What did you pack... but NOT need?

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Toilertries. They give you plenty! Why do we always pack heavy bottles we never use!

 

[starvenger]

Toilertries. They give you plenty! Why do we always pack heavy bottles we never use!

I think it's because not every cruise ship supplies toiletries, so this is actually a good thing to check up on. But yeah, don't need it on Disney.

 

[CamperMomma]

Someone on the boards had mentioned lack of storage space in the bathrooms, so I bought a mesh toiletry bag (think college) that suction cupped to the wall. Didn't even touch it. Had more than enough space. It folded down small, but still unnecessary IMO. We packed puddle jumpers for our kids, not knowing they had life jackets to borrow (and the pools were so busy or closed we only went in them once). Those took up a lot of valuable space. We had a nightlight for the bathroom, but accidentally left it at home. There seemed to be enough residual light from the hallway coming in under the door that we could see well enough to not stumble, so didn't really need that either.

 

[cutigress]

Y'all are SUPER helpful. Thanks so much!!! Paring down the clothes is definitely my nemesis right now...

 

[Dug720]

I think it's because not every cruise ship supplies toiletries, so this is actually a good thing to check up on. But yeah, don't need it on Disney.

And if they do, it's the nasty all-in-one gym type stuff. When I'm on Disney, I leave my shampoo and conditioner at home - but on any other line, it comes with me.

 

[RedSox68]

Too many clothes. Specifically, too many blouses/t-shirts. My husband think I take too many "just in case" items (aspirin/tylenol/antacid/diarrhea meds/sunscreen/sunburn relief/bandaids/first aid cream/sea sickness meds/etc). Yeah, the first time you have to pay the astronomical prices for the same items onboard the ship, you'll add them to your packing list.

Totally agree. I bring more meds/first aid than clothes LOL

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I think it's because not every cruise ship supplies toiletries, so this is actually a good thing to check up on. But yeah, don't need it on Disney.

Yes you are so right we were expecting like NCL where we didn't get much or what we liked. On DCL it was great! Conceirge omg!

 

[RedSox68]

We have to pack our own soap -- Dove. I can't use perfumed soaps and a lot of what the ships provide makes me break out.

 

[timrousbeastie]

Thought this would be an interesting twist to the packing list threads...

What did you bring with you on the cruise, that ended up just taking up space? What did you NOT need?

We are on the Fantasy that leaves on Dec 24th (our very first cruise) and honestly I feel like I am planning to bring too much stuff. LOL I'm curious if I can learn from you seasoned cruise folks and figure out what I can pare down!

Inflatable mattress with electric pump! We've carried that darn thing back and forth across the Atlantic 3 times, kept it in Manhattan for a total of 15 pre-cruise nights, in Disney World for 20 nights, in Cancun for 5 nights, and on Disney cruises for 17 nights without ever using it. Weighs 20 lbs and takes up its own trolley.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Thought this would be an interesting twist to the packing list threads...

What did you bring with you on the cruise, that ended up just taking up space? What did you NOT need?

We are on the Fantasy that leaves on Dec 24th (our very first cruise) and honestly I feel like I am planning to bring too much stuff. LOL I'm curious if I can learn from you seasoned cruise folks and figure out what I can pare down!

For me, nothing.

Packing to me is like an insurance policy whereas I don't judge it's value just when I use it but rather what it provides me in case I need it. I don't accumulate any extra fees or anything but I'd deal with additional luggage within my travel plans to have something in case I need it.

 

[Suttonmama1]

Toss too many dressy things, opted for sundresses that could be worn as a coverup. I like having multiple bathing suits so they can dry out completely between wear. Love a small pop up hamper so the room doesn't become a disaster area. We put dirty clothes in it then transfer to a suitcase when it gets full. And clothes pins! Use those a lot

 

[lorimay]

I have a packing problem: Too many shoes and way too many shirts, jeans...everything. I do the maybe I will want that and I shouldn't.
I usually have a suitcase for shoes alone... Sick I know.
My husband says it every time...we are going to do laundry, why do you need so much?? He's always right I bring back half of the stuff unworn.

 

[SoozCruise]

Things I no longer bring: too many clothes (for 7-day cruises we do laundry once), too many shoes (now I bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of nice flip-flops), fish extender gifts (participated twice, don't need to again), plastic soda cups/mugs (we bring water bottles if we have excursions planned, though), paperback books.

Things I will always pack: sunscreen, sun relief gel, feminine products, Disney popcorn container (we get refills, plus it's a great container to use for packing small origami or paper crafts on the way home), iPad with books downloaded, laundry detergent pods, extra underwear, earplugs.

 

[wcw57]

i brought a large drink tumbler/mug....from WDW when you get the drink refill program.big ol' honkin' thing.
Used it one day....found out I was carrying around an empty refillable mug most of the day. Won't be doing THAT again.

 

[diznymom]

1/2 the clothes.

 

[Nutrigirl]

Anything for kids that you could/should leave at home? Appreciating the tips about OTC meds and clothes.

 

[Sir William]

On my first cruise I took too many clothes and too many things considered "essential" by others on the board. I trimmed my packing list considerably after that cruise and it has stayed pretty consistent since then. I cut back to 1 swimsuit since I don't care for either the pool or beach, and now wear my formal wear for both formal and semi-formal nights to justify the space and weight (we like to dress up on cruises). My "essentials" are now are only things I take on every trip from home, even if just overnight: alarm clock, flashlight, OTC meds, sewing & repair kit, Kindle, and sunglasses. Anything else depends on where and when I'm traveling.

 

[darnheather]

Too many clothes for my 10 year old. I was worried she would spill something on herself or get dirty and need to change so I packed around 14 outfits, plus dresses, plus princesses outfits for a 7 night cruise. While the kids do play with paint, etc there isn't really a place to get dirty and the ship was so still that she never spilled anything either. Next time I will pack around five outfits, two dresses, and two swimsuits. She can always rewear some things.

 

[darnheather]

Anything for kids that you could/should leave at home? Appreciating the tips about OTC meds and clothes.

Electronic devices. I made mine leave them in the car (locked under the seats). They had such a wonderful time and never missed them. In our daily lives they seem to always be on one device or another. I wanted them to just relax and experience. It worked!

 

[wcw57]

If you want to make packing....heck, the entire vacation...easier, just leave the kids home, too