Bunch of Questions for Experienced Cruisers

[catjammies]

How much cash do we need to bring?

Do we need insect repellant?

Any problem counting out & bringing all daily meds in a baggie - rather than several different original containers?

How do you use those cable ties?

Should we bring stamps for postcards??? What's the cost to mail from the western caribbean?

In addition to the "shoe organizer", would a "vertical hanging shelf organizer" be useful? What room is there in the closet?

About how much space are on the shelves in the bathrooms?

Can we bring those mini size liquor bottles???

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I'll give some of these a shot...

Originally posted by catjammies
How much cash do we need to bring?

I usually only bring a couple hundred in cash. You don't need cash on the ship (everything is charged to your room). I use credit cards in port, when I can. I actually use most of my cash in the airports on the way to and from the cruise.

Do we need insect repellant?

I never have. You can get SPF 30 Off, which can double as insect repellant. I used this in Tahiti and it worked well. Again, I've never felt like I needed it on a cruise.

Any problem counting out & bringing all daily meds in a baggie - rather than several different original containers?

You're supposed to keep medication in its original container, in case there's ever a problem at Customs. I've never had anyone look twice at my medication when travelling abroad, but you never know...

How do you use those cable ties?

Do you mean those plastic things to lock your bags? They're pretty easy to use. There's a hole in one end, through which you thread the other end. Use them instead of luggage locks, as the Transportation Safety screeners will cut the locks off if they choose to search your bag.

Should we bring stamps for postcards??? What's the cost to mail from the western caribbean?

I would think that you'd need to purchase stamps in the Caymans or Mexico in order to send them back to the US. Most every store that sells postcards will sell stamps, too.

In addition to the "shoe organizer", would a "vertical hanging shelf organizer" be useful? What room is there in the closet?

About how much space are on the shelves in the bathrooms?

I've never needed either of these, but others swear by them. I think there's plenty of closet/shelf space, but I tend to travel light.

Can we bring those mini size liquor bottles???

Yes. You can bring a couple full-size bottles, if you like. They don't confiscate liquor on DCL like some lines do.

 

[MFan]

I'll add a few comments from what Lloyd said

Originally posted by catjammies
How much cash do we need to bring?

Cash is mostly used for tips (non-DCL) and for taxis, snacks/drinks, small purchases on the islands, so you should carry plenty of small bills. You should always use your credit card whenever you can.

Do we need insect repellant?

Nope, not unless you are planning to do one of those jungle safari type of jeep excursions.

In addition to the "shoe organizer", would a "vertical hanging shelf organizer" be useful? What room is there in the closet?

About how much space are on the shelves in the bathrooms?

Never found a need for them either. Our kids are still young (DS6, DD3 & DD2), so they don't have much toiletries to compete for space. Also, we always opt for 2 cabins (vs. the cat 4 suite) for the additional privacy, bathrooms and overall space.

 

[Stimpy]

Just to add to the cable ties, remember to bring bluntnose scissors in your carry on to remove them when you get to your destination. My Dh learned that the hard way on our last vacation, almost destroyed our house keys trying to open the suitcases.

 

[Corl4]

Over the door shoe holder is a must! We used ours for extra film, suntan lotion, sun glasses, gum, snacks, ....anything that we would just throw on the table! We had a room with a connecting door and just opened our side and hung the shoe holder! I won't sail without it!!

 

[Trekker]

Another note on cable ties - do not pull them all the way as tight as you can - it is tough to get anything in there to cut them off.

 

[gassmandy]

You will need cash if perking a vehicle at the port--$10 a day--up front.

 

[gassmandy]

I meant parking--have a squirmy 10 wk. old in my lap!!!

 

[angelam]

We took our first cruise in May. We had a Cat. 10 room for me, dh, ds(8), dd (4). I absolutely loved having the over the door shoe holder! It was perfect for all of the sunscreen, aloe, hair products, beach sandals, etc. I would definitely use it again. The other thing I took (suggested from this board) was a Plug In air freshener for the bathroom. It really helped freshen things up a bit!

Have fun!
Angie