gift welcome bags for our friends first time cruise - suggestions

[Holidaycraze]

Any suggestions for a little welcome gift bag I want to our first time cruiser friends who are joining us on a cruise on Sunday?

things that are useful on trip ie:  highlighter for daily bulletin 

 

[Sir PMP]

bottle of champagne..

[seachef318]

A reusable water bottle or tumbler with lid/straw.  

[canadianbear]

OBC!  I loved when our kids surprised us with OBC years ago to use how we wanted.  The gift card showing it would be in their cabin for them from you.  

[oaktreerb]

small battery operated candle to use as nightlight in the bathroom

[Beachnut53]

Lanyard for shipboard card

[geocruiser]

Post- it -notes.

[CM1984]

A dollar store small notebook to use as travel log, hand sanitizer, hooks, either magnetic or command for walls...hold hats, lanyard, etc.  pack of mints, rolaids, gum, pocket pack tissues....Have fun

 

@oaktreerb  Best item!  we loved our battery operated tea light in bathroom. Depending on the ship, some have little nightlights in ceiling.

[towhee]

A couple of large binder clips.  We use them to keep the curtains closed, if they don't meet properly.  Also can be used to keep notes/documents/dailies/etc together in one place.

[Gunther1]

A laundry bag for dirty clothes from a dollar store. 

 

[oceanmom]

I always bring small and large manila envelopes to put misc. papers in--handouts from tours, daily When and Where flyers, receipts, etc.

[TiogaCruiser]

Small keychain type LED light that can clip to sail card holder (lanyard Or retractable) just in case.....

 

 I always carry one on my keychain now, and whenever I sail one goes on my retractable card holder since Concordia and the rash of Carnival power outages and fires of the same era.

[Holidaycraze]

6 hours ago, Holidaycraze said:

Any suggestions for a little welcome gift bag I want to our first time cruiser friends who are joining us on a cruise on Sunday?

things that are useful on trip ie:  highlighter for daily bulletin 

 

Everyone has been awesome !!!!!

thanks for all the great tips and the gift bags are going to nice and full!!!! Doing one for our cabin too as all the items will come in handy for us too! Especially the champagne. I think we are allowed only one bottle to walk on with each. Too bad they wouldn’t permit a little one for my friends bag, I guess I can just pay the corkage - might as well get a full size one instead !  So many helpful suggestions 

I’m going out to shop !!!! Sailaway on Sunday !

[freestyling]

Disposable rain poncho and light cheap nylon backpack

[Holidaycraze]

Just now, freestyling said:

Disposable rain poncho and light cheap nylon backpack

Especially with the forecast !!!!! Rain in Alaska !! For sure will get these 

[freestyling]

6 minutes ago, Holidaycraze said:

Especially with the forecast !!!!! Rain in Alaska !! For sure will get these 

Remember to get some ziplock bags to hold items and keep them dry

[sevenseasnomad]

7 hours ago, Holidaycraze said:

Any suggestions for a little welcome gift bag I want to our first time cruiser friends who are joining us on a cruise on Sunday?

things that are useful on trip ie:  highlighter for daily bulletin 

 

Have you considered a tiny flashlight?  We never sail without one just in case of an emergency.  Sometimes comes in handy at night to light our way to the bathroom too.  You have some great suggestions.  How considerate of you to make your friends' cruise even more special with such a thoughtful gift.  Enjoy your time together.

[Live4cruises]

Map of the area you’re cruising, and magnetic clips to put it on the wall.  I do love maps!

[DFWGUYZ]

https://book.hollandamerica.com/pdfs/onboard/Gift_Order_Polar.pdf

[Mtn2Sea]

If your friends are really big into electronics, consider a European style 220 volt adapter (not converter) so multiple devices (at least most) can be charged with the two desk plugs.

[geocruiser]

Deck of cards, if they play.  I also bring a small soft soap to use at the bathroom sink.  I don't like bar soap!🛀

Edited September 21, 2019 by geocruiser

[CM1984]

5 hours ago, geocruiser said:

Deck of cards, if they play.  I also bring a small soft soap to use at the bathroom sink.  I don't like bar soap!🛀

 

Once on the ship, you can get a free deck of cards at Guest Services!

[kazu]

Lots of good ideas being offered.

 

Just one point/question - have your friends been quizzing you about what to pack or possibly reading CC?  If they have they might well bring their own items and not need any of your thoughtful gifts?

What about treating them to a Pinnacle Lunch (put a little card in their bag) on a sea day or a specialty dinner?  PG Lunch is quite reasonable at $10 pp (before Mariner discounts) and a nice experience.  Just another option, in case.

[GRACECRUISE]

A battery operated clock.  

[knittinggirl]

10 minutes ago, GRACECRUISE said:

A battery operated clock.  

Always nice to have a second clock.  Our travel alarm died on the last cruise.