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Packing for a Cruise

umyesh

umyesh

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I know there are a lot of travelers on this site so I’m hoping you’ll share your expertise with me today!

I’m going on my first cruise the end of May and have no idea how to pack. It’s a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I prefer to drink water so should I pack a refillable water bottle? Do you pack charging ports and portable chargers? A swimsuit for every day?

Please share your packing must-haves and any other cruise tips or tricks. I’m packing in a carry-on and backpack. Thanks in advance!
 
I've never been on a cruise, it's on my bucket list. I will always take a little notebook with a envelope on every trip, so I can write down memories and save little things from the trip (cards, receipt, a flower) Have a amazing time!
 
tiffany scraps said:
scopalamine patches. get a Rx from your doc if you have any problem with motion sickness.
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I bought some patches and bracelets but I’m really hoping we don’t have too much motion sickness. This is one of my biggest concerns.
 
SanVHM said:
I've never been on a cruise, it's on my bucket list. I will always take a little notebook with a envelope on every trip, so I can write down memories and save little things from the trip (cards, receipt, a flower) Have a amazing time!
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I love the idea of a notebook and envelope!
 
I started prepacking a week before. I took out what I was going to wear, then actually wore it the next few days. comfortable and fit well. I haven't been on cruise (not my cup of tea), but travel often. I am a planner, and learned less is better. and pack a couple laundry pods, you can do a quick load!
 
AnneofAlamo said:
I started prepacking a week before. I took out what I was going to wear, then actually wore it the next few days. comfortable and fit well. I haven't been on cruise (not my cup of tea), but travel often. I am a planner, and learned less is better. and pack a couple laundry pods, you can do a quick load!
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Thanks Anne! I am a prepacker too. Comfortable is a must!
 
Definitely bring a layering piece (sweater or sweatshirt) for the air conditioned portions of the ship (shows, dining areas, etc.). A swim coverup will get a lot of use too. We brought small games to play together when we needed some non-sun downtime - cribbage, bananagrams. The refillable water bottle is a smart move - the cruises I've been on, they only have small cups that can't be removed from the buffet area in order to encourage you to buy their expensive drinks or drink packages. Bring some travel-sized aloe in case you get sunburnt. I got sunburnt our first cruise and ended up having to buy a really big bottle in a port to get some relief. Also cruises are windy - if your hair is longer, you'll get a lot of mileage out of a hairclip. And this is just a personal one for me, but I lost one of my contacts the last cruise we were on and ended up in glasses the rest of the cruise =( I'm bringing an extra set this cruise. Have so much fun!
 
stephc777 said:
Definitely bring a layering piece (sweater or sweatshirt) for the air conditioned portions of the ship (shows, dining areas, etc.). A swim coverup will get a lot of use too. We brought small games to play together when we needed some non-sun downtime - cribbage, bananagrams. The refillable water bottle is a smart move - the cruises I've been on, they only have small cups that can't be removed from the buffet area in order to encourage you to buy their expensive drinks or drink packages. Bring some travel-sized aloe in case you get sunburnt. I got sunburnt our first cruise and ended up having to buy a really big bottle in a port to get some relief. Also cruises are windy - if your hair is longer, you'll get a lot of mileage out of a hairclip. And this is just a personal one for me, but I lost one of my contacts the last cruise we were on and ended up in glasses the rest of the cruise =( I'm bringing an extra set this cruise. Have so much fun!
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This is very helpful! I’ll need to pack aloe and my daughter wears contacts so I’ll make sure she brings extras and glasses. Thanks!
 
I think a lot of people suggest magnets and/or magnet hooks to be able to hang toiletry bags/clothes in your bathroom or notes to your door. The walls and doors are magnetic and there's never enough room in those bathrooms
 
Charger/usb hub that is acceptable for cruise ships. Some use European outlets, so we brought a hub that had a lot of options. For 4 of us, we used 2.

Heavy heavy duty magnetic hooks for the walls. Hang wet stuff or towels, etc.

Layered items, hoodies, long sleeve.

Bonine tablets. You start them before the cruise to prevent motion sickness and nausea. My mother uses them, I don’t have the need but in case of bad weather carry them.

Bring half the clothes you pack haha

A fun or recognizable magnet for the outside of your door to find it easily as you walk down the halls.

Dollar bills for random tips. Extra money in general.
 
Great advice so far. Here are my cruising go-tos:
  1. extra pair of glasses or sunglasses (in case something happens to one pair)
  2. magnetic clips for the wall to hang hats, small items, etc
  3. bring a small purse for on the ship, I find I only need my phone, sunglasses with me
  4. small vinyl backpack that packs up small in your suitcase and when in port you'll have a carry bag with you.
  5. I use packing cubes for utilizing space in suitcase, one for pants, shirts, underclothes/swim stuff and eveningwear.
  6. Pre-cruise, lay out clothing to see how it all mix/matches b/c each cruise I go on I find I bring less and less (no expert but we've been on about 12). I stick to neutrals with one color added.
  7. Base layer of jeans, cotton/linen pants and loungewear, then sweater, zip-up and/or lightweight blazer/vest to mix/match.
  8. For shirts, I bring a few tees, a black tee that I can dress up or down as needed and one color shirt, one long sleeve and one short sleeve.
  9. Comfy shoes for on ship and walking shoes for excursions.
  10. A ball cap, hair clip if hair is longer and a few pieces of jewelry to dress up dinner outfit.
  11. a deck of cards for down time if you like that kind of thing. You can often get cards at the service desk but not guaranteed.
  12. Tylenol, sea sickness pills
Hope you enjoy your first cruise! What cruiseline?
 
dawnmarch said:
I think a lot of people suggest magnets and/or magnet hooks to be able to hang toiletry bags/clothes in your bathroom or notes to your door. The walls and doors are magnetic and there's never enough room in those bathrooms
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I saw this in one guide I read and didn’t know what I would need to hang.
 
jk703 said:
Charger/usb hub that is acceptable for cruise ships. Some use European outlets, so we brought a hub that had a lot of options. For 4 of us, we used 2.

Heavy heavy duty magnetic hooks for the walls. Hang wet stuff or towels, etc.

Layered items, hoodies, long sleeve.

Bonine tablets. You start them before the cruise to prevent motion sickness and nausea. My mother uses them, I don’t have the need but in case of bad weather carry them.

Bring half the clothes you pack haha

A fun or recognizable magnet for the outside of your door to find it easily as you walk down the halls.

Dollar bills for random tips. Extra money in general.
Click to expand...
Thanks for these! Any hooks you recommend?
 
bcnatty said:
I have never been on a cruise before, but Jenn, your suggestions are awesome!!
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I’m so nervous being a first timer! Thankfully my parents are going and they have been on many so they can help me lol
 
bcgal00 said:
Great advice so far. Here are my cruising go-tos:
  1. extra pair of glasses or sunglasses (in case something happens to one pair)
  2. magnetic clips for the wall to hang hats, small items, etc
  3. bring a small purse for on the ship, I find I only need my phone, sunglasses with me
  4. small vinyl backpack that packs up small in your suitcase and when in port you'll have a carry bag with you.
  5. I use packing cubes for utilizing space in suitcase, one for pants, shirts, underclothes/swim stuff and eveningwear.
  6. Pre-cruise, lay out clothing to see how it all mix/matches b/c each cruise I go on I find I bring less and less (no expert but we've been on about 12). I stick to neutrals with one color added.
  7. Base layer of jeans, cotton/linen pants and loungewear, then sweater, zip-up and/or lightweight blazer/vest to mix/match.
  8. For shirts, I bring a few tees, a black tee that I can dress up or down as needed and one color shirt, one long sleeve and one short sleeve.
  9. Comfy shoes for on ship and walking shoes for excursions.
  10. A ball cap, hair clip if hair is longer and a few pieces of jewelry to dress up dinner outfit.
  11. a deck of cards for down time if you like that kind of thing. You can often get cards at the service desk but not guaranteed.
  12. Tylenol, sea sickness pills
Hope you enjoy your first cruise! What cruiseline?
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Thanks so much Rae! It’s MSC. Have you ever done one of theirs?
 
I won't be much help to you – I've never been on a cruise.
I hope you have a lovely time anyway
 
umyesh said:
Thanks so much Rae! It’s MSC. Have you ever done one of theirs?
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No but I've enjoyed Royal Carribean, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, Holland America. I can honestly say I've not disliked any of them. Some are quieter, some are more comedy focused, some are bigger/smaller but they are all fabulous and get you to wonderful locations.
 
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