What Not To Forget When Packing

[TravelGal22]

Anyone??

[beth4652]

This is a very common topic. Your best bet might be to do a search for "packing tips" or some such thing.

[EmpressofPurple]

Always happy to post this; it is a list I have compiled from reading hundreds of CC posts (and from my own travel experience over the years). Note that it is a REMINDER list; one is not supposed to pack everything on it, just use it as a check list of things one doesn't want to forget. Enjoy!

 

Packing List of those other things you should bring:

Travel Paperwork/Personal IDs/

• E-ticket and preboarding passes for the airlines
  
• Confirmation emails from car rental, hotel and private excursions
  
• Cruise documents including completed forms and luggage tags
  
• Passport (and any needed Visas for foreign travelers)
  
• Waterproof wallet
  
• Cash with plenty of ones & fives for tipping (some like $2 bills and $1 coins)
  
• Credit cards (list account and telephone numbers in case of loss)
  
• Watch
  
• Business Cards
  
• Addresses of those to whom you may want to send a postcard
  
• Hilighter (can select things on the Daily Schedule to do)
  
• Lanyard to hang your ID (or get one once onboard)

Electronics/Electrical Equipment/Entertainment

• Cell phone & charger / walkie-talkies
  
• Laptop & charger & media reader for camera disks
  
• Camera, extra batteries or charger, film or digital media
  
• Disposable camera / disposable underwater camera
  
• Portable DVD player, Gameboy/PSP/iPods, etc.
  
• Books & magazines
  
• Cards, travel games
  
• Clock with lighted display & battery backup
  
• Night light / mini-reading lamp
  
• Binoculars
  
• Extension cord or power strip

Clothing/Shoes/Bags/Accessories

• Hat or visor
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Umbrella & poncho/rainjacket
  
• Water shoes, flip-flops
  
• Swim goggles
  
• Water bottle-carrier / insulated mug
  
• Beach bag / fanny pack / mini-backpack (for shore excursions)

Household Items

• Safety pins
  
• Scotch tape
  
• Duct tape (I never do but seems popular on cc)
  
• bungee cord (another one I never choose. I like max A/C)
  
• Ziploc bags (all sizes)

Medical/Health/Personal Care

• Prescription medication in original containers
  
• Sunscreen (lots!)…
  
• Bandaids, Bactine/Neosporin/hydrocortisone, Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil, vitamins, hand sanitizer, Dramamine, Tums/Pepto/Immodium, hydrogen peroxide
  
• Fabreeze (almost never necessary but some like it)
  
• Lysol wipes
  
• Antibacterial/antiviral gel/wipes
  
• Airborne/Pepto/other disease prevention meds
  
• Woolite / Tide-to-go
  
• Insect repellant / Sting-eze or Caladryl

Most important to bring: "THE ATTITUDE TO ENJOY IT ALL"

After all that you still have clothes to pack!

 

I actually have a longer version of this on my office computer... I'm home sick today, recovering from my recent cruise!:D -- the new one highlights "deodorant" beyond being under toiletries, since one cruiser noted that it is often hard to find or overpriced onboard or in ports, and you really don't want to forget it. (In fact, I used a deodorant crystal from a health food store on my recent cruise, and it worked great... plus no liquids to carry!)

 

I believe my new version of this list also closes with a funny post from another CCer who once read it: "Make friends with the CCer who brings all this stuff with them and ask to borrow anything you need. They will feel like heroes and you won't have to weigh down your bag with all this stuff!!" That always made me smile... especially since I'm the one who posts this list but usually forgets the ONE thing that I need on that particular cruise and have to borrow it from someone else on board...

 

Happy cruising! Let me know if you also want to see my list of "extra charges for things on cruises" to prepare your budget as well as your bag.

[Jungle Jane]

Happy cruising! Let me know if you also want to see my list of "extra charges for things on cruises" to prepare your budget as well as your bag.

 

 

Yes please!

[Quampapetet]

Underwear. It is pretty essential, especially for ships that don't have laundry facilities for cruisers to use themselves. :)

[LadyRose]

Medical/Health/Personal Care

• Prescription medication in original containers

 

 

Why original containers?

 

We were going to use those weekly pill holders (my DH is diabetic and as a fair share of meds) and bring a list of the medication/dose.

[katier825]

Be sure to pack your documents/valuables/meds in your carry on bag AND be sure that if you take a cab or drive to the port that you have your ID/passport/cruise docs in the car with you ~ not in the trunk!

[Wylie Coyote]

Why original containers?

 

We were going to use those weekly pill holders (my DH is diabetic and as a fair share of meds) and bring a list of the medication/dose.

 

You have to show you meds in original containers...so they know your supposed to have them, and they are for you. Drug Store Label on them Not just some pills you picked up at port of call or something. Customs will take them from you if they are just pills in a bag or plastic container. ;)

[hi2you]

In regards to remembering passport, I also take a photocopy, that way when on excursions, I have the original in my cabin safe, and take the photocopy ashore, just in case (and also leave a photocopy of your passport with someone at home).

In regards to addresses to send postcards, last time, I pre-printed a sheet of labels with peoples addresses, so I didn't need to be spending precious minutes, writing out addresses, just slap the label on the postcard with 'wish you were here', and on to the next enjoyable moment.

[LadyRose]

You have to show you meds in original containers...so they know your supposed to have them, and they are for you. Drug Store Label on them Not just some pills you picked up at port of call or something. Customs will take them from you if they are just pills in a bag or plastic container. ;)

 

 

He takes 12 meds :eek: I don't know if I can fit all his and mine (4) in our travel bags with everything else >_<

 

Do they confiscate them at the airport or before you get on/off the ship?

[45014]

Underwear. It is pretty essential, especially for ships that don't have laundry facilities for cruisers to use themselves. :)

 

I second that. One cruise I forgot to pack hubby's undies and had to buy some in the gift shop. $36.00 for six pair and they were ONLY one size too small.

[shieldsfamilyof4]

Empress,

 

YES!!! Please send that list with the "extra charges for things on cruises". Can you send it to my work mail? Vickie@gpccorp.com - I'm curious to see what is on the list. I have two cruises this year so I like to be prepared for things that I may want but am afraid to ask if it's covered or costs.

 

Thanks Empress!

 

GEAUX TIGERS!!

[Jahla Jahla]

LadyRose

 

I take more than 12, and my husband takes 4. We have smaller bottles labled so we don't have to take the large ones. We take the number of pills for the days we will be gone, and add some just in case. I put mine in a container I bought at Walmart that kids use. All of the meds in the smaller containers fit. I take the weekly container to put them in once on the ship. Never had a problem.

[GeckoGirl]

He takes 12 meds :eek: I don't know if I can fit all his and mine (4) in our travel bags with everything else >_<

 

Do they confiscate them at the airport or before you get on/off the ship?

 

On the 2 cruises I have been on, nothing was ever said about my meds. I had a centrum bottle that I filled with all our vitamins and some meds, I also had a seperate bottle with my cholesterol pills and just a sheet of tagamet (no box) I had them all in my carry on, for the plane and cruise and nothing was ever said. None of them were in the original bottles. They didn't even ask to see them.

[Grannycb]

Go to your pharmacy and explain that you are traveling. They are happy to give you small empty bottles with labels printed with your name, doctor's name and instructions for each of your medicines. Our pharmacy doesn't charge for the service.

[sustyse]

I second that. One cruise I forgot to pack hubby's undies and had to buy some in the gift shop. $36.00 for six pair and they were ONLY one size too small.

 

I bet he had a very high pitched voice for the duration of the Cruise.:D

[GORDONCHICK]

Besides the IDs, tickets, meds, credit cards, and cash, my must haves are a power strip for all the electronics and my hair stuff, cameras, tons of memory and batteries. And DH!

[EmpressofPurple]

Okay, here's the more comprehensive packing list I have on my office computer:

 

Packing List of those “other” things you should bring:

Travel Paperwork/Personal IDs/

• E-ticket / boarding passes for the airlines
  
• Confirmation emails from car rental, hotel and private excursions
  
• Cruise documents including completed boarding papers, immigration papers, etc.
  
• Printouts of any emails or letters re: OBCs, tour reservations, etc. (to prevent problems)
  
• Passport and any required travel visas (keep copy separately)
  
• Leave copy of itinerary / phone numbers with relatives/friends
  
• Self-sticking address labels for airline/cruise luggage tags (saves time over filling them in)
  
• Make a copy of the contents of your wallet (cards, etc.) and keep separately
  
• Waterproof wallet (to keep money with you at beach and water sports)
  
• Cash (with plenty of ones & fives for tipping) (some people like $2 bills and dollar coins, too)
  
• Credit cards (list account and telephone numbers in case of loss and pack separately)
  
• Call Credit Card Companies in advance to advise of shipboard/foreign charges
  
• Watch (bring a waterproof one if you’ll be doing water sports)
  
• Business/Social Cards (with phone number and email address) for your new friends!
  
• Addresses of those you may want to send a postcard to
  
• Hi-lighter (can select things on the Daily Schedule to do) and other pens for filling in forms
  
• Post-it notes to leave notes for each other, room steward, etc.
  
• Lanyard to hang ID (or get one onboard; stores will punch hole in your card, or bring plastic pouch)
  
• Local gifts for CC gift exchange, or for cruise staff (steward, etc.) - nice touch in addition to tip
  
• Port books/maps, or printouts of internet research on ports of call visited during cruise

Electronics/Electrical Equipment/Entertainment

• Cell phone & charger (and walkie-talkies if you’ve got ‘em)
  
• Call cell phone company in advance to find out about overseas/roaming charges/service.
  
• Laptop, charger & media reader for camera disks
  
• Camera, extra batteries or charger, film or digital media
  
• Disposable camera / disposable underwater camera
  
• Portable DVD player / CD player / radio / Gameboy / PSP / iPods, speakers, etc. + chargers/batteries
  
• Books & magazines, crosswords & sudoku, needlework, cards, travel games, etc.
  
• Clock with lighted display & battery backup
  
• Flashlight / Night light / mini-reading lamp / touchlight
  
• Binoculars (especially if you have a balcony)
  
• Extension cord or power strip (to plug in all that other stuff!!!)

Clothing/Shoes/Bags/Accessories

• Hat or visor (+ hat clips/cords)
  
• Sunglasses (+ cords)
  
• Umbrella & poncho or rainjacket
  
• Sweater/shawl for chilly dining room
  
• Water shoes, flip-flops
  
• Swim goggles (snorkel gear, if you’ve got it)
  
• Water bottle + carrier / insulated mug
  
• Beach bag / fanny pack / mini-backpack (for shore excursions)
  
• Small collapsible cooler for keeping drinks cool at the beach
  
• Extra folding bag for return packing with souvenirs! (or pack two suitcases inside each other)

+ bubble wrap for delicate objects

• Over-the-door shoe organizer w/clear pockets (for bathroom stuff) + plastic suction hooks

Household / Cabin / Food Items

• Safety pins / sewing kit (w/small scissors) / Scotch tape / fun-tak
  
• Duct tape (recently used it to repair a broken suitcase)
  
• bungee cord (to hold open balcony doors or use as extra drying cord)
  
• Clothespins
  
• Coil water boiler / drip coffee filter & cones + coffee (if you just gotta have your own…)
  
• Snacks & water / soda / wine for in-cabin consumption (can re-use water bottles onboard)
  
• Ziploc bags (all sizes)
  
• Pop-up mesh laundry hamper (or use pillowcases)
  
• Some people like to bring their own pillow! (or at least pillowcase)
  
• Extra (wire) hangers; multi-skirt/pant hangers
  
• Door/cabin decorations (if you’re so inclined…) (cruise critic magnet, anyone?)
  
• For transporting food and drinks from buffet to your cabin and/or storing juice in room: plastic tray, locking covered dishes, plastic covered pitcher and/or large (insulated) travel mugs.
  
• Bubbles to blow for sailaway!

Medical/Health/Personal Care/Travel Stuff

• Prescription medication in original containers
  
• Vitamins and other health-related items.
  
• Extra prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (in case originals get damaged/lost)
  
• Sunscreen (pack lots -- it’s sure to be cheaper than onboard or in port) + sunburn coolers
  
• First Aid Kit (Bandaids, Bactine/Neosporin/hydrocortisone (anti-itch), Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil, cold remedies/nasal sprays, Dramamine/Bonine, Tums/Pepto/Immodium, hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
  
• Moleskin/footpads/baby powder/ache-relieving gel (for those sore feet…)
  
• Febreeze or other air freshener / PLUG-IN air freshener (with fan)
  
• Wrinkle-release spray (or travel steamer; DO NOT pack an iron – illegal, and there’s one in the laundry room on Princess anyway… or pay half the cleaning charge to have an item ironed)
  
• Lysol or other cleaning wipes (wipe that TV remote and phone headset!!)
  
• Hand Sanitizer; Antibacterial/antiviral gel/wipes
  
• Airborne / Pepto / other disease prevention meds (take before traveling with crowds)
  
• Travel neck pillow / earplugs / eyeshade for sleeping + soft “airplane” socks
  
• Woolite / Tide-to-go / laundry supplies (if there is self-service laundry)
  
• Insect repellant / Sting-eze or Caladryl (to soothe bugbites)
  
• DEODORANT (Yes, this should be on your toiletries list, but believe me, you don’t want to forget it any more than your toothbrush… plus it’s harder and more expensive to replace onboard or in foreign ports)

Most important to bring: "THE ATTITUDE TO ENJOY IT ALL"

After all that you still have clothes to pack! (Don’t forget socks and sneakers for gym or outdoor activities, and long pants if you’re on a ship with an ice rink or plan to go horseback riding…)

(And for those with kids… even more and more lists of “needed items” I’m sure)

Here’s my favorite comment on the CC boards regarding this rather comprehensive list: “You don't need all this stuff just find out who in your roll call is an over-packer and call them and "borrow" what you need. They will feel smart and useful and your back won't be breaking hauling around all that luggage! See this way everyone feels good at the end of the day.”

Toiletries/Personal items

§ Chapstick

§ Deodorant

§ Body/Hand Lotion/Mosturizer

§ Hair brush / comb

§ Hair dryer (if the in-cabin one isn’t strong enough for you)

§ Curling iron, Hair clips/curlers, Hair styling products (spray, gel, pomade, mousse, etc.)

§ Hair accessories (hairbands, ponytail holders, clips, etc.)

§ Cosmetics & makeup remover

(Lipstick, lipliner, foundation, blush, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, brow pencil, nail polish)

§ Cotton balls & Q-tips; travel-size tissue pack; Handkerchiefs

§ Tweezers; Manicure set - nail file, emery board, scissors, clippers, cuticle nipper, pusher, etc.

§ Ear plugs (for sleeping… swimming… loud music clubs!) ; Aqua ear drops (for swimmer’s ear)

§ Shampoo & conditioner (plus any other hair treatments, color touch-up, etc.)

§ Toothbrush & toothpaste + Mouthwash + Dental Floss (other mouth care items, toothpicks, etc.)

§ Contact lenses & solution; Eye drops

§ Perfume & cologne (Aftershave for men)

§ Skin care products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, mask, scrub, etc.)

§ Razor & blades + Shaving cream (or Electric razor)

§ UNDERWEAR!! (Just added this one thanks to recent CC post)

[EmpressofPurple]

LIST OF EXTRA CHARGES ON CRUISES:

FOOD/DRINK:

· Fountain Soda at bars and in dining rooms (Soda card available for $3.95 per day for length of cruise plus tax/tip; 7 days = $27.65). Also Canned Soda / Bottled Water ($1.50/ea plus tax/tip; can bring onboard at embarkation and port stops) – have your cabin fridge emptied out by steward; better to buy a package.

· Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), anywhere on the ship (buffet, dining room, pizza place, trident grill, café, bars, shows, pool deck, room service, etc.) I gather there is a “wine package” for wine drinkers.

· Specialty ice cream near the pool and in International Café (available for free in Horizon Court Buffet from 3:30-4:30 pm and at dinner)

· A few items at International Café (chocolate covered strawberries, fondue, caramel apples, truffles); a few Room Service items (tray of canapés, soda package, etc.); Sushi at Vines (this info is for Princess cruises; different on other lines, such as $3.95 cover charge plus beverages at Johnny Rockets on RCI, charges for ice cream at Ben & Jerrys or coffee at Seattle's Best Coffee...)

· Specialty coffee at meals, in International café (coffee card for $24.95 covers 15 drinks plus unlimited brewed coffee at Café).

· Specialty Dining Rooms ($20 pp Sabatinis; $25 pp Crown Grill) and Special Dining Experiences (ultimate balcony dining, Brooklyn lunch, Chef’s Table, Wine Flights/Tastings, etc., etc.)

· Any meals in port (duh)… except where included at “private island” stops (Princess Cays cookout)… plus rental of beach chairs, loungers, cabanas, umbrellas, kayaks, etc; any drinks, taxis, tips, etc., etc., etc.

ACTIVITIES/PURCHASES:

· Port Tours / Shore Excursions ($20-$200+ per outing, privately arranged or thru cruiseline).

· Gambling / Casino (as you will… be sure to bring on cash or be charged a service fee for taking out cash on your ship card) + Bingo ($10-20 per game… and now $1.50 for a bingo marker!)

· Art Auctions (can be very pricey if you buy; they often offer free champagne at preview and sale)

· Shopping / souvenirs / gifts / necessities (cosmetics/perfume/jewelry/clothes/trinkets/etc.) onboard or in port (Port “Discount” shopping books sold onboard, w/coupons for free/discounted items in port = $25)

· Spa treatments / Salon Services ($60-$180 per treatment – massages, wraps, facials, tooth whitening, ionithermie, manicure/pedicure, haircuts, etc.) + any Salon Products (Steiner/Lotus Spa/etc.) – expensive!

· Sanctuary ($15/half-day – quiet, shaded area with deluxe loungers and drink/food service, outdoor massages and sunset Yoga classes available)

· Thermal Suite ($130-150/couple for the cruise – indoor heated stone loungers, aromatherapy steam rooms, tropical showers)

· Some exercise classes ($10/ea. 55-min. Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Tai Chi, etc. plus personal training and fitness/ metabolism testing, and they ask for tips on top of fees. The shorter, 25 mins. stretching and aerobics classes are usually free, as are the machines and jogging track, plus sales, er, "fitness" presentations)

SERVICES/GRATUITIES:

· Some classes including Computers@sea, digital photography instruction, materials for some scholarship@sea programs (ceramics, etc.); port lectures and other programs often have no fee.

· Photographs taken by the ship’s photographers ($10-25 per photo); developing disposable cameras/film; having prints/CDs made from your digital camera.

· Internet time (.50-75/min. unless you buy a package, then it can drop to .35-50/min – much cheaper in port) and Telephone (Yikes! Look at those costs… if you can use your cel, beware of international roaming charges)

· Laundry / dry cleaning / pressing through the ship; Self-serve laundry (I think it's $1 for washer, $1 for dryer, $1 for soap; there’s an iron there, too); tux/formalwear rental, floral purchases

· Golf simulator and Scuba Training (no idea about these, just know they cost extra)

· Gratuities ($10pp/pd automatically added to your bill or can handle separately)

· Tips on drinks at bars or for room service orders

· Any needed medical services (doctor visits charged to your account).

· Cruise Insurance (to cover medical services rendered, emergency evacuation, repatriation, lost/stolen/damaged baggage, camera, cellphone, laptop, etc.)

· Future Cruise Credit (FCC) – deposit to be used on future cruise, usually results in OBC (onboard credit).

· Babysitting and certain special children’s activities.

· Transfers/parking/taxis to and from ship before and after cruise; Tips for baggage handlers, drivers, etc.

What’s Included:

· Cabin, TV movies, cabin service, toiletries, fruit delivery, safe, refrigerator (can fill with own drinks) and of course transportation to all ports of call

· Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner in dining rooms, at 24-hr buffet, pizza place, trident grill, most items at the International Café, room service (except for tips)

· All entertainment (production shows, singers/musicians in bars, show lounges, nightclub, movies, trivia, dance classes, poolside games, Princess Pop Star, port tour/shopping/some educational lectures).

· Special events such as champagne waterfall, pool buffet, captain’s party; several presentations such as culinary arts, galley tour, bridge tour, spa wellness (i.e. sales) presentations.

· Use of library, pools/hot tubs, gym (including some classes such as stretch and aerobics), ping-pong, shuffle­board, sports court (bball/vball), putting green, kids program (babysitting extra).

[wtcruzr]

EmpressofPurple?

 

You did a lot of work there. But it will be helpful to so many. Thanks.

[stvntra]

Another item I always take when I cruise, has been Downy Wrinkle Spray. (It works GREAT and I NEVER have to iron - even at home anymore) That way, when you get on the ship and hang your clothes then you can spray any tshirts, shirts, pants necessary and hang them so they'll be ready to go when you need them. Another tip that we learned on our first cruise was to pack ALL of your dress clothes for formal nights, etc., in a dry cleaning bag on hangers and just fold them over once and lay on top in your suitcase. When you get to the cabin and take them out first thing, and hang them, then they shouldn't even be wrinkled - ours never was! :)

[jlparke5]

In 2000 I sailed on a Holland America ship. I went to the pool and sat in a deck chair to read. I talked to a nice man who was sitting next to me. I put my book and glasses down on the ground between our two chairs and went for a swim. When I came back the nice man was gone and so were my glasses. His glasses were on my book. I was fortunate that I had packed an extra pair because I can't read anything without my glasses. So I suggest packing an extra pair.

[TravelGal22]

Wow, you have all been really helpful, especially EmperssofPurple! Thanks so much.

[Happy ks]

Why original containers?

 

We were going to use those weekly pill holders (my DH is diabetic and as a fair share of meds) and bring a list of the medication/dose.

 

 

You really don't have to take along the original containers, no matter what anyone else may say. You are taking along a list of the meds taken, with dosage, time taken, etc...in case of any emergency this list can be crucial. Check with your pharmacist and ask if they will just print out extra labels for you, that's an easy way to take care of it.

 

Many people get prescriptions in 3 month supplies and the bottles can be huge, so I don't blame anyone for not wanting large or multiple bottles along.

[Happy ks]

Packing lists are so individual...so many things on many of these lists can be left at home and never missed. Things I wouldn't dream of taking are crucial to the next person. We don't attempt to replicate home when we're gone, other than our personal care items. Then again, many people are satisfied with mystery shampoo and soap that hotels and cruise ships supply.

 

We keep our carry on/toiletry bag packed all the time, everything we need for a cruise we also need for even just a one night trip. There are so many little things to take and it's so time consuming to organize, it's just a whole lot easier for us to have it prepared all the time.

 

We've stopped bringing anything extra along, no more "what if's", we just deal with whatever travel may bring our way and adapt as we go. We have a small first aid kit, our own preferred toiletries, one camera with plenty of memories and batteries. We bring along one cell phone, fully charged and turned off, the charge more than lasts the length of time we're gone, we only turn it on for emergencies. Other than those few items, maybe a magazine or two and Ipods we pack our clothes, we have cut way back on our choices there as well. We cut back drastically on shoes, selecting our wardrobe from the shoes up instead of the other way around.

 

Over the years whenever we travel and forget an item, if it's not missed then I never pack it again. I see duct tape on every single packing list out there, yet have never packed or needed it. We have a 3 plug electrical receptacle in our carry on, yet have never used it but I keep forgetting to take it out since it's in a side pocket. We've never opened our new in the package water wallet, never used our lanyards, left the nightlight in a hotel somewhere and never replaced it. We use the supplied pens, cups, maps, wake up calls, etc...

 

Our travel motto is to keep it simple, pack light and use our $$ for the trip, not to accumulate more junk that is not needed.

 

Kind of funny, we finally brought along a small travel sized fan for an OV cabin, they get so stuffy with no air circulation. I had read on a number of packing lists that people brought along small fans. After shopping for it, buying 2 (found the second one later that I preferred), carefully packing it - it was confiscated at the terminal, they gave us a claim check and we picked it up after the cruise. There is a table full of small appliances, most clothing irons, steamers, coffee makers at the terminal exit.

 

Reading the packing lists over the years here on CC, it's no surprise people need 2 suitcases and a carry on each.