TMCruisers Posted August 28, 2006 #1 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Can anyone offer a list of must-have's or a checklist of things to pack for a first time cruiser? Thanks in advance! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssapiers Posted August 28, 2006 #2 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Well, first of all I'd leave the white socks and bowling shirts at home. These aren't necessary for formal nights:D Seriously.... Probably the best advice is to take a power strip for multiple plug-ins since there are a limited supply of plugs for all the electrical stuff you take. One of those hanging shoe bags for the DW's shoes. I mean why do they need a pair of shoes for each night????:rolleyes: But most importantly take a carefree attitude and plan to have loads of fun Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom x4,grandma x4 Posted August 28, 2006 #3 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Hi, I dont have a list but I can offer a suggestion or two. Forgive the underscore, I dont know what I hit but I cant seem to get rid of it. everyone packs way too much clothes. For example for dinner so ladies bring 4 or 5 pairs of shoes. I have one pair of black dress sandals which work for every dress or skirt I have. I take one nice dress for formal night, then maybe one pair of slacks, one skirt and maybe 3 blouses for dinner, one jacket and a scarf so i can mix and match all week. One pair of tennis shoes. That is for a 7 day cruise. Of ocurse I do bring my pirate outfit for pirate night. I take 2 pair of shorts, a bathing suit, underclothes, 2 lightwieght shirts, one pair of long pants like jeans. That gets me all set up for dinner and daytime. Most bring double that. Try to think mix and match for everyone to cut down on clothes. I take sample size containers of toothpaste and deodorant etc.... Just enough for the week so I can through it away at the end of the cruise and that makes room for souvenirs. Or take an empty bag that can fit in your luggage for souvenirs thst makes for easier packing. some people take a over the door shoe rack to put toiletry items in and hang on the bathroom door, that makes it much easier to find things even though there are shelves in the bathroom. You wont have to worry about them falling off the shelves if you hit rough seas. They do supply lotion, shampoo and bar soap, so no need to take that. Hope this helps a little, dont forget a few first aid items and prescriptions, sun block and some islands you really need bug repellant. mom x4,grandma x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMCruisers Posted August 29, 2006 Author #4 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Mom x4, Grandma x4: This is so helpful. Thanks! I guess I am so caught up in the dress code, I thought I would have to bring more than I do. I assume that only dinner requires any type of thought to comply with a dress code. Daily activities and excursions will all be beach wear, right? I like your idea of mixing and matching. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom x4,grandma x4 Posted August 29, 2006 #5 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Yes, breakfast and lunch people just wear shorts, tank tops and in the buffet some even have on bathing suits with a cover up on. very casual there. On most dinners it is suggested casual dress. Which basically means no shorts or tank tops. Men generally wear dockers or khakis, the same for the boys. A collared shirt, either button up or pull over will do. Lots of tropcial shirts for everyone. Women wear what I would call church clothes, meaning a simple dress or pantsuit or skirt and blouse. Like I said I mix and match the tops to the same pair of slacks or wear a skirt and jacket or just accent a scarf around the neck changes th elook of wearing the same top twice. But nobody notices what you are wearing really. Young girls seem to wear princess outfits to dinner a lot, expecially on formal night. Most wear the same outfit for formal and semi formal night, most dont seem to care when it says semi foraml unless they are in Lumieres or Tritons which are the more formal restaurant. You will see a few people in jeans and shorts and tank tops too even though they request none be worn at dinner. They dont enforce the rules. Earlier this month when we were on the magic on formal night a older man came to dinner in an old white t-shirt and shorts with sandals, no socks!! I thought that wa sa bit tacky and they should of made him change or ask him to go to the buffet. maybe he is senille, but I dont think so, the rest of his group were dressed very nicely. You will see it all if you watch for it. If you dont want to dress up a lot go to each of the restaurants once to experience them, then go to the buffet for dinner. it is more casual there and it isnt really a buffet, only the salad bar is. You have the same menu as the restaurants and a waiter to serve you. It is a bit quicker than the main restaurants and people with young kids often like the atmosphere better. It is open from 6:30 to 8:30 accept for the first and last night of the trip when it is closed. On the Magic only, The`Wonder doesnt offer the buffet at night. Our first trip I only wore 1/3rd of what we brought. But after 12 cruises I have it all down to 2 suitcases of only what we really need. I can unpack and repack to come home in 10 minutes now!!! If needed they do have washer and dryers available. They do take quarters and there is achange machine there. they sell little boxes of detergent in the laundry too. the use of the iron is free!!! Just dont use it in the afternoons and evenings, if you need something pressed, do it in the morning or there will be a line. Usually I do any pressing the first day as soon as I unpack the clothes so I am all set and dont have to worry about wrinkles during the trip. You can send the clothes out to be pressed too, dont know the cost, but I have heard it was very reasonable. mom x4,grandma x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMCruisers Posted August 29, 2006 Author #6 Share Posted August 29, 2006 We were thinking of doing the Tuxedo Rental for my husband. That way, we don't have to worry about packing a suit, mulitple dress shirts, dress shoes, etc. Are there men who will wear a Tux on the semi-formal night too? If not, I think we can dress it down a little with a standard tie. On Cruise Casual nights, are dressy capri's and a nice blouse appropriate for ladies? I plan to wear a black dress for the formal night and a long skirt for the semi-formal night. The only night we could get reservation for Palo is Tuesday night, which, as you know, is Pirate Night AND on our cruise, Halloween. Do you think we should cancel Palo to experience Pirate Night? Or is there enough activity after dinner to enjoy? We are scheduled for the early dinner seating. Thank you so much for your advice! You are a wealth of knowledge. You should write a DCL travel guide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom x4,grandma x4 Posted August 29, 2006 #7 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Hi dressy capris are perfect. I dont recall ever seeing atux on semi formal night, just lots of suits or a nice jacket with slacks and a tie. What time is your Palos reservation?? Pirate night activities start at 9:45. at first it is recorded music and Cm's on stage to teach you some dance moves you will do a little later. Then live music and characters will appear in pirate attire, a few surprises with BAD pirates then fireworks followed by a buffet. i think the fireworks were around 10:15 P.M. for 10 minutes. This is a fun party, I would hate to see you miss it, but Palos is great too. Also at dinner on pirate night you would of gotton a pirate bandana and a pirate scroll with a menu on it as souvenirs. I'm sure if you asked ahead of time you could still get them from your waiter. I thnik they say to allow 90 minutes for Palos dinner, so you will have to figure out the time difference from your reservation and see what happens. Maybe you could make it a little bit earlier in the evening?? My kids and others have suggested me writing a dcl book too, but I am lazy, I just keep trying to help people on cruise boards when I can. I meet some great people on these boards. Plus I love helping others with questions when I can. mom x4,grandma x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeymoongurl06 Posted August 29, 2006 #8 Share Posted August 29, 2006 I hope this can help you my TA gave it to me and I thought it was useful! THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST: First Aid Kit: Poolside: Personal Hygiene/Beauty: Band-Aids, First Aid Kit Sun-block Shampoo Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin Suntan lotion Conditioner Patches Aloe Vera gel Nair/Neet Cough drops, Cold Medicine Swim suit Razor Benadryl, Gas X Cover-up Scrubby Alcohol swabs, Neosporin Big hat Body lotion Ace Bandage Good book Deodorant Safety pins Water shoes / Sandals Toothbrush Peppermints Toothpaste Chapstick(s) Laundry: Listerine / Scope Imodium AD, Pepto Shout packets (for oops) Dental floss Bath Items: Downey Wrinkle Releaser Gel/Mouse Air freshener Clothes Pins (hang wet suits) Hair dryer Multi-outlet strip Water Shoes Curling Iron (s) / Rollers Hand Santizer Insect Repellant Hair spray Kleenex Underwater camera Contacts, Solution Beach bag w/zipper Brushes / Combs Drivers License Bobbie Pins Cabin Items: Money Scrunchies Sewing Kit Walking/Tennis Shoes Make-up Insulated mugs w/straws Snorkel Gear Foundation Small alarm clock Film Cover Stick Sodas Camera Translucent Powder Hot Chocolate Ponchos Eye Shadow/Pencil Febreeze Eye liner Miscellaneous: Mascara Passport/Birth Cert. & I.D. Eyelash curler Clothes: Tickets Blush Travel clothing to & from Backpack/purse/carryall Lip liner Days on ship Credit Card(s) Lipstick(s) Morning/Afternoon/Dinner/Night Cash to spend Moisturizer Formal Attire x # of nights Jewelry Tweezers Belts Hanging Shoe Holder Q-Tips Bras Pre-printed luggage tags Nail file Undies Umbrella Nail clippers (hang nails) Slips Extension cord Nail polish remover in Girdles/Shapers Flashlight Nail polish (s) Socks Clear polish Pantyhose Perfume / Cologne Shoes, Sandals Shaving Cream Hats / Visors Sunglasses Knee highs Robe Nightgown Formal Shoes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeymoongurl06 Posted August 29, 2006 #9 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Sorry this is a more organized version! :D THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST: First Aid Kit: Poolside: Personal Hygiene/Beauty: Band-Aids, First Aid Kit Sun-block Shampoo Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin Suntan lotion Conditioner Patches Aloe Vera gel Nair/Neet Cough drops, Cold Medicine Swim suit Razor Benadryl, Gas X Cover-up Scrubby Alcohol swabs, Neosporin Big hat Body lotion Ace Bandage Good book Deodorant Safety pins Water shoes / Sandals Toothbrush Peppermints Toothpaste Chapstick(s) Laundry: Listerine / Scope Imodium AD, Pepto Shout packets (for oops) Dental floss Bath Items: Downey Wrinkle Releaser Gel/Mouse Air freshener Clothes Pins (hang wet suits) Hair dryer Multi-outlet strip Water Shoes Curling Iron (s) / Rollers Hand Santizer Insect Repellant Hair spray Kleenex Underwater camera Contacts, Solution Beach bag w/zipper Brushes / Combs Drivers License Bobbie Pins Cabin Items: Money Scrunchies Sewing Kit Walking/Tennis Shoes Make-up Insulated mugs w/straws Snorkel Gear Foundation Small alarm clock Film Cover Stick Sodas Camera Translucent Powder Hot Chocolate Ponchos Eye Shadow/Pencil Febreeze Eye liner Miscellaneous: Mascara Passport/Birth Cert. & I.D. Eyelash curler Clothes: Tickets Blush Travel clothing to & from Backpack/purse/carryall Lip liner Days on ship Credit Card(s) Lipstick(s) Morning/Afternoon/Dinner/Night Cash to spend Moisturizer Formal Attire x # of nights Jewelry Tweezers Belts Hanging Shoe Holder Q-Tips Bras Pre-printed luggage tags Nail file Undies Umbrella Nail clippers (hang nails) Slips Extension cord Nail polish remover in Girdles/Shapers Flashlight Nail polish (s) Socks Clear polish Pantyhose Perfume / Cologne Shoes, Sandals Shaving Cream Hats / Visors Sunglasses Knee highs Robe Nightgown Formal Shoes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMCruisers Posted August 29, 2006 Author #10 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Our Palo reservation is for 6:30 p.m. I think that will give us time for dinner and getting to the Pirate Night festivities. I like the idea of getting the bandana and pirate menu from our waiter. Thanks! I know it's almost two months away, but I am so excited. Now to just pray for no hurricanes the last week in October. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMCruisers Posted August 29, 2006 Author #11 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Honeymoon Gurl! Thanks so much for the great list! Perfect! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatour Posted August 30, 2006 #12 Share Posted August 30, 2006 You forgot a few things. :) I always bring a couple of kitchen garbage bags to toss my dirty laundry in especially nice to have if I need to do laundry on-board. I also buy a couple boxes of Tide at a local laundry mat to bring. Sometimes they run out on-board. I also bring along various sizes of zip-lock bags. This is a good list but personalize it for your own use. I took a list I found on-line and then over the next few days as I thought of things for myself I would jot them down and add them to the list. Things like, I have a satellite radio/mp3 player so added things like the recharger and headphones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeymoongurl06 Posted August 30, 2006 #13 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Yes you must personalize this list to your specific needs. But its a great starting list. Of course you might not need everything on this list either. But it will give you an idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatour Posted August 30, 2006 #14 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Oh I just thought of one to add that should be for everyone. The packing list itself. Why you may ask? To either add or remove things from the list as you discover/experience your cruise. You may discover something that you wished you would have brought but didn't so jot it down on your list so you will be ready for your next cruise. You may also discover that you don't need a certain item on a cruise so you can cross it off your list. As we say at our company, this document is a "living" document, so your packikng list should also be a living document being updated as needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Mick Posted August 31, 2006 #15 Share Posted August 31, 2006 Can anyone offer a list of must-have's or a checklist of things to pack for a first time cruiser? Thanks in advance! :) It's impossible to let this question pass without mentioning Calgon's Ultimate Packing Lists. Calgon, a frequent cruiser put together a series of packing lists that really leave nothing out. The main page is here: http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/Ultimate_Packing_List.html. The packing lists are linked about 3/4 down. Here's a short-cut to the adult warm weather list: http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.