Things to Bring:
- Magnetic hooks- cabin walls are usually magnetic. Hooks can be used to hang hats, purse, lanyards, jackets or daily schedules
- Non Surge Protected Power strip- There are not a lot of outlets in a ship cabin. A power strip gives you all those extra outlets. Surge protected power strips are not allowed on board, so make sure you get one without.
- Over the Door shoe hanger- You can hang this from a hanger, magnets, etc. It gives you extra storage for all the small things.
- Lanyards- If your ship uses key cards, a lanyard is helpful to carry it around, so you do not lose it.
- Laundry pods or sheets- Some ships have self-serve laundromats on board.
- First Aid Kit- A small first aid kit with regular items as well as Medications you might need. I carry Tylenol, Motrin, Tums, Benadryl and motion sickness tablets.
- Highlighters- Bring one color for each member of your party. When you get the daily schedule, you can highlight all the things you want to do.
- Extra card for lights- Some ships need a card to operate the lights. A used gift card, library card etc. can be used for this.
- Battery operated night light- The bathroom lights are VERY bright. When making a bathroom run in the middle of the night, a small nightlight helps without blinding you in the process.
- Zip loc bags- Various sizes. Can be used for wet clothes, small souvenirs, and many other things.
- Cruise Plastic Luggage Tag Holders- Paper printed luggage tags fall off easily. I provide these, when you book through me.
Handy Tips:
- Put your phone in airplane mode as soon as you board the ship to avoid international charges.
- Forward and Aft elevators are usually much less busy than the midship elevators.
- To remember port (left side) and starboard (right side) sides of the ship. Remember that port and left (when facing forward) both have 4 letters.
- Book picture and drink packages before trip for discounts.
- Do lots of pictures onboard. There is no charge unless you decide to buy.
Consider a Park, Sleep Fly hotel near the airport the night before your flights.
Get to the port city a day or two before your cruise. This way if there are flight
delays, you will not miss your cruise.
Trip insurance is highly recommended. Buying this through a separate insurance company provides the best coverage.
Always travel with a passport. Yes, some cruises can be taken without a passport being required, but if you have any type of emergency or miss the ship, you cannot fly back without a passport.
Carry a photocopy of your passport while in port and leave the original in your cabin safe.
You can order multiple entrees in the main dining rooms. You can also request items off menu. Usually one of the main dining rooms will be open for breakfast and lunch if you would like a sit down meal instead of the buffet.
If you are prone to motion sickness, try to book a room low on the ship and in the middle. If you do get seasick, green apples and ginger ale are helpful.
You can ask your cabin steward for extra pillows, towels, blankets or mattress toppers.
If you have a good cabin steward, it is nice to tip a little extra. Make sure you hand it to them. If you just leave it in your cabin, they are not supposed to touch it.
Make sure when onshore, you get back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. You do not want to be running for the ship at the last minute and it will NOT wait for you. For amusement, watch from one of the decks just before sailing time to watch the pier runners trying to not miss the ship.
Make your luggage distinctive to spot it easily in the airports. Tie ribbons around the handle or get a fun suitcase cover.
Shop around for your shore excursions. A lot of time you can get better prices if vou don't book direct with the cruise line.
Take the stairs on the ship if you are only doing a few floors. It is a great way to justify all the great food you will be eating.
To avoid overpacking, pick a color scheme for your clothes. Each item can mix and match with everything else. Ask me about my packing grid to help with this. With a little fabric refresher, items can usually be worn more than once.