Things I can take?

[Trellaine]

I know I can't take water and soda onboard. But my cruise starts in Vancouver, BC, Canada and ends in LA.

 

Going through security etc in Vancouver? Is a ship like a plane? Can I take gels, soaps, shampoo etc over 100ml etc or whatever the limit is for air crossings into the states.

 

Thanks

 

I guess the question is what personaly items can bring onboard?

[Banditswife]

What you can take as far as water & soda depends entirely on the cruise line you are sailing with. example: Carnival allows a limited amount of canned soda or juice, Holland allows bottled or canned water & soda. Not sure about other lines.

 

As far as shampoo, conditioner or other personal products I don't think there is a limit. I have taken what I thought I'd need for the duration of my cruise. I've never had an issue. So in that way it isn't like an airline. I put those things in my checked bags.

[Trellaine]

Thanks. I am taking Norweigan. Sorry I should mention that in my posts outside of the Norweigan thread :)

 

So liquids are fine as long as in your checked bag. I guess that is the same as airlines. I just forgot.

 

I was thinking carry on.

 

Ill just throw everything in the checked bag,

[cb at sea]

There are no "liquid" limits for boarding a cruise ship...except for alcohol that is imposed by the cruise line.

 

The reason for the liquid restrictions on a plane is so you can mix up a bomb. There is no such restriction on the ship, as they know you will have access to huge amounts of liquids with or without a restriction. You may carry on full sized shampoos, lotions....whatever you want.

Edited August 28, 2016 by cb at sea

[Trellaine]

Thank u very much! I guess the scanner can tell whats in the bag. whether its water or shampoo or soap etc.

[spookwife]

I know I can't take water and soda onboard. But my cruise starts in Vancouver, BC, Canada and ends in LA.

 

Going through security etc in Vancouver? Is a ship like a plane? Can I take gels, soaps, shampoo etc over 100ml etc or whatever the limit is for air crossings into the states.

 

Thanks

 

I guess the question is what personaly items can bring onboard?

 

while the scanners are the same, that is where the similarities end when it comes to the security screening. you can take full-size bottles of shampoo if you really wanted to.

 

as for being allowed to bring on stuff, maybe. Carnival has indeed begun vigorously enforcing the rule that nothing other than the allowed bottles of wine can be brought on board. Disney could care less about soda and water and most other lines SAY its not allowed but you might be able to get a six pack of Coke Zero on board.

 

the only other things banned outright are clothing irons and coffee pots/kettles with heating elements( so a French Press is okay but a mini Keurig isn't)

[Trellaine]

Cool! Might bring a single serve French press and my own beans , ground. Cream is easily found on board of course and sugar.

 

Might taste better than ship drip.

 

I enjoy a good bean. Once a day.

[myfuzzy]

You can "take" whatever you want. However, how much luggage can or do you want to handle? You pack it, you carry it and its HEAVY.

 

You can bring a gallon size shampoo, conditioner and body wash....I just wouldn't want to carry it.

 

Back at my first cruise, I packed everything but almost the kitchen sink. It was like I was going to the outback.

 

At this point, cruise ships, like hotels, offer you shampoos, conditioners and assorted sundries you may need. IF you can do without your own brand for a week or so, you may find these products will suit you. IF they for some reason don't somewhere nearby in port will be a local drug store or supermarket where you could purchase something.

 

As for coffee pots, crock pots, irons, curling irons, blenders, and any other household item you feel you may need. By all means you can pack it, just be advised, it may be taken from you when you board.

 

Just let me say, now, I take only basic clothes and leave the sundries to the ship.

[Langley Cruisers]

Cool! Might bring a single serve French press and my own beans , ground. Cream is easily found on board of course and sugar.

 

Yes, but the French Press might get broken the way the porters and crew toss the backs around, and as well, just remember not to throw the grounds down the cabin sink. I love a good cup of coffee as well but for me, a French Press is just something I don't want to be worrying about. I take the Starbucks Via packets and "tweak" the coffee, if I need to. ;)

.

Edited August 28, 2016 by Langley Cruisers

[Trellaine]

I wasn't bringing any shampoo etc I was trying to get an idea what liquids etc were allowed. I'm gone 5 days and cruise stuff is fine.

 

Other than maybe the drip coffee. I like one good strong coffee a day. So either bring a one cup French press and beans. Or fork out for an Americano every day.

 

Haven't decided.

 

Any idea what a specialty coffee like an "Americano" would cost?

[Trellaine]

Yes, but the French Press might get broken the way the porters and crew toss the backs around, and as well, just remember not to throw the grounds down the cabin sink. I love a good cup of coffee as well but for me, a French Press is just something I don't want to be worrying about. I take the Starbucks Via packets and "tweak" the coffee, if I need to. ;)

.

 

Mmm I can see this possibly happening but if it's on my carryon? Those are pretty small. And not a fan of instant coffee. I may just buy an Americano each day. And will be excited when in port. Find a coffee shop.

[Trellaine]

$7.95 service charge for ?

[myfuzzy]

You should be able to get specialty coffees on board, at an upcharge. I am sure you can get a strong coffee if you want,

[NMLady]

$7.95 service charge for ?

 

Cabin delivery service except for complimentary continental breakfast during regular breakfast hours. That is delivered free.

[cruzeluver]

There are no "liquid" limits for boarding a cruise ship...except for alcohol that is imposed by the cruise line.

 

Please stop making blanking statements as if they apply to all cruise lines.

 

Carnival, for example, states guests may bring on a 12 pack per person of soda in cans only. Others have language referring to a "reasonable" amount of certain non-alcoholic beverages being brought on board.

[myfuzzy]

Please stop making blanking statements as if they apply to all cruise lines.

 

Carnival, for example, states guests may bring on a 12 pack per person of soda in cans only. Others have language referring to a "reasonable" amount of certain non-alcoholic beverages being brought on board.

 

I was under the impression that the OP was asking about bottle sizes as pertaining to flying. Anything over so many oz's needs to be checked vs carry on sizes. As one posted, the x ray machines are like the airport, so if it fits...it goes

[WupperAV]

Drin k the coffee in MDR, it's made from bilge water. They aren't allowed to dump it overboard anymore. If it's not strong enough , you need to cut back anyway. Norweigian had better coffee than Princess but that's not saying much. Don't over pack.

[Cruisin' Chick]

You should go to the website for the specific line you're going on, which will have a list of what you can't take, and a lot of other info.

[Trellaine]

Think I did. All that stood out to me was no soda or water.

 

I'll have to go back and read more closely.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

NCL doesn't allow non-alcoholic beverages and the only alcohol they allow is wine ($15 per bottle corkage fee). You can bring water on only if it's for baby formula or a CPAP machine.

 

As far as shampoo, lotions, etc. you can bring whatever you'd like and it can be in your carry-on. There is shampoo and shower gel (no conditioner) in dispensers in the shower (anyway that's what there's been on the NCL ships I've sailed on).

 

If you're in a balcony or above, there should be a coffee maker in your cabin. Your steward will replenish supplies for you. You can also get specialty coffee--lattes and such--for an upcharge. IIRC, a latter is somethint like $3.50, so Americano would logically be less than that.

[scapel]

[quote name=myfuzzy;

 

As for coffee pots' date=' crock pots, irons, curling irons, blenders, and any other household item you feel you may need. By all means you can pack it, just be advised, it may be taken from you when you board.

 

Just let me say, now, I take only basic clothes and leave the sundries to the ship.[/quote]

 

No irons allowed. Why would you need a crock pot? Maybe you use it as a sterilizer?

Advice for new cruisers

Whether you take a bus transfer or taxi from the airport or a hotel or drive to the port, the first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip—a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over. You could put two tags per case if you have them.

Cruise line shoreside staff are milling about to point you in the right direction—they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with nametags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is often scheduled for noon but some cruise lines will begin processing early arrivals and then direct them to a "holding" area. During check-in, you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). When you filled out the online pre-boarding information you were probably asked to furnish a credit card. Be sure you remember which one so you give them the one you put in associated with your online documents. Of course you will have printed a copy of those online documents also. You are issued a boarding card that often also doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card. Take this with you at all times. You need it to get back on the ship in a port. They take a picture of you and associate it with your boarding (Sail and sign) (room key) card. The ship would know if you will miss the ship in a port and usually leave your passport with the port agent, but this information should be checked.

I like privately arranged tours and have done them in all the places below. They are usually much more personable then the ships tour. Even if they would cost more, I would try to use them over a ships tour. You should have in mind what you want to do. We have done Istanbul with a taxi driver and on a bus, but the Taxi was the best. Sharing private tours gets the cost down and also makes them more enjoyable.

If you book a private tour be sure the contact person you are to meet at the dock of the port you have arrangements has your name or the name of the person that made the arrangements shown on a sign. If you see a tour agency with the name of the agency you booked with be sure and ask if they have your name. Don’t tell them you made a booking with them. I messed up one time.

Everyone is anxious to get on board and begin their vacation, but this isn't the time to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you can't board until the ship is ready for you. Once boarding begins, you will inevitably have your first experience with the ship's photographer and be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second, so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken of you during the cruise and they are a nice souvenir.

You are on board

Congratulations! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by staff members lined up just inside the ship's hull; however, you'll usually have to produce your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin or a steward will relieve you of your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on high end cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture. If cabins aren't ready, you'll be directed to the buffet where lunch is being served.

When you arrive at your cabin, check it out to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets (ready for the muster drill later if they are required)- ( put the life jacket on for proper fit) Look at a copy of the ship's daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule—you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place. (A placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station Ships daily news letter has meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainments.

Deliveries arrive during the afternoon and Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on mega-ships. Cabin stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and are extremely busy, although yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. Be sure to remember the name and contact telephone number if you need anything. It will also be a while before your checked luggage arrives, so your initial order of business is usually the welcome aboard buffet if you haven't already been there. Bring along the daily schedule to peruse while you eat. Always have your copy of your daily schedule with you..

While making your way around the ship, no doubt you'll notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep. Beware—they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no obligation to purchase; however, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

Do your plans for the cruise include booking shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so if you haven't pre-booked these services online, your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments. Some ships have an interactive TV that allows you to book tours. You can be on a waiting list for last minute cancellations if the ships tours are all booked up.

Your dining room seating assignment may be another matter for consideration. Some people like to check the main dining room to see where their table is located if they have opted for assigned seating. If it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yours to be a small one, you will want to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes—the daily schedule will indicate where and when.

For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sail-away festivities on the pool deck.

By late afternoon or early evening, your luggage should arrive and you can unpack and settle into your cabin to prepare for dinner. A few words of advice... just in case your luggage doesn't arrive before dinner, as sometimes is the case when you're dining at the early seating, it's a good idea to have toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. Dress codes are always casual on the first evening of cruises.

On many cruise ships there are three types of dining. Early seating (About 6PM), Late seating (About 8PM) and anytime dining. If you choose anytime you may have a 45 min wait if you wait until 7 or 8 to eat. A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you'll meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

After dinner you'll find the entire ship alive with action! The casino, shops, and lounges will all be open to greet guests and the Cruise Director usually introduces his staff at a Welcome Aboard show in the main theater (shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seating).

Back in your cabin for the night, you'll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down the bed, left the next day's schedule of activities, and placed a chocolate on your pillow. Be sure to tell your cabin steward to put a copy of the days activities for each member in the cabin and carry it WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, even off the ship for that day. It should have port emergency contact numbers. Bar times vary with the individual bar so this helps to go to the right place for a drink, or use your cabins attendant to get it for you.

Bring a multi-plug and extension cord. Cabins usually have only one electric plug and it is not always where you would like it. Some people bring a power strip. Be sure power strip does not have surge protector to are it may be taken away.. http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf

You might like your own hair dryer—I think a curling iron is ok, but do not bring a clothes iron.(fire hazard) Ship should have one to use.

Have the cabin attendant put two copies of your daily information and take this with you everywhere you go even off the ship. It has port information in it in case of emergencies and the ship departure time from that port. You can also check bar times for return to ship.

Dining—I like the assign tables better. Tried anytime dining once and had to wait 45 min one time and given a beeper. Early or late seating- both have pros and cons. Older people like me tend to use early.

Try your life vest on when you get to your room (cabin). Don’t depend on the ships instructions. Get familiar with it and where it is etc.

Front of the ship is the bow, the back is the stern. If you are walking to the stern you are going AFT. If you are walking to the front you are going FORWARD.

Facing the bow the PORT side is on your left and the STARBOARD is on your right

Some other things to consider bringing depending on where you are headed.

Bug or mosquito repellent; Travel alarm clock; Duct tape to do repairs on possible torn up things.

Bathroom deodorant spray; Clorox wipes—wipe everything down in room-Telephone, door handles bathroom fixtures etc; Small multi tool that has a pliers, scissors, screw driver knife etc so you can fix small jobs

 

Decorations- Many people like to bring things to decorate their cabin door. One cruise we had Mardi Gras decorations on the veranda and the cabin door. We could find the veranda easily from shore. It was a stern cabin so they tended not to blow off.

[Langley Cruisers]

No irons allowed. Why would you need a crock pot? Maybe you use it as a sterilizer?

 

I'm sure it was sarcastic. And for the record, a crock pot never reaches the proper temperature for sterilization. Oh wait, perhaps you were being sarcastic too! hahahaha!! :D:D:D

[myfuzzy]

I kid you NOT, there was a thread, post somewhere, where someone needed a crockpot to keep some kind of thermal wraps warm!!

[Langley Cruisers]

I kid you NOT, there was a thread, post somewhere, where someone needed a crockpot to keep some kind of thermal wraps warm!!

 

I believe you, but my point was more to the temperature of the crock pot. You can't sterilize baby bottles or anything like that in it, and people have asked here - you are right about threads like that! :D :eek: