What did you pack... but NOT need?

[woodynjessiesmomma]

I just did my first cruise (4nt Dream) and too many clothes was the worst. My friend and I took dresses for every dinner and regular clothes each day, even though I'm not a beach/swimsuit person I didn't need much for during the day. When I go back with the kids I will not have a dress for each dinner (fun but took too much space and time). We packed jeans, shirts, and sweaters to layer being early December, but our weather was really warm so we didn't need most of that (the day we disembarked it was 50s so they probably needed the layers for the next cruise). I'm not usually a long dress person, but the maxi style/beachy dress I brought was my favorite thing to wear around the ship and even into Nassau. Next time I will pack an outfit for each day then take one or two out of my suitcase. There are places to do laundry if you run out of clothes.
I didn't use my iPad until the flight home. I did use my phone and underwater camera. I brought lots of OTC meds and luckily barely needed anything but I liked having them. I took mouse ears but never wore them. I took an adult coloring book but never had time to use it, on a 4 day there was too much on the ship I wanted to do.
When we go with the kids, I doubt we will need the iPad but will probably take it. I will only let them take one cuddle toy. My kids will all be 3y+ so I'm hoping they love the kids clubs.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

clothespins. Hanging stuff over the drying line was fine for us, no need to use the clothespins.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Clothes and shoes. I swear when I'm packing at home I am minimizing, then when I am packing us up on the last day, we haven't worn half of the things packed.

I do travel with basically a complete OTC pharmacy for all of us. Never know what you are going to need and when.

 

[accio]

Definitely my MacBook Pro which I did not power on at any point in my trip! I'm pretty good at not overpacking toiletries or clothes, but I wish I had remembered to pack sunscreen! I ended up buying that and Swim-Ear onboard LOL.

 

[RedSox68]

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

 

[starvenger]

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

Best. Solution. Ever.

 

[5Texans]

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

I brought too many toys for my 17 month old. I brought books and a few things to play with in the room and markers and paper for my big 2. I thought this would double as entertainment in the plane, but snacks kept the little one happy and the big ones played on the iPad and looked out the window so next time I'll leave all that at home.

I also brought sand toys, but it was messy and not worth it. Next time I'll buy some on the way to the beach, then leave them. Plus we got a lot of sand toys in our FE.

 

[5Texans]

We also did not use the stroller on the cruise. We brought a double Maclaren for WDW, but it stayed under the bed the whole time.

We used a wagon at Castaway Cay

 

[mkh531]

Once your kids are 5 or older, I think you can make them pack themselves, as long as you check that they have one outfit per day plus bathing suit and pajamas. That way you can make sure it all fits in one suitcase and then they are the ones who have to make hard choices about which stuffed animals to bring or leave at home. Mine each got a suitcase plus backpack for the plane ride. We did laundry on board anyway, its not a big deal.

And as far as "just n case" items go---pharmacy stuff you should bring, but other than one warm outfit I would leave everything else. One outfit per day, plus bathing suit (or two) and PJs.

 

[darnheather]

If I left the kids I'd be traveling alone. That would be sad. To each their own.

 

[Dug720]

If I left the kids I'd be traveling alone. That would be sad. To each their own.

Traveling alone ROCKS! You can do what you want when you want and not be on someone else's demands or schedule! Totally freeing!!

But like you said, to each their own.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Cups for the drink fountains. I thought it would be 2 oz cups with a one mile walk to re-fill based on previous comments. Brought a huge sleeve of 16 oz cups, didn't need them.

Same here. Packed the larger "teva" mugs, total waste of space. We did not use them once.

 

[Vijoge]

The first time we cruised I took my packing cues from a cruise message board that I won't name and I had way too much stuff. We took a case of soda, a case of water, tons of clothes, a boatload of toiletries, books, more clothes (hauled two tuxes and a long formal dress, shoes, jewelry, etc). Now we travel light. On a nine night cruise we pack enough clothes for 4-5 days. That, plus what we wear on the way to the airport is more than enough. We've been skipping formal nights, and one swim suit is adequate for our needs. I download any books I want to read on either my iPad or my phone. I take my myriad of medications, and some compazine for DH, because I guarantee he is going to get seasick. Sunblock, a razor and shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, these kinds of things. And our passports.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Once your kids are 5 or older, I think you can make them pack themselves, as long as you check that they have one outfit per day plus bathing suit and pajamas. That way you can make sure it all fits in one suitcase and then they are the ones who have to make hard choices about which stuffed animals to bring or leave at home. Mine each got a suitcase plus backpack for the plane ride. We did laundry on board anyway, its not a big deal.

Completely agree! When my twins were 5, their first Disney Cruise was one of their Christmas gifts, along with Mickey and Minnie rolling luggage (filled w/Disney goodies). They were so excited that afterwards, they went upstairs completely on their own and packed all by themselves!! Of course I checked over everything, but I have never packed for them since (and we travel probably 6-8x a year). People don't give their kids enough credit! Now, if I could only get my husband to pack "all by himself", we'd be golden! lol (I do have to check his; seriously!!!!).

 

[DCLDVC1]

Clothes and tumblers for soda. Bringing Tervis tumblers for soda has been mentioned on this and other boards for years as must haves. Didn't use them once and they took up a lot of room.

 

[RedSox68]

Oh, and don't pack extension cords or electric strips. Number one, they are no longer allowed. But in all the times we brought them, we never needed them. Also don't pack a small radio -- you can get music on the TV.

 

[Winston Wolf]

Too many t-shirts

 

[gatordoc]

Clothes and tumblers for soda. Bringing Tervis tumblers for soda has been mentioned on this and other boards for years as must haves. Didn't use them once and they took up a lot of room.

Everyone's different, I suppose. We get lots of use out of our bubba cups. On sea days, we fill them several times a day. and find them really convenient for bringing drinks up to the adult pool deck, the movies, etc.

 

[Laundress]

To many T-shirts and socks

 

[st0nehedge]

I love this thread. Keep em coming!

My first ever cruise is in May, and without kids! (Mom and I are going... It'll be magical.)

Do you think a 7 night cruise to Alaska (with 3 nights in Vancouver prior) is do-able in a carry on, or is that too ambitious?