Bungee cords and duct tape

[1of4]

Just after we booked our cruise I posted and asked people to share their tips for cruising as we were only on Princess and that was over 7 years ago and then we were not with our daughter and I was pregnant with our son.

We leave next week and this weekend will be packing. Two of the tips said to bring duct tape and bungee cords. Duct tape because it will fix anything and bungee cords to prop the bathroom door open (we are an inside cabin, family of 4 on the Volendam) because on some ships the only ventilation is in the bathroom.

Now that I see the reality of packing for 2 seasons for 2 weeks (travelling 1 week before the cruise in Seattle, Vancouver and Whistler) plus formal wear I am trying to be a bit conservative.

What are your thoughts on bungee cords and duct tape. They don't take up that much room/weight but a lot of "not much" does add up.

[Randyk47]

I'm not in the bungee cord and duct tape crowd. Had a friend, a fellow CC'er who has given up cruising, who would never leave home without them but that's not me. :) Never have had need for either in 17 years of cruising and even more years traveling but I guess it's one of those cases where if you need it you need it.

[catl331]

DH brings duct tape and has had occasion to use it a couple of times. He doesn't bring a new/full roll, so it adds little weight.

[taxmantoo]

What are your thoughts on bungee cords and duct tape. They don't take up that much room/weight but a lot of "not much" does add up.

How often do you use those items at home? ;)
I imagine the frequency on the ship might be the same and, if you really needed them, the steward could probably arrange something.

[aliaschief]

Several of us were happy that we brought Duck Tape with us on our May Transatlantic. With rough seas (29 feet) we used the tape to fasten some cabinet drawers and some doors that were swaying open and making noise.

[sapper1]

Duct tape is also handy if your suitcase zipper malfunctions.


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[sail7seas]

We always bring a small roll of duct tape and have used it a number of times including when our garment bag was torn. I only wanted to get our things home in that bag and the duct tape saved the day. We would have been forced to waste time and money buying a new suitcase in one port or another. We have plenty of luggage at home and didn't want to buy a bag we didn't need but to get home.

[esther e]

I would like to duct tape and bungee the great stewards on the ship and bring them home with me.

[Viesczy]

The tape is very important. Duct or strapping tape, for rough seas, balky zippers or an ornery cabinmate who gets a mite uppity and needs taped to a chair for a time out... uses abound! ;):D

Derek

[Sea42]

I think that if the need would come up the ship, hotel, airport (really anyplace with a maintenance department) could provide duct tape. As far as a bungee cord while I've never been on vacation where I said to myself, gee I wish I had a bungee cord, it appears others have found the need for them. I guess it comes down whether or not you want to pack everything you might need or just pack the things you know you'll need.

[iancal]

No duct tape, no cords, no Christmas lights, no door decorations. Never bothered taking them, never needed them. Cruises or otherwise.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Bungee cords no idea why would need them, duct tape maybe, but a flashlight definitely!!! We have been on several cruises when the power was out for extended periods of time.

[jtl513]

... and bungee cords to prop the bathroom door open ...You don't need them for that. There's a fairly strong magnet that holds the door when fully open. I've never wished that I had brought a bungee cord.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I can't think of a reason that I would need a bungee cord.

On some ships -- the bathroom door opens outward from the bathroom -- some shiips inward.

Duct tape -- have used it to keep doors on closets closed as well as the drawers when we have hit rough seas and they kep banging open and shut.

[catl331]

On some ships -- the bathroom door opens outward from the bathroom -- some shiips inward.We've never had one that opened inward. That must be on the suites with the larger bathrooms. On the outside and verandah cabins we've had it would be very difficult getting into or out of a bathroom with an inward opening door.

[ehough]

I'd say no on the bungee cord. I have yet to actually use duct tape on a cruise, but it seems like one of those things that's worth taking along just in case you do need it.

[Randyk47]

We've never had one that opened inward. That must be on the suites with the larger bathrooms. On the outside and verandah cabins we've had it would be very difficult getting into or out of a bathroom with an inward opening door.


The bathroom door in our deluxe suite on the Maasdam opened into the bathroom for sure....I used to hold on to the top to get out of the tub. :D

[sail7seas]

Yes, Randy. Our bathroom door on Maasdam has always opened into the bathroom. I am absolutely sure of that. :)

[NMLady]

... What are your thoughts on bungee cords and duct tape. They don't take up that much room/weight but a lot of "not much" does add up.

I know that some people use bungee cords as a clothesline on their balcony but we've never taken bungee cords with us since we rarely have a balcony and have never had another use for bungee cords.
Duct tape however is another matter. We've used it to tape closet doors closed in rough seas when the doors kept swinging open; we've used it to repair a suitcase that got a major tear in transit; and we used it on the back of a form to put it back together when I'd inadvertently torn it in half thinking it was trash.
Would I take duct tape on another cruise? Yes.

[SPRING BREAKER]

I wrap some duct tape around a pencil. Saves on luggage space.

[kazu]

I wrap some duct tape around a pencil. Saves on luggage space.

Now that's a great idea. You don't really need much.

We've never taken either - but I might just wrap some duck tape around a pencil for the next cruise - great suggestion:D thank you;)

[superoma]

The tape is very important.........or an ornery cabinmate who gets a mite uppity and needs taped to a chair for a time out... uses abound! ;):D

Derek

Thanks for my laugh of the day, Derek!! I will never think of duct tape again without laughing.

Seriously though, a small amount rolled around a pencil or an empty pill bottle would come in very handy for a torn bag, just to get it home. bungee cord, not so much. although it might come in handy for that ornery cabinmate and the chair he/she is taped to!!!

[fleckle]

We wrap duct tape around an old credit card or gift card to make a small, flat pack. It has come in handy a number of times.

Brought along a bungee cord a few times after someone suggested it but never had any use for it so we stopped taking it.

The same for the over-the-door shoe organizer that some recommended. We bought one, but found that it just took up space in the suitcase and really wasn't needed. Our cabins had adequate drawers and shelves to hold everything.

[wander]

Some of the travel goods catalogues have roles of duct tape about 1" in size - we always carry one with us - useful several times.

[Skipper's Mom]

We've brought bungee cords and have used them to secure our liquor purchases to our suitcases upon disembarkation. You can also use them to secure a carry-on to your checked bag for ease in rolling.

[Willsot]

We've enjoyed quite a few HAL cruises, surviving quite nicely without bungee cords, duct tape, hanging shoe bags, power strips, laminated luggage tags, or bottled alcohol/soda/water.

[Coolcruise02]

Count me as a BIG duct tape fan. It has saved us on more than one occasion but, I don't travel with a big roll or it. I cut a piece of cardboard the width of the duct tape and 2" long. Then I wrap about 20 times around the cardboard so it sticks to itself. That makes it small enought to slip anywhere. :)