Gifts leading up to first cruise

[frawnsay]

We are taking my MIL on her first cruise in early 2017. She just had her retirement party, and we gave her a passport cover as a gift to surprise her with the cruise [emoji4]

 

It has me thinking...with Mother's Day, her birthday, and Christmas all before we set sail, we could give her gifts for the cruise!

 

What would you recommend?

[CapeCodCruiser]

A fancy neck lanyard for her sing & sail card

[CowPrincess]

So, not sure if you told her about the cruise but here are a few ideas

 

Insect repellent and sun screen

Flip flops

A beach cover up

A new memory card for her camera

[Floridiana]

Does she have a good small camera?

Does she have a light, rolling suitcase?

Does she have packing cubes?

Does she have a traveling size cosmetics bag?

Does she have a guide book for the ports?

Does she have a sun hat?

[CanadaDeb]

How kind of you!

 

A beautiful frame for memories for her cruise

A gift card for a spa treatment on the ship

photo album for her cruise photos

a beach bag ( maybe fill it with all the suggestions you're getting here? )

[XBGuy]

As a follow-up to the previous poster's photo album idea, I would suggest copies of every picture that the ship's photographers take. It's a bit of an extravagance, but, gosh, it's her first ever cruise.

[Moochieg]

A travel journal.

[Karysa]

Perhaps a special excursion would be a nice gift.

[cb at sea]

There really is nothing "cruise specific" you need. Whatever you'd take to the climate that you'll be in is fine. Although, binoculars are always fun and useful!

[Li'lImp]

Gift cards to be used as OBC.

[Floridiana]

Gift cards to be used as OBC.

 

Cold elaborate please? I've never heard of gift cards for OBC.

[auntjoy036]

I booked a Caribbean cruise as a solo last fall mainly to attend a conference on board. My mother and I went on her first cruise a few months earlier. Mom had such a good time that when we got back I added her to my fall reservation. Mom always worries that she's cramping my style. I arranged for flowers in the cabin with a note that said "I'm so glad you're here." The flowers and reminder that she is a truly welcome companion brought tears to her eyes.

 

Vicki

[cheeseclan]

Princess has gift cards that you can purchase for your friends and family to use on board. nice thing to have.

[cruiseonthebrain]

I love the new camera and special shore excursion ideas! Maybe a bottle of champagne waiting in her cabin.

[jocap]

A new soap bag.

Small size shampoos, soap, creams etc.

Soft slipper socks for the cabin.

A pashima, or stole for formal nights/evenings on deck.

A new nightdress/pyjamas.

Travel size hairbrush and comb.

Some full-cotton socks for weary feet... :cool:

These are the sort of cruise items I ask for at birthdays and Christmas, and usually end up with books, perfume and last time- a carved wooden duck. Still hoping... :rolleyes:

[Krazy Kruizers]

Book one of the specialty restaurants for all of you.

A picture album is a great idea.

[alissa211]

How about a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure before you leave for the cruise?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[NW SOUTHERNBELLE]

Cold elaborate please? I've never heard of gift cards for OBC.

 

 

Some cruise lines have OBC (on board credit) gift cards that can be used towards purchases at gift shops, spa treatments, specialty drinks, excursions, etc.

Edited April 24, 2016 by NW SOUTHERNBELLE

[GUT2407]

OBC OBC and more OBC

[lady_cruiser]

You can buy her a cruise journal. I just bought this one for my sister.http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Leather-Writing-Journal-Embossing/dp/B00TC1Q30Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461537772&sr=8-1&keywords=B00NAJRIEY%7CB00TC1Q30Y%7CB00WX72G64

[Cruisin'Christine]

I think it would be nice to get a shipboard credit or American currency (assuming you are not from America). I think a beach bag filled with necessities like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat would be a fun gift. Maybe a book or two to read on the cruise or a deck of cards. Some ships have a balcony dinner that can be ordered. We did that as a gift to my parents once. It came with an alcoholic drink each, a three or four course dinner, and a free 8x10 photo to commemorate the event.