What are things you feel the need take with you?

[sisocialworker]

don't forget a great attitude:) nothing is perfect...but it doesn't get much more perfect than cruising

enjoy

[dustyspal]

The only thing I really "need" to bring is my DH....otherwise I have no one to aggravate. :p

 

I completely agree with this. Otherwise, how much fun could we really have?

[BigTee2000]

Thought I would bump this thread and see if we could get some more input on it...

 

TJ

[cruisinsince99]

Here is a gathering of "must brings" from a awhile ago..

 

Cruising Tips and Tricks

1) Leave the C&A Coupon Book (assuming there are still coupons left) in the safe for the next set of cruisers in your cabin. It is very unlikely that the room steward will remove it and you will make someone else’s cruise that much better.

 

2) Mark your luggage with brightly colored tape so it is easier to find.

 

3) Carry post-it notes so you can write down special requests for your room steward or communicate with other members of your cabin as to where you may be.

 

4) If you’re too full after dinner to eat dessert, ask for it to be fixed to go.

 

5) When you get to your cabin on the first day, have your steward remove everything from the in room fridge so you'll have plenty of room for your own things.

 

6) The ice bucket in the cabin only holds enough ice for about 4 drinks. Have room service bring you a larger bucket each day and keep it in the fridge.

 

7) The evening prior to lobster night let your waiter know if you plan to have a double order of lobster.

 

8) Drop an extra $10.00 on your room steward the first time you meet him/her. It is possible that the money will be an incentive to do a great job. Be sure to let them know that there is more to come.

 

9) Bring 3 or 4 International Calling Cards to give to your favorite Bartender or other staff that made the trip memorable.

 

10) Pre-tip the dining room waiter and our dining room captain. Wait until end of dinner on second night to determine whether he/she is deserving. Therefore you will have no trouble having special requests filled and receiving extra attention to fill your dining needs.

 

11) Tip the bartender in cash instead of adding it to your Seapass bill. (Bring a stack of $1s or $5s) It is likely to give you extra attention, since the server gets his/her money now instead of at the end of the cruise.

 

12) Study the ship layout in detail so that you know exactly where you are and where you’re going within the ship by the time you board. There is no need to waste valuable cruising time trying to find out where you’re going.

 

13) Make a list of what you want to pack ahead of time, and check it off JUST before you walk out the door, from passports and tickets down to socks and sunglasses.

 

14) Remember to tip the bus drivers, luggage haulers and for "libation" on the plane.

 

15) Take a Bonine every morning, no matter what the sea conditions.

 

16) Take packing tape. It’s useful for getting lint off your fancy duds and holding your luggage together after you bought too much. Take a lot of duct tape just in case a barge hits the ship or your ship hits an iceberg or if you end up in the perfect storm. You can fashion a life raft out of a few lounge chairs and life vests and duct tape makes a great insulator. It’s also useful in holding down the hairdryer button.

 

 

17) Sign up for your next cruise while on board for the credits. If the price goes down, give them a call and they'll drop what you owe.

 

18) Don’t forget the last minute trip to the bank for gold dollars and $2.

 

19) Check the Compass for the drink of the day. It will save you a substantial amount of money.

 

20) Take a change of clothes and a swimsuit in your carry-on bag so that you will not have to wait for your luggage to arrive.

 

21) Room Service is free to order, but be sure to tip at least $2-5.

 

22) This tip is directed specifically for those traveling with RCI: Check the liquor stores the first night of the cruise. They usually have a 2-for-1 corkage fee. (There is a $9.95 fee that you have to pay to take bottles into your cabin)

 

23) Rather than take early seating with kids, take the late seating. Take the kids for a leisurely meal in the Windjammer or pizza or whatever, at their usual dinnertime, and then let them enjoy Adventure Ocean when it opens at 7. That will give you enough time to get ready for your late grown-up dinner. The kids love it, because they don't have to sit through a long dinner, and you will love it because you will not have to be in a bathroom with a child when your entrée comes.

 

24) If you hate crowds and waiting in line, then look into getting a suite. There are many benefits such as priority check-in and separate lounges.

 

25) Check your table assignment immediately so you will know what area you will be in the first night and avoid all the confusion.

 

26) Book spa appointments immediately so that you are able to get the time you wish. You can always change them later, but they fill up quick… especially for formal nights.

 

27) If you have a special recipe for an alcoholic drink, pick a bar that you will attend the most and hand the bartender the recipe, then give him a few dollars and tell him that you will find him the whole week if he makes these drinks for you. The bartenders are usually thrilled with this idea.

 

28) If you are traveling with a group or kids, pagers work better than walkie-talkies. If you have the option, text messaging a pager will cut out having to carry around walkie-talkies and listening to everyone else talking.

 

29) Bring slippers or sandals. They’re much easier than tennis shoes on your way to breakfast or lunch or craft activity or wherever

 

30) You can order anything on the dining room menus thru room service.

 

31) Bring your own covered coffee cups. They’re bigger and are easier to travel around the ship with. They don’t spill and they stay warm.

 

32) Binoculars can provide some amusement and are nice to have if you have booked a balcony.

 

33) The showers in the gymnasium are typically better than those in the cabins.

 

34) Sign up for Meet & Mingle's. It is so much fun putting faces to names after talking on the roll call for so long.

 

35) Lanyards work wonders for Seapass cards. Have someone punch a hole in the card so they can be worn. The casino always has a hole punch.

 

36) Instead of traveling with lots of cash (except $1 and $5 for tipping), consider a shipboard credit prior to your cruise.

 

37) When you are dining in the specialty restaurants on the newer ships (such as Portofino’s), don't just tip your servers and wine steward, tip your host or hostess as well, the ones that seat you. They are really dining room managers and have a lot to do with your dining experience. If it was pleasant, let he or she know as you leave. Perhaps a $5 would do the trick. On a ship, they rarely get cash tips and they really deserve and appreciate it.

 

38) Save a couple of empty liter water bottles and fill them with orange juice in the morning, then keep them in the refrigerator in your room. You never know when you might need a mixer later in the day.

 

39) If a cabinet door or the bathroom door rattles when the ship is moving, place a washcloth in the opening and close the door on it, stops the rattles.

 

40) Priority boarding on RCI is for suite passengers and C&A Platinum and above.

 

41) Check your Seapass account periodically during the cruise, and especially the last night before going to bed. If there are any problems or errors, it is much easier to get them fixed at that time, rather than the morning of debarkation. Once you leave the ship, fixing an error is nearly impossible. Stuff your various receipts in a drawer and then check them against the listing on the TV.

 

42) This tip will not always work: A letter to the Captain, delivered by the Concierge, may get you invited for a tour of the bridge and/or galley.

 

43) If the vacuum toilet doesn't flush shortly after you have boarded the ship, don't worry, they may be transferring waste out of the holdup tanks and may have the vacuum pumps turned off. It will automatically flush when they restore the system to full service (assuming you had pushed the button).

 

44) The air conditioning in the ship may seem to be not working when you board the ship. With the boarding doors open, a lot of warm air can find its way inside the ship. Once you get underway, the air conditioning is more than adequate--it is a good idea to bring a sweater, as evenings can be cool, even in the Caribbean.

 

45) Get to know your Head Waiter, any special requests to him will probably be answered. The Head Waiters and the Maitre'd are the people that provide input as to who might be invited to the Captain's table, if you and your dinner mates are friendly and open with the Head Waiter, you might end up with the engraved invitation!

 

46) Pack a pop-up hamper for dirty clothes. That way you are not constantly trying to shove the dirty stuff in the suitcase under the bed. Or pack an old pillow case for dirty laundry. If you’re really organized, pack 2 or 3 and sort as you finish each night and when you get home, the laundry is sorted for the machine. Or you can just fold your dirty laundry back into your suitcase.

 

47) Extra zip lock bags come in handy for wet suits on the last day, things the kids collect, snacks on excursions, oozing sun screen etc...

 

48) When you get a photo taken on formal night, have a person in line snap one on your camera for you also.

 

49) Put the cash for each excursion/port in an envelope to have ready. Thus, there is no trying to remember what you owe and what you want to spend.

 

50) Realize that most of the time the muster drill is right before you sail away. When you're done with the muster, get back to your cabin, ditch your life jacket and get back up on deck as soon as possible or you're very likely to miss that spectacular moment when the ship first leaves the dock.

 

51) Watch the time and go get your life vests about 10-15 minutes beforehand and carry it around. When the drill starts they turn off the elevators. Depending on what floor your cabin is on you could have a lot of stairs to climb.

 

52) When ordering the "drink of the day", you can order the higher levels of alcohol without a charge (i.e Absolut instead of Smirnoff). This only works on the drink of the day, and has been verified by others that have done this.

 

53) Have one empty ziplock bag for going through security at the airports and the ship. Put all the change, watches, wallet or anything else from your pockets inside of it. It makes it so easy to put it into the bins or baskets, no more dropping stuff in a hurry.

 

54) Bring a highlighter to mark the "must do" events on your cruise Compass each day. It is surprising how much is going on at the same time. Keep each day’s Compass with you. The highlighter is an easy reminder of the activities you really wanted to see. Use yellow (for her) and blue (for him) markers to mark your Compass. If you both want to do something, voila: green! (and you can also keep track of where the other is!)

 

55) Wear a watch that is waterproof and set to the ship’s time.

 

56) Want a nice backpack tote? Collect your ShipShape bucks by participating in Ship Shape activities and you can choose a really nice backpack for carrying all your shore and pool stuff.

 

57) Pack a powerstrip to take with you, as there are only a few outlets in the cabin. Ff you take your laptop, digital camera, battery charger, and other items that need to be plugged in, this may come in handy.

 

58) An over-the-door shoe holder placed on the bathroom door can help keep all of your things in one place. They are available at dollar stores.

 

59) Order sandwiches, cookies, etc. from room service the night before a port day. Then put them in the Ziploc bags and put them in a little portable cooler for the beach. Make sure the food you want to carry on shore is going to be available when you want to order it!

 

60) You can earn Ship Shape dollars for participating in activities such as the morning stretch, aerobics, morning walk around the deck and related activities. There is a symbol next to the activities that award these dollars in the Cruise Compass and daily planner. At the end of the cruise you can trade them in for merchandise. Most of the stuff is either yellow and blue or white with the yellow and blue logos and writing. There are things like sunvisors, t-shirts, headbands, etc. It is fun to collect them and get a freebie.

 

61) Take the paper covers from the glasses on the vanity and put them in the safe to hold your jewelry when going to the pool or on a beach excursion. They Keeps everything nice and handy and are also good for holding loose change.

 

62) Have business cards printed with your home address, phone, e-mail and have them ready to pass out to those people you wish to stay in contact with. If you like, print your pictures on them so that people can put a name to a face.

 

63) A suction cup toothbrush holder for the mirror is always nice. A suction cup shower cup for shampoo, soap, conditioner, etc. is nice too. Look for them at Target or Walmart.

 

64) Take travel size bottles of hand sanitizer to carry in your pockets and a larger bottle in the room to refill.

 

65) If you plan on snorkeling, be sure to get your underwater disposable cameras before leaving home. They’re much cheaper that way.

 

66) Leave a couple dollars for a tip when you eat in Windjammer. Most times they carry your trays and bring you drinks.

 

67) Look at the pictures in the photo gallery each day. If you love a few, buy them. They’re unique and are great keepsakes. You can often find a deal where a frame and a photograph of the ship are included in the price of the picture.

 

68) Have at least 1 breakfast in the dining room. It doesn't take very long and it's a nice way to start the day!

 

69) Leave the beach towels at home. The cruise line will provide them for your use.

 

70) Try to snatch a menu as a souvenir. They usually have them on display at the Guest Relations desk.

 

71) Do some research online and book your own shore excursions, it's cheaper and you'll definitely get a broader view of your ports.

 

72) Never accept cruise transfers. It's generally cheaper to take a cab and there's no waiting for buses to fill up or unload your luggage.

 

73) If you like to snorkel, buy your own equipment. It is possible to get a set for around 30 bucks at Target and Walmart stores. Even if you just go to a local beach at port, you can always have your own little snorkel trip.

 

74) Whoever you travel with, pack clothes in each other’s suitcases. If one case gets lost, no one is completely out of everything.

 

75) Take some plastic clothespins. Things dry a lot more quickly hanging with clips than folded over.

 

76) You can purchase sun supplies year round from www.drugstore.com.

 

77) If you're nervous about wearing your wedding ring when out in port and snorkeling, etc., then buy a nice faux diamond ring to wear on your ring finger.

 

 

78) The water on board is purer than most bottled water. Just bring a large insulated mug. Ice and cold water is available 24/7 in the Windjammer. If you are worried about the taste of the water, buy a Brita water bottle, which has a filter in the cap. Bottled water is not free, but you can carry it on in most ports. Bring several small bottles of water. The water on the ship is fine but when you are out in port you may not have easy access to bottled water. You can always refill them with the ship's water if need be. On the way back, the space you used for the water can be filled with the various things you bought.

 

79) Downy Wrinkle Release works great to get out the packing wrinkles.

 

80) If you are in an inside cabin, bring a nightlight to put in the bathroom at night. Those rooms are very dark and hard to find during the night.

 

81) Remember that a 15% gratuity is always added to the total cost of drinks.

 

82) Ask your servers, room attendants, etc. about their family. They are always quick to tell you if they are married, have kids---and sometimes they whip out the photos. Their stories so interesting; where they are from, how long it has been since they have been home, etc. It is nice because makes them seem like you respect them as a person, not just someone who is there to make you happy.

 

83) Bring along a small container of laundry soap to rinse out your bathing suit in the sink----that way your are ridding your suit of sweat and saltwater.

 

84) Always pack a little first aid kit. Save those samples that come in the mail that year; some Tylenol, Tums, band-aids, antibiotic cream, etc. If someone gets a blister, or scrape it is always there.

 

85) Always drive or fly in a day ahead of time. You'll be able to sleep late the next morning and still board early, and it's cheap insurance!

 

86) Wear swimsuits under your clothes as you embark. You'll be able to hop in the pool before the ship is crowded. This is particularly good if you have kids. Late at night is also a great time to swim with kids. No need for sunscreen and no crowds.

 

87) If you're looking forward to lots of fun excursions on shore, plan to ask for late dinner seating. That way you won't feel the need to RUSH back to the ship to dress for dinner.

 

88) Bring bubbles to blow at the sail-away party (or off your balcony). The tiny ones meant for weddings are perfect.

 

89) Bring air freshener for the bathroom. Always take along a small purse size can of air freshener. It really comes in handy if you or your significant other has had one of those unpleasant moments in the bathroom and it happens before your room has been made up, or before leaving for dinner.

 

90) Type out a sheet with your name, cabin number, and cell phone number. Place it in each of your suitcases -- right on top where it's visible. If your luggage tags are lost, the crewmember who opens your suitcase will immediately know where to deliver your bags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

91) If your party is large (and especially if it includes older children or teens who might be "on their own" for parts of the day), make a "Where's Everyone?" board before you leave home. On a piece of cardboard, write out places that your family might frequent: Pool, Buffet, Sports Deck, Casino, Arcade . . . wherever your family might be found. Then write each person's name on a clothespin. When someone leaves the room, he should clip his pin on the spot he can be found.

 

92) Buy a good pair of water socks if you plan water-based excursions; a cut foot could wreck the rest of your week.

 

93) Bring along maps of the ports you expect to visit. The ships aren't very good about giving you info on the cities, and your own info might be very useful. Think about it: They want to sell you THEIR excursions. If they hand you info on places to go on your own, are you likely to buy their expensive extras?

 

94) If you're buying the soda mugs, or if you're bringing your own large insulated mugs, also bring a bit of dish soap. Your cup will need more than a good rinse. I like those pre-soaped Palmolive disposable dishcloths.

 

95) If you're concerned with luggage size, pay attention to your shoes. Nothing eats up suitcase space like shoes. Plan your outfits to go with a few pair, and you'll increase your available space considerably. Wear your bulkiest shoes (probably tennis shoes intended for workouts) onboard to save space in the suitcase.

 

96) Ordering room service sandwiches for shore excursions is a great idea (BYO Ziploc bags); however, they get soggy from the mayo. Solution: Pick up some mayo packets from a fast food place ahead of time, then order your room service sandwiches without mayo.

 

97) Shoes take up a lot of room in your luggage so take advantage and stuff smaller items into them, i.e.: socks, jewelry, belts, etc.

 

98) You can order a pitcher of ice water from room service. You must call to order it from room service, however, since it cannot be ordered on the TV screen.

 

99) Look into purchasing an iPod or an iPod Mini. That way you can play your entire music library and not have to cart around a collection of CDs.

 

100) Photocopy your passport - just in case yours gets lost.

 

101) Purchase something called a "wonder vase". You can use it to put flowers in and/or to mix drinks. They are some sort of malleable plastic that's thermally reactive. It comes flat, you fill it with hot water to mold it to a vase/container shape - then replace the hot water with cool water and it hardens the shape. Sounds weird but it works wonderfully. When you're ready to travel, just fill it with hot water again and flatten it out. Works like a charm.

 

102) When traveling with children, give them each a $10 roll of quarters for the trip there. They pay you a quarter for asking how much farther, fighting with their sibling, whining, bad attitudes, etc. At the destination, they get the keep whatever is left for spending however they choose.. It also built teamwork because they were negotiating with each other ("I'll pay to ask how much farther this time, if you'll pay next time" type stuff)

 

 

 

 

103) Use address labels for the tags you put on your suitcases for disembarkation. Also write the phone # on them at home. Then just peel them off and put them on the luggage tags. This saves SO much time on the last day of the cruise when you have to pack and there are a thousand other things you would rather be doing!

 

104) Bring a small travel sewing kit (looks like a book of matches) just for that loose button or small tear.

 

105) Have a small travel raincoat which and carry it in your camera case. You can also get disposable ponchos at Walmart for eighty-eight cents.

 

106) Make 2-copies of your passport (front page only), leave one with a relative or friend carry the other with you but not in the same place as the original passport. If passport is lost or stolen, take a copy to the embassy for quick easy replacement.

 

107) Leave a copy of the itinerary and phone number with relative and/or friends in case of an emergency.

 

108) With permission from your travel agent, use their address on the luggage tags. This way baggage handlers at the airport and cruise line do not know where you live. If your travel agent doesn’t give you permission, write your office address.

 

109) Magellan’s or Travel Smith sell something that looks like a luggage tag to hang on your bag, but you print your itinerary and put it inside. On the outside it has instructions in several languages in case your luggage is lost. Doesn't do much good to have your name and home address if you aren't there. This way the bag will catch up to you.

 

110) You can go to a local dive shop and get prescriptions made for your diving mask. If you wear glasses, you can still snorkel. If your one of us that needs to wear glasses and want to go snorkeling or diving, try this. Take your old glasses (if you can still see through them), remove the earpieces, keep the screws with the ear pieces, in case you need to replace them. Put a safety pin through the hinge and get a large flat rubber band that will reach around your head and hold your glasses in place. Then you can wear your glasses inside your mask and the flat rubber band will allow the mask to seal out the water.

 

111) Try to walk up and down the stairs as much as possible to burn off the extra desserts you eat.

 

112) Type up a one page medical history and print it from your computer and bring it with you just in case something happens. All of the important information is right there. Bring copies of your prescriptions.

 

113) Pack a cardboard box full of diet cokes, bottled water and juice boxes. Then label the outside and have it delivered to your cabin with your luggage. Just make sure to use packing peanuts to fill in the empty spaces so that the cans don't move around more than they have too.

 

114) If you write in an additional amount for an individual waiter/waitress, that money goes directly to them. If you write in money for the bartender, it is given directly to him. If you give the waiter/waitress cash, they keep it. If you give the bartender cash, they pool it and split it with whoever else was working that shift. My DH and I got to know some of the bar service people on the ship and these answers were consistent with all of them.

 

 

 

115) Use disposable cameras and put your address label on them. With so many people using disposable cameras, it is very easy to put yours down and forget it and not be able to identify it. The address label may even get it delivered to your cabin.

 

116) Leave some things money can't buy - in addition to tipping, don't forget about little nic-knacks that represent your state, town, etc. They love seeing them (with a tip) because they can send it back to their kids. Just like our kids like to see things with other countries logos or companies they see on TV, the same goes for their kids.

Tipping gets you a lot, showing respect gets you even more. Employees and entrepreneurs are individuals- treating them with respect and not as personal servants means a lot.

 

117) Bring a bottle of leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from saltwater damage

 

118) If you have the plastic curtain that sticks to you during your shower just take a couple of clothes pins and stick them on the bottom to weight it down.

 

119) Never think that a Ziploc bag will keep your wallet dry when snorkeling. It doesn’t.

 

120) Shaving your legs in the tiny showers is next to impossible. Head up to the spa area - enjoy a steam or sauna and use the much bigger showers up there.

 

121) Always wear your tighter outfits early on in the cruise and save the roomier ones for later

 

122) Pack your suitcase in a bigger suitcase. That way when you pack to go home you already have an extra suitcase to put all of your new goodies in.

 

123) Stick some bubble-wrap sheets in the outside zipper sections of your luggage. That gives some extra padding to the contents and you can use the bubble-wrap sheets (along with the packaging tape you've brought) to wrap some breakable items you may have purchased as souvenirs, for the trip home.

 

124) You may want to take a picture of your balcony from the outside of the ship so you can remember the placement of your cabin in picture memories. Since all of those balconies tend to look alike from deck to deck when viewing the ship from a tender boat or dock, bring along something to draw our attention to "your" balcony...something like a brightly colored piece of poster board to tape to the balcony plexiglass or on the rail. This same tip works for placement in a window or porthole. One passenger even brought a blow-up palm tree for their balcony.

 

125) Take a copy of the brochure deck plans to your local copy center and have them enlarged. On this enlarged two-sided color copy, write down all the pertinent things you need to know about the ship...what restaurants are "free" or additional "fee", what times they are open, what areas of the ship to stay away from because they are designated "smoking areas", where the self-service laundries are (if available), etc.

 

126) Bring a bungee cord to hold the balcony door open and a magnet so you can leave the balcony door open and still have the air conditioning on. The magnet makes the a/c unit think that the door is still closed, so that the a/c works even when the door is open.

 

127) Make friends with the Entertainment staff or the cruise directors, they have a budget that they can use to buy passengers drinks. They also get discounts at the gift shops!

 

128) If you have an inside cabin you have no sense of time of day as it is dark anytime the lights are off; however, the TV has a "bow camera" station that shows pictures of the outside world. Turn it on at night (it’s black at night) and in the morning you get a little light and a window to the outside world.

129) Call room service the night before and place an order for coffee to be delivered for your morning wake up call. They always call before they leave which gives you just enough time to get decent.

 

130) Use the hairdryer provided in the cabins. The one in your cabin has plenty of power and holding down that button isn't difficult

 

131) Purchase Fabreeze in a travel size and give everything in your luggage a good ole spray..

 

132) Take a handful of wire clothes hangers with you, and leave them in the closet. Use a rack hanger for your slacks. Five pairs in the space of one! If your traveling with girls, extra hangers, never enough in the cabin.

 

133) Take a pair of earplugs, in case anyone gets earaches from swimming (or.....in case you have a snorer in your cabin!).

 

134) To prevent sea sickness, try Relief Bands. These are electronic bracelets that send electric impulses that disrupt the signals that tells your brain that your stomach is out of sync. Don't confuse these with the non-electric Sea Bands. Relief Bands. Many also swear that sea sickness is prevented by taking ginger tablets, available at drugstores.

 

135) Do not forget insect repellent, except be careful not to touch any plastic (snorkeling gear, camera, anything) with your skin that has DEET on it as even a thin layer of DEET will melt plastic!

 

136) If you’re going on a ship with an ice rink, don’t forget socks and long pants.

 

137) If you are traveling with a least four people, try to get an adjoining room. This is such a lifesaver because of the two bathrooms alone!

 

138) If you wear contacts or glasses, it's a good idea to bring a current prescription for them. Some states won't allow prescriptions to be used if they are over one or two years old for example.

 

139) Use a 5-pocket check holder/organizer for all of your documents while traveling. Label the pockets as such: airline docs, cruise docs, cards (like C&A cards, phone cards, insurance cards, etc) mail (stamps) and the last… $$

 

140) Save you sunglasses from being crushed. Buy a glasses cord to chain to your sunglasses. When you go shopping and enter a store or if it gets dark outside, simply let the sunglasses dangle there.

 

141) Clorox Bleach Wipes are great for initial disinfectant of your cabin.

 

142) Space Bags (where you suck the air out of the bags with a vacuum cleaner) work wonders with packing. If TSA opens your luggage, nothing will get lost because everything is in bags. Also, these work great for taking home clothing that may have become wet during travel.

 

143) If traveling with someone still in diapers, pack an outfit and a diaper in a ziploc bag and roll it up squeezing all the air out. Seal it up and pack it. Works wonders to have an extra outfit or two in the diaper bag all ready to go.

 

144) Bring more diapers than you will need if traveling with one still in diapers. Yes they take up space, but you will have less space in your luggage on the trip home to pack an souvenirs.

 

145) If the casino table games are your thing, make a side bet for the dealer. He or she wants you to win. If you are not as skilled at say Black Jack, he or she will be more inclined to tell you when to hit or stand if you have attempted to place a side bet for him or her. Yes sometimes you and he or she will lose, but that is why they call it gambling.

 

146) Remove your batteries from your BOBs before packing. The last thing you want is to be called down to security because your luggage is buzzing.

 

147) Decorate your cabin door, especially if you’re cruising around the holidays. It’s fun and makes your cabin easier to find.

 

148) Buy post cards of the ports you visit just to keep as memories for yourself. Your pictures may not all turn out and this is a cheap thrill to look back on to remember your vacation.

 

149) The arcade is pricey, but something most kids like. The first night you board all the games are half price so if you go then, you can save a few bucks. For those kids saving their own money to play, you can probably work in a lesson about "sales".

 

150) For a romantic late night treat, surprise your SO by preordering a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and maybe a bottle of your favorite wine or bubbly to be delivered to your cabin. This can lead to great things.

 

151) RCI sells water safes in the gift shop for about $5-6 each.

 

152) If you have a medi-port setting off security buzzers, get a letter from your doctor before traveling and just hand it to the TSA ahead of time.

 

153) If you are staying pre or post cruise at a hotel. Join their membership program if they have one, i.e. Hilton Honors, Wyndham by Request....for a few added perks.

 

154) Change the brand of your shampoo while onboard, then when you get home and you smell that scent it will remind you of your wonderful vacation.

 

155) If you want to have a party of your balcony for a small group, have room service bring 3 cheese/cracker trays, 3 fruit trays, 3 cookie trays and several glasses of ice water. You only have to pay for the tip!

 

156) Have your clothes sent to be pressed soon after you board. don't even bother ironing clothes before you leave home. they'll just get wrinkled. in 24 hours you have perfectly looking shirts, etc.

 

157) Be careful not to eat too much prior to dinner. This gives you the opportunity to order a couple different appetizers, entrees AND desserts.

 

158) Tan several times before you go on your cruise. You can still bring sunblock... but you'll worry less.

 

159) Go on the spa tour the first day- they often pick people to demonstrate spa services on such as free massages, etc.

 

160) If you want to have your passport stamped for the various countries you visit, you can't do this when you get off the ship. To get these stamps, give your passport to the purser and they will have it done for you when the ship clears immigration.

 

 

161) If you are traveling with a "group" of family or friends and there are some who have never been on a cruise before... give them a "Bon Voyage" gift, which consists of a travel journal with nice pen, highlighters for their "ship" newspaper scheduling, post-it notes for leaving messages for the cabin steward, a lanyard for them to put their cruise card in, an enlarged copy of the deck plans printed on cardstock paper so they'll know their way around, a mini bottle of suntan lotion, some antibacterial hand wipes, and various other tidbits that might be useful on their particular cruise or sundries that they might have forgotten from home.

 

162) Bring pocket suds for the shore excursions These are little dissolvable soap sheets that you wet and hey dissolve into soap. For places where you can't find a bathroom.

 

163) Ever found yourself standing in a fore and aft passageway on a Royal Caribbean ship and not know which way is forward and which way is aft? Beside each cabin door is a small sconce like object about 5 or 6 inches tall. It’s shaped like the bow of a ship. The rounded part will always be pointing forward!

 

164) Always go to Guest Relations and ask for a deck of cards. They have always had them to give out. Sometimes it is just a regular deck, and sometimes they give a deck with the cruiseline on them.

 

165) A small sound machine is a great way to block out hallway noise.

 

166) Take some extra shoelaces incase you lose them to the Quest game.

 

167) If you have a loved one who has passed away, bring a framed picture of them and they can cruise for free.

 

168) If you are traveling in a large party, try a game like this: each person pulls names for a Secret Cruise buddy. This is similar to a "Secret Santa". Each day, do at least one small thing (surprise notes, little gifts, giving them the better chair, etc) for your secret buddy. During dinner on the last night, reveal who your buddy is.

 

169) Of course, buy a travel album/journal! Schedule a day exactly one month from your departure date. Make it a non reschedulable appointment!!! Celebrate the one month remembrance of your trip by having a special cruise themed dinner, music and assemble the journal together! Everyone can contribute their favorite pictures. Make sure that each person writes some of the entries in the journal.....seeing the handwriting over the years becomes so special.

 

170) Bring a small trophy to the dinner table and give it to the person that has the most memorable/exciting event of the day. Of course, the "winner" brings it the next night, etc. Great as a conversation starter.

 

171) Ladies, if you need a formal night dress and don’t want to spend and arm and a leg, go to David's Bridal sale rack, although the prices will still say $100 - $150 on sale, you MUST go and ask the clerk the sale price as they do not put a sign up for this or advertise it, to find out what the real sale price is.

 

172) Tape the top of liquor bottles that you either pack or buy and bring back.

 

173) Make a clothesline for hanging stuff on the balcony to dry! Make a couple in different lengths if you don’t know the exact dimensions. Tie Caribbeaners to the end for easy clipping to the balcony. String the clothes through the line so it won’t blow away!

 

 

174) As long as your fingernail clippers don't have the puncture weapon, a.k.a. under nail cleaning/file part, there is no problem bringing them on the plane. Often, they will just break off the file part.

 

175) Luggage locks are pretty useless if you have luggage that has a zipper (as most suitcases do) because a thief just has to stick a pointed object like a pen in the zipper and part it and the rest of the zipper just comes undone. The TSA Security locks are the only ones approved by TSA if you are flying. They can open them without cutting them and you'll know if they have been opened. Try http://www.tamperseal.com

 

176) Magellan’s sells a little flat foldup magnifyer/flashlight - they're designed for reading maps in a car at night, but are excellent to carry along as a flashlight and as a reading light. Because there's a wonderful magnifying glass in it, you don't have to go fishing for glasses to read something quick. Great for reading menus in a restaurant too. Folds up flat and small, very convenient to carry.

 

177) If you lose your Seapass card, GO IMMEDIATELY to the purser’s office. They will invalidate the lost card and issue a new one. If you don't, then, sadly, some one could charge drinks and other stuff on it.

 

178) Please be careful when refilling your water bottles with water from the Windjammer. Do NOT put your used bottle mouthpart in direct contact with the spout that the water is coming out of. Pour the water in a cup or something and THEN pour it in your used water bottle.

 

179) Use Static Guard. Dryer sheets are not the same.

 

180) If you have one of those old fashioned cameras with film, don't put it in your checked luggage...the film will get "erased" or damaged because of the x-rays.

 

181) Pack kids’ clothes in Ziploc bags by the day. That way you don’t have to worry about them living out of their suitcase.

 

182) If you forget air freshener, and you are visiting a Mexican port, buy a small bottle of vanilla. It’s a cheap way to get a clean smell in the bathroom.

 

183) Bring a list of your Rx (brand name plus the generic name). In Mexico, Belize and Italy you can purchase meds without a doctor's prescription. Depending on what you are buying, the cost savings can be substantial.

 

184) When in port, ask one of the cruiseline employees where they go to use an Internet Café. In Costa Rica you can purchase 100 minutes of online use for $5.

 

185) You can find two-gallon Ziploc bags at Target. They are great for large articles of clothing. Hefty One-Zip 2.5 Gallon bags are also available at Target. They run $3.29 for 12 bags.

 

186) If you forget your shaving cream, conditioner is a great substitute.

 

187) GSM cell phones with the appropriate frequency bands (anything marketed as a tri- or quad-band phone by Cingular or T-Mobile) will work virtually everywhere on the planet that has any form of digital cellular service.

 

188) Day prior parking: RCI sells a day prior package, even if you provide your own air fare, that includes hotel and all transfers to the ship. Note: Do not put the RCI tags on your luggage as suggested if you opt for this, as all your luggage will go to the ship directly from the airport.

 

189) Do not remove any items from the refrigerator in your cabin. these items are pressure sensitive and you will be charged immediately if they are moved. Be persistent to have items removed if you need the frig space.

 

190) Pack a padded mailing envelope to take your professional pictures home in. Goodness knows you paid enough for them.

 

191) Shops and casinos are closed when in port. The rock climbing wall, gym and restaurants were open.

 

192) For Voyager-class ships: Adjacent to the island grill restaurant is the best public men's restroom on sea or land. Panoramic windows and blackish-red marble waterfall urinals.

 

193) Call your credit card companies in advance to let them know you are cruising and to prevent fraud alerts.

 

194) If you would like to sleep in but have a balcony, try a sleeping mask.

 

195) Pack an old sheet for the beach. Thus the towels are used for drying only. The sheet takes little room in the suitcase.

 

196) For diabetic travelers: Have your medical doctors write a note stating you are a diabetic requiring needles and refrigeration for your insulin. This usually makes it easier to get the refrigerator emptied. If your cabin doesn't have a refrigerator, you can usually rent one for a minimal charge. The letter comes in handy with security when questioned about the needles. Also the ship will provide a needle disposable bag. The small chocolate candy that's on your pillow every night comes in handy if your sugar drops.

 

197) Purchase Aloe Gel with LIDOCAINE. The spray aloe that’s sold on the ship doesn't do anything to relieve the sting from sunburns.

 

198) Purchase inexpensive cardboard type wine tubes to smuggle wine on board, put them in your checked luggage and they protect it well. Use them to bring liquor back home from the island as well! You can get them at Michael's Arts and Crafts for a couple dollars.

 

199) If you want an entrée that is not on the menu, speak to your head waiter (not your table waiter) a day ahead of time and they will prepare it for you.

 

200) Replace your camera batteries before you leave.

to be continued.....

[cruisinsince99]

...

 

201) If you do the "day before cruise thing you can always press the items you need for the first night in the hotel room with a proper iron and carry those on the ship with a dry cleaning bag or carry on garment bag.

202) Don't use $2. Many times crew have said that they cannot use them in other countries, as they are assumed to be fake. Also, calling cards aren't a good idea. Crew cannot use them in convenient phones. Crews know where the best deals are for calling cards. If you really want to provide what they want, give cash. They can use it for whatever they want. Other things are not really appreciated.

203) According to US government guidelines (NTSB) nail clippers are now permitted in carry-ons. These can be used to cut the ties from suitcases.

204) For men: pack only dark colored pants (or only light colored if your suit is light colored). That way you only have to pack one pair of dress shoes. Those big shoes take up a lot of suitcase space.

205) For those unpleasant bathroom moments, use open flames. The unpleasant odor is a gas that is consumed very quickly by flame. For the cruise, stop by the local convenience store or Walgreen’s or whatever at the dock and pick up a cheap butane lighter which is safer on-board the ship. Leave it in the bathroom and if you have this problem, flick the bic and wave around for a second or two and the problem should be solved.

206) If you like to have wine with dinner, it's a good investment to take the wine package in the dining room on the first night. It comes out much cheaper than buying a bottle every night. If you have any wine left over, they will store it for you or you can take it out of the dining room and back to your cabin. If you're having dinner in other than the dining room (Chops or Portofino), they can also provide you with wine from the package.

207) It is best to wear NO JEWELRY when off the ship. First of all, not all of the islands are as safe as one would like. You don't want to be an easy mark for a thief. Secondly, if you walk into any store and want to bargain, they check your jewelry to "size you up". You don't need them to think you’re a wealthy American with lots of bucks willing to be spent at their store. It puts you into a much better bargaining position.

208) Treat your locked, empty suitcase as a larger room safe for bigger valuables. Such as a laptop. With it out of the way, and locked, no one will bother what's inside. Also, either positioning the lock or the suitcase so that the fact that the bag IS locked draws less attention to the fact that there might be goodies inside. Don't leave them out and visible when you leave the room.

209) If when dining in a specialty restaurant you do not see an item that is being served in the main dining room, just ask your waiter and he will be more than happy to retrieve it for you.

210) The water wallets (highly recommended for credit cards, money, etc.) that are sold in the RCI Souvenir shop often fall apart. It is best to purchase them elsewhere.

211) If you’re worried about damaging or losing your digital camera on a beach, you can purchase a cheap digital camera for approximately $17 at Walgreen’s. . It is designed to be a web-cam type camera and looks more like a new electronic lighter, but it is digital.

212) If you plan to snorkel you might want to pack a small zip-lock bag with corn flakes. Drop a few and watch the fish come to you. Careful, though... it can REALLY draw a crowd... Or you can use a dry milk-bone. Or a much better idea is a can of squeeze cheese. The fish love it (read previous posts) but sometimes it can seem a bit like feeding sea gulls bread crumbs--they can go a bit crazy. The good thing about the squeeze cheese is that you can just squirt out a little at a time. You can squirt it out underwater and watch them come right to you, or you can surface, squeeze some in your hand, roll it in a ball, and toss it 10 feet away and then go under to watch the fun.

213) It may be a good idea to line your luggage with garbage bags, just in case your luggage gets rained on and it’s contents are not destroyed by the water absorbed by the fabric.

214) When you fold your clothes, use tissue paper between the layers. Keeps your clothes from getting extremely wrinkled.

215) Pack your jewelry in a small, 1-layer tackle-box. This keeps it all in one place in your carry-on and also separates the pieces so they don't get tangled.

216) Bring an extra pair of prescription glasses in case your regular pair gets lost or broken. You may also want to invest in a glasses repair kit.

217) Bring a bilingual pocket dictionary. It's nice to be able to ask directions, order food in the native language.

218) As a courtesy to others assigned to your table for dinner, please be on time and, if you're not going to be there, advise the maitre'd. Many waiters will wait until the whole table is seated to start taking orders.

219) Bring large paper coffee cups with you. The little ones that they give you to get coffee or tea to go are so small. By using a larger cup, you can enjoy it longer without having to keep going back for more.

220) Bring larger plastic "sippee" cups with a straw. They can be used around the pool or on shore excursions.

221) If you're really into snorkeling, purchase a dry snorkel. They are made so when you go under the water, no water enters your snorkel. You can return to the surface and immediately breath, without having to blow all the water out. Also ensures you're using a CLEAN snorkel, not one that was dipped into some sort of water or cleanser and then pronounced "clean."

222) Go to Walmart or a second hand store and purchase a four-cup coffee pot.. It is small. Use your backpack or other soft carry-on bag. You will need the little paper filters, some coffee, sugar in a Ziploc bag, although you can get small packs of sugar and cream in the lido to take to your room.

223) Don't bother taking laundry soap, shampoo works just as well for washing out clothes.

224) A nifty little garment bag that costs $13 is available at Costco and when folded over, is the size of a briefcase. It’s perfect for the 2nd personal item to carry-on a plane with and it makes it easy to get that tux pressed the first night on board.

225) If your going with a group of friends (at least 10) have everyone pull together like 30-40 bucks each and make friends with one of the bartenders that you think you'll visit a lot. Leave them a big tip in advance in exchange for free drinks for the rest of the cruise... Buy a deck of cards and have him sign some of them and whenever you want a drink, show him the signed card and he’ll hook you up.

226) If the bar doesn't serve a brand of alcohol that you like, you are allowed to purchase a bottle (if they have it on board) and drink it in private.

227) Type up a letter (if able, if not then just write it) to the Head Chef around the third night thanking him/her for the exquisite meals they had planned. It is very possible that he will invite you to dine with him and/or send you a basket of gifts. You can always find out the head chef's name. If you go to the Guest Relations desk, on one of the walls nearby will be a photo board with the key staff/crew on board. The head chef will be one of those people and his/her name will be listed there. When possible, you should always address letters like this by name.

228) Buy ties and accessories off-season. Abercrombie ties are $5 at the end of the season.

229) Bounce dryer sheets worked wonders for the bugs in Mexico.

230) For those looking to make more money for your kids:

a) The kids are responsible for the bottle returns. Here in MA, you pay a 5 cent deposit on bottles- with lots of summer pool parties, that adds up. Last summer my kids made $75 from returnables.

b) Closet cleanout. The kids go through old clothes, toys etc. and we either consign or every 2 or 3 years, do a big yard sale. It also teaches them to take care of their things. Have them keep the profit from their sales.

 

231) Game boys and travel games are necessary. You never know if you're going to get stuck in a line or in the airport.

232) Some states offer wallet-sized birth certificates with a raised seal. You may want to check into it and see if your state offers the convenience.

233) Tear out the deck plan from the brochure to help you find your way around.

234) After each day is done, stash the daily Compass and all the loose papers not needed anymore in the suitcase under the bed. Helps keep the clutter to a minimum!

235) Apply your first coat of sunblock before you leave for the pier.

236) As for using nightlights in the bathroom, that won't work on some RCCL ships as the bathroom switch will also turn off that outlet inside.

237) Have you ever noticed that the water in the bathroom never gets cold? Lukewarm at best? Well on a very hot day, always put a couple wet washcloths in Ziplocs and stick them in the fridge for a nice cool down or sunburn. They work well for hangovers too!

238) A good tip for traveling is to get a prepaid credit card (or a few of them) and put a few hundred dollars on each one. This way if someone steals your card, they only have access to a few hundred dollars and not your entire credit limit on a normal card, but remember that many companies have “Zero Liability” for these cards.

239) Post-It now makes flag higlighters that you attach to your compass or to highlight important documents without actually marking on them.

240) You are allowed up to 1,500.00 dollars cash each day off your sea pass in the casino. Simply present your Seapass at the cashier’s window in the casino and get your free cash advance. At the end of the cruise any money tallied to your Seapass is charged as an onboard purchase at your normal credit card rate rather than the likely 21 percent cash advance most credit cards incur. Cash is King when shopping in ports. You can get any change you want at the purser's desk, which is open 24 hours a day. They're used to it and very nice about it.

241) If anyone snores, purchase a spray bottle of "Breath Right" at Wal-mart for $7.00 and at bedtime spray your throat a couple of times and get a better nights sleep. That stuff really works.

242) Usually your room attendants make an animal out of towels for you every night. Some folks have turned it around and make animals for them. The attendants really get a laugh out of it. Some attendants even went as far as making people sitting up in bed, one actually holding the remote control in their hands. One stated they found a guy (made out of towels) sitting on their toilet with toilet paper in hand

243) Since the carpets in the elevator are changed daily (each day of the week has their own carpet), before the crowd starts to gather in the elevator that day, take a picture of the carpet. This helps keep track of the days of the week (especially if your camera doesn't have a date function on it). Then for the rest of that day you'll be able to remember what you did say on Tuesday or Friday. It also makes it easier later when you’re back home and trying to assemble all 300 plus pictures into your photo album.

244) You can also number your camera film cartridges with #1, # 2, etc. So when the prints come back, you know the exact order that you took the pictures.

245) If you can, fill out all the paperwork on-line before you leave (they allow you to do this as soon as you get your booking number). It is possible to spend less than 5 minutes at check-in because all the forms are done. All they have to do is ask for your credit card, check your passports, and issue the Seapasses.

246) You can get fried eggs in the omelet line in the Windjammer cafe. They keep whole eggs there for that expressed purpose.

247) Cigarettes are about $18.75 per carton. You purchase them in the same shop onboard that you would purchase liquor. There is a limitation however, on the number of cartons you can bring in, depending on the port.

248) If you purchase an alcoholic drink and find there is not enough alcohol in it, simply ask the bartender about it and he will most likely oblige and give you some additional alcohol.

249) Blow-up rafts and beach toys are great and can be left behind for the native children or the next cruiser

250) Bring a lunchbox filled with little toys and things your children can play with at the table during dinner. Since dinner can be long, this keeps them occupied when they’re finished eating and thus, they don't disrupt the socializing.

251) If you’re taking a beach bag, use it as a purse on plane and just put your regular purse inside it. You can put lots of other items inside it also. They are big and look like a summer purse. Your real purse is even more secure walking in and out of airports.

252) After you check in, go see the Pier Coordinator. They will tell you whether there are any upgrades available. The price is determined by what cabin you currently have and how big of an upgrade it is. The prices are PER CABIN, and usually better than having originally booked that category. Even if you see signs that say, "No upgrade available", still check with the pier coordinator.

253) Start a thread asking if anyone has copies of their Compasses from a recent cruise with your ship and itinerary. They are usually almost the same. There are some on the web, but they’re pretty old now. You can even call RCI and they will tell you who will be entertaining on your cruise.

254) When you're in port (or near land) bring some rolls back to your cabin (or order room service). You can stand on your balcony and toss the bread straight up and the seagulls catch it mid flight. You can also line bits of bread on the railing and they will swoop in and grab the bread (great photo op!)

255) If you're a pool person, consider skipping a port and staying onboard. You can also get a discount at the spa because it's usually slow in there on port days. Also, if you go for a treatment, tell them (before they start your massage, etc.) that you do not want to buy any products and please do not try to sell you anything at the end. (They will end your treatment early to give you a sales pitch- it's so annoying that any relaxation you gained during the massage, you lose during the sales pitch).

256) Also, you can squeeze a little more out of your trip by arriving at the pier around 11am. I am usually able to board the ship before noon. It's not crowded onboard at that time and you can stroll around and just soak in the atmosphere (or take a dip in the pool, etc.)

257) When they assign groups for disembarkation, make sure you are in the correct group and speak up if you aren't. If you have a flight before noon, you need to be in one of the first groups to get off. Ideally if you can carry all your bags off yourself, then do so and go in one of the express groups

258) Speaking of the pool: DON'T HOG POOL CHAIRS!!! Also, don't bring glassware anywhere near the hot tubs, people with bare feet and possible broken glass don't mix.

259) If you've already seen a port, stay on the ship and explore, go to the pool, etc. The ship is much quieter and you have your choice of pool chairs.

260) Get a passport. Passports will be required after 12/31/05. Also, passports can always be used for a second form of identification and other uses.

261) Don't overbook yourself. Choose one port to do an excursion in and go with the flow at the rest. You'll be much happier and less stressed (unless you're a person who doesn't feel comfortable without every second planned out). Also, booking excursions yourself is a good idea (much cheaper) but remember if you didn't book through RCL, they will leave you behind if you are not back on time.

262) Always bring a foldup bag with you that can serve as an extra suitcase. Despite how careful you are about purchasing things, you will almost always go back with more items than you brought with you. You can use the foldup bag to store your dirty clothes in as you use them and then at the end of the trip they are already packed away in a suitcase.

263) Always bring ear plugs. They're great for blocking out any disturbing noises outside the cabin as you are trying to sleep, such as crying babies, screaming or running children, obnoxious drunks, etc.

264) You should definitely bring an alarm clock since the rooms do not have a clock other than on your phone, and lets be honest, you don't want to turn on a light in the middle of the night to see what time it is.

265) Use yellow plastic "Police Line Do Not Cross" tape to distinguish your luggage. That gets them thinking.

266) Shout wipes are a MUST if you have kids (or just act like one). They come in a box of 10 or 12 and each wipe is in a little packet. Take up very little space and are good for pretreating stains while on shore and aren't able to wash out right away.

267) When you get to airport to return home, check to see how full your flight is. It is possible for them to offer a round trip voucher to any one willing to get "bumped". Sometimes you may get bumped to a flight an hour later, still getting home close to the same time as originally planned. It never hurts to ask.

268) Purchase a seven-day pill organizer for your "little drugstore" Stuffed the other compartments full of Advil. Pepto, Immodium etc. It makes finding everything easy and that many less things to carry with you.

269) If you're sitting at one of the rectangular-shaped tables in the dining room for dinner, make sure you sit next to your traveling companion instead of across from them. When the photographer comes around, you just might have a picture taken with someone else's husband/wife instead of your own.

270) Always wear shoes that you can easily kick off to go through security at the airports and then put back on quickly.

271) Always get an extra Compass at Guest Relations each day on the ship so you can have a souvenir one to remember all your activities.

272) When the line at the pool bar is long, and you are thirsty, stroll over to the rail, stare off to the horizon and exclaim "look....whales!"

273) If your bringing a laptop, go and get the cyber cabin hookup as soon as you get on the ship, they do run out and you would hate to lug that thing all the way down and not be able to use it.

274) If you're a card player but don't know how to play Bridge, learn before you go. There are plenty of sites on the Internet with web-based games where you can read the rules then practice.

275) It is beneficial to have a small camera bag that you can clip onto your belt. It’s great for the ship and excursions. Frees up your hands so you can carry all your souvenirs.

276) Room stewards have a tendencies to put things away and sometimes things can be hard to find, so put things away yourself.

277) RCCL states in their rules you can take nominal amounts of non-alcoholic beverages onboard with you. It's great!

278) Another alternative to candles is to purchase "smelly jelly" jars...the BIG retailers don't make these but many small chandlers do. They are jars filled with a jelly like substance that is scented and dyed. They make a normal sized room smell wonderful.

279) If you take your belongings to your room early, please make sure you find your cabin attendant and tell him/her that it’s there because they may think they’re from a previous cruiser and take them to the lost and found.

280) While more useful while visiting Europe or hiking for example, than on a cruise with few ports of call, use a portable GPS-based navigation system so you will NEVER get lost while walking, touring, hiking or driving. If you've ever used one, you will never use a map again! And they fit right in your fanny pack.

281) Neat sheets are great! Think of a blue tarp that is fabric on one side and water resistant on the other side. They are great for picnics or beaches (or lining the inside of car when taking landscaping home!:D). when you unroll it you can put the cloth side up and its nice to sit on, but the tarp-like bottom side keeps it dry from dew on grass, or sand, etc... They are also technically washable so they are reusable although they are fairly cheap to replace.

282) Sit in the front row at the Art Auctions. You may receive a free bottle of champagne just for being up there.

283) On formal night, get your picture taken at the various different photo stations--there is no obligation to buy. At first, you may think the photos were a little pricey, but when you consider there is no sitting fee, no obligation or pressure to buy, and you are already dressed up anyway--it's not such a bad deal. It would be a major production at home to get everyone assembled in nice attire for a family picture---so we take advantage of every opportunity on board when we can.

284) You can go to www.image.com and download a copyright release for one onboard professional photo to be copied at home---if there are several in your group that want the same picture, only one needs to buy it. If you download the copyright release, you can take it to Walmart, CVS, etc. The copyright release form is dated and is only good for 30 days once you download it--so don't download it until you are ready to use it.

285) Getting your film developed onboard prevents damage from x-ray machines.

286) If you are going to the Caymans, be aware that there is a cut off time on which to buy alcohol---you cannot carry alcohol onto the ship with you--it's needs to be delivered to the ship by the store itself so they stop taking orders about 2 hours before the ship leaves.

287) I just spent about two hours looking at all the tips posted to see if I'd notice anything new...I did see a couple, but I also have a few that I didn't see there.

 

288) Do a little homework before your trip - on the internet. Check out all the reviews offering tour ideas for the places you will visit. You will get some valuable information about tours that are "worth the money" and "do it yourself" style tours.

 

289) Once you pay for your cruise - keep checking to see the current price of your cruise. If the price goes down, just call RCI - and they will refund the difference. Even then...keep checking....and do it again if the price drops even further. Just one week after paying for our cruise, the price dropped, and RCI refunded me $313!

 

290) The infirmary on the ship generally will give you Dramamine for free. Be careful you are taking the "non-drowsy" type though if you're taking it during the day.

 

291) Be sure to bring a SMALL suitcase or duffle for that last night. You don't want to have to lug a big hefty suitcase around the final morning waiting for them to call your luggage tag color to disembark.

 

292) Most ships have a passenger talent show. If you think might participate in it - be sure you bring any sheet music, instrument, costuming (etc.) along. Also...you might start thinking about your performance...and start practicing.

 

293) You will have lots of opportunities for ballroom dancing. You might consider taking ballroom dancing lessons during the weeks leading up to your cruise.

 

294) Do you sing karaoke - and take it seriously? Bring a few CD&G CDs along to ensure that they will have the songs you do best.

 

295) If you are going to be celebrating a special occasion during your cruise - be sure to include that information when you book the cruise. Some cruise lines decorate your door - they generally offer you a special treat...and/or champagne.

 

296) Participate in as many activities as you can - the more you do (without stressing yourself out) the better your vacation will be.

 

297) Add a day or two at the port you are departing from before and/or after the cruise. Book these on your own, rather than going through the cruiseline. You'll get much better deals.

298) www.weather.com for what weather will be like to pack smarter!

299)

[seychelle]

Whew!!!! I'm exhausted after going through those.

 

I got a small $1 atomizer at Wal-Mart and filled it with Febreeze. It was great. Everyone in our group ended up using it.

[realent]

You aren't allowed to use an iron in your cabin. As soon as you arrive and unpack send the items to be pressed out with the cabin steward. You can have them that night or the next morning. The cost is small and worth it.

 

Bring a clear over the door shoe bag. Less than $5.00 at target for hanging over the bathroom door for toiletries and asst items that take up room in drawers and desktops...makes things easy to find and reduses clutter.

[realent]

Wow, I posted before I saw the LISTS....I have seen and copied lists before but got some new tips off that one!

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, on the ice thing. When we travel with groups we bring one of those soft sided zip up ice chests with a hard bottom in our luggage and ask the room steward to fill it daily for us....(with an extra tip in hand of course!)

[Merion_Mom]

 

6) The ice bucket in the cabin only holds enough ice for about 4 drinks. Have room service bring you a larger bucket each day and keep it in the fridge.

I have NEVER had a refrigerator in a cabin that had space in it for the ice bucket!

 

7) The evening prior to lobster night let your waiter know if you plan to have a double order of lobster.

It seems useless to tell him/her the night *before* - that evening is *plenty* of time.

 

8) Drop an extra $10.00 on your room steward the first time you meet him/her. It is possible that the money will be an incentive to do a great job. Be sure to let them know that there is more to come.

Some like this idea; some think that it implies that the steward otherwise would not do a good job, and is thus insulting. Decide for yourself.

 

10) Pre-tip the dining room waiter and our dining room captain. Wait until end of dinner on second night to determine whether he/she is deserving. Therefore you will have no trouble having special requests filled and receiving extra attention to fill your dining needs.

I have never done this and don't know anyone who has.

14) Remember to tip the bus drivers, luggage haulers and for "libation" on the plane.

I cannot even *imagine* tipping a stewardess on a plane for bringing me a drink!

 

15) Take a Bonine every morning, no matter what the sea conditions.

Bad idea. Never take medicine that you don't need.

 

17) Sign up for your next cruise while on board for the credits. If the price goes down, give them a call and they'll drop what you owe.

If you don't know which cruise you want to take, just book a NextCruise option for just $100 per person. Same benefits, less money down.

 

18) Don’t forget the last minute trip to the bank for gold dollars and $2.

IMO, a bad idea.

 

22) This tip is directed specifically for those traveling with RCI: Check the liquor stores the first night of the cruise. They usually have a 2-for-1 corkage fee. (There is a $9.95 fee that you have to pay to take bottles into your cabin)

Nope. Gone with the wind.

 

26) Book spa appointments immediately so that you are able to get the time you wish. You can always change them later, but they fill up quick… especially for formal nights.

Yes, book your appointment(s) early, but don't count on being able to change it/them later. They fill up quickly. ;)

 

30) You can order anything on the dining room menus thru room service.

Not anything. You can't get lobster, and there may be other exceptions, depending on the particular ship and dining room staff.

 

35) Lanyards work wonders for Seapass cards. Have someone punch a hole in the card so they can be worn. The casino always has a hole punch.

You can also get a clear plastic sleeve/card that you hang from the end of your lanyard and put your SeaPass in there - no need for punching a hole, and risk hitting the magnetic coding!

 

37) When you are dining in the specialty restaurants on the newer ships (such as Portofino’s), don't just tip your servers and wine steward, tip your host or hostess as well, the ones that seat you. They are really dining room managers and have a lot to do with your dining experience. If it was pleasant, let he or she know as you leave. Perhaps a $5 would do the trick. On a ship, they rarely get cash tips and they really deserve and appreciate it.

"let him or her know"

 

 

59) Order sandwiches, cookies, etc. from room service the night before a port day. Then put them in the Ziploc bags and put them in a little portable cooler for the beach. Make sure the food you want to carry on shore is going to be available when you want to order it!

Do not do this. It is illegal, can endanger the ecology of the port, and may result in a fine of a thousand dollars or more.

 

 

70) Try to snatch a menu as a souvenir. They usually have them on display at the Guest Relations desk.

Ask your waiter nicely, and s/he may give one to you. They re-use the menus week after week after week, and the waiter is responsible for his stash. You can get him/her in trouble if you just take one.

 

71) Do some research online and book your own shore excursions, it's cheaper and you'll definitely get a broader view of your ports.

But if it's a long excursion, or an *iffy* port, use the ship's excursion. They promise to get you back before your ship sails, and the shp will wait and/or be responsible for passengers who are on a ship's excursion.

 

 

77) If you're nervous about wearing your wedding ring when out in port and snorkeling, etc., then buy a nice faux diamond ring to wear on your ring finger.

Or just leave it in your safe. :confused: :confused: and go without one.

 

 

80) If you are in an inside cabin, bring a nightlight to put in the bathroom at night. Those rooms are very dark and hard to find during the night.

The room is hard to find at night?!?!?!??! :confused:

 

126) Bring a bungee cord to hold the balcony door open and a magnet so you can leave the balcony door open and still have the air conditioning on. The magnet makes the a/c unit think that the door is still closed, so that the a/c works even when the door is open.

Please do not do this. If you want the outside air, go out on your balcony. It is a waste of energy and just plain stupid to want the airconditioning on and keep the balcony door open. On the Liberty, there are warning signs on both the balcony door jamb and next to the thermostat.

 

130) Use the hairdryer provided in the cabins. The one in your cabin has plenty of power and holding down that button isn't difficult

A good use for that roll of duct tape we told you to pack! It will hold down the *on* button for you. :)

 

132) Take a handful of wire clothes hangers with you, and leave them in the closet. Use a rack hanger for your slacks. Five pairs in the space of one! If you're traveling with girls, extra hangers, never enough in the cabin.

You can always ask your cabin steward for more hangers.

 

151) RCI sells water safes in the gift shop for about $5-6 each.

You can sometimes win one in a trivia game on board. ;)

 

183) Bring a list of your Rx (brand name plus the generic name). In Mexico, Belize and Italy you can purchase meds without a doctor's prescription. Depending on what you are buying, the cost savings can be substantial.

It is, however, illegal. You also have no idea what you are actually getting.

189) Do not remove any items from the refrigerator in your cabin. these items are pressure sensitive and you will be charged immediately if they are moved. Be persistent to have items removed if you need the frig space.

Not true. No *sensors* in the refrigerator.

 

194) If you would like to sleep in but have a balcony, try a sleeping mask.

Or just keep the drapes closed.

[Merion_Mom]

By the way, I just went and took a pair of shoes OUT of my suitcase. :D

[Merion_Mom]

Not gonna read the rest of it.

 

Last tip:

 

DO NOT BUY THE SHOPPING BOOK THAT THE SHOPPING PERSON OFFERS AT HIS/HER PORT TALKS. WASTE OF MONEY, *FREE* GIFTS ARE MOSTLY TRASH, AND RARELY IF EVER ADD UP TO $20 WORTH OF STUFF.

[bound4somewhere]

Hi all,

 

I bring shoes, shoes and more shoes!!:D

 

Seriously though; Clorox disenfecting wipes to wipe down the cabin/bathroom and travel size bottles of Germ X to use while in ports. Hopefully RCI has cleansing stations while onboard.

 

Enjoy!

 

Kathy

[frudutx]

I addition to my handy travel mug I never take a cruise without single serve Crystal Light. Great to mix with the iced tea or lemonade. :)

 

d

[AZDCruiser]

Great ideas so far!

 

I also bring a compact but fairly good first aid kit (we are a family of klutzes...), including bandaids, ointments, drops, stuff for burns, stings and bites, favourite cold, flu, motion sickness, stomach upset, allergy remedies...)

 

Extra pairs of eye glasses.

Nice soap.

Snorkel stuff.

Copies of receipts for everything that I have booked and/or paid for.

Sewing kit.

Lots of ziploc bags in different sizes to prevent shampoos etc. from leaking into clothing in suitcases.

Hand cleanser that we can carry with us.

Insulated water bottle carriers.

 

I totally agree with a first aid kit....someone always has a headache, stomacheache, can't sleep, (I always get a cold), cuts, etc.. I've learned to be very effecient with the first aid kit. It breaks my heart to spend $8 on a 10 count pack of acetamenophin...

I like to bring my own pillow, hand sanitizer, and my slouchy slipper socks to keep my feet warm, Ipod, and air freshener (that bathroom is way too close to the sleeping area and with DH in there..well..that's all I'm saying). I've heard the a/c on the mariner is not great and I'm hot natured, so I may bring a small fan this time around..but I'd hate to lug that in my suitcase. :eek:

[babybaby]

Our fifth cruise is coming up and packing is a breeze now. When we return from a cruise I put all of the extras ( small fan, power strip, hamper, note pads, etc.) in a large duffle and store it till next time.

I pack a first aid bag for the entire group (7)

We keep all of our paperwork in one folder (insurance, excursion confirmations, passport copies, etc.)

After each cruise you learn what you really need, and it is not that much.

Very casual during day, and can do formal with bare minimum.

If there is anyone stressing out over what clothes to take, just take what you would wear at home on a hot summer day, and dress up capris, slacks, or a skirt for the evening.

The more you take the more worn out you are and it is difficult to transport it through airports and to get it in a taxi. Happy cruising!

[Albino Mosquito]

I always bring my own pillow. I would gladly forgo on 4 outfits for my own one pillow.

 

Definitely!!! I do as well! When I went to the UK last year, and was clearing Customs back in Can, the couldn't believe I brought my own pillow... and when asked why I simply said "They clean the case... but not the pillow", who knows who drooled, got sick on, etc. the pillows provided"

 

She wrinkled her nose and agreed.

 

I was only more reassured that this is a good idea when I went to Grand Forks with some friends on a Girl's Trip.

 

We went in the Pool and jacuzzi lots, and thought it would be a nice idea to throw all our towels and linens in the tub, to make it easier for the cleaning staff.

 

Well I almost became sick to my stomach literally, when stripping the pillow cases off, I discovered DRIED BLOOD right on the pillow..... ewwwwwwwwwwwwww. :eek:

 

So I took the pillow up to the desk and told them that this was disgusting and unacceptable and that the pillow needed to be thrown out. :mad: There are some very serious illnesses/diseases that can be spread by dried blood!

 

ALWAYS bring my own pillow!

[sea-cruise]

You could buy a plastic pillow cover with a zipper on it at Walmart, and put the pillowcase over it. I might bring one myself....now that I think of it.:)

[BigTee2000]

Cruisinsince99...Thanks for all your work and your post. I am sure it will be great for many people. this is what we need. lots of sharing of Ideas. People do not have to take all of them but the information provided is great. Thanks to all that post on here and good cruising.

 

TJ

[Spike in FL]

It is NOT illegal to buy prescription drugs in another country. You can bring copies of your prescriptions and get them refilled in a pharmacy. They might not have what you take though. If the words on the drug package are written in the same alphabet we use, you can usually find the generic name of a drug and dosage numbers, so you can tell if it's what you want. You can bring up to 3 months worth of drugs (for which you have a legal prescription) into the U.S.

 

There IS a list of drugs that you cannot get, even with a prescription. A lot of them are narcotics.

[jsemonik]

HALF THE CLOTHES and TWICE THE MONEY!:D

[realent]

Carol, you are cracking me up.....LOL

[realent]

It isn't rocket science.

[mustcruisemore]

Not gonna read the rest of it.

 

Last tip:

 

DO NOT BUY THE SHOPPING BOOK THAT THE SHOPPING PERSON OFFERS AT HIS/HER PORT TALKS. WASTE OF MONEY, *FREE* GIFTS ARE MOSTLY TRASH, AND RARELY IF EVER ADD UP TO $20 WORTH OF STUFF.

 

 

TRUE TRUE TRUE - We bought it our first cruise because we didn't know any-better. It is a huge waste of money. You get an information sheet for each port-of-call. It tells you all the stores that they mention in the

"shopping book" and you can go to those stores and most will give you a free gift if you purchase something from them. Or just use the $20 to get something you really want.

[BigTee2000]

Thought I would bump this back into the main stream to see what else we might get. BUMP....

 

TJ

[Kellie Poodle]

my favorite coffee tumbler (their coffee cups just don't hold enough for me in the morning...

 

travel-size hand sanitizer and aloe (in case you get too much sun).

 

bottled water ($3 for a bottle of water is highway robbery) - we pack a case in a small suitcase, which we then use to bring home extra stuff we purchased (souvenirs, duty-free liquor).

 

 

What a great idea!