Boiler Cruiser Posted November 22, 2012 #1 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Several years ago, when my wife and I prepared to go on our first cruise, we asked a number of people (many on CruiseCritic) what they suggested we take along. This included things that we would not want to do without, things that would increase our creature comforts, and also items that we might wish we had, and would regret not taking when we had the chance. I complied it all into a list. I have attached a copy of that list, but have also posted it below. I hope you find it useful, and if you have any additional suggestions, please share! SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT NOT TO FORGET TO TAKE WITH YOU ON YOUR CRUISE CLOTHING, ETC. Small tote umbrella Extra pair of prescription glasses Large metal paper clips for hanging up wet bathing suits Sweater and/ or jacket for cool nights at sea or air conditioned areas that are quite cool Over-the-door shoe holder Cheap waterproof watch LAUNDRY Small containers of laundry detergent Dryer sheets Nylon mesh laundry bags Pop-up laundry hamper Stain remover pen FOR STORING CLOTHING A shoe rack which fits over the bathroom door Extra hangers AIR FRESHENERS, ETC. Fabreeze air freshener (may be a problem if flying) Airfreshener solid TOILETRIES (PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS) Shampoo Hair conditioner Disinfectant wipes Travel roll of toilet paper Purell or other waterless hand cleaner Liquid hand soap A small shower organizer to keep the soap and shampoo, razor, etc. (There is little enough room in the bathroom for storage) FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Bug spray Sunscreen Waterproof (water resistant) shoes Sunglasses Suntan lotion Plastic hair clips for holding down towels on your chair or holding wet things drying on the balcony FOR ON-SHORE EXCURSIONS A backpack or fammy pack for carrying things on shore excursions Driver Licenses if needed Your passports Ship Cards Credit Card Cash Tour Vouchers & Payment for Tours with tips Waterproof Camera Chair Clips RainPonchos Thermal Bag with drinks & ice DRUGS, MEDICINES, ETC. Headache medicine (aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc.) Stomach ache medicine (Pepto Bismol tablets, etc) Bonine or Dramamine Band Aids Antiseptic ointment Extra prescription medications (extra 2-3 days’ supply Benedryl Neosporin Calamine lotion APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS Nightlight (for the bathroom or elsewhere) Alarm clock Hair dryer Flat Iron Power bar/ power strip Extra batteries for your digital camera Rechargable batteries for your digital camera Battery charger Cell phone charger Flashlight Extra memory cards for your digital camera CLEANERS Clorox spray cleaner for disinfecting surfaces LAUNDRY NEEDS Fabric sheets Pop-up hamper for dirty clothes Trash bag for storing dirty clothes Duffle bag for dirty laundry SHOPPING Empty duffle bag for carrying what you buy on shopping trips Empty tote bag for carrying what you buy on shopping trips IF YOU BRING A LAPTOP COMPUTER Memory card reader and/ or cable to backup your photos to a flash drive or CD/ DVD MISCELLANEOUS A highlighter for the newspaper or Patters Bottle opener Jigger Small cocktail shaker Single $$ for tips and misc. spending Sewing kit Bottle opener (“Church-key”) Guidebooks for your cruise desitnations Small roll of duct tape Post-It notes to leave messages for the porter or those traveling with you Cork screw Addresses of all those that you want to write postcards and letters to while on your cruise. A small pair of scissors A bungie cord to hold open the sliding door to the balcony and/or hold the drapes open Small pair of binoculars Eyeglasses repair kit Thank you cards to leave for waiters and stewards. (They really appreciate them!) WHAT TO TAKE ON YOUR CRUISE.doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartbda Posted November 22, 2012 #2 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Have never taken 90% of the things listed and was never sorry there was something I didn't have.;):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boiler Cruiser Posted November 22, 2012 Author #3 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Of course, not everything on this list is something you need on every cruise, but my wife and I found it a very good planning tool for us, and found it useful. Perhaps others will also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferfoodle Posted November 22, 2012 #4 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Chapstick. Don't forget chapstick - just as important as sunscreen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky-elpaso Posted November 22, 2012 #5 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Some kind of sore throat drops. I had a good selection of OTC meds on our last cruise - except something for a sore throat. So, of course, I got a cold and sore throat - the ships store had 1 kind and they were expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted November 22, 2012 #6 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I hope you are driving to the port. If you fly, the luggage charges will likely exceed the cost of the cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted November 22, 2012 #7 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I don't take anything special on a cruise that I wouldn't take on a land vacation. It's simply not needed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cashew14 Posted November 22, 2012 #8 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I hope you are driving to the port. If you fly, the luggage charges will likely exceed the cost of the cruise :D some removal companies could give him a quote though ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainer Posted November 22, 2012 #9 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Please remove the "flat iron" from your list. Cruise ships consider them a fire hazard and will confiscate them if spotted. They will be returned at end of cruise but, like flame-candles, they are not allowed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy ks Posted November 22, 2012 #10 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Your list is very thorough. Some items can be crossed off, of course, each person needs to decide for themselves. For instance, we always have a corkscrew packed into our carry on, but can do without the church key. If those who think they can get by with 90% less than what is listed, pack your suitcases and carry ons, dump them out and make a list, you will be surprised at just how much stuff you have on a list. A few items were mentioned more than once (over the door shoe holder, disinfectant wipes/spray cleaner, chair clips were listed 3 times). From this list I'd cross off 14 items, plus all the laundry related items. This isn't too bad, I've come across lists on CC before where I crossed off 40 items before getting out of the carry on :eek: But...I probably have other items not listed that I do want to take along. Everyone has their own creature comforts they cannot do without for a week and the list is different for all of us. My suggestion is to go through your daily routine and take that stuff, plus a very small first aid kit, make your own list. Really think about any extra stuff you have to pack, organize, repack and haul home, consider if it is something you cannot do without. My husband and I have been together over 30 years and have taken many vacations together. We have yet to have any need for duct tape. We rarely have any need for it at home, either. I see it on almost every packing list out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lady_cruiser Posted November 22, 2012 #11 Share Posted November 22, 2012 One thing I don't see listed on many lists is a journal to keep so you can remember which dishes (food) you enjoyed the most, which lounge had the best music/entertainment, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted November 22, 2012 #12 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Please remove the "flat iron" from your list. Cruise ships consider them a firehazard and will confiscate them if spotted. They will be returned at end of cruise but, like flame-candles, they are not allowed. A flat iron is to straighten hair. ;) It's the clothes irons that are not allowed onboard. *** Immodium should be at the top of the meds list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartbda Posted November 22, 2012 #13 Share Posted November 22, 2012 ........If those who think they can get by with 90% less than what is listed, pack your suitcases and carry ons, dump them out and make a list, you will be surprised at just how much stuff you have on a list......... Nope, I still have only 10% of any of these endless packing lists.....even on a B2B.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted November 22, 2012 #14 Share Posted November 22, 2012 No reason to pack extra hangers. They are widely available. The one time we took an over-the-door organizer proved to be more than a nuisance. Never have brought it since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelingclerk Posted November 22, 2012 #15 Share Posted November 22, 2012 There are alot of things on the list I wouldn't bring, but it is still a good basic list that anyone can edit for their own use. Like: Add a few zip-lock bags, sandwich, quart and gallon...gallon for when things are still wet when I need to pack them, quart--liquids that might burst while traveling, sandwich--bringing cookies to cabin for DH late night snack. :D Happy Thanksgiving everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimAOk1945 Posted November 23, 2012 #16 Share Posted November 23, 2012 What a great list! Thanks for taking the time to post it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy ks Posted November 24, 2012 #17 Share Posted November 24, 2012 Nope, I still have only 10% of any of these endless packing lists.....even on a B2B.:) I don't believe that for an instant. Granted we can do without much of the list, but unless you don't take a camera, one cell phone (crazy not to travel without one any longer in case of emergency) a small first aid kit, ID, travel documents of some kind and a few personal items you will have more than 10% of the above list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartbda Posted November 24, 2012 #18 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I don't believe that for an instant. Granted we can do without much of the list, but unless you don't take a camera, one cell phone (crazy not to travel without one any longer in case of emergency) a small first aid kit, ID, travel documents of some kind and a few personal items you will have more than 10% of the above list. Believe what you wish but there are so many things on that list that it IS possible.:) Sorry but I am not going to take the time to count everything on that list and compare. My first aid kit once consisted of 5 band aids which I didn't even take last time.....information desk had them and the first time I needed one. Don't forget that there are also people who take only one carry on.;) Hmmmmmm, maybe I just will do a count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puerto penasco lady Posted November 24, 2012 #19 Share Posted November 24, 2012 i personally have been cruising since the 1980's and have never taken most of the stuff on this list. I cruise at least twice a year or more. You are really overthinking the packing. The one time I actually needed duct tape (broken zipper on a suitcase) a simple call to housekeeping brought a man to the door who not only supplied me with duct tape, but help me wrap my suitcase to get it home. Pack lightly and don't schlep all that stuff around. IMHO.. enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 24, 2012 #20 Share Posted November 24, 2012 Thanks for sharing your list. Each person needs to figure out what works best for them but it's nice to start with a big list to work from. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMerritt Posted November 24, 2012 #21 Share Posted November 24, 2012 There are alot of things on the list I wouldn't bring, but it is still a good basic list that anyone can edit for their own use. Like: Add a few zip-lock bags, sandwich, quart and gallon...gallon for when things are still wet when I need to pack them, quart--liquids that might burst while traveling, sandwich--bringing cookies to cabin for DH late night snack. :D Happy Thanksgiving everyone YES!:D I carry all sizes of zip locks now - the late night snacks OH YES! Also, they are great to organize my beach bag on shore tours, and my carry on. I also have a few lanyards that I loop around my beach bag handles, or in my backpack, and hook on small wallet, camera bag etc. - for security and avoids digging Nice list - thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marisr Posted November 26, 2012 #22 Share Posted November 26, 2012 I am a big planner and found a great app on the Android market that can put all of it on your phone. It was great for my last cruise and I will use it again. Look up the Ultimate Checklist or Cruise Checklist and it should come up. There are things that I don't hope to have to use but I would rather have them if I ever needed to. Happy Sailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ettaterrell Posted November 26, 2012 #23 Share Posted November 26, 2012 thanks for all the great ideas... And thanks to the original poster for taking the time to post your list. I think it's great and very nice of you to do so!;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLadyBlue Posted November 30, 2012 #24 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Thanks for posing your list. We can all decide what's on there we want and what we don't but it is a good reference. I have to have my zip locks - never leave home without them plus many of the items on your list.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayLin87 Posted December 1, 2012 #25 Share Posted December 1, 2012 I've used a list similar to yours for over 40 years. Leaving soon for 66th cruise and have packed almost everything you've listed. We take one suitcase each for 4 weeks at sea. Some folks just aren't planners but for those of us who are, this list is great. Several years ago, when my wife and I prepared to go on our first cruise, we asked a number of people (many on CruiseCritic) what they suggested we take along. This included things that we would not want to do without, things that would increase our creature comforts, and also items that we might wish we had, and would regret not taking when we had the chance. I complied it all into a list. I have attached a copy of that list, but have also posted it below. I hope you find it useful, and if you have any additional suggestions, please share! SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT NOT TO FORGET TO TAKE WITH YOU ON YOUR CRUISE CLOTHING, ETC. Small tote umbrella Extra pair of prescription glasses Large metal paper clips for hanging up wet bathing suits Sweater and/ or jacket for cool nights at sea or air conditioned areas that are quite cool Over-the-door shoe holder Cheap waterproof watch LAUNDRY Small containers of laundry detergent Dryer sheets Nylon mesh laundry bags Pop-up laundry hamper Stain remover pen FOR STORING CLOTHING A shoe rack which fits over the bathroom door Extra hangers AIR FRESHENERS, ETC. Fabreeze air freshener (may be a problem if flying) Airfreshener solid TOILETRIES (PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS) Shampoo Hair conditioner Disinfectant wipes Travel roll of toilet paper Purell or other waterless hand cleaner Liquid hand soap A small shower organizer to keep the soap and shampoo, razor, etc. (There is little enough room in the bathroom for storage) FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Bug spray Sunscreen Waterproof (water resistant) shoes Sunglasses Suntan lotion Plastic hair clips for holding down towels on your chair or holding wet things drying on the balcony FOR ON-SHORE EXCURSIONS A backpack or fammy pack for carrying things on shore excursions Driver Licenses if needed Your passports Ship Cards Credit Card Cash Tour Vouchers & Payment for Tours with tips Waterproof Camera Chair Clips RainPonchos Thermal Bag with drinks & ice DRUGS, MEDICINES, ETC. Headache medicine (aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc.) Stomach ache medicine (Pepto Bismol tablets, etc) Bonine or Dramamine Band Aids Antiseptic ointment Extra prescription medications (extra 2-3 days’ supply Benedryl Neosporin Calamine lotion APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS Nightlight (for the bathroom or elsewhere) Alarm clock Hair dryer Flat Iron Power bar/ power strip Extra batteries for your digital camera Rechargable batteries for your digital camera Battery charger Cell phone charger Flashlight Extra memory cards for your digital camera CLEANERS Clorox spray cleaner for disinfecting surfaces LAUNDRY NEEDS Fabric sheets Pop-up hamper for dirty clothes Trash bag for storing dirty clothes Duffle bag for dirty laundry SHOPPING Empty duffle bag for carrying what you buy on shopping trips Empty tote bag for carrying what you buy on shopping trips IF YOU BRING A LAPTOP COMPUTER Memory card reader and/ or cable to backup your photos to a flash drive or CD/ DVD MISCELLANEOUS A highlighter for the newspaper or Patters Bottle opener Jigger Small cocktail shaker Single $$ for tips and misc. spending Sewing kit Bottle opener (“Church-key”) Guidebooks for your cruise desitnations Small roll of duct tape Post-It notes to leave messages for the porter or those traveling with you Cork screw Addresses of all those that you want to write postcards and letters to while on your cruise. A small pair of scissors A bungie cord to hold open the sliding door to the balcony and/or hold the drapes open Small pair of binoculars Eyeglasses repair kit Thank you cards to leave for waiters and stewards. (They really appreciate them!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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