kruzkween

I would definitely NOT recommend sneaking alcohol on board your ship. Some ships do allow you to bring some things on board, but some don't allow anything. My advice is to be very familiar with your cruise line's policy before you go, and don't try to do something they don't allow. I've seen it happen more than once, where someone tried to sneak alcohol on board, it was found, and the person (people) were very embarrassed! It's just not worth taking a chance, in my opinion. I've seen the cruise personnel check mouthwash bottles, water bottles, soda bottles; if you can think of it, it's probably already been tried! Sometimes you get caught and sometimes you don't.

We bought a luggage scale too, and do use it. However, on one cruise a while back our cabin steward offered to weigh our bags for us. He said they all have access to luggage scales and will weigh your bags if asked. That option will allow us to weigh our bags with it at home, then not have to pack the scale and take along. ....just FYI.

kaylaw25 posted about the over-the-door thing that she puts various things in to keep them organized, among which she mentioned her passport. Under no circumstances would I keep my passport out like that. It's much safer locked in the in-room safe. That one thing could potentially be more valuable than all the money you take with you, and it should be safe-guarded.

Yes indeed you can request a table for 2...however, IMHO you miss out on a great part of the cruising experience if you don't dine with others, at least some of the time. And if you just can't stand your dining companions, yes, you can request to be changed.

I have a question for westalan80...what do you mean about bring a dial lock to keep your stuff safe? We always use the in-cabin safe. What am I missing here?

Hope you all have a great week!!!!

If you have a wet toothbrush issue, just dry it for 10 seconds or so with the blow dryer in the room. Then put it in something to keep airborne germs off. Wouldn't this be a simple solution???

Speaking of Bonine, on many ships you can get little two-pill packets of Meclizine (generic name for Bonine) at the purser's desk, for free. I always stop by and pick up one or two for "just in case". I've only been on one ship that didn't give these out; not sure which cruise line it was but I think it was Princess.

Shebba,

I've never heard of Moleskin. Sounds like something very useful. Please tell me what it is and where to buy it. How is it different and/or better than an band-aid?

kruzkween

Duct tape is one of those things you take with you just like cold medicine, band-aids, diarrhea medicine, ect. that you might not need, hope you don't need, but boy if you do you better have it! I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to needing something desperately and not having it while away from home.

Someone mentioned taking you own wine. Depends on which cruise line you're sailing, but some don't allow you to do that at all. If you even try, they will confiscate it and you may never see it again. BE SURE to check and make sure your cruise line allows this before you go to the trouble & expense.

kruzkween

I always go with the pre-paid tips, but if service has been exceptional by any service provider, I put "extra" in an envelope and tip more on the last night. The purser's desk will usually give you the envelopes if you just ask.

kruzkween

Often times there will be a table somewhere in the check-in area, and glasses of champagne are sitting out. Those ARE free, as well as cookies and maybe lemonade.

Another very important thing to take ANY TIME you travel is a package or two of antibacterial hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The wipes are to wipe down every surface in your cabin that has been touched by the previous occupant...TV remote, light switches, door handle & dead bolt, hair dryer, closet doors, desk/vanity, bathroom counter, drawer pulls, etc. ...you can't be too careful! There should be no shortage of hand sanitizer on the ship, but when you go ashore, it's definitely a must to have with you.

There are some really wonderful suggestions on this thread; newbies read & heed! I'm an experienced cruiser but I've learned a lot from you guys...thanks for taking the time to post!!!

kruzkween

One thing that too many people do is take an abundance of shoes. They are heavy, bulky and you just simply don't need them. The poster that said 3 pairs...gym, formal & day-time is right on! Use the same shoes both formal nights which means coordinating your outfits color-wise. And what I actually do about my formal outfits, very often I take one pair of pretty black palazzo(?) pants then two different tops & different jewelry. Every cruise you take you'll learn a little more and become a more savvy packer, But from those of us who know, do NOT take many shoes, wear your slacks or shorts or carpis more than one day, and two bathing suits is plenty. Gook luck, have fun, and happy sailing!!

kruzkween

Check your cruise line's policy about bringing wine on board...some will let and some absolutely will not. Know what to expect before you go, it will save you lots of frustration and disappointment.

kruzkween

criseaver...I understand completely what you mean about loud music and not so "family friendly" on the Carnival Conquest. In my cruising experience, it has everything to do with which cruise line you sail. Carnival has always been knows as being all about loud music, drinking & party, party, party. In my opinion, they cater to the young adults, and some older adults, who love that lifestyle. Some of the other cruise lines aren't so much into that "lifestyle", many actually. If you are sailing on the Conquest because of it sailing from Galveston, Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, and beginning in Nov. this year the Mariner of the Seas, are better choices. Then from Dec. 2012 till April 2013 Princess will be sailing the Crown Princess from Galveston. These are much better choices! It's unfortunate that you were not given sufficient information by your travel agent so that you could have made a more acceptable choice for your family. Disney would probably be the most "family friendly" cruise line, but I don't know what age your children are.

I'm really sorry that your cruise experience wasn't what you wanted or expected, but don't give up yet; try again with another cruise line and I bet you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

Blessings,

kruzkween

I just love to share with newbies some of my ideas and suggestions for that first cruise. But remember, you never stop learning. I've been on about 15 cruises and am STILL learning great things from the wonderful folks who post on these message boards.

Take a light-weight sweater or windbreaker (or just a long-sleeve blouse). Even in a warm climate, chilly winds can blow out on the decks and the AC in some places on the ship can be quit cold. Take a small fold-up umbrella & a tote bag to take on shore with you. We got caught in a rain storm in Aruba and were so glad that I had put the umbrella in the tote when we left the ship! I take several little packages of antibacterial wipes to wipe down surfaces in the cabin...like the TV remote, light switches, drawer pulls, bathroom door handle, any surface that has been touched by multiple people before you...better safe than sorry! Put one package in your tote when you go on shore too; you never know what you might want to wipe down while you're out & about. I also take my eye glasses prescription with me, tucked away safely in my wallet. Just in case something happened to my glasses, I would at lease have the information necessary to get new ones made. I've never had to actually use the information, but it's there if needed. Binoculars (small pair) are a great thing to have also. There will be many occasions when you will want to use them from the outside decks. I take a small roll of duct take and scotch tape. It's amazing the uses you'll find for them! When I zip my bag us to check at the airport (or at the pier if not flying) I lock the zipper ends together with an electrical tie. Works great for security, and if your bag is one of the lucky ones chosen for inspection, it's easy for them to cut it off. I take a small bottle of Downy Wrinkle-Release. It's great for getting wrinkles out of some things after being packed in a suitcase.

Someone mentioned about night lights and not being able to find a place to plug them in. I too am a night light user when away from home, and on a cruise ship by far the best thing to do is leave your bathroom light on, close the door, and sufficient light shines beneath the door. Works great!

Hair dryers and shampoo are provided in each cabin so don't waste suitcase space packing these. Seasick medicine is available free at the Purser's desk; all you have to do is ask.

Hope these suggestions are helpful...ave a great cruise!!!!!!

kruzkween

I'm a fairly experienced cruiser, but apparently not as much so as many of you! You guys have some really awesome ideas for have-to-have things & I will definitely be packing your suggestions when we go on the RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas on Nov. 5, 2006!!

I have just a few additions...small fold-type umbrella, fairly large tote bag to take with you when going ashore, small pair of scissors, and safety pins (all sizes).

I wear glasses and always take an extra pair; but just in case something should happen, I also take my glasses prescription so I could get new ones made if I had to (better safe than sorry!!).

The last suggestion is for securing or "locking" luggage that is going to be out of my possession for a period of time. I use a fairly heavy-duty electrical tie to "lock" my bag. It's easy to cut off with small scissors, or even nail clippers. And it's clearly evident if someone has cut it and accessed the contents in your bag. I pack a zip-lock bag with a dozen or so and always have one handy when needed.

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone!!!