Unusual Cruise Essentials for to pack for your next cruise (2023)
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- In this video, Mike and Nancy share some of their favorite unusual cruise essentials. These are small items to include in your packing that can really improve the cruise cabin experience. These are things you may have not considered to pack. Mike will show you how they use them and how it improves their cruising experience. At the end of the video is one bonus item just for fun. Quack...Quack. :) Some of these items you can get at your local Walmart or Dollar Tree.
For other items we have placed links in our Amazon Storefront.
You can find our storefront here: www.amazon.com/shop/nancyjacobs Simply go to the Leisure and Travel Product section to find many of our recommendations. Please note that may receive a small commission on any purchases made via our storefront. However, this in no way has biased our recommendations. We only recommend products where we’ve had good experiences and use ourselves.
In the video we mentioned our medical kit. Here's a link to our blog covering all items in the kit:
livingphase2.com/travel-essen...
We also mentioned Zone Zero on Odyssey of the Seas. Here's some more information: www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise...
As always, please visit our website at: livingphase2.com where we cover many topics related to being empty nesters and living in the second phase of life.
My weird tip is for cleaning those stainless steel mugs if you don’t want to travel with dish soap: denture tablets. When you go to bed, put 1-2 tablets in & fill with hot water. Let it sit overnight & rinse out in the morning with a quick rub.
That is a GREAT tip. I use those for my sleeping mouth guard, so I have them anyway. Thanks!
THAT’S AWESOME! GREAT TIP! I WORK IN A DENTAL OFFICE…HMMMM!!!!
Excellent tip, thank you
Love this idea!!!!
So smart!
An alternative to the extension cord, if you just are keeping a cell phone or tablet on your nightstand, is a portable power bank. Just plug it in at the desk to charge up while you're out during the day, then use it to plug in your cell phone or tablet overnight on your nightstand. We did this recently on a ship that had no outlets by the bed, and it worked well.
This is a good idea, but I have had house keeping unplug items that are left plugged and room is not occupied.
That's a great suggestions. I carry one to recharge our DJI gimble camera. It's a battery hog! That's another great use. Thanks for the suggestions.
@@sherrimcconnell936 then having a cord strung across a room won’t be any more helpful, nu?
Electricity is not on in the cabin when you are out !
@@98849some ships (particularly older ones) don’t have that mechanism.
I’ve watched. Many videos on cruising. Yours may be the first that I’ve seen that takes any time to warn about what you plug into the 220v. 👍 others drive me nuts not giving that warning when talking about those adapters.
Glad it was helpful!
A travel tip for gaffers tape… get an old hotel room card and wrap the tape around the card. It should be wrapped snug and straight. This type of tape will still be good after transferring.
That’s a good way so you don’t have to carry an entire role of it.
Using the magnets to get the extension cord from the wall to the bedside table is an absolute game changer!
Glad you like that tip!
I bought a magnetic shelf (usually for spices on side of refrigerator) to put in the shower for my own shampoo, conditioner, etc) as there is never enough room for my items. Your tips are great.
Thanks for sharing!!
My husband is a Mechanical Engineer! He knows things for travel that I never would have thought about!
Us engineer husbands we never stop looking at that stuff. 🤣🤣🤣
Isn't it great being married to a mechanical engineer?!
Brilliant idea with the extension cord! Using magnet hooks...love it. Game changer!!!
Glad you like it!
Always check the expiration dates for those OTC items you keep packed. They may be less effective if expired.
Absolutely true.
We use clear bags to pack cords, meds etc. clear bags are easier to see what’s in it.
Forgot to add: not all ships have metal doors or wall.
I like that idea of clear bags. !
❤
I found you guys from following the ultimate world cruise on TikTok. I don’t usually spend a lot of time on RUclips unless it’s a tutorial, but I’m so glad someone mentioned your RUclips videos were worth a watch! Your videos have a great pace, without a lot of rambling, lots of helpful information, very clear, absolutely perfect long form content! And I truly appreciate that you show some unique tips that not everyone else is talking about. Travel is not in the budget at the moment, but I will continue to watch your videos to be prepared for when the time is right. Thanks again!
Thank you Cassandra. We appreciate all your kind words.❤️
That suggestion for a European-style adapter to add a US plug is absolute gold! Thank you for that! I do appreciate the note on electrical limitations on that as well.
Great tip on the combination-lock bag, too. I've never seen anything like that before.
Also, I noticed your rosary by the bedside-- always nice to see. Can't forget to pack one :)
You are most welcome. Thanks for watching!
Lots of great information. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Fun video! Good tips! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Good tips! I’ve watched a lot of videos and you had some new ones to me.
Thank you for the kind words!
I just recieved my 50ct rubber duck assortment to take on our cruise next week!!
They are a fun thing to hide and find.
Really appreciate all of your information. Some I knew but had forgotten. Like the gaffers tape tip!!❤ Happy cruising. 😊
Thanks so much
I’m going on a cruise in 2 weeks. I’m so glad I found you! Many good ideas. Thank you so much!
Enjoy your cruise! We will be doing a new video shortly on our latest trip on Odyssey of the seas. Be sure to catch it. And thanks for the great comment
I just discovered your channel. Really great cruising tips video! What a nice man you seem to be. It is such a joy to see a spouse who is so respectful of their other half. I will look forward to more of your videos!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for this video! It is super helpful, and I just subscribed!
Thanks!!!
Great ideas, nice pace! You two seem like the kind of lovely people we enjoy meeting on travels. Enjoy your time together!
Thanks so much! 😊
Yeah, the ducky is really a fun thing to add.
Thank you for the suggestions. I liked the extension wire ideas, altho I use a power bank instead. Great tips!
Thanks much. Travel safe!
This was very informative. Really like that you actually show what you use each item for.
Glad it was helpful!
LOVE your ideas!
Glad you like them!
Just stumbled on your channel; it’s great. I’ve only cruised twice and am now considering one this fall. Love your content!!
Great! I hope you have a fabulous cruise.
Thank You Sharing
You are so welcome
While I knew about many of these items, others were new to me. Things like the gaffer tape and European plug to US outlet adaptor.
Thank you for this informative, friendly video.
Thanks a lot, glad we could help
Hi, really interesting post. Will use some of these ideas.
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative. I thought I was creative but you showed me much more. Thanks!!
You are so welcome!
Love this video! Thank you!!
You are so welcome!
Great tips!
Thank you so much.
Thank you
Awesome tips!!!
You're so welcome!
Love your extension cord ideas ! also the tape on the floor is genius.. thnx for the tips
Glad it was helpful!
What a wonderful informative video thank you so much
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips! Thank u for sharing
Thanks
Great video. Many similar videos out there but yours is different in that you show an unusal selection of items, all very useful. Have subscribed so look forward to following you. Thank you.
Thanks much. We're working on our next video where we went on Odyssey odyssey's on the seas are on a cruise. Really appreciate the great comment and we're working to get more content out.
I love these items🥰🥰
Thanks!
Great tips. Thank you
You are most welcome. 😀
Thank you. My family and I are cruising in May 2024, and your video is very helpful. BTW, I just subscribed. Thanks again for the great info. Happy cruising 🛳 ❤
Thanks for subscribing, and thanks for following along on our journey.
We always bring a deck of UNO cards. We use a rechargable light similar, great for bathrooms so you are not turning on a big light.
Very interesting. I'm in the entertainment field and I never thought about using gaffers tape for cords, etc.
My Spousal Unit ALWAYS has a deck of cards in his backpack. Always!
Thank you.
Some great tips!
Glad you like them!
Great video 👍👍
Thanks
Excellent video :)
Thank you very much!
I have the same night light and I popped a magnet on the back so I could stick it to the bathroom wall. It works perfectly. I also did the same thing to a cheap timex clock because I was forever losing track of the time.
Those are great suggestions! Having a magnet on the back would free up a little bit of valuable shelf space. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I'm not sure how I stumbled across your video at 2 a.m. But you have shown some great ideas. Thank you for the concise yet brief video.
My wife and I have done 70 plus cruises almost exclusively on Carnival on the west coast of USA.
I'm always open to new great ideas.
Thx again. (P.S. I liked and subscribed)
So glad you found us and thanks for following along now. We’ve been loyal to Royal with the exception of doing one carnival cruise. We go back and do a larger carnival ship in the future.
I didn't about know about the walls! I love the many things you can do with the hooks.
Magnetic hooks are invaluable😀
They are also good for hanging up light clothing on hangers after washing. It may look like a Chinese laundry for half the day, but the air con in the room or bathroom works great.
I love our magnets and the motion sensor light. We travel Holland America and we’ve never had issues with enough hydro.
Don't see it called hydro often. Are you from Mb?
Very helpful. After my my first cruise I added a small bag of washing powder for the laundry and a car airfreshner, they are small. I saw in a Japanese cruise that they bring a few of the different sized laundry bags for their washing.
Those are some great tips. I didn’t even think about bringing a car air freshener, but that would be good to hang in the bathroom.
My 1st cruise. Thx
Our pleasure!
just found your channel. I love the name of your channel!
Thanks welcome to the phase 2 flock! 😁
I love the night light and bags that lock
Yeah, I liked the locked bag, also. We aren't big beach people, but last November went to Holland America's island in the Caribbean, and were somewhat nervous and constantly looking at where we left our wallets in a bag. This would have given us a little more peace of mind, I wouldn't walk away to the bathroom without it, but definitely would be more relaxed just bobbing around in the water.
Thanks so much. and yes, the locking bags to give that extra bit of sense of security.
Gaff tape is awesome. Been using since my music venue days, and unless I need permanency, I’ll use gaff tape.
You are correct, never go back to duct tape!
Have a look at SHO cups. They are, not only pretty, but they keep cold things cold, and hot things hot! I’ve just discovered your videos, and some of your tips, can be used on any type of holiday. 😊
Thanks so much for watching.
Love gaffer tape!
Yes!
Hi there, new subscriber here and a newish cruiser. Really enjoyed your video!
Thanks! Happy travels! 😊
Great tips! Thank you! To truly disconnect we never opt for Wi-Fi on the ship but bring that we are so accustomed to sleeping with sleep sounds (via Alexa), we purchased a Sound machine and it has been a game changer! , my other tip is I bring some collapsible baskets, it keeps everything contained and makes the room look super neat…
You also have great tips. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks so much 😊
You're welcome 😊
You're welcome 😊
I love Oddesy! Nicest crew!!!
Yes they are!
RCCL staff are impeccably trained. We were immediately impressed by all the crew throughout our cruise with them!
They have great silicone straws that open and reseal for easy cleaning so you dont need a brush!
Nancy here, I’ve never heard of that. I’ll have to look into those.
We use hallway night lights that are very "low" level lights. We use 2; 1 each on the table/mirror area, and the other in the bathroom. It keeps us from being "blinded" by the light when we get up at night.
Agree
Most of the cruise ships we’ve been on had a nightlight in the BR. Great tip on the Euro adapter, I never gave it a thought of what we could and couldn’t plug into it.
We’ve been on cruise ships both with and without nightlights. We don’t take a chance anymore and just bring one along. 😀
Battery operated fairy lights on 6 hour timer, good idea!
Several years ago my friend gave me a cloth bottle holder with an adjustable strap made by a crafter. Hands free carrying. It also has some slender pockets on the outside. I've washed it several times. It's still holding up.
It holds large water bottles. It also holds my Soda Stream bottles. I've taken it on several trips now. It's great. In a hotel room or cruise cabin I use provided shampoo to clean reusable bottles. I put a little in the bottle, and add some water. Then I shake bottle really well for at least a minute. Then I rinse it several times with cold water to get all the shampoo out. Then it is ready to fill again.
I frequently put in tap water and some flavoring and sip it over 2 to 3 hours to stay hydrated. Or I might drink it quickly and make some more.
I ran across a listing for a similar commercial item but I don't know where or what they called it.
That's a great suggestion as well. Thanks a lot and thanks for watching
Great video!
Thanks!
Thanks
Phew I was getting anxiety about how to hang up my shower scrunchie. Feel relieved now
🤣🤣🤣
Great tips! Especially love the magnetic hooks! But I just checked Royal Caribbean's web site and electrical extension cords of any kind are prohibited. We are cruising on Wonder of the Seas in 2 weeks and glad I found out about you and your terrific tips. By the way, shampoo is a good substitute for detergent - just use it sparingly.
That’s a great tip. Maybe Royal has changed some of their regulations on extension cords. I always carry one inside my CPAP bag and thankfully it’s never been confiscated.
Thanks for the tips! Love your enthusiasm and advice! What about secrets for the single empty nester that travels? Do you pick up any advice from solo travelers?
Surprisingly, there are a lot of empty nest solo travelers on this cruise. They have activities geared for solo travelers, and I see that they have kind of joined up with one another as a group, which is nice.
Fun and informative. Thanks
You are very welcome.
i love hearing yall talk about phase 2. im still in my late 20s but am disheartened to hear people talk like life's only purpose is to work and once you retire, youre just biding time its over. there is more life left to live!
i can feel real love between you and nancy, and the vr pictures were adorable. wishing you both a lovely phase 2 ❤
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. It's Mike here answering this one, and yes, Nancy is the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me.🥰
Lots of great advice...thanks! I can't find the link to the water-proof security bag referenced in your video - can you link it? Thanks again!
Thank you so much for asking. Here’s the link. amzn.to/49MOUG5
Best ask if your ship will allow extension cords! Many font allow them.
You need to know definitely what is allowed and what is not for sure.
This is the first video of yours that I saw, and I loved it! Thank you for the tips. This is exactly what I was looking for.
Also, I know this video is over a year old and the shirt you’re wearing might be even older, but where did you get it?
Nancy here, I’m so sorry but I truly don’t remember where I got it.
Liked this show. Went to all ur links listed and found very few listed.
Could u please provide a link especially for electronic related stuff and gaffer tape, So many things are hard to find since covid.
Sorry you where having trouble finding the products. Believe us, we know how are it is to find things these days! We still run our box lunch and catering business and we spend 1/2 our day just finding products.
First try this link:
www.amazon.com/shop/nancyjacobs
That has all our recommended products
Gere's a link specifically to the gaffer tape:
amzn.to/3O3P3dl
I tried it and it worked.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for watching and the comments.
Lots of info. I assume you use checked bags? I love the separate bags but liquids being everywhere would be difficult. I’m new to your channel so will search to see if you have a carryon video
That's a great sugestion. We do check bags when we fly. But we were just talking about showing our carry on bags. We have an upcoming video showing our latest trip on Odyssey of the Seas and we will highlight what we put in our carry ones. Thanks for the comment.
Really enjoyed your tips even after 8 cruises I've learnt something new thanks
Glad it was helpful!
The magnetic hooks are a great idea. Gave me such a laugh takIng an extension lead for that teeny tiny short distance from the bed to the socket. I’m old fashion, I just get out of bed. 😂
I get it, 😉 but I need the extension cord for my CPAP. There was only one outlet on one side of the bed and that was on Mike’s side.
Life is never as simplistic/easy as the arrogant and spoiled rotten like to imagine as they spew sneering, simplistic, belittling, privilege-saturated comments like...
"I just get out of bed". 🧌💩🗑️
There are millions of folks who need electrical power at their bedside for *medical equipment*.
SO WHAT if they do.
Or, do some people imagine that having medical needs = "inferiority"?
How revealing.
So many trolls & bigots seem... pantingly *desperate* to brag, show off and pretend to be "clever" by criticizing the medical & accessibility needs of others, and the innovation of those who don't have the easy lives they enjoy.
An easy life indicates the exact opposite of merit.
An easy life is a lazy life, with no innovation, creativity or learning.
That desperation to sneer at every opportunity instead of learning reveals a rigid, insecure mind.
Genuine merit and intelligence is shown through a WILLINGNESS TO LEARN and an acceptance of DIVERSITY.
On our last cruise I washed clothes one night & the dryer didn’t work. I had taken the magnetic hooks ( be sure they hold at least 50lb) along with those cheap foldable clothes hangers. I hung up all of my clothes on the cabin walls & the clothes were dry by morning.
I purchased my stainless steel cups from Temu that are very cheap.
The very best part of a cruise is having coffee & danish delivered early in the morning & sitting out on the balcony to wake up. Instead of filling those tiny coffee cups with the coffee & then having to add stevia & creamer for each cup, use completely fill up the cup & you’ll only have to add sugar/creamer once. When you get dressed to go down for your “real” breakfast, take your cup. While everyone else is standing in line to get to the creamer,,your coffee is still hot & you can avoid the line.
On our last cruise my husband got nauseated about an hour after eating dinner. I always carry alka-seltzer, ibuprofen, imatrol for nausea, goody’s & Tums in snack bags in my carry on bag. You never know when you’ll need this stuff & it’s easier to reach & get it instead of searching the ship & then pay double for them. I gave my husband the imatrol & alka-seltzer & within 30 min, he was fine.
I charge my cell charger banks during the day, then charge my cell with them at night.
Last cruise we were rushing & I left my toiletry bag in the car & I didn’t realize it until we were in line at the port. We thought, no big deal, we’ll just buy everything on the ship. We were on an older Princess cruise & it took us several days to find out they sell those essentials in the corner of the liquor store on ship. They didn’t have shampoo or conditioner or mousse. They did have contact cleaner. From now on I will put my hanging toiletry bag inside my suitcase so that I won’t leave it behind.
Always take a light weight carry on bag with everything you’ll need until your luggage is delivered to your cabin. Don’t forget sunscreen, OTC meds & regular meds, your identification, a change of clothes/underwear, bathing suit sunglasses & a hat.
Your tips are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
T@@livingphase2
great tips
That’s a nice big cabin! What category is in this video? I’m taking a TA to the UK in April, so your videos are really helpful.
That was a standard balcony room. Glad it's so helpful
Great idea ....running the extension cord up along the ceiling!
I haven't seen that on any other cruise tip video.
It works and is out of the way!!
@livingphase2 how long is the extension cord and where did you buy it?
Where do I find the combination locking waterproof BAG that you take to the beach and pool, that fits your phones and Kindles? I couldn't find it on your Amazon page.
Thank you so much for asking. Here’s the link. amzn.to/49MOUG5
GAF tape is Awesome!!! Just don’t let it wrap around the cord and touch itself lol.
We used to hear on the ship for multiple things.😉
Just FYI not all cruise ships have metal walls. On an older converted Holland America ship used by British cruise lines walls have a melamine like non magnetic paneling.
Oh, that’s interesting and some thing we did not know. We have been loyal to Royal with the exception of one carnival cruise so all we have encountered were metal walls and ceilings.
What do you do regarding distilled water for the sleep ap machine??
On Royal Caribbean if you fill out a special needs form before you get on board they will have that and an extension cord waiting for you. If you don't get that done in advance just ask your cabin steward and they will bring you a gallon of distilled water. We've never had any issue with it. Hope that helps
Is there a link for the night light? ( Or just the name of it?). Thx- great video!
My mom has the same ones. The brand is Mr. Beams and I ordered them on Amazon. There are lots of different kinds available, but the thing I like about these is that the light is directed down, so it's good for lighting pathways, etc.
Here's a direct link to the night light: amzn.to/3aEjkkc
You can also see our other travel item recommendations on our website here: LivingPhase2.com. Thanks much for watching.
Love the magnetic clips idea ....BUT......im sailing on a Norwegian so how would i know if rooms can attach magnets???? just a wonder but thanks !!!
I’m going to guess yes, but that said, I’ve never been on a Norwegian cruise. See if there is a Facebook group for Norwegian cruises and ask there and I’m sure someone can help you out.
I have been on 38 cruises. The magnetic hooks have worked on every ship I have been on, including NCL. I started bringing them about 10 years ago.
Sorry, the EE in me (42 years) will not allow 220V to a US 110 plug, I don't care how careful you are. One of us is going to screw up eventually. I'd use it for the USB (and might still get one) but the non-USB outlet will be covered with several layers of tape.
Know what you mean.
Where did you get the packing cubes from? Can you link them? Also did you put your clothes that are hanging up in the suitcase?
Thanks for the comment.
Here's a link to the packing cubes.
amzn.to/3rLV7hz
For our hanging clothes we usually bring a folding hanging bag. For short trips we occasionally do put them directly on the suitcase.. But we like having the hanging one separate so we can just pull them right out on the hangers and hang them in a closet
Temu also has them
For the nightlight, wouldn't it be better just to put the batteries in the wrong way when traveling, then you don't have to find them or find a place for them? But we love the cheap tiny Dollar Tree battery operated candles. We bring 2 and use them in the room and bathroom, as long as there's not already a nightlight, Turning it off every morning, one lasted us a 12 night cruise last November (but its always good to have a second in case the first one dies, even on a short cruise). The ones we buy even flicker, so there's the nice candle ambiance! But if you really like/need the brighter light without turning the bathroom or room light on, I can see why you like the one you have!
I had never thought about the battery operated candles. Honestly, that’s a great idea.❤️
If you have to go and find your own transportation does that mean you meet the ship back somewhere else? And what about all that year of supplies you have?
Sometimes it means we meet back at the ship and other times it’s at a designated location. And we had two years to prepare for this cruise so we kept a track of everything we would need while we were away.
Someone ask about the ducks on a HAL Cruise FB page and some snarky person said how by hiding them on cruise ships were contributing to the plastic pollution on the seas. I hoped that people have enough sense not to put them in the ocean. Also crew members would pick them up rather than passengers to dispose of them. I heard some passengers collect them as they be different ducks.
I suppose it’s different on every ship, but it seems like people have fun with the ducks when they find them, most generally rehire them for someone else to find. Share the fun. 😀
Where did Nancy get the cute Anchor tote
Thanks! It's a Vera Bradley. It's an older design so you may not be able to get that 1 anymore. However, you can always check some of the stores like style encore which is where Nancy found it.
You can no longer take an extension cord or Royal Carribean ships. You also cannot any multiport chargers
Thank you for the update on this. We appreciate hearing it.
My experience is that most cruise ships prefer you to ask them for a heavy duty extension cord rather than bringing your own.
You are correct, but it does depend on the cruise line some allow it and others it's in their prohibited items list
An electric tea lights candle is small, and inexpensive.
That’s a great idea!
Or, string, fairy lights, 6 hour timer, comes on same time, every evening, battery, AA!
I have found that not all magnets adhere to the cabin walls. Any suggestions what magnets work best?
These are our favorite magnets. amzn.to/3SaXZRJ
Do you suggest we pay for cancellation and interruption insurance?we do have our medical insurance.
We always recommend in getting trip insurance and remember quite often United States medical insurance will not cover outside the country but that's individual to every person in policy so just be sure to check. That said we always get full medical and evacuation and trip interruption insurance. We are going to work to have a upcoming video with an insurance expert to cover a lot of these questions. Thanks a lot for following along
Some cruise lines will let you borrow an extension chord. Double check your cruise line to see if your extension chord from home is allowed..
Yes, what you say is true,
Holland America will bring you a power strip if you ask.
I’m clicking on the link for the bag to put iPad in and leave at a chair when swimming, but it doesn’t say anything about locking
Oh goodness. Water seals had been changing their products. Here is a locking bag. This one just happens to be camouflage instead of gray. Thank you so much for saying something. Here is the new link. amzn.to/3TfxT1C
What is the name of the security bag? I must be missing the link
It was by a brand called water seals. Unfortunately, it is no longer available. Here is a link to something similar. amzn.to/42nSIek
What device are you using to record the video?
This was recorded using my new Galaxy S21 ultra with dua lavl mics. We also us a DLJ gimbal camera for our videos.
Here is a link to all the equipment we use.
www.amazon.com/idea/130CUSOG9NG6F?ref_=lol_ov_le
Enjoy.