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I usually wear a pair of socks in the room. One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to buy a new cologne or a new scented hand lotion and only use it on that cruise and when you go home afterwards every time you use it, it will remind you of your cruise!
I always take slippers, and I usually take a pair of flip flops or slides to walk around ship. I think it's gross to walk around barefoot and get in bed with dirty feet. I never put my feet on the floor without having a towel to stand on.
Same here!! My feet start itching!!I will never walk barefoot!!Thousands of travelers have walked barefoot!!Getting these room ready for the next travel person is surreal!! Please wipe everything down with your sanitizer!! I have been on 16 cruises and your tips are so appreciated!!
I work in the Tourism/Accomodation industry and I cannot stress this enough. Please be cautious when placing towels in the shower areas. They may stay wet which causes them to become a lot heavier for the room stewards to cart around. Try placing them in a dry area that is out of the way, this really helps us when collecting the dirty linen.
Great tips! I am going to add one that others might find helpful. The reason we dislike the shower curtains is because they are fabric and frankly they seem to "pull" into the shower, stick on you and let water get all over the bathroom. My tip is to go to the dollar store and get a plastic liner! It takes just a few mintues to put it on the inside of the fabric curtain and the bathroom will be drier and the shower much more enjoyable!
At hotels and cruise ships, I always take along a pair of slippers! Also, for trips longer than 7 days, we have an excellent laundry bag/backpack. We never considered a disposable shower liner. Interesting!
I get a dollar tree bath mats and flip flops for the shower. I also buy slippers from the dollar tree too. I throw everything away at the end of the cruise
Since our cruises tend to be a week or longer, I always bring a giant sized Hefty Zip Lok plastic bag for doing small laundry in the bathroom sink. Sometimes either the sink stopper doesn’t work well or the sink is too shallow to use without getting water all over the place. Fill up your bag with a little powdered laundry detergent from home, add water, zip close and shake to agitate. Then pull out your socks or whatever and toss them on the shower floor or over the shower clothesline while you do your next load. Empty the bag out when you are done and repeat with clean rinse water. Works like a charm. I do my hand laundry on a sea day so I can put wet clothes on the balcony. String a couple bungee cords together and hook them to two balcony chairs facing back to back. That becomes your handy dandy clothes line. Just don’t forget clothespins! You don’t want your unmentionables sailing away over the balcony! 😱
Not a bad idea for those things that have to be done by hand. I love that I now have FREE LAUNDRY onboard. But even before I did I felt it well worth the cost to have someone else do my laundry while on vacation and possibly arrive home with all my clothes clean
Best tip is the hanging toiletry bag - thanks Ilana. I now take one on all cruises. As to slippers - on Holland America you can ask for them. Now I always take a pair with me because they do last a long time. They are flat and pack easily and come in handy. I use a pillow case I bring from home for laundry. The motion detector night light is also a great idea and I find it really does the trick. Not really bathroom -- more closet -- but sometimes I pack hanging clothes on wire hangers folded into my suitcase. To unpack - voila! - just take out the case and hang up! You are the 100% best cruise you tuber out there. Even though I'm an experienced cruiser with about 25 cruises I still learn from you. For example, I never thought of showering in the spa! THANK YOU!
I have a hack for people with tender bottoms: Scott's toilet paper (safe for RV and Boats) quick and easy dissolving tissue. Much softer than the standard trees the cruise lines provide. $2.97 4 rolls at Walmart
For my toiletries, I just save the zippered plastic sleeve when I buy new linens and pack them there. I love it, its clear so you can easily see everthing, flexible so you can squeeze it in anywhere and if anything spills cleanup is as easy as a rinse plus the zipper locks everything in. Yes, we bring slippers and slides for the shower mostly because we prefer not to be barefoot in our cabins.
You have a lot of great ideas!! I ordered the magnets for our April 3rd cruise. I use a white trash bag for dirty laundry. At the end of the cruise, we put all the dirty clothes in one suitcase (In the bag) and put the clean clothes in another suitcase. I enjoy your videos!!
I bought the Zip Lock Large Blanket bags. At the end of the cruise, zip it up all most closed and squeeze the air out . Try to get it a flat as us can so you can your stuff on top. No smell from the dirty clothes. When you get home take the bag put it next to the washer.
Poo-pouri is just an overpriced mix of essential oils. If you already have EOs just use that. The bottles are tiny it works exactly the same - a few drops before you go and the bathroom will be fresh when you finish. My favorite EO to use for this is lemon (also one of the cheapest). It leaves behind a great refreshing scent.
even better, you can make your own poo-pouri with the eo you have on hand. in a 2 oz spray bottle add 1.5 to 1.75 oz water, 15 to 30 drops of eo, top off with rubbing alcohol. can be used as room spray too
I brought ballet slippers to wear for the walk to dinner so we could take the stairs instead of the crowded elevator and changed into my 4 inch heels before getting to the main dining area. It really helped save my feet and allowed me to walk as fast as my children and husband.
We used the magnetic hooks in our bathroom. It was great for me because I love using a poof to shower with so it hung right inside the shower. We used them to hang up wet clothes, because we didn't want to just throw them into our laundry bag wet and it start to stink. I found them helpful to hang things down lower where I could reach things like my lanyard with room key from my electric scooter. Our room steward had mentioned he could use some of them in his cabin and asked where we got them...I had an extra set so I left them for him with a kind note and an extra tip.
I love taking Spongelle sponges when I travel. The soap is already in the sponge, 1 sponge us good for 12 uses, saves space, and they come in wonderful scents
Shampoo and conditioner: Rather than liquid, for travel and at home I use a bar (like a soap bar) that is shampoo and conditioner. It is available at Bulk Barn here in Canada. I am a male with short hair.
My bathroom always has a bidet. I bring it with me and it hooks onto the sink faucet. My own design, and I would never travel without it. Once you have used one, you will want one forever.
My husband and I are watching as many of your videos as we can and sharing them with our friends as we prepare for our first cruise in January 2024 to celebrate his 50th birthday! My husband and I and one of our friends are first-time cruisers. We will be a group of 6 cruising together. All of the info you share is amazing!! So many great ideas! Thanks!!
love your videos. I watch them before cruises even though i have been on a bunch. Honestly you help me remember things and it gets me excited. I noticed no one ever mentions that you can actually take full size toiletries in a checked back but put them in a ziplock bag so they don't burst and get all over everything. we always fly with the company that allows two free checked bags and still bring a carry on and a personal item. we are a family of 6 that does side by side rooms and a full size lotion and full size body washes are best for each room for 7 day cruises.
Hi, Ilana! Great tip you're starting with the toothbrush covers. I switched to the sanitizing cap covers a few years ago. As you said, the bathroom is SOOOO small. Think on this, if you go #2 and flush, atomized spray will still get into the air even with the lid closed and settle on surfaces. An uncapped tooth brush stands no chance...sorry for the tmi. Have a great day!
We had not taken poo-purri, the fold up hamper and the motion sensor light on our previous cruises. For our cruise 2 weeks ago, based on your recommendations in past videos, we added these items to our suitcase and found these items very useful. Thank you, as always, for your great tips!. Oh, I do take slippers with me on cruises, and actually anywhere I travel.
Thanks for another great video! Instead of slippers, I wear Crocs (or similar lightweight slip-on) in the room, on the balcony, and sometimes even around the ship (especially outside).
@@LifeWellCruised I agree with @Barbara about Crocs. When I "retire" older Crocs, I make them my inside slippers and will wear them in the shower at home. Also wearing any Crocs you might have in the shower is a great way to wash at the same time.
I really enjoy your vids and they are so informative. Thank you! The travel tips are mainly geared towards women. What about us guys? Granted women have a larger inventory of items to bring on a cruise but guys have fewer items but these are guy-centric items, e.g. electric shavers, trimmers (beard, hair, and down there), creams and sprays for 'down there care, etc. It would be nice if you could do a vid on guy-centric items to take on a cruise.
Many times I will bring a small flashlight which can go in my purse, and then in the nightstand in the cabin. We usually request extra pillows, as well as. towels and have never been refused. It makes quite a difference.
I bought travel slippers and wear them on every trip. They wash up great and I keep them in my carryon. They keep my feet clean and I never worry about the cleanliness of a hotel or cabin carpet.
I absolutely LOVE your videos!!!! Slippers are a must!!! I always take the magnet hooks (perfect for cruise compass & other notes) and a nightlight. I also take my perfume samples instead of my bottles. We bring post-it notes in the event we have a request for our Cabin Steward.
I am taking some footie socks with grips, sort of like the ones you get in the hospital. I got mine at the dollar tree, 3 pair in a package. They take up less room than slippers.
I picked up a habit from being in military, and I still do it, I wear flip flops in shower area. Also I either bring slippers or those holiday house fluffy socks
We always request robe's,it's very handy to grab your robe to throw on when you get morning coffee room service,and we have small bill's for tipping on our little table where room service put's our coffee. Thanks for all the great tips Ilana
I cruise with my mother-in-law often and she likes to sleep in each morning. I usually pack a little bag the night before and go out and exercise in the morning and then shower in the spa/gym showers so I won't disturb her. It works out very well for us.
Hi IIana, There actually was a hairdryer in the top drawer of the dresser in the cabin on Royal Caribbean. Everything you mentioned we used. We did hang our lanyards with our immunization card, sea pass and photo ID on one of the magnetic hooks in the cabin. That way we didn't waste time looking for "one more thing." It was a blast and I loved it. My husband didn't get sick once and we had some rocky nights. Sea bands worked great for him. So much, so he wants to go on another cruise. You're the best. 💖🛳
@@LifeWellCruised Hi, Who do you use as your travel agent? We're thinking about Spain, Italy, France. Since we have only been on a Carnival and lastly, Royal Caribbean. I have no idea where to start but wanted to keep it a simple cruise line. Thanks, 💞💞
We have never even thought of this! My husband is 6’6” and he jokes about washing one body part at a time because the rest of him doesn’t fit in the shower lol
Here’s a great tip. I have a small clock, with a bright screen, that’s small & I put it on my bathroom counter from Amazon. It’s great to have a clock in the bathroom since I may not have a watch on plus I’ll always know the time. You need to remember to adjust the clock if the ship time changes. Yes I use both the magnetic hooks & clips on my wall that are very useful. I also got some heavier hooks to use on my stateroom door to hang some Christmas decorations. Yes I always bring slippers as I feel more comfortable than walking around on the rug. One time I forgot to pack my slippers I just use a sock.
I always bring slippers wherever I go. I also never thought about the toothbrush covers, that is a good reason for getting them. I just figured since I put them in the cup they didn't have to handle them, but never thought about the sprays they use! I have bought foldable laundry baskets from the dollar store and always take one and line it with a dark laundry bag for your underwear/clothes and then just take the bag and pop it into a suitcase with any other things that need to be washed when home. Also in the same suitcase I put all of our shoes. Then our other suitcase I put anything clean.
I just ordered more magnetic hooks. They are so useful, Dollar store flip-flops for slippers, I ask for extra towels, sharp container, I also stash my purchased water bottles so I can refill them (using a glass) in the buffet. I bring a plastic knife, fork, spoon & small plastic cups.
Yes, we always bring our flip flop slippers on our cruises. And put bath towels on the shower floor for drying shower stall so we can get fresh towels. We also bring the magnetic hooks and a clothes line for drying.
When I cruised with 2 other women (never again), I took my things to the spa and had the large shower to myself. Great tip. I found that showering late afternoon, the spa area wasn't too busy. I would even dry my hair in the spa. Magnets work on METAL walls. The walls are not magnetic. 🤪 Recently on Princess in a handicap cabin the walls were not metal in the bathroom. I think it was because it was considered a wet room. The handicap cabin had the biggest bathroom I have ever seen, but NO storage to speak of, even under the sink. I used heavy magnets on the walls to hang wet bathing suits, hats, lanyards, masks etc. I like the "CEILING HOOK" idea. Wish I had thought of that in the HC cabin.
I wanted to add to my previous comment but was unable to: I have used the laundry room onboard particularly when my teens use the fitness center. I will pack the travel laundry soap packs and a few dryer sheets. Soap can be pricey on board! I have stayed onboard on port days and it is nice to sit at the pool when most folks have gone into port.
Last cruise I was on didn’t have the clothesline! I was shocked. The glass doors were nice, but …. There is a night light that has 4 USB ports, nice. I wish I could remember to wear slippers! My feet get hot and I end up leaving them where I’m sitting. I always ask for 3 towels, my last cruise I got a whole stack. And, no matter where I hung my towel it got washed! On a transpacific I brought a collapsible bucket intending to wash clothes, I ended up adding salt and soaking a foot that I’d injured a toe. Worked pretty well for that. I don’t carry it often but I could see a family with young kids finding it useful for beaches too.
My last cruise, the toilet wouldn't flush right and the steward had to flush from the hallway and it happened a few times before it got straightened out. I don't mind using their shampoo, but i will bring Dove body wash for extra moisture since all the salt air would dry my skin out. Luckily, the bathroom does have a door on the shower. That would definitely be a must for me. Also, I always leave a towel on the floor to step out of the shower onto, to avoid slipping.
Actually bought my husband a pair of $1 slippers from Ikea 4 years ago and he always takes them to wear in hotels and cruise cabins. I take my flip flops and do the same. Also use the magnets for everything and recently bought some really heavy duty ones - they worked great!
ALWAYS bring some flat/packable slippers when traveling! My friend cut his foot a little on something in a hotel room, but it got a MAJOR infection QUICKLY and within less than a week he was in foot amputation surgery to save his life! You never know what is on those floors!
I love the spongelle idea, but since I didn’t want a wet scrubby along for the ride I bought exfoliating shower gloves ($1 at the dollar store). Then I can use the cabin body wash, it’s cheaper.
Excellent and very informative video. I have a pair of really cheap, flat slippers that I keep in my suitcase for travel. I got them at Walmart for about $3 (probably $5 now).
because showers can sometimes get really slippery, I wear swim shoes in the shower. Great traction and can also be used for shore excursions where you go to the beach and in open water.
On my cruise on the Oceania New England, I fell a couple days before the trip and hurt my back. I lived in the spa shower and sauna and it was great having a larger shower.
Great tips. I use cloth hanging shoe rack with the magnets to put my shoes in on the wall in the closet. I also use the magnets in the shower to hang my shower sponge.
Thank you so much for letting us know about the toilets being loud when flushed, my son who has autism doesn’t like loud flushing sounds so now I know to flush when he isn’t around! That really sets him off!
I get the toothbrush covers that have a suction cup attached to them and stick them to the mirror. Also, I bring my microfiber hair towel for my wet hair, I love it!!
2019 I used both! I showered a lot! Lol I went out everyday and and did events in the ship lol I used the cabins toiletries and I hung my toiletry bag up on the hook by the bathroom.
I'm being treated for a plantar's wart. I have no idea where it came from, but I am definitely packing slippers and wearing flip flops at the pool and sauna areas.
I once measured the shower in our Princess cabin and it was 24"x24". I thought that was interesting. And sharing the space was a large pole from floor to ceiling so if the ship was tossing around you could hold on. Very cosy. I completely agree about the pop-up mesh laundry hamper. It is also great to carry your stuff to and from the beach About air freshener -- I don't know if I should mention the name of the store, but I will. Bath and Body Works carry small concentrated room sprays that only contain 1.5 ounces. We always have one in our hanging toiletries bag which we have had for over 20 years and never travel without! I always carry a couple of ziplock bags, sandwich sized and 1 gallon. They come in so handy in so many ways! The one I remember best is the time a bottle started leaking. The ziplock bag saved the day! Oh, and I was brought up to ALWAYS wear slippers in any hotel room. Speaking of slippers, I remember the time I made the mistake of wearing cute shoes on a day we were traveling by air. Halfway through running through the airport I stopped and changed into the little fabric slippers I had in my carry on. Saved me so much pain!
Omgsh I completely agree with you about using the magnet hooks in the cabin itself to dry bathing suits, light laundry, etc, rather than using the clothesline in the shower. The cabin gets much more air flow than the bathroom and things dry more quickly!
@@heatherhernandez4304 I've been on 5 Celebrity Cruises and 1 Princess Cruise and showered many times near the he sauna and never had to pay. I don't think children are allowed and there are no other age restrictions. Enjoy your cruise.
@@cwsjohn Yes and the shower is two to three times the size of the cabin shower. On Princess, the shower was private and the changing room was public. This was on an older ship.
I ALWAYS bring slippers on cruises and to hotels. I bought them from the dollar store so I wouldn’t be too heartbroken if I forgot them and they have been going strong for a few years. I keep them wrapped in a plastic bag in my suitcase.
I always take my slippers on a cruise. A rug holds a lot of debris from 1000's of previous guests. On our last cruise, we had a new rug installed during the cruise. I didn't have a problem walking bare foot on that rug!
I found a small sonic toothbrush with a cover that sanitizes the toothbrush when covered. Its smaller than a deck of cards, and I frequently carry it in my purse.
Bring a bath mat whenever you travel! I never see one at hotels and it is such a hazard getting out of the shower without one. Takes up the same space as a pair of pants and it could save your life.
After taking so many cruises in the past I thought I had all the “tricks” memorized, but your video had some new GREAT ideas I have never tried before….so useful. Thank you for putting it all together in an easy to follow format. I am now proceeding to watch EVERYTHING you have posted regarding cruising in prep for my upcoming vacation.
I always bring slippers or flip-flops when we stay in a hotel. We will surely bring them on our cruise. You have great ideas And suggestions. I especially love the toothbrush covers! I'm binge watching all your videos😊😊
I usually tape my bottles of liquids closed with scotch tape. The roll is small enough you can take it with you to use when you pack for home. This works for small or large bottles.
I bring a pair of soft low slipper socks with no stiff sole. They slip on, take up no room and are just nice to have on your feet. I don’t know how often the rugs are shampooed so I feel better with them on my flip flops on.
I really love all your videos and I’m going on a land and sea cruise in Alaska for 13 days so many of these things you suggested I’ve already bought. I know there’s other videos and they seem like they copy you guys but I enjoy yours because you get to the point M it’s enjoyable.
That’s so exciting! We’ll be heading to Alaska next month, so you’ll have to let me know how it goes. I’m glad you enjoy the videos & appreciate you watching:)
I read in another video comment section about lauundry that they leave the suitcase open but under the bed so that they can toss their dirty clothes in there and when its time to pack up, most of the clothes is already in the suitcase so they spend less time packing up.
About a month before I cruise, I fill the small travel bottles with shampoo and conditioner and use them in the shower for the length of the cruise. Then I’ll know if I have enough for the 7 or 10 days. I also buy a mini hairspray and use that so I know if I’ll need more than 1.
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
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Febreeze in a small spray bottle is great for those bathroom moments as well
Thankyou very helpful x
I usually wear a pair of socks in the room. One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to buy a new cologne or a new scented hand lotion and only use it on that cruise and when you go home afterwards every time you use it, it will remind you of your cruise!
I always take slippers, and I usually take a pair of flip flops or slides to walk around ship. I think it's gross to walk around barefoot and get in bed with dirty feet. I never put my feet on the floor without having a towel to stand on.
I am the same… I even bring shower shoes.
Same here!! My feet start itching!!I will never walk barefoot!!Thousands of travelers have walked barefoot!!Getting these room ready for the next travel person is surreal!! Please wipe everything down with your sanitizer!! I have been on 16 cruises and your tips are so appreciated!!
Barefoot on a cruise ship? Yikes!😮
I work in the Tourism/Accomodation industry and I cannot stress this enough. Please be cautious when placing towels in the shower areas. They may stay wet which causes them to become a lot heavier for the room stewards to cart around. Try placing them in a dry area that is out of the way, this really helps us when collecting the dirty linen.
Great tips! I am going to add one that others might find helpful. The reason we dislike the shower curtains is because they are fabric and frankly they seem to "pull" into the shower, stick on you and let water get all over the bathroom. My tip is to go to the dollar store and get a plastic liner! It takes just a few mintues to put it on the inside of the fabric curtain and the bathroom will be drier and the shower much more enjoyable!
Interesting! Thanks for sharing this tip!
Great ideal!!!!
Great idea, Then leave it in the shower. No need to bring home something wet.
I use my towel clips and hook them to the bottom of the curtain and it helps weigh it down some
At hotels and cruise ships, I always take along a pair of slippers! Also, for trips longer than 7 days, we have an excellent laundry bag/backpack. We never considered a disposable shower liner. Interesting!
I get a dollar tree bath mats and flip flops for the shower. I also buy slippers from the dollar tree too. I throw everything away at the end of the cruise
Since our cruises tend to be a week or longer, I always bring a giant sized Hefty Zip Lok plastic bag for doing small laundry in the bathroom sink. Sometimes either the sink stopper doesn’t work well or the sink is too shallow to use without getting water all over the place. Fill up your bag with a little powdered laundry detergent from home, add water, zip close and shake to agitate. Then pull out your socks or whatever and toss them on the shower floor or over the shower clothesline while you do your next load. Empty the bag out when you are done and repeat with clean rinse water. Works like a charm. I do my hand laundry on a sea day so I can put wet clothes on the balcony. String a couple bungee cords together and hook them to two balcony chairs facing back to back. That becomes your handy dandy clothes line. Just don’t forget clothespins! You don’t want your unmentionables sailing away over the balcony! 😱
This is brilliant! I may have to share your tip in a future video!! 👏👏👏
What a great idea.
Fantastic idea!
That is brilliant. We're taking a 2 week cruise, and apparently the ship doesn't have a laundromat.
Not a bad idea for those things that have to be done by hand. I love that I now have FREE LAUNDRY onboard. But even before I did I felt it well worth the cost to have someone else do my laundry while on vacation and possibly arrive home with all my clothes clean
Best tip is the hanging toiletry bag - thanks Ilana. I now take one on all cruises. As to slippers - on Holland America you can ask for them. Now I always take a pair with me because they do last a long time. They are flat and pack easily and come in handy. I use a pillow case I bring from home for laundry. The motion detector night light is also a great idea and I find it really does the trick. Not really bathroom -- more closet -- but sometimes I pack hanging clothes on wire hangers folded into my suitcase. To unpack - voila! - just take out the case and hang up! You are the 100% best cruise you tuber out there. Even though I'm an experienced cruiser with about 25 cruises I still learn from you. For example, I never thought of showering in the spa! THANK YOU!
I use flip flops as slippers in my room
Me too
I have a hack for people with tender bottoms: Scott's toilet paper (safe for RV and Boats) quick and easy dissolving tissue. Much softer than the standard trees the cruise lines provide. $2.97 4 rolls at Walmart
Great idea...we have some in our camper
For my toiletries, I just save the zippered plastic sleeve when I buy new linens and pack them there. I love it, its clear so you can easily see everthing, flexible so you can squeeze it in anywhere and if anything spills cleanup is as easy as a rinse plus the zipper locks everything in. Yes, we bring slippers and slides for the shower mostly because we prefer not to be barefoot in our cabins.
You have a lot of great ideas!! I ordered the magnets for our April 3rd cruise. I use a white trash bag for dirty laundry. At the end of the cruise, we put all the dirty clothes in one suitcase (In the bag) and put the clean clothes in another suitcase. I enjoy your videos!!
I bought the Zip Lock Large Blanket bags. At the end of the cruise, zip it up all most closed and squeeze the air out . Try to get it a flat as us can so you can your stuff on top. No smell from the dirty clothes. When you get home take the bag put it next to the washer.
Wonderful!! I’m so glad the tips helped
Will the magnets work on Oceania?
Poo-pouri is just an overpriced mix of essential oils. If you already have EOs just use that. The bottles are tiny it works exactly the same - a few drops before you go and the bathroom will be fresh when you finish. My favorite EO to use for this is lemon (also one of the cheapest). It leaves behind a great refreshing scent.
Great idea!
even better, you can make your own poo-pouri with the eo you have on hand. in a 2 oz spray bottle add 1.5 to 1.75 oz water, 15 to 30 drops of eo, top off with rubbing alcohol. can be used as room spray too
I brought ballet slippers to wear for the walk to dinner so we could take the stairs instead of the crowded elevator and changed into my 4 inch heels before getting to the main dining area. It really helped save my feet and allowed me to walk as fast as my children and husband.
Genius😮😮😮😮. Might copy it on my next cruise...
We used the magnetic hooks in our bathroom. It was great for me because I love using a poof to shower with so it hung right inside the shower. We used them to hang up wet clothes, because we didn't want to just throw them into our laundry bag wet and it start to stink. I found them helpful to hang things down lower where I could reach things like my lanyard with room key from my electric scooter. Our room steward had mentioned he could use some of them in his cabin and asked where we got them...I had an extra set so I left them for him with a kind note and an extra tip.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, but also a nice idea to leave for your cabin steward since he asked about them
That was so kind and thoughtful 💕
I love taking Spongelle sponges when I travel. The soap is already in the sponge, 1 sponge us good for 12 uses, saves space, and they come in wonderful scents
Thanks Ilana. I find it helpful to put a tumble dryer sheet in my laundry bag to keep everything smelling fresher. Hope this helps.
Great idea
Shampoo and conditioner: Rather than liquid, for travel and at home I use a bar (like a soap bar) that is shampoo and conditioner. It is available at Bulk Barn here in Canada. I am a male with short hair.
My bathroom always has a bidet. I bring it with me and it hooks onto the sink faucet. My own design, and I would never travel without it. Once you have used one, you will want one forever.
No thank you haha! But glad it works for you
@@2tickets1world Don't knock it if you ain't tried it. Amazing device. Keeps you very clean.
@Cruise Crazy I'm good haha, I'm fine with my baby wipes lol
I use a peri bottle. You’re right, when you see how clean you get you don’t go back to plain toilet paper 😁
@@KellieFullerSings Can I see the results, please?
My husband and I are watching as many of your videos as we can and sharing them with our friends as we prepare for our first cruise in January 2024 to celebrate his 50th birthday! My husband and I and one of our friends are first-time cruisers. We will be a group of 6 cruising together. All of the info you share is amazing!! So many great ideas! Thanks!!
love your videos. I watch them before cruises even though i have been on a bunch. Honestly you help me remember things and it gets me excited. I noticed no one ever mentions that you can actually take full size toiletries in a checked back but put them in a ziplock bag so they don't burst and get all over everything. we always fly with the company that allows two free checked bags and still bring a carry on and a personal item. we are a family of 6 that does side by side rooms and a full size lotion and full size body washes are best for each room for 7 day cruises.
Hi, Ilana! Great tip you're starting with the toothbrush covers. I switched to the sanitizing cap covers a few years ago. As you said, the bathroom is SOOOO small. Think on this, if you go #2 and flush, atomized spray will still get into the air even with the lid closed and settle on surfaces. An uncapped tooth brush stands no chance...sorry for the tmi. Have a great day!
Uggh but good advice 😂
Another reason to always close the lid before flushing… Not just on cruises but at home!
I keep my toothbrush upside down in a cup filled with mouth wash
get a harly and poop on side of road. no spray,just land, sweet land i hope this helped!!!
I have always taken slippers!
We had not taken poo-purri, the fold up hamper and the motion sensor light on our previous cruises. For our cruise 2 weeks ago, based on your recommendations in past videos, we added these items to our suitcase and found these items very useful. Thank you, as always, for your great tips!. Oh, I do take slippers with me on cruises, and actually anywhere I travel.
I’m so glad these were useful to you! And thanks for sharing the slippers tip too
Slippers or the socks with grips on bottom would be great
Thanks for another great video! Instead of slippers, I wear Crocs (or similar lightweight slip-on) in the room, on the balcony, and sometimes even around the ship (especially outside).
Oooh smart!
@@LifeWellCruised I agree with @Barbara about Crocs. When I "retire" older Crocs, I make them my inside slippers and will wear them in the shower at home. Also wearing any Crocs you might have in the shower is a great way to wash at the same time.
I wear Birkenstocks
I really enjoy your vids and they are so informative. Thank you! The travel tips are mainly geared towards women. What about us guys? Granted women have a larger inventory of items to bring on a cruise but guys have fewer items but these are guy-centric items, e.g. electric shavers, trimmers (beard, hair, and down there), creams and sprays for 'down there care, etc. It would be nice if you could do a vid on guy-centric items to take on a cruise.
Many times I will bring a small flashlight which can go in my purse, and then in the nightstand in the cabin. We usually request extra pillows, as well as. towels and have never been refused. It makes quite a difference.
I made a note to pack that also. Thanks.
I bought travel slippers and wear them on every trip. They wash up great and I keep them in my carryon. They keep my feet clean and I never worry about the cleanliness of a hotel or cabin carpet.
That’s what I use. Non slip bottom and flatten out and hardly take up any room.
I absolutely LOVE your videos!!!! Slippers are a must!!! I always take the magnet hooks (perfect for cruise compass & other notes) and a nightlight. I also take my perfume samples instead of my bottles. We bring post-it notes in the event we have a request for our Cabin Steward.
Great ideas!! Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to comment 😊
Command hooks work fabulously, far better than magnetic ones. They are light, can be put anywhere and easy to remove. We take a variety size pack.
I’ll have to try this!! Thanks
I am taking some footie socks with grips, sort of like the ones you get in the hospital. I got mine at the dollar tree, 3 pair in a package. They take up less room than slippers.
So smart!! Thanks for sharing
I do the same
So do I. They don't take up much room
Great idea
I picked up a habit from being in military, and I still do it, I wear flip flops in shower area. Also I either bring slippers or those holiday house fluffy socks
Thankyou for your service. My husband is retired and son will retire soon.
Great info and channel. As a pinnacle on RC, my best tip is I never use the toilet in the cabin.
First World problems.
We always request robe's,it's very handy to grab your robe to throw on when you get morning coffee room service,and we have small bill's for tipping on our little table where room service put's our coffee. Thanks for all the great tips Ilana
Very smart!!
I cruise with my mother-in-law often and she likes to sleep in each morning. I usually pack a little bag the night before and go out and exercise in the morning and then shower in the spa/gym showers so I won't disturb her. It works out very well for us.
I get one of the pool towels as a bath towel.
I buy cheap toothbrushes like 6 pack from the dollar tree and throw them away everyday. And I bring slippers.
One thing I loved on Holland America Zaandam were motion sensor lights along the base on closet and night stands.
Hi IIana, There actually was a hairdryer in the top drawer of the dresser in the cabin on Royal Caribbean. Everything you mentioned we used. We did hang our lanyards with our immunization card, sea pass and photo ID on one of the magnetic hooks in the cabin. That way we didn't waste time looking for "one more thing." It was a blast and I loved it. My husband didn't get sick once and we had some rocky nights. Sea bands worked great for him. So much, so he wants to go on another cruise. You're the best. 💖🛳
Great to hear!!
@@LifeWellCruised Hi, Who do you use as your travel agent? We're thinking about Spain, Italy, France. Since we have only been on a Carnival and lastly, Royal Caribbean. I have no idea where to start but wanted to keep it a simple cruise line. Thanks, 💞💞
My cousin is a very heavy man and uses the spa or fitness shower regularly. It’s very comfortable for him.
We have never even thought of this! My husband is 6’6” and he jokes about washing one body part at a time because the rest of him doesn’t fit in the shower lol
Here’s a great tip. I have a small clock, with a bright screen, that’s small & I put it on my bathroom counter from Amazon. It’s great to have a clock in the bathroom since I may not have a watch on plus I’ll always know the time. You need to remember to adjust the clock if the ship time changes.
Yes I use both the magnetic hooks & clips on my wall that are very useful. I also got some heavier hooks to use on my stateroom door to hang some Christmas decorations.
Yes I always bring slippers as I feel more comfortable than walking around on the rug. One time I forgot to pack my slippers I just use a sock.
I always bring slippers wherever I go. I also never thought about the toothbrush covers, that is a good reason for getting them. I just figured since I put them in the cup they didn't have to handle them, but never thought about the sprays they use! I have bought foldable laundry baskets from the dollar store and always take one and line it with a dark laundry bag for your underwear/clothes and then just take the bag and pop it into a suitcase with any other things that need to be washed when home. Also in the same suitcase I put all of our shoes. Then our other suitcase I put anything clean.
I packed my crocs and those were my slippers pool shoes and beach shoes. Rinse out every night dry and they were ready again the next day
I am pretty sure I have watched every video you have posted and i swear I learn something every time. Even if I think I’ve learned it all!
Lol I love it!! Thanks for watching Leslie 😂
I just ordered more magnetic hooks. They are so useful, Dollar store flip-flops for slippers, I ask for extra towels, sharp container, I also stash my purchased water bottles so I can refill them (using a glass) in the buffet. I bring a plastic knife, fork, spoon & small plastic cups.
Yes, we always bring our flip flop slippers on our cruises. And put bath towels on the shower floor for drying shower stall so we can get fresh towels. We also bring the magnetic hooks and a clothes line for drying.
When I cruised with 2 other women (never again), I took my things to the spa and had the large shower to myself. Great tip. I found that showering late afternoon, the spa area wasn't too busy. I would even dry my hair in the spa. Magnets work on METAL walls. The walls are not magnetic. 🤪 Recently on Princess in a handicap cabin the walls were not metal in the bathroom. I think it was because it was considered a wet room. The handicap cabin had the biggest bathroom I have ever seen, but NO storage to speak of, even under the sink. I used heavy magnets on the walls to hang wet bathing suits, hats, lanyards, masks etc. I like the "CEILING HOOK" idea. Wish I had thought of that in the HC cabin.
I never thought of the lack of storage in the accessible stateroom bathrooms. Thanks for the tips and for sharing your experience
I wanted to add to my previous comment but was unable to:
I have used the laundry room onboard particularly when my teens use the fitness center. I will pack the travel laundry soap packs and a few dryer sheets. Soap can be pricey on board!
I have stayed onboard on port days and it is nice to sit at the pool when most folks have gone into port.
Last cruise I was on didn’t have the clothesline! I was shocked. The glass doors were nice, but ….
There is a night light that has 4 USB ports, nice.
I wish I could remember to wear slippers! My feet get hot and I end up leaving them where I’m sitting.
I always ask for 3 towels, my last cruise I got a whole stack. And, no matter where I hung my towel it got washed!
On a transpacific I brought a collapsible bucket intending to wash clothes, I ended up adding salt and soaking a foot that I’d injured a toe. Worked pretty well for that. I don’t carry it often but I could see a family with young kids finding it useful for beaches too.
I shower in the gym it’s great much better shower multiple heads. Also another big tip is no #2 in stateroom use public no matter what
My last cruise, the toilet wouldn't flush right and the steward had to flush from the hallway and it happened a few times before it got straightened out. I don't mind using their shampoo, but i will bring Dove body wash for extra moisture since all the salt air would dry my skin out. Luckily, the bathroom does have a door on the shower. That would definitely be a must for me. Also, I always leave a towel on the floor to step out of the shower onto, to avoid slipping.
Your suggestion for magnetic hooks was an epic discovery! Thank you😍
Actually bought my husband a pair of $1 slippers from Ikea 4 years ago and he always takes them to wear in hotels and cruise cabins. I take my flip flops and do the same. Also use the magnets for everything and recently bought some really heavy duty ones - they worked great!
Great to know! It’s a good idea
Nancy, could you tell me what brand of magnets you got? or a link, thx?
I also the a fabric grocery bag for under the sink for extra itemz.
ALWAYS bring some flat/packable slippers when traveling! My friend cut his foot a little on something in a hotel room, but it got a MAJOR infection QUICKLY and within less than a week he was in foot amputation surgery to save his life! You never know what is on those floors!
I love the spongelle idea, but since I didn’t want a wet scrubby along for the ride I bought exfoliating shower gloves ($1 at the dollar store). Then I can use the cabin body wash, it’s cheaper.
I bring flipflops and use them in the cabin instead of slippers. And i used the magnetic hooks to hang the mesh hamper from the cabin wall.
Excellent and very informative video. I have a pair of really cheap, flat slippers that I keep in my suitcase for travel. I got them at Walmart for about $3 (probably $5 now).
Great idea!
My husband and kids always use the spa showers, they find them, much more comfortable.
I definitely bring slippers and have toothbrush covers a night light, collapsible hamper,
because showers can sometimes get really slippery, I wear swim shoes in the shower. Great traction and can also be used for shore excursions where you go to the beach and in open water.
On my cruise on the Oceania New England, I fell a couple days before the trip and hurt my back. I lived in the spa shower and sauna and it was great having a larger shower.
Oh no!! At least this helped
Dollar tree sells slippers for $ 1.25, they aren’t the best but you can dispose them after.
Great tips. I use cloth hanging shoe rack with the magnets to put my shoes in on the wall in the closet. I also use the magnets in the shower to hang my shower sponge.
Good ideas!
Those are awesome hacks. I’ll have to use on my next cruise.
Slippers absolutely
Thank you so much for letting us know about the toilets being loud when flushed, my son who has autism doesn’t like loud flushing sounds so now I know to flush when he isn’t around! That really sets him off!
So your leave floaters till he decides to exit the room?
I get the toothbrush covers that have a suction cup attached to them and stick them to the mirror. Also, I bring my microfiber hair towel for my wet hair, I love it!!
Great ideas! I have to try that towel
@@LifeWellCruised I bought a pack of 5 microfiber "turbans" off of Amazon... They are great!
2019 I used both! I showered a lot! Lol I went out everyday and and did events in the ship lol I used the cabins toiletries and I hung my toiletry bag up on the hook by the bathroom.
I'm being treated for a plantar's wart. I have no idea where it came from, but I am definitely packing slippers and wearing flip flops at the pool and sauna areas.
I always make a little note that first day I ask for extra towels and yes Ilana we toss towels over shower curtain or hang to reuse
I once measured the shower in our Princess cabin and it was 24"x24". I thought that was interesting. And sharing the space was a large pole from floor to ceiling so if the ship was tossing around you could hold on. Very cosy. I completely agree about the pop-up mesh laundry hamper. It is also great to carry your stuff to and from the beach About air freshener -- I don't know if I should mention the name of the store, but I will. Bath and Body Works carry small concentrated room sprays that only contain 1.5 ounces. We always have one in our hanging toiletries bag which we have had for over 20 years and never travel without! I always carry a couple of ziplock bags, sandwich sized and 1 gallon. They come in so handy in so many ways! The one I remember best is the time a bottle started leaking. The ziplock bag saved the day! Oh, and I was brought up to ALWAYS wear slippers in any hotel room. Speaking of slippers, I remember the time I made the mistake of wearing cute shoes on a day we were traveling by air. Halfway through running through the airport I stopped and changed into the little fabric slippers I had in my carry on. Saved me so much pain!
Omgsh I completely agree with you about using the magnet hooks in the cabin itself to dry bathing suits, light laundry, etc, rather than using the clothesline in the shower. The cabin gets much more air flow than the bathroom and things dry more
quickly!
Lol seems we think alike
We bring the air spray from Bath and Body works. Many different scents and only requires one spray to take care of smells
We usually leave an open suitcase in the bottom of the closet for our dirty clothes.
I do bring slippers for my whole family - the kind of slippers that hotel/ spa give to customers. It’s thin and light, easy to pack.
I always wear slippers in a hotel room, so I will definitely bring them om my first cruise.
Thanks. I will be bringing house slippers for when I go out on the balcony.
Bringing slippers on any trip is a must for me. 🙂
I usually travel with 3 others so it’s a pain to use the bathroom. We get around this by using the showers in the gym/spa. So much more efficient.
Is there a fee? Age limit?
@@heatherhernandez4304
I've been on 5 Celebrity Cruises and 1 Princess Cruise and showered many times near the he sauna and never had to pay. I don't think children are allowed and there are no other age restrictions. Enjoy your cruise.
@@mitchmorrow1548 Are they private?
@@cwsjohn Yes and the shower is two to three times the size of the cabin shower. On Princess, the shower was private and the changing room was public. This was on an older ship.
@@cwsjohn no. They live steam the footage of showers! 🤦♀️
I ALWAYS bring slippers on cruises and to hotels. I bought them from the dollar store so I wouldn’t be too heartbroken if I forgot them and they have been going strong for a few years. I keep them wrapped in a plastic bag in my suitcase.
I always take my slippers on a cruise. A rug holds a lot of debris from 1000's of previous guests. On our last cruise, we had a new rug installed during the cruise. I didn't have a problem walking bare foot on that rug!
This is so true!! I’ll be wearing slippers next cruise 😂
iread a lot of these comments and i am staying on land!!!!!!!!!!! thank u so much!!! more trouble than its worth!!!!!
We always take slippers x
I found a small sonic toothbrush with a cover that sanitizes the toothbrush when covered. Its smaller than a deck of cards, and I frequently carry it in my purse.
Bring a bath mat whenever you travel! I never see one at hotels and it is such a hazard getting out of the shower without one. Takes up the same space as a pair of pants and it could save your life.
The Go Tubb line of products is great for travel size liquids / having a days worth of medicine
You could put toothbrushes in a ziploc as well to keep gros stuff off them
After taking so many cruises in the past I thought I had all the “tricks” memorized, but your video had some new GREAT ideas I have never tried before….so useful. Thank you for putting it all together in an easy to follow format. I am now proceeding to watch EVERYTHING you have posted regarding cruising in prep for my upcoming vacation.
We used a few magnets on the wall to clip papers and hang lanyards. I also found small razor and toothbrush holders to put on the mirror.
I also keep a battery tea light on each nite stand.
So glad I stumbled across your channel, you have been teaching me so much! So excited for my first cruise! Thank you beautiful!! ❤️
That’s awesome! Wishing you an amazing first cruise 🎉
Love the tip about the toothbrush and attendant cleaning with spray. I just will not leave my toothbrush in the bathroom.
Good idea
I always bring slippers or flip-flops when we stay in a hotel. We will surely bring them on our cruise. You have great ideas
And suggestions. I especially love the toothbrush covers! I'm binge watching all your videos😊😊
Also the crew member May sneeze or cough soooo double eeewww! I alwasy put my tooth Brush inside my holder👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I bring slippers on all and any trip. Boat, hotel, Airbnb anywhere from home yes ma'am
I usually tape my bottles of liquids closed with scotch tape. The roll is small enough you can take it with you to use when you pack for home. This works for small or large bottles.
Smart 👌
I bring a pair of soft low slipper socks with no stiff sole. They slip on, take up no room and are just nice to have on your feet. I don’t know how often the rugs are shampooed so I feel better with them on my flip flops on.
I really love all your videos and I’m going on a land and sea cruise in Alaska for 13 days so many of these things you suggested I’ve already bought. I know there’s other videos and they seem like they copy you guys but I enjoy yours because you get to the point M it’s enjoyable.
That’s so exciting! We’ll be heading to Alaska next month, so you’ll have to let me know how it goes. I’m glad you enjoy the videos & appreciate you watching:)
I read in another video comment section about lauundry that they leave the suitcase open but under the bed so that they can toss their dirty clothes in there and when its time to pack up, most of the clothes is already in the suitcase so they spend less time packing up.
Good idea!
About a month before I cruise, I fill the small travel bottles with shampoo and conditioner and use them in the shower for the length of the cruise. Then I’ll know if I have enough for the 7 or 10 days. I also buy a mini hairspray and use that so I know if I’ll need more than 1.