bethann:) Posted November 11, 2013 #1 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I am going on the Hawaiian Cruise ship, Pride of America, and was wondering what are some of the smaller things that you packed that helped tremendously? I know that bringing an over the door organizer, some Febreeze, and a night light will help but I was just wondering. This is my first cruise, so I want to be well prepared:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnsmomkathy Posted November 11, 2013 #2 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I recommend Downey wrinkle release. Works great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcwingwalker Posted November 11, 2013 #3 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I am going on the Hawaiian Cruise ship, Pride of America, and was wondering what are some of the smaller things that you packed that helped tremendously? I know that bringing an over the door organizer, some Febreeze, and a night light will help but I was just wondering. This is my first cruise, so I want to be well prepared:) A open mind and a good attitude:) Hawaii sounds wonderful when it's already so cold, have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitzel Posted November 11, 2013 #4 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Definitely check out the new cruiser boards. There should be many long threads talking about what to pack. My suggestions: - power strip or extension cord (outlets are not plentiful and may not be where you need them. - nightlight - pop up hamper or mesh laundry bag - clothes pins for hanging small items up to dry - small amount of laundry detergent for washing swimsuits - insulated tumbler with lid/straw, either for coffee or iced tea/water. - small amount of dish soap for washing tumblers out in room sink - waterproof pouch on lanyard, so you can take your id/room key/ cash with you. We swam with ours on and it was great knowing that it would not get lost or stolen. - underwater digital camera, if you plan to snorkel - highlighter - ziplock bags to keep items clean/dry (or for wet items) - inflatable wine bag or bubble wrap (protects wine/bottles/breakables) in checked luggage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jame_g Posted November 11, 2013 #5 Share Posted November 11, 2013 There really should be more threads about what not to pack. Don't over pack. Pack light! Bring only what you really expect to use, or only what you couldn't get by without if you were delayed a couple extra days. Don't clog up your cabin or deal with lugging around extra stuff. There's a Walmart, CVS, Walmart, or similar in every port if you really need something. Don't bother bringing most of the junk people here recommend. I've never needed the the vast majority of extras I commonly see posted here. No duct tape, over the door hangers, power strips, vacuum packing bags, highlighters, lanyards, clothespins or 99.99% of the other garbage people will recommend. You could easily fill 3 suitcases with all the crap people will commonly respond to these questions with. Actually, once you lay all the stuff out that you want to bring, do yourself a favor and put half of it back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spidybabe Posted November 11, 2013 #6 Share Posted November 11, 2013 There really should be more threads about what not to pack. Don't over pack. Pack light! Bring only what you really expect to use, or only what you couldn't get by without if you were delayed a couple extra days. Don't clog up your cabin or deal with lugging around extra stuff. There's a Walmart, CVS, Walmart, or similar in every port if you really need something. Don't bother bringing most of the junk people here recommend. I've never needed the the vast majority of extras I commonly see posted here. No duct tape, over the door hangers, power strips, vacuum packing bags, highlighters, lanyards, clothespins or 99.99% of the other garbage people will recommend. You could easily fill 3 suitcases with all the crap people will commonly respond to these questions with. Actually, once you lay all the stuff out that you want to bring, do yourself a favor and put half of it back. Agree soo much Never needed over door hanger, extra hangers, or power strip. I find everything I need is right there. I make lists and remake my lists, and remake my lists...trying to eliminate unneeded stuff, and reducing the vast amount of shoes I need(matching as many outfits to shoes as possible) then I usually only wear my comfy sandals (it is freestyle -isn't it?) my husbands laughs-- he said at home I would never go out without my heels, but on the cruise...... Important stuff Clothes. Day - night- beach Medicines Sunscreen Glasses/contact lenses/sun glasses Easy fun loving attitude Safe sailing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaShark Posted November 11, 2013 #7 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Definitely check out the new cruiser boards. There should be many long threads talking about what to pack. My suggestions: - power strip or extension cord (outlets are not plentiful and may not be where you need them. - nightlight - pop up hamper or mesh laundry bag - clothes pins for hanging small items up to dry - small amount of laundry detergent for washing swimsuits - insulated tumbler with lid/straw, either for coffee or iced tea/water. - small amount of dish soap for washing tumblers out in room sink - waterproof pouch on lanyard, so you can take your id/room key/ cash with you. We swam with ours on and it was great knowing that it would not get lost or stolen. - underwater digital camera, if you plan to snorkel - highlighter - ziplock bags to keep items clean/dry (or for wet items) - inflatable wine bag or bubble wrap (protects wine/bottles/breakables) in checked luggage This is a very cool idea! Thanks ... always looking for new ideas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksimpso3 Posted November 11, 2013 #8 Share Posted November 11, 2013 The only thing that I really use from these lists is the power strip. If you need to plug in a hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, etc. it comes in handy. Also for charging cellphones, cameras, ipads/ipods, etc. it is convenient to have a power strip. I have never needed hanging organizers, dish soap, laundry soap, plastic tumblers, mesh laundry bags, etc. We bring less and less each cruise we take...we are learning that for daytime mostly need a bathing suit and cover up; and some nice pants, skirts, sundresses etc for evening. I love freestyle!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatorsfam Posted November 11, 2013 #9 Share Posted November 11, 2013 There really should be more threads about what not to pack. Don't over pack. Pack light! Bring only what you really expect to use, or only what you couldn't get by without if you were delayed a couple extra days. Don't clog up your cabin or deal with lugging around extra stuff. There's a Walmart, CVS, Walmart, or similar in every port if you really need something. Don't bother bringing most of the junk people here recommend. I've never needed the the vast majority of extras I commonly see posted here. No duct tape, over the door hangers, power strips, vacuum packing bags, highlighters, lanyards, clothespins or 99.99% of the other garbage people will recommend. You could easily fill 3 suitcases with all the crap people will commonly respond to these questions with. Actually, once you lay all the stuff out that you want to bring, do yourself a favor and put half of it back. I concur 100%!! We sail very light! As in a carry-on suitcase and backpack each. It is very rare that we absolutely NEED something that we can't get our hands on at the store onboard, or at a store on shore at a stop. It is quite liberating when crossing that mental hurdle of getting away from STUFF and enjoying the EXPERIENCE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djmess Posted November 11, 2013 #10 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I concur 100%!! We sail very light! As in a carry-on suitcase and backpack each. It is very rare that we absolutely NEED something that we can't get our hands on at the store onboard, or at a store on shore at a stop. It is quite liberating when crossing that mental hurdle of getting away from STUFF and enjoying the EXPERIENCE. I have to say, I just completed a 24 day sailing on the Epic. Only packed an overnight bag and backpack. Did have laundry done a couple times. I'm platinum so it was free, but if extremely necessary you can pay the $25 and have some laundry done on the laundry special day. Also, don't be afraid to rinse a few items out in the sink and hang to dry. It works Less IS More! You don't need 10 pairs of shoes, loads of makeup or a ton of jewelry. NCL is wonderful with freestyle, take advantage of being casual and comfortable and have an absolutely wonderful vacation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillipdevoll Posted November 11, 2013 #11 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I recomend walkie talkies Sent from my SGH-M919 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted November 11, 2013 #12 Share Posted November 11, 2013 (edited) I take a flashlight and binoculars. I also find an "indiglo" wristwatch handy for seeing the time in the dark cabin. Edited November 11, 2013 by swedish weave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaShark Posted November 11, 2013 #13 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I take a flashlight and binoculars. I also find an "indiglo" wristwatch handy for seeing the time in the dark cabin. Why would you need the "indiglo" watch to see the time if you already have a flashlight? :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted November 11, 2013 #14 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Why would you need the "indiglo" watch to see the time if you already have a flashlight? :p I use the light from the watch to find the flashlight !!!:D Also, a small battery operated "tealight" provides enough light in the cabin to find your way around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phreddiem Posted November 11, 2013 #15 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Singles and five dollar bills for tipping room service and others. While I agree that I've learned to pack less as I continue to cruise, I do actually use a few of the things on the list: highlighters, clothespins, Downy wrinkle release, an insulated cup, a small light (tap light or flashlight), and Ziploc bags, to name a few. I also pack a small amount of various meds (Sudafed, Dramamine, ibuprofen, Immodium, etc.). Someone stated there there is always a Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS type store near every port. Not so, not reasonably priced, and not comfortable to wait to get to a port if you don't feel well! I learned that on my first cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaShark Posted November 11, 2013 #16 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I use the light from the watch to find the flashlight !!!:D Also, a small battery operated "tealight" provides enough light in the cabin to find your way around. I'm gonna have to talk with Tek about your cabin! We need to get you into the 20th century! We could even hook you up with one of these: Night Lights Shipboard cabins...especially inside cabins...can be very dark at night. An easy to transport solution to this problem is an electroluminescent night-light. These are lightweight and have no bulb to worry about breaking or replacing. Thesye are rather inexpensive and since they don't use a bulb....you don't have to remember to turn them "on" or "off". They are available in most stores where you would purchase a night-light. If you are not sure what they look like, this is an electroluminescent night light: On a Jewel Class ship, there is a plug in the cubby directly across from the bathroom door...this is a perfect spot for this night light as it concentrates the light on the doorknob to the bathroom...just what you need to find in the dark! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie&Jim Posted November 11, 2013 #17 Share Posted November 11, 2013 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Purex-Complete-3-In-1-Spring-Oasis-Laundry-Sheets-22ct/16419328 Cut into three makes hand washing a breeze. That's about it. We travel lightly too, only carry on and a backpack. We go to relax, very few expectations. I have found the negative reviews usually start off with some level of them, and people can be disappointed. We go to relax, get away, and enjoy the cruise. We have not been disappointed based on those thoughts. Bonnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaShark Posted November 11, 2013 #18 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Singles and five dollar bills for tipping room service and others. While I agree that I've learned to pack less as I continue to cruise, I do actually use a few of the things on the list: highlighters, clothespins, Downy wrinkle release, an insulated cup, a small light (tap light or flashlight), and Ziploc bags, to name a few. I also pack a small amount of various meds (Sudafed, Dramamine, ibuprofen, Immodium, etc.). Someone stated there there is always a Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS type store near every port. Not so, not reasonably priced, and not comfortable to wait to get to a port if you don't feel well! I learned that on my first cruise. I agree with you about the Meds! I learned that lesson the hard way...now I never cruise without my OTC "Drugstore". Sometimes you can't wait until you hit a port to get something that you need...and they may not carry it in the ship's store. I also believe that the mention of a Walmart/Walgreens/CVS near every port was in reference to a cruise on the Pride of America...and YES, this is true for that itinerary. However....its not always easy to find OTC Meds in foreign ports, they don't often carry US brands, and they are not regulated. Better to take Meds with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpk218 Posted November 11, 2013 #19 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Glasses , Meds , cash , 1/2 the clothes you think you need . (first cruise , ginger capsules ) ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted November 11, 2013 #20 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I'm gonna have to talk with Tek about your cabin! We need to get you into the 20th century! We could even hook you up with one of these: I can't even spell electroluminescent !!!!:p:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatorsfam Posted November 11, 2013 #21 Share Posted November 11, 2013 One other consideration is to try and think of multiple uses for the same item. Cellphone can double as a nightlight easily - there are a lot of flashlight apps, have your phone on the nightstand and you're golden - no need to pack a nightlight or flashlight for that matter... For light laundry, the provided shampoo or bodywash is fine - rinse well and you've saved packing extra laundry soap. Clothes pins - there are lots of hangers/hooks/racks in the cabin - it has never crossed my mind to bother with those. Hamper or laundry bag - why not just use an empty suitcase? Anyway, I'm a huge proponent of light travel, but also appreciate that this vacation is for YOU, so do what makes you comfortable and enjoyable. If lugging around 3 suitcases makes you giddy, go for it ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaShark Posted November 11, 2013 #22 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I can't even spell electroluminescent !!!!:p:p What does it matter? You won't be able to see it in the dark anyway!! :p:eek: Bill and I would like to apologize to everyone in advance for carrying on in this thread like schoolyard children. It's just who we are and something we just HAVE to do. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted November 11, 2013 #23 Share Posted November 11, 2013 What does it matter? You won't be able to see it in the dark anyway!! :p:eek: Bill and I would like to apologize to everyone in advance for carrying on in this thread like schoolyard children. It's just who we are and something we just HAVE to do. :) Living proof that posting should be done BEFORE DRINKING !!!!!!!:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Educators2 Posted November 11, 2013 #24 Share Posted November 11, 2013 You might like a small clock in your room. Also, hair conditioner, band aids, neosporin, sunscreen. Your cabin attendant will get you hangers. Be positive. Join the Roll call and go to the Meet and Greet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff Man Posted November 12, 2013 #25 Share Posted November 12, 2013 I concur 100%!! We sail very light! As in a carry-on suitcase and backpack each. It is very rare that we absolutely NEED something that we can't get our hands on at the store onboard, or at a store on shore at a stop. It is quite liberating when crossing that mental hurdle of getting away from STUFF and enjoying the EXPERIENCE. Unfortunately, this doesn't work when DW brings 14 pairs of shoes for a 12 day cruise! :eek: LOL! She's getting better! :p I also agree that a power strip is a must bring item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now