what did you wish you had brought with you on first cruise ?

[mikewdw]

just wondering what items you didn't bring on first cruise (or any cruise) that you wish you had brought. first time cruiser and have looked over some packing lists but I also know there is no better teacher than experience. any other first time advice also wanted.
thanks
mikewdw

 

[KnightRail]

just wondering what items you didn't bring on first cruise (or any cruise) that you wish you had brought. first time cruiser and have looked over some packing lists but I also know there is no better teacher than experience. any other first time advice also wanted. thanks mikewdw

My last cruise I brought along an air freshner (for the bathroom) -- I think I got this cardboard thing from glade or air wick that can be used as a refill or stand alone. The stateroom host never moved it and it was nice but not overpowering. Definitely bringing that on my next cruise. The best part is they're not expensive, and when the cruise is over--just throw it away!

 

[Bear3412]

Some rope, to lash the family's life preserves together if we ended up in the sea during the Fantasy's encounter with hurricane Sandy.

No way were lifeboats going to be lowered in those conditions.

 

[lilchief27]

On my first cruise, I wish I had not packed so many outfits! Apparently I thought I was going to change 3x per day.
I wish I had brought my own Tervis tumbler (16 or 24oz)w/ lid & straw. It will keep my drinks cold & hold sooooo much more than those glasses at the beverage stations. My next cruise I'm putting that in my suitcase 1st!

 

[gatorheather]

Comfortable post sunburn pants. Jean capris are really uncomfortable when the back of your knees is sunburnt from snorkeling.

 

[Bree]

More sunscreen. We used every last bit of it. I brought 1 tube for the face, 3 wet/dry spray & 1 bottle of the lotion kind for a seven night cruise. Four of us in my family and we we're burn free.

 

[rentayenta]

Starbucks Via packets. The coffee is sewage.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I never leave home with out my powdered creamer (dairy challenged and they only ever have cream or milk) and my favorite Stevie sweetener!

 

[mpetersen]

I second the air freshener, despite my stateroom hosts best attempts our bathroom still smelled yucky
I'd also pack aloe gel

 

[gatorgirl72]

Great tip about the Tervis Lilchief! I will be following this as I am only 6 weeks from my first Dis cruise!!

 

[cheribelle]

Great tip I found on Disboards: I stopped at McDonalds (any fast food place will do) and picked up a few of the cardboard beverage carriers! Used them to carry my family's drinks from drink machines and especially handy on Castaway Cay! One person can make a drink run and carry all the drinks back at one time. I had many people inquiring about where I got them!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

A swimsuit.




I'm kidding

I'm a recovering over-packer. I used to pack an outfit for every day - unnecessary! Now I (try to) pack three less outfits than the length of the cruise. So for a 7-day, I'd pack four outfits, and usually one still doesn't get worn. And I also bring more tops than bottoms, so I can re-wear shorts with a different top.

Maybe I should have brought a Tervis, too.... but honestly, I was looking for an excuse to buy one on the ship!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

More money.

 

[st8y]

I brought a small desk fan. I found it helped circulate the air a little better (and I like the noise of a fan to sleep

 

[Ghkelk]

I brought a small desk fan. I found it helped circulate the air a little better (and I like the noise of a fan to sleep

Any idea if they have box fans or any type of fans by request? I sleep with a fan every night.

 

[zooya]

Great tip I found on Disboards: I stopped at McDonalds (any fast food place will do) and picked up a few of the cardboard beverage carriers! Used them to carry my family's drinks from drink machines and especially handy on Castaway Cay! One person can make a drink run and carry all the drinks back at one time. I had many people inquiring about where I got them!

This is a great tip! Thank you!

 

[mickeys girl 52]

More money.

I second this one...

 

[WalkersMom]

I honestly wished I would've packed more comfortable clothes like yoga pants or loose pants. You're not always going to want to be dolled up. They'll definitely be in my bag next time.

 

[XMom]

1. Different colored highlighters to highlight what the kids want to do vs what the adults want to do on the navigator.
2. Power strip or plug expander. With 2 phones and 3 iPods there just aren't enough plugs!

 

[SillyInventor]

2. Power strip or plug expander. With 2 phones and 3 iPods there just aren't enough plugs!

Good point, but in some other thread on this board I read that power strips are a prohibited item, due to overheating risks. So be prepared to have them removed from your luggage.

And if you're not from North America: conversion plugs for your own type of outlet.