringing the kitchen sink.

 

Take care,

Mike

[sunshine002]

Empty gift card to swipe for the safe.

 

Great idea, something else that also works great is any casino card. If you have one or can get one, get a few. Then each person in the cabin can have a card to open the safe. We did this on my last cruise and it worked out well.

 

Some aloe just in case you get more sun than you planned.

Also a travel power strip (with usb ports & additional outlets), only one outlet in the cabin. (I did hear the Vista will have usb ports.)

If you like herbal tea, there is now a charge for it so you might want to bring a few bags.

Preorder some water from Carnival a 12 pack costs $3.99. (Can also order from room service once on board, but will need to be in the cabin when delivered)

 

A camera and an extra memory chip.

 

A highligher so you can mark off on the fun times each night which event(s) you find of interest the next day.

 

Have a great time, beware cruising is addicting.

Edited June 20, 2016 by sunshine002

[firemanbobswife]

We don't go anywhere without our locking beach bag any more. We have the large Kyss bag (http://www.kyssbags.com) and it holds absolutely everything we need for the pool or the beach. It's so nice to be able to hook it around a chair and lock it shut and not have to worry about constantly monitoring our stuff just to go into the water for 10 minutes.

 

 

 

We got it AFTER I found myself stuck babysitting our gear on a beach instead of playing in the water with my youngest. I'd seen them before that cruise and didn't get one... totally regretted not having it!

 

 

I discovered this online today. Not real big but very wallet friendly and in stock.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017RQUIC4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466433663&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=safego&dpPl=1&dpID=318p2RrDDTL&ref=plSrch

[texast518]

Trip insurance!

[LibratPDX]

The Purex sheets are no longer being made, might be able to find them online. They had an issue with clogging up the drain pipe. We have lots of them and only bring them on long vacations. We've discovered that a half a sheet, put into a puny sweater bag, works well with the small machines onboard.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I had this problem at home and wrote them about it, so I am partly to blame. I still have some and wish they still made them, you just need to put them in a lingerie bag (basically the same as the sweater bags) when you use them to prevent them getting sucked into no-mans-land (where single socks go to die) :D

[Justwant2cruise]

I'm an over packer and a strong believer in being safe then sorry so I pack a mini drug store covering pretty much any issue that may come up from a tummy ache to sunburn

 

I also over pack on clothes

 

a few helpful things i always pack are

 

sewing kit and mini scissors

zip lock with a few dryer sheets to toss in with my dirty clothes

eye glass repair kit

[Anyislandwilldo]

I'm an over packer and a strong believer in being safe then sorry so I pack a mini drug store covering pretty much any issue that may come up from a tummy ache to sunburn

 

I also over pack on clothes

 

a few helpful things i always pack are

 

sewing kit and mini scissors

zip lock with a few dryer sheets to toss in with my dirty clothes

eye glass repair kit

 

I also add a washcloth with laundry soap on it in a plastic baggie. Saves on bringing along laundry soap packet or travel size bottle.

Edited June 21, 2016 by Anyislandwilldo

[miamilady305]

A couple of years ago I bought several collapsible papazan chairs. They store in the shape and size of a frisbee. They fit in the pocket of your luggage great and when you take them out they spring open to the size of a hula hoop with a mesh seat attached. For any beach or excursion they are great. I got mine at Target.

 

Do you have a picture of the chair? I am quite interested in this.

[oceanmom62]

I also work at a school and am used to wearing a lanyard. I tried the S&S card in my pocket once and lost it- never again! Ditto on meds that you need and a power strip. I also bring highlighter- one color per person (for marking up the Funtimes) and Post-It notes to leave messages on the mirror. Doing laundry -or having it done for you- is great so that you pack less. Check Pinterest for ideas on Cruise Capsule wardrobes. I also bought a waterproof camera pouch at a sporting goods store. My daughter used it to hold her cellphone for taking pictures. I tested it with Kleenex in a sink full of water- no leaks. My DD loved it and still uses it- good for Color Runs, too! I also bring a travel diary. I read years ago in Real Simple magazine that one couple makes a list of 100 great moments on each trip. Every night we list our favorite moments of the day. We now make sure we use more detail as some of the moments we no longer understand! Have fun and bring your sense of adventure. When things go wrong- and they will- remember that those will become some of your funniest memories.

[AlPSUCruiser]

I'm not sure I fully comprehend the usefulness of a recommended item from early on in this thread - the collapsable cooler... Are folks using these to take snacks/drinks on their port excursions to avoid pricey offerings? Or is there something else I'm missing?

[michiganirish]

Great suggestions here - after 15 cruises we always bring sunscreen, asprin, water shoes, and different size ziplocks bags to keep things dry. DH said to bring his ex wife - current wife and next wife..:eek::D:D:D

[cajunfla]

I'm not sure I fully comprehend the usefulness of a recommended item from early on in this thread - the collapsable cooler... Are folks using these to take snacks/drinks on their port excursions to avoid pricey offerings? Or is there something else I'm missing?

 

We use ours to keep bottled water iced down and cold in the room. Room stewards keep it filled with ice when asked politely. Of course, they get a generous tip.