Shampoo and conditioner - seems simple enough

[summerskye]

Our 1st cruise is coming up in July. I have read many reports that there is no need to pack these items. But, I have also read many reports that due to some hoarding, the hosts don't always replace as often as needed.

Here is my dilemma. My wife and both DDs have lots of long hair. If they don't have enough products, I will be to blame. And I really don't want to be in the dog house on the cruise.

Are the shampoos and conditioners in those tiny little hotel type bottles. If I have issues with host delivery, can I purchase at the shops? I would not be against even tipping in advance, to avoid any short issues.

May seem like a small issue, but it is me against 3...

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Tell your wife that you are not sure what she will receive. Then let her make the decision about what to bring.

Then it will be on her, not you.

 

[diznymom]

In your situation, to be on the safe side, I would back 1 bottle each (2 total) of their favorite shampoo and conditioner. Double pack them in ziplock bags so the don't spill out.

Personally, I have a small plastic box w/ a sealed lid that I pack things like this in. That way if they do spill, it doesn't get on everything.

Yes, they are small bottles. But a bit larger than some hotel types that I have seen.

 

[starrydominique]

I just checked a bottle I had leftover from our recent cruise. It is a 2oz bottle. I remember them refilling us once every two days or so. I brought little travel bottles of our shampoos just in case. I didnt want to cause a fuss if we ran out. My husband decided to use his shampoo anyways and the bottle of their Mickey shampoo only lasted two washes for me and I have long hair. I've heard sometimes they will gladly bring replacements, and others have said they relay you to the shops to purchase more.

 

[jiminy14]

If you need more all you have to do is ask your stateroom host to replace them. There seems to be a trend lately to not replace them everyday but I have never had a host refuse my requests for additional shampoo and conditioner as long as it was reasonable.

 

[Saamh]

I'd pack some. My daughters and I all have long hair and I've found the stuff provided to make our hair dry and tangled.

 

[Aby]

On all 4 of our Disney cruises (last one on the Fantasy this past August) we have not had any problems getting our toiletries refilled when needed. Sometimes our room host even left extras even if the bottles were still mostly full! You can certainly purchase bigger bottles of the products on board in the gift shop though if needed.

Aby

 

[jdb in AZ]

QUOTE="Saamh, post: 55427165, member: 457632"]I'd pack some. My daughters and I all have long hair and I've found the stuff provided to make our hair dry and tangled.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. Ladies with long hair know which products work best for their particular hair, and it's better to bring it and not rely on what DCL provides. My hair was especially hard to manage in the humidity, and needed the conditioner I could count on.

 

[Flossbolna]

We just went to guest services when our stateroom attendant did not refill our soap. They sent someone with three bars of soap. Our attendant was very invisible, otherwise we would have asked him for the new soap. However, I am in the camp of never relying on hotel shampoo because I don't know how my hair will react to unknown products.

 

[mmouse37]

While the products supplied onboard are a good brand they don't really work for my hair. I remember the shampoo stripping some of my new color from my hair. I bring my own.

MJ

 

[Krissy22222]

Why would you be in the dog house if your wife and kids ran out of shampoo? You're taking them on a cruise for goodness sake. I think they will not be too angry with you.

 

[Jestocost]

We've never had a problem with having shampoo and conditioner replaced, but DD's hair is long enough that it can take most of a single tube of each just for one shower. As a result, she always brings her own and I would suggest your family do the same.

 

[chirurgeon]

I also foresee washing my hair more often in the hot weather so I will be bringing my Wen conditioning cleanser.

 

[cruisehopeful]

They do sell these items in full size in the gift shop. However, the stateroom host will try to connect with you by knocking on your door the first night. If you happen to see them the first night, tell them that you will need more shampoo/conditioner. I've also read a report where someone gave their host $5. the first day and had an over abundance of supplies the rest of the cruise.

 

[summerskye]

Why would you be in the dog house if your wife and kids ran out of shampoo? You're taking them on a cruise for goodness sake. I think they will not be too angry with you.

Yes it true we will be on a cruise but I am the one trying to cut down on the weight of the luggage. As I will be the one doing most of the lugging...lol

 

[elaine amj]

They are bigger than normal hotel bottles. I have long hair but usually hotel bottles last me 2+ washes. DCL has awesome stuff that lasts me 5-6+ washes.

 

[summerskye]

We've never had a problem with having shampoo and conditioner replaced, but DD's hair is long enough that it can take most of a single tube of each just for one shower. As a result, she always brings her own and I would suggest your family do the same.

That's kinda what I was afraid of times 3

 

[summerskye]

Thanks to all for the input. To be safe, I am gonna tell them to pack some in case they need or don't like what's provided.

Let's see. 3 girls and me equals.
1-Suitcase for shoes
4-Suitcase for clothes
1-Suitcase for hair stuff
1-Suicase for Misc.
1-Suitcase for snorkel stuff
And 1-carry-on for my 12 beers
(thankfully wife doesn't drink)

I'm gonna need a u-haul truck...
By the time I pay the porter, he is going to be able to pay for his own cruise...

 

[JCinMN]

A bottle lasted us about 3-4 days with three of us washing our hair once a day. My daughter and I have hair partway down our back (so semi long). But, it wasn't my favorite type of shampoo but it worked fine with the water on the ship.

 

[canyoncam]

Agree with packing some that they know works with their hair. Personally the ships shampoo works great on my hair and although the conditioner worked great for my first few cruises now it doesn't. Either the formula changed or my hair did.

Also I tip my host/hostess $20-40 the first night depending on cruise length and this being in addition to the recommended amount left the last night (I let them know they will still get that). I get everything I ask for and usually seem to wind up the priority cabin for them.