What 1 unique item do you pack for you 're cruise ?

[DenNJill]

:) I will be taking a long "I love you", "You make me smile", "Thanks for all you do", etc. cards to give to my DH each day. I will hide them under his pillow, in a coat pocket, on his towel, on the balcony, etc. each day. Just another little way for me to show my DH how much I love him and appreciate the fact the I'm spending a delightful cruise with my best friend in the whole world!! :D

 

I will also be packing lots of items I'd not even thought about until reading this great post ... thanks for sharing your ideas!!

[LHC]

If you take aerosol lysol or another product for use. Leave it behind....there is nothing worse than ruining your clothes or suitcase with the explosion or a used product.

A well organized fanny pack is so important...leaves you hands free, holds all your personal cards, hand wipes or sanitizer, lip goop (gloss for girls or chapstick for guys), small camera, dollars for tips, gum and mints.

Also a good backpack can be a great tool on board, in the skies, or on excursions.

I took my own mask and snorkel....purchased several years ago in Key West.

The best was the shoe organizer in the bathroom for DD and I...she found it so cool...(a tip I got on these boards and it made me look like a hero)!

Linda:D

[ptoronto]

OK - I'm booked on the Ryndam for this Sunday Mar 5 - I still have time to go get another suitcase and fill it with all the must-haves!;) I'll also have to make a run out to WalMart or the drugstore to pick up a number of items.

 

As hikers, we take our small hiking first aid kit along plus extra band-aids in case of scrapes or small cuts while adventuring about, both on land and water. You can get a lot of small, useful things at REI (in the US) or Mountain Equipment Co-op (in Canada).

 

Can't wait to get on the plane.:)

[lyndaedris]

I always take "hanger clothespins" never enough room to hang up wet suits etc. These you clip and hang from anywhere in the cabin. This last cruise on NCL my H got sea sick for the first time in his 30 cruises. I now bring the patch.(I was fine). Also the last two times one of us has gotten sick. He got that noro virus or whatever it is called and this time I got a sinus infection. Both times I had antibiotics and they came in very handy for me and stuff for nausea for him. I learned when we spent 8 weeks travelling thru Europe! I am now prepared!

 

Also as everyone else, duct tape, nightlight(instead of bathroom light and door ajar)3 plug outlet, airfreshener. I also put all my own hairspray that is liquid in the sample size hair spray bottles. I dump it out and fill it with my own stuff, a dollar store unbrella and rain cape as we always manage to get rain on our cruises and then I just leave them. I also bring the crystal light ice tea packets and mugs for coffee and then cocktails at night.

 

Unfortunately, the Noordam doesn't have a self service laundry or I would bring one of those hampers. That is a great idea!

 

I bring sandwich size ziplocks among other sizes. But I order room service the night before or in the AM if we are going to the beach. I order sandwiches and fruit and cookies and put them in these bags then in our back packs and off we go.

 

Ahhhh softener sheets, what another great idea!!! I have used the shoebag for years but now only use it if we bring our grandkids. They have more stuff than Walmart has vitamins!

 

We are down to one suitcase and a backpack. That is it. If it can't fit, we don't need it!

 

Everyone has such great suggestions. This thread sure helped me out!

 

Thanks everyone.

 

We are new to HAL. This is our first cruise on the Noordam. Reading through all the threads is like taking my HS students on a field trip somewhere. WE always had loads of fun and joked and laugh and interactions was always super. Alas, I am now retired and miss all my kids dearly:(

 

You all are terrific.

[Ammarg]

i take a flashlight, and now a book light so DH can sleep while I read.

A extra suitcase/travel bag that folds up flat - for all the stuff I buy

a mesh bag to put dirty clothes into - and tote to laundry or stuff back in suitcase if needed.

My mini-desk that is 3x5x2 inches and contains a tape measure, tape, stapler, sissors, glue, util knife, paper clips, tacks, safty pin,

necco wafers -can't find them very many places

Earl Grey tea - often they don't carry decaf EG

tiny fold up tote so I can carry purchases back to ship

[Bookish Angel]

I leave them in the ship's library and hope that someone picks at least on up and journals it at the website.

[Fatfish]

Now I have an extra suitcase to pack with all the things I bought from this thread :D

We usually book an inside cabin and our only real problem is that you can't tell if it's time to get up in the morning in the dark cabin....I bought a projection alarm clock that projects the time on the ceiling so that when you wake up and look up you'll know what time it is....We love it and now use it at home.....Picked it up for about $20.

[argys mom]

You can buy very realistic candles that are scented and battery powered on qvc.com . They even flicker. I'm going to order one for our balcony on the Noordam.

[cands]

There are a few items I wouldn't cruise without:

 

1. Most of the cruises we do are international so we put photocopies of both our passports in every piece of luggage - I believe this can make a huge difference if you loose the original(s).

 

2. A list of the cards in my wallet. I have usually culled my wallet contents before leaving home and wouldn't remember which ones I have with me and which are at home. This includes the telephone numbers for credit cards - they are generally on the back of the credit card. Not much use once the card is gone!

 

3. Disposable shoe cleaner sponges that I collect from the toiletry packs in hotel rooms. Great for the scuff marks on shiny black shoes that you will sometimes wear several times on a two week cruise. Probably not good for the shoe leather but do the job well.

 

yours

 

Chris

[DesertDiva]

that HAL has a complimentary shoe shine service?

 

Disposable shoe cleaner sponges that I collect from the toiletry packs in hotel rooms. Great for the scuff marks on shiny black shoes that you will sometimes wear several times on a two week cruise.

[schertzcruiser]

My DW. I tried to leave her behind and she wouldn't hear of it.:D :D :D

[Copper10-8]

A list of e-mail addresses, a small pair of binoculars, a fishing rod to troll from the balcony;)

[ANGELOAPOL]

Bring a pair of inexpensive 2-way radios so DW can find out where you are hiding or relaxing without her. Her idea of course.

[user8]

I keep updated Medical Information on my computer for DW and myself. Before leaving home, I print each of our lists, and both DW and I carry copies for each of us.

 

The list includes all medications and vitamins we are taking, their strength and how often we take them. It also includes a notice that we are diabetic and a list of known medicines that we can not take.

 

Also on the list is the name, phone and fax numbers for our personal care physcian and other appropiate specialists.

 

And last, it includes shot records complete with dates.

 

Not only do I take this information on cruises, but I carry copies in my billfold. It has come in handy on several occasions.

[serendipity1499]

:confused:

 

I truly agree with you Kayef about enough is enough with excess things being taken on board when it is a vacation to relax, enjoy and be served and dined. Enjoy having things done for you that you got away from doing at home.

 

Granted some of the ideas are things that I haven't thought of and would use and others are completely overboard. Not to make fun of my fellow cruiser, but isn't there enough to carry on and more to take home at the end.

 

I grant that the hand cleaner are important today, so take a few small bottles but that also have them on stands at the entrance of the ship and also Lido Deck.

 

But twinkies (how about onboard bake goods), party lighting & extra wiring (I've never reconstructed a cabin), picante or taco sauce (ask your dining staff-should in kitchen), Coffeemaker & Lg Coffee Urns (You have 24 hour coffee in Lido & Room Service), Candles ( I would report the Cabin to the Front Desk - Honestly), Laptop (Ok) but Mini Photo Printer (Really, I only have two arms), Washing down the whole room (Thats the job the cabin steward before boarding & each day), the FINAL WINNER - MAGIC BULLET BLENDER (That takes the cake - Really).

 

In most favorable winners are Thank you - Travel Journal (BRAVO), Alarm Clock (Yes no alarm/time in room), 3 way plug (As long a safe load on room circuits), Thermometer (Yes with a balcony room I do put one out to see the temp for dressing. The Room TV Monitor & Front Desk does not the Information).

 

Duct Tape, Compress Gas Cans, Electric Wiring, etc... I can image what the TSA screener are thinking of. Now in someway I know why next years security screening in NYC when we go on the Noordam next year will take much more time then in the past.

 

I apologize to all, but I couldn't believe of some of the things I have read and will continue to read. But, I go on cruise and try not to carry too too much since I will carry reasonable more off. Happy Cruisin........

 

Please rethink the Duct Tape..My DH always thought Duct Tape was overdoing it but he changed his mind in Santiago..Just before leaving our hotel for the airport we discovered a large gash in one of our our bags..It went clear through & had to be repaired..My DH used the duct tape inside & out..That suitcase lasted us for a couple more cruises once he had repaired the gash..It's better to have it when needed than to have to go out & purchase another suitcase in an emergency..

[24theCC]

The shoe holder over the bathroom door is the best.

 

 

Here's a couple (my dh thinks I'm over the top) I bring these little packs of Charmin toliet seat covers(8 to a pack) for going into ports. I take a pop up hamper for dirty clothes. It folds into an almost flat circle. I take travel mugs & go to the Neptune and fill them with wonderful cappucino. A soft sided, small cooler for taking bottled water & frozen wash cloths offshore.

 

I will definetly try the shoe holder thing for over the door. What a great idea.

 

Linda

[WISCruiser]

A portable humidifier, the air in those cabins is just to "dry" for me.

[Frogs]

Just FYI - I saw a clear shoe holder at Lowes with 24 compartments that cost less than $8.00. If you didn't want to worry about bringing it home with you for that cost you could just leave it.

[CaliforniaAC]

There are a few items I wouldn't cruise without:

 

1. Most of the cruises we do are international so we put photocopies of both our passports in every piece of luggage - I believe this can make a huge difference if you loose the original(s).

 

2. A list of the cards in my wallet. I have usually culled my wallet contents before leaving home and wouldn't remember which ones I have with me and which are at home. This includes the telephone numbers for credit cards - they are generally on the back of the credit card. Not much use once the card is gone!

yours

 

Chris

 

 

I carry copies of our passport, but I wouldn't put them in every suitcase. If your suitcase is lost or stolen, then the they have your passport information. The list of credit cards and telephone numbers I do too. When I'm on the ship I lock the list in the safe also. I trust my cabin steward, but I feel better if information like that is stowed safely:)

 

I do put a bright colored regular size sheet of paper in each piece of luggage with my name, address, cell phone, flight and ship info. Your luggage my not be lost, but it is always possible that the luggage tags can get detached. The airline will look inside if they can't find out who it belongs to (if it was lost), or which flight it is supposed to be on, or if they will need to deliver it to the port which ship you are leaving on.

[as41shots]

An extra VISA card.

[cruznon]

These ideas are so great. The last couple of cruises we've taken the pop-up clothes hamper--what a great idea. I also love the over-the-door shoe hangers---great place to keep ipods, cameras,etc.

I always carry one of the small bottles of hand sanitizer in my evening bag--we use it after handling menus, before dinner.

[LHC]

Once you have gathered your items and collect some things that are just for cruising, a clear tote marked cruise to keep all your items in until your next trip.....then if you buy things for your next cruise, just slip them in your container and then you will not be buying duplicates.

Linda

[HALOnlyCruiser]

Easy one! Compression sacks! Don't leave home without them!

Not very unique, but lifesavers when you go to pack the last day. Or is that why HAL sells those folding bags in the shops the last day or two? :D

And for all you who like to bring your own hot sauce, tea, etc., go to http://www.minimus.biz

You'll go nuts!

[debjo]

Here's something UNIQUE to me...

Like "Rose" in the "Titanic" movie, I bring along some a framed picture of my mother, my father, and my brother...people I dearly loved who always wanted to go on a cruise, but died before they had the opportunity to. I feel I'm living out their dream and I always bring along their pictures. It makes me feel like they are traveling with me in some small way, when I look over at the smiling faces next to my bed before I the ship "rocks" me to sleep.

 

Debjo

[ANSalberg]

I don't think this is unique -but a blank book. I "journal" all of our trips and now my family won't LET me NOT do it! They LOVE reading a daily diary of our trips!