Odd items You'd suggest to pack

[Masonpips]

I keep one on the shelf in the bathroom, because certain members of my family tend to go in there and lose track of time!

Beth [/B]

I am ROLLING. Do you set the alarm for them? Hmmmm, this is my plan for dh now....

 

[ruvidu]

One of our fellow dinners brought simple greeting cards. At dinner the second night he gave each couple a card. We each signed them with name and address and passed them to the next couple, etc, etc. In just a few moments each couple had a card with everyones name and address plus you can see by the list where the couple was sitting that night. It helped us put names and faces together for the rest of the cruise and on the last night we even added email addresses and phone numbers.
You young folks may not need this but us mid 50s folks need all the help we can get remembering12 or 14 new names and faces.


I also carry my portable CD player and 6 or 7 CDs to listen to by the pool. I hate the New Age music they play there.

Carry at least one more book than you think you will be able to read. Selection on board ship is slim.

Have a great time and think of us ofton,

Russ and Miss Vivian

 

[jgalecpa]

2diz:

Here is a link to a very popular thread. What I Did was cut and paste a collection of tips into one spot.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388591

Enjoy

Jim

 

[2disneycruzrs]

Wow! Thanks, Jim!!

 

[Born 2 Cruz]

If you like to shop or get everyone a souvoneir like me pack a collapseable duffle bag.

B/c its cheaper at Kmart than on ship..

dave

 

[2disneycruzrs]

Jim...I took the thread you directed me to and have sorted it into "things to pack" and "things to do". I guess we'll have to be selective but I'm thinking we'll have more items than clothes in our luggage! But they're all valuable suggestions. I have co-workers going on other cruise lines who have asked me for the packing list!

Dave...I agree on the duffle bag. Luckily, we got some about 10 years ago that are awesome and go on every trip with us.

 

[jlawall]

Yourself and your family????!!!!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Odd items You'd suggest to pack

Purell (or an equivalent) Hand Sanitizer.

A can of any-make fart spray (to be dis-nopunintended-charged on your verandah in the direction of any bothersome smokers)...

A travel-sized sewing kit.

 

[abitjaded]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
....A can of any-make fart spray (to be dis-nopunintended-charged on your verandah in the direction of any bothersome smokers)...

Who needs a can? Or, just do what comes naturally IN the CAN on the verandah. My dad always said he was tuned to a High C....

But seriously, I have a braided elastic clothes line with hooks. Just tuck the drip-drys in the braids, takes up less room than clothespins and it is nice to have lots of line to dry stuff on.

Safety straps for sunglasses or glasses, especially if you plan on wearing them in the water. (Just ask Andy.)

Carla

 

[DMOMof3]

If you like to shop or get everyone a souvoneir like me pack a collapseable duffle bag.

I had one in my luggage on my last disney trip, good thing cause on my trip home my suitcase was over the weight limit. I simply took out the duffle and transfered dirty laundry into it (already in plastic bags - phew) put a tag on it and off it went with my other luggage. Only took a few minutes and saved me having to pay for overweight luggage.

 

[glindamood]

Great tips! Don't forget the First Aid kit with bandaids, Bactine etc. as well as aspirin, Bonine, Tums, Pepto or the Imodium AD and any perscription medication you need. Some things can be purchased in the shops but again much less expensive at home. And last but not least, your sense of humor and determination to have a great time (and they don't take up space in your luggage).

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
A can of any-make fart spray (to be dis-nopunintended-charged on your verandah in the direction of any bothersome smokers)...

What in the WORLD is THAT?!

My first thought was that it was that fake poop in a can that you spray...it smells and looks real.

Don't ask why I thought that one.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

A great tip that no one has posted about is bringing along a small bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. You can either purchase a really small bottle, or put some in a travel sized hairspray bottle. It's really great at saving you ironing time (you almost never have to iron when you use this!), and it's fairly inexpensive.

Plus, it smells great

 

[sillysmom]

I'm going on my first DC on April 3, 2004. I have been obsessed with this forum since then, and have found a bunch of helpful hints that I'm going to follow and things I'm going to bring. Here is a sample:

1. Printed thank you cards with our pictures for tips.
2. Detergent Tablets
3. Dryer Sheets
4. Downey Wrinkle Remover
5. Quarters
6. Over the door shoe holder.
7. Asprin
8. Tums
9. Glowing alarm clock
10. Highlighter
11. Antibacterial soap
12. My own shower soap
13. Extra hangers
14. Sunscreen
15. Aloe

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I found this today:


What to Pack for a Cruise

Deciding what to pack for your cruise is a personal choice....

The length of your cruise, expected weather, degree of formality, and your own taste should help you to generate a suitable packing strategy. We hope you'll use this list as a starting point, and not a rigid document.

As the old adage goes.... "When packing for a cruise, bring half the clothing and twice the money, and you'll never be sorry!"

Essentials
(Packed in carry-on bag)

Passport or Certified Birth Certificate
Extra copy of above
Cruise Documents
Air Tickets
List of credit cards/tel numbers
(in case of loss or theft)
Credit Cards
Wireless Telephone
Eyeglasses
Sunglasses
Medicines and prescriptions
(in original containers)
Cash (Small bills, especially)
Travelers Checks (if desired)
Telephone Number of Cruise Agent
(toll-free and direct)
Important Telephone Numbers
E-mail Addresses
Telephone Credit Card
Jewelry/Valuables
(as few as possible)
Sun Screen
Headache medication
Motion medication
Medication for stomach disorders
Light first aid supplies
Set of casual clothing/underwear
Swim suit

Miscellaneous
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo (your brand in small plastic
bottle)
Deodorant
Body Powder
Hair Brush/Comb
Skin Lotion
Makeup Case/Bag
Umbrella
Small duffel bag or backpack
Light Sewing Kit
Flash Light (small)

Optional
Short extension cord with multi-plug
(for various uses)
Business Cards (who knows?)
Pen/Highlighter
Hair dryer
Batteries
Portable reading light
Alarm Clock
Plug-in Night Light
Beach bag
Water Bottle
Snorkeling Gear
Other sports gear
Binoculars
GPS (for the super-techies!)
Portable iron or steamer
Book(s) for recreational reading
Guide books for ports of call
Radio communications devices
Photographic
Camera
Lenses (if necessary)
Lens hoods
Outdoor film (ASA 100 or lower)
Indoor film (ASA 400 or higher)
Panoramic Camera (disposable)
Underwater Camera (disposable)
Flash Attachments
Filters (if necessary)
Extra Batteries
---------------------
Digital Camera
Disks/Memory Modules
Cables (depends on camera)
Laptop for image storage/display (?)
Extra Batteries

Clothing
(Based on 7-night Caribbean Cruise)

One-Two sets of formal clothing
One set of informal clothing
(Coat/tie or suit for men...)
Additional ties/shirts for men
Casual clothing for casual nights in
dining room
Comfortable shorts/slacks for daytime
wear, depending on season/temp
Swim suit (2-3 if planning extensive
water-related activities)
Cover-up for travel from pool/beach
(remember, ships are air-conditioned)
T-shirts (plan to buy a few of these)
Gym clothes for running/workouts
Light Sweater (for air conditioning)
Hat (could also be purchased)
Underwear as desired
Robe (optional)

Shoes
Shoes appropriate for formal wear
Nice casual shoes for ship wear
Sneakers/Running Shoes for ship/shore
Beach footwear (sandals/flip-flops)
Water Shoes (Optional)

Luggage (per person)
One Medium-Large Suitcase w/ tag
One Carry-on Bag (meets aircraft
requirements)
One folding bag for laundry, purchases
and extra room for homeward trip.
(Can double as backpack/beach bag)
Baggage Strap (for hard-side luggage
to preclude opening during handling)


Packing Tips For Cruises

Always ask your cruise agent about any specific idiosyncrasies for your particular ship. Some ships have special requirements that may affect your packing plan....

Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you'll often pay a heavy premium, and may not find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home, and you may not find the size or speed you require.

Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's blazer may be used on a formal night if packaged with the proper shirt/tie. The same blazer can be used with an open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie for an informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.

Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoying dressing up, will go full tilt with tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. If you think of getting dressed for a nice wedding, you won't go wrong. Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie. The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal wear will be worn.

Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning. Some times it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire trip.

It's quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the Lido restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that night. You can even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime, and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire. If you're interested in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how the line you've chosen handles casual evening meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the formal nights. If that's important to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.

If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance (check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your bank's safe deposit box.

If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You'll cut down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you'll not need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-pack (unlikely), you can often purchase additional clothing during the cruise.

In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be cooler and more comfortable.

Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when you're in the airport. Never leave it unattended.

Carry all documents, medicines, essentials and valuables with you in your carry-on. If your main article of luggage is lost/misplaced, can you exist with what you're carrying?

Do not plan to find space for a hang-up bag on an aircraft. Better to carefully pack your clothing in a suitcase than to jam it into an overhead compartment....

Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, like a full bottle of shampoo, save or purchase smaller plastic bottles and bring only what you need. Try sealing plastic bottles in zip-lock bags for added protection.

There are several reasons to bring your wireless telephone with you on the cruise. 1) If you run into delays, you can call your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without standing in line for a telephone. 2) You can use your telephone on the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land. 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A wireless phone is great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore. 4) Many ports have wireless service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone booth. Wireless rates are usually much less than the ship's satellite rates. Some common cruising areas have surprisingly good coverage (The Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman, to name a few). 5) You never know how a wireless phone will help you in transit should an emergency arise. It gives someone else the ability to call you, which is sometimes invaluable.

Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish to bring along a list of important e-mail addresses and web site URL's. Although this can get expensive, you might find it worthwhile, particularly if you keep close track of an investment portfolio.


If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship provides them, you may not find them to be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you have long or heavy hair.

A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these walkie-talkies) is useful in keeping track of your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger, it becomes more difficult to keep track of one another. This is a perfect tool for young teenagers...... (check your battery supply!)

A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It's nice to know that you have an extra light for your room, and it could come in very handy should your ship develop some temporary generator malfunctions.

For Alaska and Northern Europe: Replace shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeve shirts with warmer counterparts. Although you may wish to have one set of warm-weather clothing for afternoon wear on a warm day, you'll be more comfortable with warmer clothing.

For Alaska: You can dress down just a bit. Jeans are acceptable/desirable for daytime wear. Bring rain wear, waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell, warm gloves, and a stocking cap. Although you may not NEED this much if the weather is warmer, cold (low 50's), windy and rainy weather is not uncommon along the coast of Alaska.

For Northern Europe: Temperatures can be cool during the summer, particularly in the evenings. Baltic cruises tend to be dressier. A warm sweater and gloves might be useful, particularly in late August. Absolutely bring an umbrella!

For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are similar to the Caribbean. Spring/Fall are cooler and more formal. Winter Cruises in the Med can be very cool, although snow/ice are not likely.

For Bermuda: Weather is beautiful from May through October, although cruising to/from New York or Boston can be quite cool in early and late seasons. Bermuda is in the Gulf Stream, while New York and Boston aren't, so be prepared for a change in weather!

Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs regulations. Although this is a commonly broken rule, you should be aware that you'll probably be stopped if you try to blatantly carry on a case of beer (or a case of scotch, chardonnay or champagne, for that matter!)






Hope all of that helps!

 

[CRenze]

One can never be to prepared...I have packed and ice pack and also a few different types of those thermal heat wraps (which by the way do wonders). I hope I don't need them but I'll have them just in case.

Cindy

 

[TheGlensideGregorys]

Are there any fabrics that Downey Wrinkle Release is not reccomended for (or that you had a problem with - either staining/discolor, or not working well)?? I like the idea of ironing up before going, then using that for any "in transit" wrinkling...

 

[Francisca64]

I forgot to mention in my reports that one of the very best things I brought on the trip was a Rowenta Steamer/Travel Iron. It comes in it's own cloth bag, very protable and worked tremendously well...a major plus for me to have since I had a lot of wrinkled clothes. I picked it up at Target for about $30.

 

[2disneycruzrs]

I took the complete "list of things to pack and do" thread and compiled it, removing the repeats and it is 6 pages long! Where am I putting my clothes?!

Can someone tell me what "Bonine" is? I've seen it suggested, couldn't find it in the dictionary, and my cruising parents never heard of it. Thanks!

 

[ruvidu]

It is an over the counter motion sickness pill. My wife had to take one during a rough evening on our Eastern cruise. Next morning she was much better. Inexpensive as well.

Russ