Thought I'd chime in with some free advice - based on cruising three times prior, here's what I always bring (now!) since I've needed them at one point or another:
1)
over the door shoe hanger - lifesaver! Keeps the room organized; kids stuff (shoes, toys, etc) are in the bottom pockets, and the Key-to-the-world-cards, brushes, combs, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, etc. fill the rest. It is worth the CHEAP investment from Target or Wal-mart.
2)
suction cup hooks: there is a clothesline in the shower, but inevitably, it's not enough room for all of our swim suits. So we stick up a few hooks in the shower and they hang there.
3)
Medicine: kids tylenol (and mine!), ibuprofin, benadryl, cough medicine, dramamine/bonine (didn't think we'd need it, but now won't go without it), thermometer, pink eye medicine, etc. The OTC stuff is EXPENSIVE on the ship, and the ships doctor/medicine are even more so.
4)
Toiletries: again, very expensive on the ship (esp. women's items if you know what I mean). Shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
5)
Small first aid kit - they have them for 99 cents at CVS in the travel size section. Includes 2 alcohol swabs and a bunch of bandaids.
6)
Power strip: there are maybe only one or two outlets in the cabin that are available (besides the bathroom). If you need to charge your digital camera, video camera, laptop, cell phones, etc. you need a power strip.
7)
Digital clock with light - the cabins are DARK; if you want to know what time it is when you wake up without opening the curtain (or if you're in an interior cabin), you'll need either an alarm clock or watch that can illuminate. The clock in the cabin is cute, but it is analog, and doesn't light up.
That's my "short list" of what I won't cruise without. Hope that helps some new folks. Maybe other experienced cruisers have stuff to add...
And yes, most of this stuff is already packed. We leave on Thursday morning...
Can not wait fo some sunshine!!!
).
