Cruise Packing List – Not your average packing list. Important things to Remember to Bring on Your Cruise!
Cruising is so much fun – for my family it is one of THE best family vacations. The preparation for a cruise can be somewhat overwhelming. We have been fortunate to have gone on a number of cruises and have learned some good cruise packing tricks. We are going to share out best cruise packing tips with you today!
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If you have a baby you must bring one of those inflatable duck tubs. The shower situation is no good for babies.
Great idea!!
Great ideas. Thanks. Makes me want to go on a cruise!
Me too!!
pack your swim suit in your carry on. you can’t usually get your luggage right away so this way you can change and enjoy the pool while you wait to sail off!
Excellent point – that is one we always do and I totally forgot!!! Good Call Sandy!!
Absolutely correct, I ALWAYSB recommend my clients to pack a swim suit and a light change of clothes. This is also great during those hair-raising times when your luggage is misplaced by the airlines. Whatever happens, you are covered while it catches up to you…and regardless of what happens, never let that ruin your vacation. Istead, challenge yourself and family to have an enjoyable adventure especially if due to an unexpected misfortune, and make it good…you’ll remember it forever!
On most ships the walls in the cabins are metal — you can bring magnets and hang paperwork, photos of family, etc.
Plastic clothes pins – put them at the bottom of your shower curtain to keep it from “blowing” out of the shower.
In Case of Emergency contacts. Keep a copy in your cabin.
If you like to send postcards – bring pre-printed address labels. Saves time when writing out your postcards
Don’t forget your spare batteries for camera and/or phone. Chargers. If you are traveling out of the USA – a power adaptor.
GREAT suggestions, Kelley!!!!
Again always recommended…keep copies of your docs (passport, visas, insurance cards, green card and/or citizenship paper, as well as the list of credit cards you are taking with phone and last 4 digits of card only in separate bag(s). I like to have a couple of copies and put it inside the lining of a couple of pieces (like a carry-on and a dispatched piece). Trust me, you wouldn’t believe how awesome that is when you loose or have your wallet/document bag/purse suddenly “grow legs.”
This is a good suggestion any time you leave the country, not just for cruising. It’s also good to leave a copy of your important papers with someone at home, and you can either scan and email a copy to yourself or take a photo with your cell phone so you can access it from anywhere.
We are going on a cruise for my mom’s birthday this summer! Super excited and thankful for your tips. None of us have ever been on a cruise so things like this are perfect for us novice cruisers. Have you ever been on a Mediterranean cruise? Check out our blog when you get a chance, you are a huge inspiration to us 🙂
Fivetimesfun.blogspot.com
xo,
P&T
Awwww…. thanks!!! Haven’t done the Mediterranean Cruise yet, but me and the hubby are thinking about it for next year! I will check out your blog for sure!!! Thanks for reading!
If you are going on a Disney cruise I have been on three of them. I always take formal wear for each night since they have photographers at least three stations every night. We always had a different outfit and bought the package for the photos and have all different kinds and different outfits. Also it is fun dressing up every night.
We went on an Alaskan cruise and I REALLY wish I had packed a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release. Royal Caribean doesn’t allow irons in rooms and sending clothes out is expensive- plus, with so many photo ops, you want to look as unrumpled as possible!
Great idea! Thanks Danielle.
All cruise lines have laundry rooms fully equipped…including iron and ironing board. However and for the most part, you can do a lot just by hanging the frumpy clothes in the bathroom and steam it up for about 15min or so on the day you are going to use it…do it after lunch and leave it in the bathroom with door closed while you enjoy the day.
ROYAL CARIBEANfor one don’t.
For laundry – if you can find it – Purex 3-in-1 works great. They look like dryer sheets – but they have detergent in it – you put it in the washer – then in the dryer. They are flat and pack easy. They also have a STRONG smell, so put them in a plastic bag.
ALL of the laundry rooms have an iron & board in them. You can use those for free.
I have taken a Med Cruise. We went to: Rome & Naples, Italy // Mykonos & Athens, Greece // Ephesus & Istanbul, Turkey // Cairo & Alexandria, Egypt. That was in 2009.
Kelley – great suggestions!!! Thank you!
Awesome itinerary, especially when combined with post and pre cruising stays.
I am putting a group together for a mediterranean cruise for 2015, which is going to include a couple of vineyards (wine tasting) and a “cooking” day (lets find out how to do it the “local” way). The time will be around the 4th of July week (my b-day). Anyone interested, send me an email to GJORGE@ESSEXTRAVEL.COM & I will send you the details once all is ironed out…OH, AND anyone that calls in 15 cabins or more CRUISES FREE (yes, I put that in writing, no, you don’t have to hold 15 cabins off the bat although i recommended it since space will be limited, and yes, it is more than what cruise lines do-I also pay for taxes, port charges and passenger fees…it really covers 100% of what everyone in group pays for their cruising portion of package). It will also include free-bees, such as doc pouch, t-shirt and other goodies…that’s how I roll!!! & yes, this is the first time I use so else’s post (sorry, delete if you want, I am just too excited) – the agency’s only advertisement has been client-word-of-mouth since the 1940s.
I, too, love to take the Purex 3 sheets when we travel. When I realized I couldn’t get them at the store anymore I ordered some from Amazon, and use them just for travel!
Another easy tip, take a small empty spray bottle, just fill it with water and lightly spray your clothes on hangars before you go to bed….they’ll be almost wrinkle-free the next morning. Downy spray is good, but plain water works almost as good.
Many ships Do Not have public laundry rooms. Check with the cruise line you will be sailing on before you pack to confirm.
On the cruise I went on we brought wallflowers from bath and body works to plug into the bathroom and cabin, keeping the room smelling fresh(you could also bring glade plug ins or something similar). I also brought a few flameless candles for mood lighting/night light. When we were just relaxing in the cabin it was fun to light up the candles. I just wrapped mine in tissue paper and put them on top of everything I packed in case someone thought they were real I could quickly show them they were battery operated(since real candles are prohibited). Also, If you are a girly girl type, I would bring a pampering kit if you are not going to opt to pay for the spa. Some items in the kit could be : bubble bath, nail polish, nail polish remover & cotton pads, body scrub, your favorite lotion, a face mask of some sort. Also, there was a gym on my ship. If you are the workout type, don’t forget to bring a few sets of workout attire. Also, if you have them, binoculars are a fun addition because you never know if you will spot a whale, dolphins, or something interesting on the open ocean. There were multiple times on my cruise where families of dolphins would swim alongside the ship. Hopefully these tips add a little bit more fun to your cruise.
Kristen, GREAT suggestions! I love the binoculars! What a terrific idea.
Brought a wallflower on our last cruise and the steward unplugged it and laid it down. Everything the oil touched was ruined! Beware!
our cruise did not allow candles, fire hazard
Bring a small collapsible hamper. That way you don’t have to put your dirty clothes in spike on the floor, or back in your suitcase with your clean clothes!
A pile, not spike!
Got it! AND great suggestions!!!
Use a plastic bag instead (helps with the weight) and shower caps are the best to pack your shoes -never dirty your clothes…and put one of your favorite drying sheets inside to control odor).
We always bring a case of water. The cruise lines always provide a lot of tags to check luggage, so we just put one on a case of water.
Hi Starr – that is a great idea! I know when we go off the ship the cruise line charges a crazy amount for bottled water – GREAT addition!!!
I don’t know where your gateway port is but today, you are hard pressed to keep your clothes/luggage within the weight limits when you fly, to use it for A CASE of water, Instead, carry a large cup that can be for hot or cold beverages with own lid and straw attached (one of those collapsible straws is even better), then just fill it as needed. This is also GREAT when visiting parks or going on a tour, especially when combined with a shoulder strap cup holder…even your hands are free,
I’m not a big pop drinker so it never pays for me to buy the unlimited pop card for $40 so I bring along the small individual Crystal light (or whichever brand you prefer) packets and add them to my free glasses of water (or refillable bottle) when I want a change from plain water.
So smart!! Love this!! (and I assume from the “POP” wording you are also a Midwesterner!!
FYI If you do purchase the pop card (My family has bought one to share in the past) make sure you think twice about it. For $40 you get WATERED DOWN pop. I’m not joking. Every different line we’ve been on (4 of them now) has served watered down pop and they treat it like it’s marijuanna that’s just been legalized in Colorado. Everyone is trying to sell you it, but honestly, it’s just not worth it. Unless you are going to die without the pop (In which case I suggest you re evaluate your diet because pop is incredibly terrible for you) go the week or 10 days pop free. at the very least it’ll help you compensate weight wise for the unlimited food buffets 😀
On HAL ships, you get actual cans of whatever soft drink. They open them in front of you, so you know there is no way they are watered down.
We bring walkie talkies. That way we can split up and still be in touch.
Hi Aimee – we have tried that too! Sometimes they work, sometimes not. BUT Disney now has airwave phones that act as walkie talkies and phones. You get two per room and they work everwhere on the ship. Did I mention how much I love Disney!!!
I work for a website that is an online cruising guide — by cruisers for cruisers. Those fit some of our main recommendations… Other “key” items are: insect repellent, ALOE for those first few days in the sun, playing cards, and a Tervis tumbler or other such water bottle. Please visit us here: http://www.shipdetective.com/ . We also sell “Bon Voyage Bags” that you can buy for yourself or as a gift for someone going on a cruise that includes those essentials… Would love to hear more of your ideas and your future travels! Cheers!
Thanks for the great ideas!
I have cruised 6 times on Disney ships – all fantastic! They recently posted that they no longer allow over the door shoe bags as they were damaging the doors. They also don’t allow any tape on the doors – just magnets.
In order to keep the limited outlets free, we opted out of Glade plug-ins and instead brought a travel size air freshener from Bath and Body Works.
For our holiday cruise, we brought window clings for our port hole windows…it’s fun to decorate your room on the inside as well as the exterior door.
With the exception of handicap accessible rooms, all Disney state rooms have a split bath including a tub/shower combo – great for little ones who usually don’t do showers without a lot of tears!
Great article! One thing we always love having is a waterproof camera. The kids love taking pics of fish and each other underwater! Also, for some beaches water shoes are a must. No one wants to step on sharp rocks! Hope you have/had a blast on your trip!
Great suggestions, Sarah W – thanks so much for sharing – I will add these to the list!
I like to bring dollar tree rafts and my own snorkle kit from Target instead of paying for excursions. We did this at 7 mile Beach and saved over $200 by bringing everything ourselves.
Janelle – THAT is a great one!! Haven’t heard that one yet – SO smart!!
Travel sized OTC medicines: Tylenol, aspirin, Motrin, Benadryl, cough medicine etc. These items are available on the ship, but are extremely expensive! It’s no fun paying $17.00 for kid’s cough medicine in the ship’s gift shop.
If you are a user of toothpicks, bring your own. We cruised with Carnival (loved it) and my father,who is a big user of toothpicks, wished he had brought some since they were not available. We are planning our next cruise and I simply reused a tic tac container to store a few toothpicks in. I will throw it in my purse for him. Not a big inconvenience and he will be surprised when he is needing one and viola! Just something little to make the cruise even more enjoyable for my parents.
Awesome Jenn! My first cruise! Target has bad bug a spray in small size and put Remote control in a Ziploc bag you don’t know who touched why after they touch the remote!!!
I wouldn’t bother with the power strip. Mine was confiscated because it wasn’t allowed and never given back!
Just returned from my second cruise and had some ideas that would be helpful. With the recent outbreaks of Norwalk virus it is better to be safe than sorry- but I recommend travel size hand disinfectant. Also disinfectant wipes for the bathroom or put in ziplock when you go to shore. Also recommend bringing a water jug with filter. You can pack things in it when traveling, but some places you don’t want to drink their water and you can fill water bottles before heading to shore. Also for carrying your money/ camera etc- I recommend a messenger bag that zips and you carry in front of you.
What an amazing list. We have cruised over 30 times and there were still items we had not considered. One thing we always travel with is a small, lightweight fan. This not only keeps the air moving in the cabin, but creates white noise to help drown out any conversations of passing passengers in the hallway outside our door.
Thanks so much, Judy!!! I love the fan idea – adding it to my list!
Great post!!
1. A watch. I don’t wear a watch normally at home because I have my cell phone with me. No cell phone on the ship!
2. Clorox wipes to wipe down the entire room. (Germ-freak but minimize getting sick!).
3. Extra antibiotics (if you can score them) in case you get sick. The trips are too expensive not to pack it.
4. Packing tape (for luggage mishap). We have had luggage bust open at the airport….ugh.
5. A few of your business cards. Not that you will get business from them per se, but if you make friends on the ship, you can give them your business card so you can connect on facebook/email later to share some pics. This has worked out well for us several times!
6. Small bills ($1’s and $5’s) for easy tipping off the ship.
7. Small battery operated alarm clock (since most rooms don’t have clocks…and most people use their phone for their alarm)
8. Lip gloss with sunscreen. You won’t forget sunscreen but you might forget chapstick/lipgloss with sunscreen.
9. Take more than you need in your “carry-on the ship” bag. Yup, it stinks to have to carry it all day. However, there are a few people with horror stories about luggage getting put onto the wrong ship when 2 ships are docked….so I always pack an extra set of clothes, PJs, essential items (makeup, meds, etc).
10. As many other people have said, decorate your door! Bring a magnetic whiteboard so others can leave messages about where they are going. Do some theme if your family/friends span multiple rooms….so all your rooms are together.
11. The Disney ships have “wave-phones” which are Nokia phones (circa 2001) that work on the ship. They are included and work marginally well re: reception. There is no charge for them (unless you lose them). Non-Disney ships don’t have this. However, we have brought some walkie-talkies which have been helpful….although the reception isn’t always great, it does help to have a connection to your other family members!!!
HAPPY SAILING!
Brooke – GREAT suggestions!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
I carry a small wind up flashlight- don’t have to worry about batteries if there is a power outage on ship!
Also a power booster for my cell for emergency calls. Small baggies of nuts. Hand wipes and some plastic bags.
Zip loc bags to store cell phone or iPods in for beach day.
My next cruise I’m taking these collapsible bottles .
An small extension cord. And always take antibiotics!!!!! There have been a few times we’ve needed them.
As a nurse, I would discourage taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are not “one size fits all” medications. Unless you know what you’re infected with (gram positive or gram negative bacteria) AND you know which meds work for for each, you’re liable to do more harm than good. Not to mention, they’re useless for viruses which is a far more likely contagion to pick up.
Great point, Pat! Thanks so much!
I just wanted to thank you for this list. I have looked at several and I really like some of your tips/tricks.
Thanks SO much, Jessica! SO glad you are finding it helpful!
2 way radios are also good to have to communicate with family on your ship and at destinations.
Yes…. radios are always a great idea!
Great list! You may need an adapter as well. I went on a cruise in Australia but all of the outlets were American because it was an American cruise liner 🙂
GREAT suggestion, Emily!
Instead of the motion sickness meds (which can make you have double vision) I did, is to use ginger. My son had to take it for flying lessons until he got use to the motion and it works.
Next on the cruise ship my son got to do a Tshirt and they provided everything as an kids project.
At the time I carry a back pack, and put everything it, that way I don’t sit it down and forget something I already purchased when I go to purchase something else, I keep my wallet in the front small pocket. It can get heavy but least you know everything is in one place. I once lost something I purchased prior at WDW and had to write to them and they have so many items people loose that they had no problem giving me one that I had lost. I set it down to pay for the other item and left it behind.
I probably could say more because I have been on lots of cruises, but not any in the recent years. They are fun, you get to see more places than if you fly to one place, so much fruit and great food, I never gained one pound. I love them ….just don’t know about the problems they have had in the past few, sickiness, and going off course. However, they were good experiences for us.
I really love all of these ideas!! I don’t want to sound rude or anything but I think you should go through and check spelling on somethings..you wrote color instead of cooler. 🙂
Not rude at all, Brittney! Thanks for the catch – my spelling suks….. I mean sucks!!
I believe you meant to say “some things” instead of “somethings”. Just saying …
Things to take on cruise trips:
Sun visor
Small tote (for maps, etc.)
Bar soap (most hotels now have body wash dispensers).
Small thermos, to take coffee with you after eating at restaurant (no to-go cups available, presumably because people are apt to throw them overboard when finished).
Probably not necessary to purchase tour excursions in advance – many companies at ports available to take you, except at Victoria where it is limited. However, difficult to see much (in Victoria) because of late arrival, and most places are already closed.
Flashlight.
great suggestions! thank you!
Question
Going on our first cruise to Alaska, Celebrity line,
We are Sr Citizens….
No IPads or Cell Phones Allowed?
We have new hard side luggage, is there storage for luggage, or should we bring Soft duffle style?
Any suggestions Would be Appreciated, going with a Group of 8 Sr Citizens….
They usually elevate the beds on more cruise lines so you can store your luggage under there. I always pack in duffles, so we don’t really have to worry about it fitting – I think a quick call to the cruise line and they can tell you how much space is under the bed for luggage. You can bring your iPads and Cell Phones and get service through the cruise line, but it is super expensive and often very slow connections (for wifi). Again, if you call the cruise line, they can provide you with the actual cost.
(whisper voice… go on vacation and leave the devices at home – be unplugged and enjoy!!)
I read a ton of lists before our first cruise and unfortunately none had this one item on them: STAIN remover or Stain wipes!!! After our carnival cruise, my 3 youngest kids had either chocolate ice cream stains or pizza stains on every piece of clothing they wore!!!! Also, being from Louisiana, we should have brought seasoning. The food great, but was bland for our tastes. One useful item I did bring was plastic hangers, the kind you get when you buy shorts at wal mart. At night I would hang up our wet clothes in the shower to dry.
If you plan to wear shorts or sundresses a lot, and you have bigger thighs – bring some anti-chafing gel (Monsitat makes a great one!). Walking around the ship or in port cities all day in the hot, humid weather can wreak havoc on your thighs! Anti-chafing gel is a lifesaver! It’s also great if a pair of shoes is giving you a blister, or if the shoulder straps on your beach bag or bathing suit are rubbing you the wrong way!
Also – keep a tube of it in a bin of ice and rub it on your face after a hot day in the sun. Instant refresher!
That is seriously the best tip on here! It’s so true…..if you don’t have a “thigh-gap” (and let’s be honest, who really does?) then this is a life-saver!
There is also a talc powder spray on the market that sprays on and dries as a powder…. it smells great and is easy to apply.
My husband, son and I LOVE cruising. We recommend it to everyone to try at least once. No other vacation you take can give what cruising does (room, food, constant entertainment-for all ages, & the opportunity to see so many great places). They usually get the drink packages so I bring a small bottle of dish detergent &/or disposable detergent filled sheets so I wash their cups as often as I want. I also always pack extra Ziploc bags, a back pack for excursions, plenty of sunscreen, Ibuprofen, feminine products- just in case-very expensive on ship, trashbag for our dirty laundry, & hand held scale to weigh your luggage. Love all the other ideas as well.
Great list! Since I was little I’ve been on many cruises (including the ultimate, disney cruise) and one thing that my parents have bought and would recommend times a thousand (and myself) would be a nice decent set of walkie talkies. These are great if you are traveling with multiple families or booking multiple rooms and can be used if you let your younger children roam the ship by themselves (Personally I do NOT recommend that because stranger danger is just as real on a cruise ship as it is on land). We’ve used them every single cruise since we’ve gotten them and it turns out, not just our family was using them. Just plug em in at night and in the morning you got fully charged walkie talkies that work BETTER than cell phones (read no extra charges) and work when you’re out of the cabin.
When I cruise I bring a small foldable step stool. It’s light and easy to fit in my suitcase. I use it in the shower to prop up my leg – makes shaving legs so much easier! There’s usually nowhere to prop your leg. I also bring a pack of Clorox wipes. I wipe everything in the room – door handles, faucets, TV controls, etc. I ALWAYS have a small flashlight with me. If power fails, you’ll be able to get around. This may sound cheesy, but I bring small Tupperware containers. We fill them with foods and ice and take it with us in my thermal lined beach bag! Cheap blow-up floats take up no space and are fun to float around on at the beach. Finally, I bring small empty clear glass bottles with tops. At the beach we fill them with a little sand, some small shells, and water from the beach – free keepsake to take home!
Forget shaving! Get waxed before you go. Saves so much time.
Scan all your documents and email them to yourself. If you loose your documents you should be able to access a computer from somewhere and at least get copies.
Love your list! I keep a medium-sized toiletry bag packed with family essentials for ALL trips. Its in our laundry room and I figure it might come in handy in an emergency at home one day, too!
In addition to your great list, here are a few things I’ve found exceedingly helpful to make the most of crummy situations on the road with our kids:
– Sharpies! — to label everything from kid cups to room keys (name, not room #)
– scissors and tweezers
– wine / bottle opener and a paring knife (blade in a sheath)
– reusable plastic “sporks” — found ours at the Container Store; also available where camping gear is sold
– zip ties — you’ll be amazed what you can fix or rig with these puppies!
– bandaids and tampons 🙂
Absolute must haves: ziplocks of all sizes.
Here’s to being the family hero on your next trip! Happy travels!
I haven’t read through all the comments and readers’ suggestions to know if this tip has been given already, but after having to rent a pool float on a beach excursion for $20 for about 4 hours on our first cruise we now pack our own inflatable pool floats that we bought on after-summer clearance! I’ll never forget the time we did an Atlantis excursion in the Bahamas and we had our own pool floats for the ocean and there was no rental cabana. We had so many people asking where we got our floats from that we ended up selling our floats to other cruisers once we were done with them (and knew we wouldn’t need them again for the duration of the cruise)!
Love the list and feedback. After my last cruise I will also bring a travel can of lysol to spray the bed, bath, and general room immediately and then explore the ship while it works. Unfortunately last time I got a virus half way through…and upon reflection, there is so little time in room turnover that the extra care could mean more enjoyment.
I will definitely come back to this page though for my next cruise. 🙂
This list is great! If you’re traveling with kids especially, you must not forget to pack EXTRA swimsuits and coverups so that they have a change when the wet ones are drying. Found a cute little girl’s swimsuit and many of these list items online at http://lovemycaribbean.com/online-shopping/caribbean-vacation-cruise-hotel/
i always pack my favorite liquid antibacterial soap to keep at the sink. It reminds my whole family to wash our hands often. Plus I hate sharing bar soap! Also stain remover like spray n wash is good for unexpected stains. Treat the stain and wash when you get home!
This is such a great list! Beautiful pictures as well
This is a great list. Cruising is my husband’s and I’s favorite way to travel. I do not like dry skin you get when using bar soap and to encourage clean hands, I bring a bottle of foam soap for the bathroom no matter where I travel hotel/cruise or family. We also take a travel size steamer, it was $20 at Bed Bath and Beyond (and you can use coups). I would also suggest suction cup hooks (bed bath and beyond target or walmart) for the shower for wash cloths and bathing suits. And make sure you are comfortable with the bag you carry off the ship and pick one that your hubby or kids can carry easily as well, it may look cute for cruising but it’s not practical.
We also pack a battery clock and a fan. And this isn’t a packing thing but if you bring a power strip, plug in fresheners, straightener, steamer, etc either unplug and hide or become good friends with your steward so you don’t have the things happen that others mentioned. The plug in items are fire/safety hazards even in your own home.
Thank you for the extra tips. Here are a few of mine:
• bring some mini Oreos or other mix ins for the free soft serve. They will get smashed up just right in your luggage.
• eye drops are a must on every trip. Recycled air in the room dries them out.
• a lanyard or clip for your sail and sign card. They will punch a hole in it for you.
• a sleep machine or app to drown out your noisy neighbors.
BUG SPRAY!!!!! I have been on 13 cruises so far and I always end up forgetting to bring my own bug spray then I have to spend a small fortune to buy bug spray off the ship. I think the bugs in Mexico are plotting to eat me alive eventually. This has happened in ports all over the world for me, so maybe it is a global bug conspiracy;). Also, bring a book (or several). Sometimes the ships library has a great selections, sometimes not.
Walkie talkies and a water bottle to refill before going on the islands.
You can bring water bottles on board?
TWO WAY RADIOS (WALKIE TALKIES) ARE ALWAYS ON HAND WHEN I AM TRAVELING WITH A LARGE GROUP. THIS WAY WE CAN EASILY COMMUNICATE! THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE ON MY CRUISE PACKING LIST!
Two way radios (walky talkies) cell phones won’t work …. this is a great way to keep in touch
Some really good tips especially in the comments. Most of them I had already come across here https://www.smsmondial.com.mt/helpful-things-to-bring-on-a-cruise/ Question: air freshener plugins were recommended, however, aren’t the rooms short of plugs?
Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! I am just back from 5 days in the Bahamas and we used many of your ideas. The sweater hanger/organizer was genius. My husband and I each put one into our closets and were able to unpack completely. it left plenty of hanging space too. We also put the over the door shoe organizer to good use which saved a ton of counter space.
I would also recommend that when you purchase your beach towel clips, purchase an extra set, assign each person a color/style and use the extras to mark your bath towels. if you like to conserve energy and use the same towel two days in a row, this is great as everyone knows which towel is theirs. Also, a couple of suction or magnetic hooks would have been great to hang your pjs or toiletry kit in the bathroom when getting dressed in the morning. Finally an inexpensive suction cup bin (like for the tub) to use in the tub for those who need a place for their own shampoo/conditioner and or a razor ands have cream. Since this trip was also with my 15yo step son we also brought post it notes, We left notes for him and him for us.
#1- Go to your local dry cleaners and get a stack of wire hangers. Cruise ships, and most hotels/resorts, never have enough hangers in their closets. Pack them in your suitcase to use while in residence and you don’t feel bad about leaving them when it’s time to go. Also, leaving the hangers makes room for your souvenirs!
#2- 3M hooks are the bomb! With four boys, somebody is always in the pools, headed to the pools, or getting back from the pools. The hooks are great to have your so you always have a suit drying and ready for your next water time adventure! (So pack a minimum of two swim trunks per person also)
#3- Along with duct tape and a highlighter I recommend packing a few safety pins, a small pair of scissors, and at least one permanent marker. Again like stated in suggestions, you never really know why you need them but you end up using them!
#4- With your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage, make sure you pack sunscreen and goggles. The kids don’t want to wait to get into the pools and you don’t want them to get a sunburn before the cruise even leaves the dock.
#5- Before leaving for your cruise with your kids, go to the dollar store and buy at least one pair of cheap sunglasses per person. Typically cruises are in places much sunnier than your home. If they get a loss, no big loss. But while your kids have them, they and their eyes will be much happier!
Just a reference point, most lines (I said MOST) will confiscate power bars and you won’t get them back until disembarkation. If even then. TV’s will usually have a USB, laptops with multiple ports are fine and honestly, get a travel battery. One thing people forget is you can switch off. If you’re going to the pool alone, leave the phone to charge while the stateroom is empty. Go back for it in an hour or 2. Power bars though are the worst suggestion. I get probably 40-50 a cruise in my box of confiscated items and they never find their way home.
Nightlight + plugin=SCENTSY! lol Pack a Scentsy Nightlight to brighten up your cabin AND put a wonderful smell in your cabin. We even have Beach and Ocean scents! Have fun! http://www.aterando.scentsy.us
Rum runners! You can fill them with booze and they are undetectable. Saved us literally a thousand dollars!
Rum runners ?
Great ideas!
Holy cow! I’ve never stumbled across another blogger so close to home! I’m in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Small world! Anways- this is a great list. I cruised to Alaska a few years ago (my first cruise ever) and this list would have definitely come in handy! Great post!
We are heading on our first Disney cruise and have done a lot of research. I think they no longer do the pillowcase thing! 🙁
Bring a new stuff disney character and they will sign them. Also get a captain’s hat from your DCL and the captain will sign it for u and I can take a picture with him. My son loved this. Great memories for you and your little ones!
Many, if not all, do not allow power strips or over the door hangers. It’s important to check with your cruise line.
If you are going on a Disney cruise I have been on three of them. I always take formal wear for each night since they have photographers at least three stations every night. We always had a different outfit and bought the package for the photos and have all different kinds and different outfits. Also it is fun dressing up every night.
A bandana or two and a ball cap or other hat with a brim. Sunburned face sucks.
Sea sick patch is easier than wrist band if you can get from your Dr.
The bandana (like duck tape) has many uses
Wipe sweat, wash a face, dip in water to cool a neck, bandage an injury, flag someone down or just accent an outfit.
Small pr of scissors and a sewing kit
Tissues
We didn’t bring a watch and when our cell phones were put in a drawer when we left the USA, we had to have my daughter win a watch from the claw machine in the game room(we didn’t want to spend a ton of money). We needed a watch for our excursions and making the times for the bus, etc..
Not sure when this article was written, but at least two things are no longer correct on this list. I say at least two because I stopped reading after the second incorrect piece of advice I found.
1. Disney no longer allows the use of power strips.
2. You can no longer leave pillow cases at the customer service desk to be signed.
It says at the top 2013.
Grab a pack of diapers from a dollar tree…Why? When you are on the beaches put your important things like money cards or phone in it and wrap it like it’s a dirty diaper. Place it in a plastic or diaper trash bag. We did this and no one touched it!
Also bring a twin sheet and place 4 big objects in each corner of the twin or bigger sheet to create a play pin for a small infant.. My little guy never are sand…lol.
If your doing disney cruise go to the dollar tree near you and pick up any thing disney. Add your own personal touch to your room and your trip for your kids without breaking the bank. We bought puzzles coloring pages toys and stuff animals there. We arranged them on the desk for when the kids got back they thought Mickey stopped by! Also bring your Mickey mouse stuffy and drop it off at the front desk and at the end of your cruise it will be delivered to your room with a Mickey signature .
Buy your pirate dress up stuff at home and bring it with you for the pirate party!
Hope this helps anyone going on a DCL!
Instead of the bathroom plugins, bring some Poo Pouri. You just spritz 3 times in the toilet and everything smells great. Makes sharing a small cabin much nicer!
I don’t know if this was mentioned in the comments or not. Hairdryer this was said to be in the room on the ship, but; wasn’t. Was going to pack but didn’t. Wish I had?
Didn’t read all the way down but I am surprised no one said to bring Aloe. I carry it with us all the time and it is ALWAYS used as someone gets a little sunburn at some point!
We also used an over-the-door shoe hanger for all the stuff that
that tends to end up on the counter, which is very limited, like cameras, daily itineraries, postcards to write and mail, and 82 other things. Eliminates counter clutter.
Use over-the-door shoe hangers to hold cameras, itineraries, postcards to write & mail and 82 other things that tend to clutter up valuable counter space, not to mention shoes in the lower pockets.
After a few cruises, we found a few things to add to the list:
A list of medications for each person….one in carry on…..one in your wallet
Your own snorkel and mask
I’m into coloring in coloring books for adults…..so a coloring book and different mediums……ie….crayons, markers, colored pencils, eraser, sharpener.
I bring an orange pillow case……it covers over theirs and smells like home…..orange??? So I can find mine in all the whites.
A first aid kit with….band aids….Tums….Motrin….hand sanitizer……triple antibiotic cream…..eye drops…mosquito repellent bracelet…..sunscreen….sunscreen chap stick….aloe lotion…..motion sickness needs
Several underwater cameras
We use a trash bags for dirty clothing……but a couple we met on one trip told us they go to Good Will, before the cruise, and buy their clothing for the trip. As they travel, they leave their dirty clothing in the trash when they go out on excursions. That way, they have room for souvineers in place of the clothing. To each, their own!
I pre-address labels to stick on post cards…and if traveling within US….postage stamps.
My personal choice is to keep a journal of the trip, in the back, I get names and addresses of travel mates.
I’m sure I haven’t listed everything…..but enough for now.
Here’s to happy cruising!
Peggie
I know a lot of people said plug ins and and night lights. But those use up plug space. I would highly recommend a small can of Ozium. This is an air freshener. One tiny spritz will hide the smell of someone who has just used the bathroom. It’s the same stuff that the airlines/buses/trains use to cover the smells of people who suffer motion sickness. It’s an evergreen smell and literally one tiny spritz completely hides everything. And you don’t waste a plug, and it lasts. You can get it at AutoZone, and it is tiny, so takes virtually no space.
Also, we don’t use night lights. We bring glow sticks. Each night, the kids can break one open. We put one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom. It’s more fun for the kids, and the light is softer, so doesn’t interrupt sleep.
We use both the bracelets and the thicker ones that can hang from the strings like a necklace. The kids can use them on deck at night (which lots of other kids always want to know where they get them), and then at night, they go in the bedroom and bathroom.
One thing we took was walkie talkies, it may not work on all the ship. but its great if you have kids, or out at ports shopping.. It makes it easier to not lose your party.
omg!! THANK YOU for all the helpful tips!!! we have been to WDW – twice in 1year!! that’s how much we loved it – and this November – we will go on our first Disney cruise!!!
the kids are so excited!!! we cant wait!!
There never seems to be enough outlets in a cabin, so instead of plug-in night lights, I bring a couple small battery operated ‘tap lights’…….I always keep one on the nightstand so I can read the travel clock in the middle of the night. We also bring a couple of the magnetic ‘chip clips’ to leave a note for the steward if needed. The walls are magnetic so this works out well. And baggies! Different sizes. I don’t put my medication in those plastic pill cases any more………..you can get tiny medication zip lock bags at CVS and Walmart etc. Put your days meds in each one PLUS extra days, too! Takes up way less room in your carry-on.
Take a suction cup hook or two. You can hang you hat or cruise card etc near the door so you dont forget to take them with you when you leave the cabin.
I know this is an older post but maybe you will see this..
For the room key in the slot for lights and ac, would something like a gift card or grocery store savings card type thing work as well?
Yes, that should work!
We are going to Disney World, then on the cruise next week. I am so glad I found your site as it mentioned several things or suggestions that were not on other packing lists. This is my first cruise and I.m so looking forward to it with my grandkids. So disappointed to hear that they don’t do the pillow case at the desk thing anymore, we actually big picture matt to get signed.
I suggest you remove the plug ins…. as they are a fire hazard, the room stewards will be told to remove them according to the fire team onboard. Dryer sheets tucked into a/c vents work just as well and don’t risk catching on fire due to the multi changing electrical current. You don’t want to be the reason why the ship catches fire.
Clothespins are great if you have a balcony and want to dry off swimwear without it blowing away. Not on Railings!! Hang things on the chairs. My first purchase on the ship are magnets. Useful and end up being my souvenirs. Careful with the plastic holders on lanyards, have seen stressed out passengers lose them in port. As for taking snacks off- on some ships/countries it’s a no no.
Great insight! Thank you!
First of all I would like to say fantastic blog!
I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you
do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear
your mind before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind
in getting my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15
minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Kudos!