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/
Another recommendation is a hydropak versus a bottle because you can fill it 1/2 -3/4 full of ice and then water for throughout the day stuff and excursions! Saves so much money! We used to bring a case of water in a carry on suitcase but more recently found you can preorder one to be placed in your cabin. I do this because I want to make sure with a sensitive system that I drink water I know is “safe” given all the illnesses that pop up etc. also, bring Tylenol, benedryl, ibuprofen, etc. you don’t want to be stuck on the cruise with a headache or allergy issue and have to rely on the ridiculously insane price on a cruise ship if they have them or worse at a port. I’ve done 5+ cruises including a repositioning cruise in 2009 from Vancouver to Beijing on Princess for 22 days that was fabulous! Also, for those that might need a wheelchair or scooter, you can arrange with a local company to drop it off at your room preboard and leave it or take it when you disembark if staying a few days and they will come pick it up from you when you are done! As someone with compromised lungs I have all sorts of info on disability issues etc.
I met a woman on a cruise who had a stunning wedding band/engagement ring set... I remarked how beautiful it was. She thanked me and then "confessed" one of the smartest tips I've heard... They were fake. I was totally shocked!! She said her "real set" was safe at home and felt much better traveling with this set and not having to worry about losing it.
I could see a single woman doing this for safety reasons (or a married woman traveling without her husband) to deter unwanted attention from men. But this doesn't seem like a necessity for women traveling with their husbands.
@@Maya-ln1os yeah, indeed. If it slips off that easy while on a cruise, why doesn't it slip off when you're shopping on a day trip to the next city over? Yet that same person wouldn't dream of exchanging her real jewelry for costume jewelry for that trip...
😂😂😂 I know! I do the same thing, binge watch cruise videos, especially the closer I get to sailing, but the information has been very helpful! I always binge watch videos about the ship I’m about to sail on too! 🛳️🛳️
Me too. First solo trip since losing my husband 3 years ago. We cruised often with Norwegian so, I’m heading to Bermuda. Happy for these tips. Looking forward.
I am finding your videos very helpful as I prepare for my first cruise. I have found ROLLING my dresses, skirts rather than folding pretty much keeps them wrinkle free, and the packing cubes make a difference. Here I thought I was the only person anal enough to list my daily outfits with accessories.
I always bring Thank you cards, filled out and some have cash in them for tips. Others are just thank you cards I leave for hard working crew members. I don't think they are appreciated enough. Just a pretty little card, with a wax seal that says thank you.
I bring a shower curtain and 2 heavy magnets (the walls are metal). I put it up between the beds and entryway area. It gives a little more privacy if someone wants to change and needs more room than the bathroom provides. (I travel with my teens.) This has been one of the most helpful things ever.
I’m about to cruise with my kids for the first time (have only ever cruised with my hubby). This is a fantastic tip! Definitely going to pick something up.
I find the beach towels are very heavy and bulky to tale ashore. So the last time I cruised I bought on Amazon an Akumal microfiber thin sand free beach towel. Rolls up very small, dries very fast, sand doesn't cling to it and it has a loop to hang up and a little case. Loved it and used it several times. Also bought several for gifts for people!!
Yeah, same here. I have TWO of those foldable thin beach "sheets." It works GREAT! It has 4 thin aluminum stakes to anchor corners into sand. Then when done, pull up, shake out sheet and fold up into it's tiny matching bag. Very small. Lightweight and doesn't get heavy when wet. Works great if beach chairs are costly and you just want a spot to set your "stuff" on as you play in the water.
@@angiedickerson3127 & BRAD MCCULLOUGH: Thank-you both for such great tips on the bath sheets & where we can buy them! Your sharing your expertise on this subject & what you both have learned through practical experience is invaluable! Many thanks to you both, once again!♥️
I have recently sailed on 2 different NCL cruise ships. If you ask your room attendant as soon as you get to your room for a coffee maker, they may have one available. it was great to have my coffee on my balcony first thing in the morning.
I bring battery-powered tea lights...you know, the little cheapie battery candles you can buy in dollar stores. Nice for a night light in the bathroom.
Bring a small note pad (sticky kind is great) and extra pen. Yellow highlighter for marking the activities on the cruise newsletter that you want to attend.
I was thinking next time I'll bring a collapsible food container for when I can't finish something but wanna save it for later. Or stash some extra food/ desserts from the buffet 😉
My packing suggestion is to get out everything you think you want to take then put half of it away. Then decide from what’s left what you want to take.
When we cruise, the first day we always order at least 1 case of spring water from room service. Then we can put them in the fridge as we need them. This works really good for us because we don’t drink soft drinks or alcohol.
I’m wondering about the taste of the tap water out of the bathroom faucet. Or maybe the water in the buffet area is hopefully filtered? Might be a good idea to bring an empty nalgene type water bottle, fill it at the buffet and take it back to the room. That would also reduce the environmental impact of single use bottles.
@@Patrick_Ross I recently went on my first cruise in about 20 years. I was on the Disney Magic. I don't drink soft drinks or alcohol, so I brought a reusable water bottle with me. I found I seriously didn't like the taste of the water onboard and by day 5 I was buying bottled water. Next cruise I'll bring a Brita bottle and that should solve the problem for me.
Going on my second cruise next month. One very helpful tip is to bring a small flat iron that you can use for curling your hair AND touch ups as an iron for your clothes. I was able to iron the wrinkles out of my husband's dress shirts with no problem.
On packing, the best way to cut back is be sure to pack for "formal night" but the other nights just take a black skirt or slacks and different tops for the rest of the nights.
For many cruise lines formal night is completely optional. I went in October during formal night, plus at a specialty restaurant and more than half the people were wearing shorts and flip flops. That's royal caribbean- definitely check for different cruise lines. But a skirt definitely saves room. Sometimes I'll just bring a black polyblend cocktail dress with nice accessories to dress it up more.
We just got home from our first cruise and it was fantastic! Thank you for all of your tips, it made a huge difference for us being prepared. My husband kept saying, "How did you know to bring this or that." I told him I watched your videos.
Same on our first cruise 🚢 in September! I never would have thought of the magnets or charging cube on my own. Some things we didn’t like, the lanyard type phone protector. But some I will now Always bring, like towel clips and waterproof fanny packs.
Just wanted to elaborate on the importance of the non-surge protector power strip. I did not understand why it would be a requirement so I researched the reason. The reason is although the outlets look the same as the ones in our land based homes, the way they are wired is different. If you used a standard surge protected strip and there was a power surge, it WILL start a fire because of the wiring difference. Plain and simple, it is a fire hazard, thus they get confiscated to keep everyone safe.
I heard about this. I saw it on a documentary on how they made Oasis. The rooms are big pre-wired Lego boxes that slide into the frame. The good news is most electronics have a USB option now and a plug with 6-8 USB ports is not a problem.
@@AllanBiggins most people do because their are limited outlets when you have hair dryers, phone chargers, etc. Not everyone knows how to survive without all the conveniences of home, especially the first time out.
@@AllanBiggins plus, this is the 21st century - mobile phones, portable games consoles, tablets, laptops, kindles, etc, etc depending on how many people in the cabin too… Remember, the different generations travelling, IT is the way that the younger generation entertain themselves.
I always bring binoculars. We get a balcony room and when facing the islands we sail to we can check out the views at closer range.Also I bring clothes pins. They do have a small clotes line in the shower but I like to hang dry my bathing suit on the balcony if I need it to dry fast. Just use the clothes pin on the balcony chair.
Something I always pack is a deck of Uno cards - a nice easy way to unwind at the end of the day. Meet at the buffet and relax and have fun with your companions (As well as take advantage of that late-night dessert buffet...).
I’m getting ready to go on my first cruise ever and I’m glad I found your channel. Definitely going to help with the anxiety of this new experience. Thank you
Royal Caribbean security took away my "Cruise On" power strip (that you recommended) and I had to pick it up after the cruise. I tried to explain that is was for cruises and I even showed them the little ship on it. I viewed many of your videos and they were great. My husband and friends were very impressed with how well prepared I was for the cruise. (I purchased your Cruise Planner.) We had an amazing trip because you prepared me for the trip. Oh! I also tipped my cabin steward $20 at the beginning of the trip and thanked him for preparing our cabin. I asked for 2 extra towels, 2 extra pillows, 10 extra hangers and ice for morning and night. I never had to ask for anything else on the trip and we had amazing service! Thank you:)
The shoe tip is so important. I once bought a cute pair of silver heels for 2 dress up nights…I got rid of them as soon as I returned home. You will walk several miles per day just going from your cabin to the different venues on the ship. If they aren’t very comfortable just walking around the house, leave them home and bring a pair that may not be as chic, but will get you to the grand dining room, the grand foyer, and the production show without a limp.
-For toiletries you can buy a TSA approved bags that has usually 4x 3oz containers in a zipped waterproof bag. They even have small containers in some with small round containers for things like night cream or other items you just need a little of. This is also nice if you are flying so you don't need to organize last minute. -One thing I like to do as well (depending on how long the cruise is I will pack my clothes while on the hangers so I can just hang then up when I get in my room and same when I get home for things I don't wear) -Lastly they now make cruise extension cord plugs very similar to the cube but with tge extension cord. And I've always been able to bring at least non gfi extension cords however the cruise ones are gfi. This is based on royal caribbean and I go between 5 to 8 times a year now so these are all recent tips. Have fun 👍
Just got back from a cruise and I have to say, my FaVoRiTe thing you mentioned to bring was magnetic hooks! AmAzInG! Loved, loved, loved them! I got the super strong ones and I could hang all kinds of things on them!! Thank you!! 😎😎😎 P.s. your videos are great! Very helpful!
Hi! Thank you for your video and all the links! I have seen many cruise videos, but I do not recall anyone speaking about drinking the water from the room sink. It perfectly safe, tastes great cold, and saves plastic bottles. Will you consider including that in a future video? I want to share a few of my must-haves. 1. Dude Bomb pods. This works better for me instead of Poo-Pourri which must follow the liquids 3-1-1 TSA rule. 2. Zote Laundry Soap Bar. This helps me pack less by washing clothes in the room sink. I cut the bar into smaller sections to pack. My trick is that I mostly bring moisture-wicking shirts, dresses, & pjs which do dry very fast.
When I am planning an upcoming trip, I have learned to “set aside” clothes that maybe are now too big or small for me, or are starting to show wear or maybe I just do not wear them anymore. I take those on my trips and when I am heading back home, I leave them for the any female crew member who would appreciate having them for themselves or their family. I always write a note saying I am leaving them behind for whomever could use them to prevent the tour company from mailing them back to my home - that has happened! The room attendants are usually very appreciative of the donation and I have less to unpack or launder when I get home & the bonus is MORE ROOM FOR SOUVENIERS!
I just finished a cruise on Royal Caribbean. I did bring a power strip with a six foot cord. It did not have a surge protector. I had no problems. I did bring suction and magnetic hooks. Thank you for the suggestion. We used the magnet hooks to hang a fifty foot strand of tiny LEDs on the ceiling. It was calming and lit the room enough to not fun into furniture on an overnight trip to the bathroom. 😀
I 100% always bring hangers. I pack my clothes in my garment bag with my flat felt hangers then just move them straight into the closet. They're easier to deal with and I never run out of hangers.
4.50 for a 12 pack of bottles (buy 2) for the cabin, and empty refillable bottle, both to take more drink around with you from the buffet, but also for water on the plane if you have to fly
I recommend every guest brings a water bottle! You can get a couple cups of water and pour them into your bottle so you don’t have to purchase any. We only bought water for my baby brother who was traveling with us!
I must say, I am amazed by the idea of some of the things you suggest to not bring - as had no inkling anyone would actually pack extra clothes hangers or towels or hairdyer or anything like that! I must be a light packer (cannot stand the idea of carrying a lot of "stuff" half way around the world). On cruises that fly out from UK to join a ship, they usually allow about 20 kilo each, which is about 40lbs. I weigh the case before leaving home, and it has never been over 8 kilo for 2 weeks, either cruising or any other holiday/visit to friends abroad. What on earth do people put in their cases? On most cruises or in most hotels in the Med or Canary islands it is hot enough in the bathroom overnight, to wash a few items and hang over the shower rail, never thought of sending to an actual laundry facility! I think I must be quite minimal as only take about 3 long jersey skirts (dress up for evening with a silky top and proper shoes, or wear with tee shirt by day) plus maybe 2 prs of thin trousers and one dress and four or five tee shirts and a couple of nice tops. I wear one pair of strong walking shoes to travel in (as they are heavy to pack) plus put inside, one casual pair and one pair sandals, smart enough for night, but still casual by day. Then a few pairs of knickers and an extra bra, apart from the one wearing to travel and a couple of items of costume jewellery. My toiletries are multi functional, one cream to use as cleaner, day or night cream, one bar of soap, solid bars of shampoo and conditioner, one sunscreen SPF 30+ as least. For make up, one powder foundation (easier to transport) and one blusher, which doubles up as eye shadow plus one mini trial size mascara. One small tube of toothpaste and one toothbrush, one comb, maybe a paperback book. Perhaps I am strange, but when I go on holiday, I want a sense of freedom from, and that means freedom from "stuff" too. I would check all travel documents/arrangements down to a tee, but as for planning what to wear each day, oh hell, that would be hell for me. I love make up, I love clothes, but do not want them to dominate my waking day or restrict my freedom in any way!
Thanks for your advice . I totally agree. I want to be free from thinking about “stuff” as I love cloths too but don’t want to waste time thinking about it!!
My tip is leave room for souvenirs, think about what you are likely to buy leave room for that. I also pack a pair of slippers that fit in my purse for when my feet have had enough of my shoes... especially dress shoes. Also purses that have an across body straps leave hands free for photography.
one of the things you mentioned was the laundry bag, I actually use my suit case as a laundry basket and I do use the scented bags. Also a great tip would be when you are traveling pack everything in trash bags, because if you happen to end up on a rainy day your clothes will not be all wet.
A good thing to do with all your nice hang up cloths is to slip dry cleaner bags over them when you pack, they come out wrinkle free, we've done it on 18 Cruises and very happy doing thus.
I bring a small clock that I leave in the bathroom so I always know the time. If I’m in a balcony stateroom I have a small thermometer with a section cup that I attach to the outside of the sliding door so I know the temperature. Magnetic clips & hooks. Very helpful. I also bring an adapter so I can use the European plug.
Great reminder about bringing the CLOCK! Haven’t been on a cruise on over 3 yrs, finally will be back at sea in 2 month. I hate not having a clock in the cabin- gotta always bring one for myself.
Having a refillable water bottle is ESSENTIAL if you go to countries that have questionable water quality (Mexico). Fill your water bottle with ice water from the ship before venturing ashore. Your video was very informative. I've been on several cruises but my last one was back in 2009. I'm way overdue!
Magnets with hooks, the stronger ones the better due to limited shelf spaces, hang up on the walls like paperwork’s, even shirts and everyday shorts as the wife takes all the spaces in the wardrobe!!
I bring dice, cards, Yahtzee score sheets, tablet and cards. We play a game called "10 thousand" and Yahtzee. Great for when we want to just chill on a deck and chat. I cruise with my Mom (78) and we are more laid back than active.
Great tips. As far as having clothing pressed, we've always asked our cabin steward for an iron & ironing board. It is brought to us & we can use it for about an hour or 2. We typically do this the first day after unpacking. Many cruise lines will offer a deal on laundry about mid-way through a cruise, so we will send some clothing to be washed & pressed at that point.
As far as bringing your own shampoo conditioner bodywash. Because the ship empties waste water into the sea. Make sure your products are safe for marine animals please
I bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer for all the excursions and even just going to the bathroom. Lots of zip lock bags for makeup, sunscreen, snacks, fruit and cheese from the buffet, etc. I de-wrinkle my clothes with a blow dryer, especially linen that I use more than once. I don’t pack anything stiff looking, I want to be relaxed and comfy. No heels as we usually take the stairs and do lots of walking on board. A hand held mirror,I love doing my makeup on the balcony in the mornings. I pack a small travel yoga mat to do stretches in my room, the gym is always busy. I always bring a basic snorkel mask set. Last, I bring coconut oil and hair serum for beach days. I lather up my hir, put it in a bun, then let it absorb while I’m out at the beach. Great hair treatment. Last, I bring a wide brimmed hat because a cap isn’t enough on the really hot days.
On Norwegian you can ask for a coffee maker be brought to your room. I just got off Norwegian last summer. Love, love, love having a coffee maker in my room.
I sleep with a CPAP machine. Taken it on a couple of cruises and taken an ordinary extension cord, because the power points are never near the bed. Just unplug it when I get up in the morning. Never had a problem
I have been using the magnetic hooks for years. They are a lifesaver and minimizes clutter. One extra note, I bring either a night light or a small magnetic flashlight in case you get up at night. I also purchased a shower step which adheres to the shower wall in the bathroom by a simple suction cup. It is helpful for ladies who need to shave their legs, which can be awkward in the small showers on cruise ships.
We just sailed NCL Encore to Alaska, there was a single cup coffee maker in our balcony cabin. This was the first time we've ever seen this on a ship, we really found it useful. For Alaska, you generally want more clothes than you'd take on a tropical vacation. Alaska gets a lot of rain, so you obviously need rain coats/ponchos -- and you have to plan for changing multiple times a day.
Thank you, Chuck! We are doing that same cruise in less than 30 days! We have a balcony cabin and I was wondering about the coffee maker. Did they give you Keurig pods or was it the normal loose coffee kind of maker'? Anything else that would be helpful to know? We have never been to Alaska, nor been on NCL. We are also taking the Encore.
@@suzannefunk4815 I don't recall what type coffee maker, except it just did one cup at a time. If your itinerary includes a stop at Ketchikan, expect frustrating waits for the shuttles -- NCL has decided to dock well away from the actual town -- 20/30 minute drive, not including needlessly long lines.
I was on Mardi Gras and found out what I did need and what I didn't use at all. I found it simple to figure out for the next cruise as when I came home I only brought the stuff that I didn't use or wear and left the rest at my Mom's in Florida. To leave my summer clothes down there was no strain, with us here in Canada going into our fall/winter seasons.
Such a good list, though I disagree with one item. I have gone on two cruises, and about to go on my third. I am going to pack MUCH more clothing than I did the first two times. I find that I am constantly changing from pool, to hot weather casual, to night, back to pool etc. I also find that I sweat so much that reusing clothing simply isn't an option. So bringing two-3 outfits PER DAY is really necessary, plus pool stuff. I will take your advice to plan out outfits per day, but then add three or four extra full casual outfits to make up for those extra sweaty, busy days where I am swapping outfits super often.
@@marilynwilliams1849 I've never been on a ship with a public laundry - not all have them. Last time I was on a cruise it was something like $25 for a small bag.
My favorite vacation hack is: Instead of getting rid of all the underwear, bras, and socks, as long as they are not totally disgusting, and the elastic still works, and even cloths I’m gonna get rid of, I placed in my suitcase throughout the year When I’m ready to pack for a trip, I pack using as many of these items as I can. It’s less laundry because I throw things out as I go. And then I have extra space in my suitcase for the trip back for home for souvenirs/ clothes that I buy on vacation
@@julesw4056I agree. It’s a good idea but not for me. Underwear n socks take up no space. You can stick the dirty ones in your shoes or your spouses shoes if you need the space😆. I bring a laundry bag and fold my dirty clothes up in it so it’s separate from anything I clean I didn’t wear. I usually end up washing everything anyway when I get home. 😊
On the Celebrity Equinox site they have extremely high prices for having items washed. They mention one item has charges from $69.99 to about $100.00. To have one checked bag is $200 to $300. How can I find out which charges are correct? Thank you.
So many people used the ships laundry deal at the end of their cruise to have it all washed ironed and folded ready to take home. It was on Fred Olsen ships I'm thinking of doing this on my next cruise
If u stay some where the night before getting on ship we put bathing suit on and cover .. then u don't have to worry about changing and having clothes in ur carry on..
When you were speaking about jewelry, I always wore my aunts 3k diamond ring that she willed me. It's stunning but old. One day in Zanzabar I heard something hit a board in a small store. It was my aunts ring!!! The band was so fragile it broke apart there. Since I never took it off I didn't realize how thin it had become. If I hadn't heard it the floor it would have been gone forever and I'd not known where. Since then I put all my good pieces up and buy cheap but pretty jewelry, including a gold band..
I always hang my clothes on wire hangers in my garment suitcase. You can get them for free at any dry cleaners. It makes unpacking easy and takes up less room in my luggage. Also weights less that plastic hangers. I simply leave them in when room when I depart the ship.
Ha ha! Same hack for me. I save over the months prior the cheap plastic hangers from walmart/target etc. I pack them for the cruise and utilize them for the lighter clothes. When packing to come home, I leave the hangers and utilize the extra space saved from the hangers for a those extras that I want to take home! Also keeps the luggage weight now packing for the cruise. And willing to carry more weight in my carry on as I head home.
Silicone ziplock bags in a range of sizes are much better for travel than plastic ones. Stronger, washable and reusable - useful in the kitchen as well as travel.
I don't know if anybody mentioned it. If you go to the laundry room to wash clothes bring some pods and fabric softener sheets. I use these items at home. So I just put some sheets in a sandwich baggie and some pods in a baggie. That way you don't have to worry about the machine running out supplies to wash or buying any.
Oh that's good to know. I hadn't noticed that on NCL in the past, but it's been too long I think ;-). Glad NCL is a good choice for you - true everyone should know about dress codes before they book to find the best fit
You mentioned hanging clothes right away and spraying with wrinkle release. I would also recommend adding some weight to the bottom of hanging clothes with binder clips or clamp type pants hanger brought from home.
When ever we travel we use a vacuum seal clothes bags. We put our underwear socks swimsuits in the bag and roll out the air. After the trip we use the bags for dirty clothes
UK cruise ships provide a kettle and tea , coffee, milk and sugar sachets. Would be lost without a kettle to make my first drink of the day before I get up.
I have always taken my electric kettle. I take my favorite tea (PG Tips), and to go cups w/lids too. It hasn't been confiscated, nor do I hid it from the cabin steward. I don't understand why North American cruisers are treated differently. I am very capable of making a cup of tea in my cabin without set the ship on fire.
My sister and I almost exclusively use NCL One thing I've found on EVERY ship we've been on is the buffet coffee is great, but what you order from room service and the single packets for the cabin coffee maker are awful! Just an observation.
P&O do provide kettles. If you’re on an American ship from the UK make sure your hair straighteners are dual voltage. Also taking an insulated cup to take tea/coffee back to your cabin works well.
For those asking about bringing large bottles of shampoo and conditioner, I think the problem is if you are flying into a city to board the cruise ship. The airlines are very strict on the oz. Must be 3 oz and all liquids must fit into the same clear bag. And I mean all liquids together.
Some airlines are stricter than others. I travel often and consistently have 4 ounce bottles in my carry-on. I sail right through security, lol. The only place that ever gave me a hard time was Vancouver, Canada.
I always get extra cookies from the buffet and put them in our cabin. I also carry asstd. zip lock bags no matter how or where we travel and a garbage bag for dirty laundry. Getting ready to book our 4th cruise since this year is our 50th Wedding Anniversary. So excited. Love your videos. It’s been a few years since we last cruised, so your tips are very helpful as I’m sure some things have changed.
My husband and I just got back from our Alaskan Cruise on Holland America. We sprung for the upgrade to a Neptune suite, which had an espresso/coffee maker in our suite. However, they didn’t provide any creamer, and it was a canister of sugar rather than individual packets (which concerned me, as we are still in a pandemic.) The upgrade to the suite offered SO much more than a standard balcony room that I don’t think I’ll travel any other way again! We had our own Lounge on our floor where you could stop in for coffee/cappuccino/lattes and there was *always* food. Breakfast pastries & cereal, small sandwiches and jumbo shrimp, a fridge with assorted sodas, and a full (make your own drinks) bar, and a concierge. This was awesome because it was easy to stop in and check your dinner reservations or excursions, plan your next cruise, or pay your end-of-cruise bill. Also, you could grab a drink or snack anytime just by walking down the hall. The lounge itself had multiple seating areas and places to eat your food. In addition, our balcony was much bigger, with areas for lounging and a table for four to dine. In the room, we had a conversation area with space for four to sit, an “honor bar”, and all the glassware you need to drink anything you could imagine. Our stewards were in & out of our room any time we left it, and we always returned to a pristine room. The one drawback is that despite wearing a mask *everywhere*, I contracted Covid. I believe it was from the spa, which was the only time I took my mask off for treatments. I’m sure it’s happened to cruisers on other lines, but I ended up in the hospital for kidney failure from Covid, so I’m annoyed that our first kid-free vacation in 26 years ended up this way. We had a land portion after our cruise and none of our excursions were refundable, even though I couldn’t attend even if I wasn’t shivering under blankets. Our one excursion was over $500!
On my recent cruise on Royal to the Bahamas was amazing the 1st time for 8 days however I would highly recommend bringing your own toilet paper and wet wipes for sure!!! The 1 ply was horrible and my bottom was sooo sore from this toilet tissue. Funny but not funny when you’re stuck on a ship with 1 ply that rips in your hand off the roll.
I've read that NCL will confiscate it; absolutely banned because they can't trust that ppl will throw them away vs flushing. Even 2-ply will clog ship toilets :((
I was on one cruise that had the ring display out. They were something like 15.00 each and a lady was trying them on. She accidentally put her real diamond ring in one of the displays and everyone had to stop picking anything until she found it. There was about 10 tables of rings. So don’t wear your real rings to look at fake rings
Outlets are at a premium on cruise ships...typically 1 120v US standard outlet, 1 240v European outlet, and USB ports. I travel with a universal poser station...has adapters for any outlet...so I can use the European outlet. My unit has 3 120v outlets and 4 USB ports. I also carry a 9 port usb charging station that plugs into a 120v outlet. There typically is another 120v outlet behind the TV.
I used Ziplock baggies (1 or 2 gallon, double sealed) to pack my dirty clothes (kneeled into it on floor to vacuum seal) and it saved so much space so I could pack all the stuff I bought. I've been on two cruises now and your tips have helped me so much! I'm also an over packer, but was able to reduce it some from your tips.
I take instant coffee packets, sweetener, and creamer with me so I can make coffee anytime I want. Water from the bathroom faucet is usually hot enough. I also take instant coco with me. And I always bring my own hair drier when I travel. They are the most unsanitary items you will ever find in a cabin or hotel room.
I hang my items in a dry cleaning clear bag, I use in garment bag and luggage. I put my tshirts and shorts in dry cleaning bag and fold. It prevents wrinkling. I put back in empty luggage when I get home and recycle bags.
P & O cruise line currently cruising the Caribbean has tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin. Also good quality hairdryer with a nozzle. We took 1 litre of spirits each and then topped up with another 1 litre bottle from liquor store on an excursion. No corkage costs involved. Definitely a good idea as you advised to bring a refillable water bottle.
Very Helpful. One comment, on the recharge power-bar, show the plug part in the video, one or two male plugs? Would be very helpful - Needs to have a single plug. Good info on what to bring or not too, The ziplock bags idea was nice too.
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/
Got it! What a help
@@fisherwitch I’m so glad it’s helpful! Thanks for your purchase:)
Can I bring a Hot 🍽️ in my Cabin ❓
Another recommendation is a hydropak versus a bottle because you can fill it 1/2 -3/4 full of ice and then water for throughout the day stuff and excursions! Saves so much money! We used to bring a case of water in a carry on suitcase but more recently found you can preorder one to be placed in your cabin. I do this because I want to make sure with a sensitive system that I drink water I know is “safe” given all the illnesses that pop up etc. also, bring Tylenol, benedryl, ibuprofen, etc. you don’t want to be stuck on the cruise with a headache or allergy issue and have to rely on the ridiculously insane price on a cruise ship if they have them or worse at a port. I’ve done 5+ cruises including a repositioning cruise in 2009 from Vancouver to Beijing on Princess for 22 days that was fabulous! Also, for those that might need a wheelchair or scooter, you can arrange with a local company to drop it off at your room preboard and leave it or take it when you disembark if staying a few days and they will come pick it up from you when you are done! As someone with compromised lungs I have all sorts of info on disability issues etc.
Don't need all of the pages..retired and a smaller package would be better.
I met a woman on a cruise who had a stunning wedding band/engagement ring set... I remarked how beautiful it was. She thanked me and then "confessed" one of the smartest tips I've heard... They were fake. I was totally shocked!! She said her "real set" was safe at home and felt much better traveling with this set and not having to worry about losing it.
Yup! I did this for my honeymoon, it was only $40 on Amazon. While my real bridal set was safe in my mothers home. I call it my travel rings
I could see a single woman doing this for safety reasons (or a married woman traveling without her husband) to deter unwanted attention from men.
But this doesn't seem like a necessity for women traveling with their husbands.
My godmother is WEALTHY and she always does this
@@Maya-ln1os yeah, indeed. If it slips off that easy while on a cruise, why doesn't it slip off when you're shopping on a day trip to the next city over?
Yet that same person wouldn't dream of exchanging her real jewelry for costume jewelry for that trip...
I've a friend how does this
Never thought I would be binge watching videos about cruising, yet here I am (and enjoying it). Some great tips for our upcoming cruise!!
lol same here...I have learned a lot as well
Lol me too! 49 yo male here greatest reality show ever!!!
😢😢🎉3rř
😂😂😂 I know! I do the same thing, binge watch cruise videos, especially the closer I get to sailing, but the information has been very helpful! I always binge watch videos about the ship I’m about to sail on too! 🛳️🛳️
Me too. First solo trip since losing my husband 3 years ago. We cruised often with Norwegian so, I’m heading to Bermuda. Happy for these tips. Looking forward.
I am finding your videos very helpful as I prepare for my first cruise. I have found ROLLING my dresses, skirts rather than folding pretty much keeps them wrinkle free, and the packing cubes make a difference. Here I thought I was the only person anal enough to list my daily outfits with accessories.
I always bring Thank you cards, filled out and some have cash in them for tips. Others are just thank you cards I leave for hard working crew members. I don't think they are appreciated enough. Just a pretty little card, with a wax seal that says thank you.
So nice and thoughtful
Great Idea.🎉🎉.I will pack some on "Carnival Glory" ( July 2022.)💝💝
LOVE! They work damned hard and deserve every bit of appreciation!
I do the same thing. It's an extra thank you that goes a long way.....
That’s a very good idea 👍
I bring a shower curtain and 2 heavy magnets (the walls are metal). I put it up between the beds and entryway area. It gives a little more privacy if someone wants to change and needs more room than the bathroom provides. (I travel with my teens.) This has been one of the most helpful things ever.
This is so smart!! Thanks for sharing
I’m about to cruise with my kids for the first time (have only ever cruised with my hubby). This is a fantastic tip! Definitely going to pick something up.
Keep the magnets well away from watches, clocks, phones, laptops etc - they can cause serious and permanent damage.
I don’t know why I never thought of this! Thanks for this advice!
I find the beach towels are very heavy and bulky to tale ashore. So the last time I cruised I bought on Amazon an Akumal microfiber thin sand free beach towel. Rolls up very small, dries very fast, sand doesn't cling to it and it has a loop to hang up and a little case. Loved it and used it several times. Also bought several for gifts for people!!
Yeah, same here. I have TWO of those foldable thin beach "sheets." It works GREAT! It has 4 thin aluminum stakes to anchor corners into sand. Then when done, pull up, shake out sheet and fold up into it's tiny matching bag. Very small. Lightweight and doesn't get heavy when wet. Works great if beach chairs are costly and you just want a spot to set your "stuff" on as you play in the water.
Thank you so much for this tip. Very useful!
Costco carries them and they are inexpensive and well made.
@@angiedickerson3127 & BRAD MCCULLOUGH: Thank-you both for such great tips on the bath sheets & where we can buy them! Your sharing your expertise on this subject & what you both have learned through practical experience is invaluable! Many thanks to you both, once again!♥️
@@angiedickerson3127 which specific ones do you have that work really well?
I have recently sailed on 2 different NCL cruise ships. If you ask your room attendant as soon as you get to your room for a coffee maker, they may have one available. it was great to have my coffee on my balcony first thing in the morning.
Even if you don't intend on straightening your hair, brining a straightener is also a great way of removing wrinkles once you get the hang of it.
I bring battery-powered tea lights...you know, the little cheapie battery candles you can buy in dollar stores. Nice for a night light in the bathroom.
Bring a small note pad (sticky kind is great) and extra pen. Yellow highlighter for marking the activities on the cruise newsletter that you want to attend.
Everything is mobile now no more paper newsletter
@@christinahenry6700 not everyone has a smart phone !
@@maryburger1232 Then you need to pick your cruise carefully. Some cruises no longer have a paper option.
I love the idea of bringing a zip lock to put snacks from the cafeteria! I didn’t think of that on my last cruise.
great advice on this one! this way you can get fresh snacks daily
I was thinking next time I'll bring a collapsible food container for when I can't finish something but wanna save it for later. Or stash some extra food/ desserts from the buffet 😉
I have a couple silicone reusable snack bags for this purpose.
What? Why not take a lunchbox also . There is possible to buy some
My pooh smells like roses already but ok...lol
My packing suggestion is to get out everything you think you want to take then put half of it away. Then decide from what’s left what you want to take.
Lol love it!
And bring twice enough money you think you will need. 😊
When we cruise, the first day we always order at least 1 case of spring water from room service. Then we can put them in the fridge as we need them. This works really good for us because we don’t drink soft drinks or alcohol.
I’m wondering about the taste of the tap water out of the bathroom faucet. Or maybe the water in the buffet area is hopefully filtered? Might be a good idea to bring an empty nalgene type water bottle, fill it at the buffet and take it back to the room. That would also reduce the environmental impact of single use bottles.
I absolutely will be bringing a case of water, the onboard price was ridiculous and the cruise tap water was slimy and tasted poor.
Wonderful idea!
@@Patrick_Ross I recently went on my first cruise in about 20 years. I was on the Disney Magic. I don't drink soft drinks or alcohol, so I brought a reusable water bottle with me. I found I seriously didn't like the taste of the water onboard and by day 5 I was buying bottled water. Next cruise I'll bring a Brita bottle and that should solve the problem for me.
Going on my second cruise next month. One very helpful tip is to bring a small flat iron that you can use for curling your hair AND touch ups as an iron for your clothes. I was able to iron the wrinkles out of my husband's dress shirts with no problem.
We are allowed a flat iron???
@@angelinamay48 We were on Princess. It definitely came in handy!
I think she means the kind that will straighten your hair, not a real iron.
On packing, the best way to cut back is be sure to pack for "formal night" but the other nights just take a black skirt or slacks and different tops for the rest of the nights.
For many cruise lines formal night is completely optional. I went in October during formal night, plus at a specialty restaurant and more than half the people were wearing shorts and flip flops.
That's royal caribbean- definitely check for different cruise lines. But a skirt definitely saves room. Sometimes I'll just bring a black polyblend cocktail dress with nice accessories to dress it up more.
We just got home from our first cruise and it was fantastic! Thank you for all of your tips, it made a huge difference for us being prepared. My husband kept saying, "How did you know to bring this or that." I told him I watched your videos.
Same on our first cruise 🚢 in September! I never would have thought of the magnets or charging cube on my own. Some things we didn’t like, the lanyard type phone protector. But some I will now Always bring, like towel clips and waterproof fanny packs.
We go on our first cruise in late July 2024. I have been watching her videos since late January! I am so ready to go on our first cruise.😃
Best thing you mentioned “you are an overpacker”… amen
Zip lock baggies to pack snacks for the room when onboard is an excellent idea!
Great for the potato sticks from Guy's .
Just wanted to elaborate on the importance of the non-surge protector power strip. I did not understand why it would be a requirement so I researched the reason. The reason is although the outlets look the same as the ones in our land based homes, the way they are wired is different. If you used a standard surge protected strip and there was a power surge, it WILL start a fire because of the wiring difference. Plain and simple, it is a fire hazard, thus they get confiscated to keep everyone safe.
I heard about this. I saw it on a documentary on how they made Oasis. The rooms are big pre-wired Lego boxes that slide into the frame. The good news is most electronics have a USB option now and a plug with 6-8 USB ports is not a problem.
Thank you for sharing the reason - I always like to know why! 👍🏾
WHO in God's name considers bringing a power strip on a cruise??!! It's like considering which car battery jumper to bring.....(insert eye roll here).
@@AllanBiggins most people do because their are limited outlets when you have hair dryers, phone chargers, etc. Not everyone knows how to survive without all the conveniences of home, especially the first time out.
@@AllanBiggins plus, this is the 21st century - mobile phones, portable games consoles, tablets, laptops, kindles, etc, etc depending on how many people in the cabin too… Remember, the different generations travelling, IT is the way that the younger generation entertain themselves.
I always bring binoculars. We get a balcony room and when facing the islands we sail to we can check out the views at closer range.Also I bring clothes pins. They do have a small clotes line in the shower but I like to hang dry my bathing suit on the balcony if I need it to dry fast. Just use the clothes pin on the balcony chair.
Something I always pack is a deck of Uno cards - a nice easy way to unwind at the end of the day. Meet at the buffet and relax and have fun with your companions (As well as take advantage of that late-night dessert buffet...).
Great idea!!
I always pack a deck of regular cards.
We always bring uno cards as well….we play with the kids in the schooner bar all the time!!
Same!
Also Left, Right, Center dice. Soooo much fun!!!
I’m getting ready to go on my first cruise ever and I’m glad I found your channel. Definitely going to help with the anxiety of this new experience. Thank you
Same, good luck! 🙏🏾👍🏾
Royal Caribbean security took away my "Cruise On" power strip (that you recommended) and I had to pick it up after the cruise. I tried to explain that is was for cruises and I even showed
them the little ship on it. I viewed many of your videos and they were great. My husband and friends were very impressed with how well prepared I was for the cruise. (I purchased your Cruise Planner.) We had an amazing trip because you prepared me for the trip. Oh! I also tipped my cabin steward $20 at the beginning of the trip and thanked him for preparing our cabin. I asked for 2 extra towels, 2 extra pillows, 10 extra hangers and ice for morning and night. I never had to ask for anything else on the trip and we had amazing service! Thank you:)
We also always bring a small pair of travel binoculars.
Great idea
@@LifeWellCruised Especially on Alaskan cruises!
The shoe tip is so important. I once bought a cute pair of silver heels for 2 dress up nights…I got rid of them as soon as I returned home. You will walk several miles per day just going from your cabin to the different venues on the ship. If they aren’t very comfortable just walking around the house, leave them home and bring a pair that may not be as chic, but will get you to the grand dining room, the grand foyer, and the production show without a limp.
And ones that you can dance with.
-For toiletries you can buy a TSA approved bags that has usually 4x 3oz containers in a zipped waterproof bag. They even have small containers in some with small round containers for things like night cream or other items you just need a little of. This is also nice if you are flying so you don't need to organize last minute.
-One thing I like to do as well (depending on how long the cruise is I will pack my clothes while on the hangers so I can just hang then up when I get in my room and same when I get home for things I don't wear)
-Lastly they now make cruise extension cord plugs very similar to the cube but with tge extension cord. And I've always been able to bring at least non gfi extension cords however the cruise ones are gfi.
This is based on royal caribbean and I go between 5 to 8 times a year now so these are all recent tips. Have fun 👍
Just got back from a cruise and I have to say, my FaVoRiTe thing you mentioned to bring was magnetic hooks! AmAzInG! Loved, loved, loved them! I got the super strong ones and I could hang all kinds of things on them!! Thank you!! 😎😎😎
P.s. your videos are great! Very helpful!
I also love bringing towel clips…helps with wind on the upper levels
Totally agree! Worth taking for sure
I have found LARGE rubber bands. They work great, but I still use the large towel clips for drying clothes.
Zip lock bags are GENIUS! THANKS
Hi! Thank you for your video and all the links! I have seen many cruise videos, but I do not recall anyone speaking about drinking the water from the room sink. It perfectly safe, tastes great cold, and saves plastic bottles. Will you consider including that in a future video?
I want to share a few of my must-haves.
1. Dude Bomb pods. This works better for me instead of Poo-Pourri which must follow the liquids 3-1-1 TSA rule.
2. Zote Laundry Soap Bar. This helps me pack less by washing clothes in the room sink. I cut the bar into smaller sections to pack. My trick is that I mostly bring moisture-wicking shirts, dresses, & pjs which do dry very fast.
When I am planning an upcoming trip, I have learned to “set aside” clothes that maybe are now too big or small for me, or are starting to show wear or maybe I just do not wear them anymore. I take those on my trips and when I am heading back home, I leave them for the any female crew member who would appreciate having them for themselves or their family. I always write a note saying I am leaving them behind for whomever could use them to prevent the tour company from mailing them back to my home - that has happened! The room attendants are usually very appreciative of the donation and I have less to unpack or launder when I get home & the bonus is MORE ROOM FOR SOUVENIERS!
I pack my clothes already on a hanger. Very quick to unpack - literally pick up the hangers and place in the closet!
Smart!
I do the same thing. Everything that needs to be on a hanger is. I use the non-slip hangers which are thinner and very quick to unpack.
I don't need hangers for my T shirts and Jeans. 😆😆😆
Waste of space in your suitcase, plus the hanger hooks mark/damage other clothes.
I do that quite often, using the wire hangers from the dry cleaners, then I just leave them for the next guest
I just finished a cruise on Royal Caribbean. I did bring a power strip with a six foot cord. It did not have a surge protector. I had no problems. I did bring suction and magnetic hooks. Thank you for the suggestion. We used the magnet hooks to hang a fifty foot strand of tiny LEDs on the ceiling. It was calming and lit the room enough to not fun into furniture on an overnight trip to the bathroom. 😀
Glad you had a great cruise!! Great idea for the lighting
How was it? Did you enjoy everything? Did you get a balcony or ocean view room? I’m booking one right now and wondering
I always bring a strip with a cord. Very short and no surge suppressor.
Thanks for your great video. Question: is it better to book cruise with a travel agent versus Costco?
I 100% always bring hangers. I pack my clothes in my garment bag with my flat felt hangers then just move them straight into the closet. They're easier to deal with and I never run out of hangers.
4.50 for a 12 pack of bottles (buy 2) for the cabin, and empty refillable bottle, both to take more drink around with you from the buffet, but also for water on the plane if you have to fly
I recommend every guest brings a water bottle! You can get a couple cups of water and pour them into your bottle so you don’t have to purchase any. We only bought water for my baby brother who was traveling with us!
I must say, I am amazed by the idea of some of the things you suggest to not bring - as had no inkling anyone would actually pack extra clothes hangers or towels or hairdyer or anything like that! I must be a light packer (cannot stand the idea of carrying a lot of "stuff" half way around the world). On cruises that fly out from UK to join a ship, they usually allow about 20 kilo each, which is about 40lbs. I weigh the case before leaving home, and it has never been over 8 kilo for 2 weeks, either cruising or any other holiday/visit to friends abroad. What on earth do people put in their cases? On most cruises or in most hotels in the Med or Canary islands it is hot enough in the bathroom overnight, to wash a few items and hang over the shower rail, never thought of sending to an actual laundry facility! I think I must be quite minimal as only take about 3 long jersey skirts (dress up for evening with a silky top and proper shoes, or wear with tee shirt by day) plus maybe 2 prs of thin trousers and one dress and four or five tee shirts and a couple of nice tops. I wear one pair of strong walking shoes to travel in (as they are heavy to pack) plus put inside, one casual pair and one pair sandals, smart enough for night, but still casual by day. Then a few pairs of knickers and an extra bra, apart from the one wearing to travel and a couple of items of costume jewellery. My toiletries are multi functional, one cream to use as cleaner, day or night cream, one bar of soap, solid bars of shampoo and conditioner, one sunscreen SPF 30+ as least. For make up, one powder foundation (easier to transport) and one blusher, which doubles up as eye shadow plus one mini trial size mascara. One small tube of toothpaste and one toothbrush, one comb, maybe a paperback book. Perhaps I am strange, but when I go on holiday, I want a sense of freedom from, and that means freedom from "stuff" too. I would check all travel documents/arrangements down to a tee, but as for planning what to wear each day, oh hell, that would be hell for me. I love make up, I love clothes, but do not want them to dominate my waking day or restrict my freedom in any way!
Thanks for your advice . I totally agree. I want to be free from thinking about “stuff” as I love cloths too but don’t want to waste time
thinking about it!!
My tip is leave room for souvenirs, think about what you are likely to buy leave room for that. I also pack a pair of slippers that fit in my purse for when my feet have had enough of my shoes... especially dress shoes. Also purses that have an across body straps leave hands free for photography.
one of the things you mentioned was the laundry bag, I actually use my suit case as a laundry basket and I do use the scented bags. Also a great tip would be when you are traveling pack everything in trash bags, because if you happen to end up on a rainy day your clothes will not be all wet.
A good thing to do with all your nice hang up cloths is to slip dry cleaner bags over them when you pack, they come out wrinkle free, we've done it on 18 Cruises and very happy doing thus.
Smart tip!!
Absolutely! Works like a charm.
I do that too! It works!
I usually take one of the zipper bags blanket, comforter comes in. It’s great for putting laundry in.
I bring a small clock that I leave in the bathroom so I always know the time. If I’m in a balcony stateroom I have a small thermometer with a section cup that I attach to the outside of the sliding door so I know the temperature. Magnetic clips & hooks. Very helpful. I also bring an adapter so I can use the European plug.
Love the idea to put a small clock in the bathroom!
Smart ideas Tom
Wow! Great idea 💡 Can't believe my husband didn't think of that already!
Great reminder about bringing the CLOCK! Haven’t been on a cruise on over 3 yrs, finally will be back at sea in 2 month. I hate not having a clock in the cabin- gotta always bring one for myself.
Remember to to change your clock to ship time which is not always the same as land time
"rolling" clothes makes for more room in your suitcase ;)
What are “rolling” clothes?
You roll your clothes instead of folding them, takes up a lot less room in the suitcase
Having a refillable water bottle is ESSENTIAL if you go to countries that have questionable water quality (Mexico). Fill your water bottle with ice water from the ship before venturing ashore. Your video was very informative. I've been on several cruises but my last one was back in 2009. I'm way overdue!
Magnets with hooks, the stronger ones the better due to limited shelf spaces, hang up on the walls like paperwork’s, even shirts and everyday shorts as the wife takes all the spaces in the wardrobe!!
We use magnets with clips
I bring dice, cards, Yahtzee score sheets, tablet and cards. We play a game called "10 thousand" and Yahtzee. Great for when we want to just chill on a deck and chat. I cruise with my Mom (78) and we are more laid back than active.
That’s awesome!! Sounds very enjoyable
most cruise ships have libraries where you can borrow books AND games
Fabulous review, covered everything and then some in the shortest time possible! No fillers or impurtinent or boring info .. Thank you
as for ziplock bags, use the freezer bags, much stronger andclosemor securely well worth the slightly higher cost
Great tips. As far as having clothing pressed, we've always asked our cabin steward for an iron & ironing board. It is brought to us & we can use it for about an hour or 2. We typically do this the first day after unpacking. Many cruise lines will offer a deal on laundry about mid-way through a cruise, so we will send some clothing to be washed & pressed at that point.
Does Princess on a B2B 20 day cruise?
As far as bringing your own shampoo conditioner bodywash. Because the ship empties waste water into the sea. Make sure your products are safe for marine animals please
I bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer for all the excursions and even just going to the bathroom. Lots of zip lock bags for makeup, sunscreen, snacks, fruit and cheese from the buffet, etc. I de-wrinkle my clothes with a blow dryer, especially linen that I use more than once. I don’t pack anything stiff looking, I want to be relaxed and comfy. No heels as we usually take the stairs and do lots of walking on board. A hand held mirror,I love doing my makeup on the balcony in the mornings. I pack a small travel yoga mat to do stretches in my room, the gym is always busy. I always bring a basic snorkel mask set. Last, I bring coconut oil and hair serum for beach days. I lather up my hir, put it in a bun, then let it absorb while I’m out at the beach. Great hair treatment. Last, I bring a wide brimmed hat because a cap isn’t enough on the really hot days.
On Norwegian you can ask for a coffee maker be brought to your room. I just got off Norwegian last summer. Love, love, love having a coffee maker in my room.
Yes very true. Just had one in my room on last cruise. Just ask room steward
I sleep with a CPAP machine. Taken it on a couple of cruises and taken an ordinary extension cord, because the power points are never near the bed. Just unplug it when I get up in the morning. Never had a problem
Let the cruise line know you need an extension cord for your CPAP machine. They will have it ready for you in your stateroom.
I pack mine as well. Plus, it has extra outlets and USB chargers. Never had an issue.
I was on carnival and took my cpap and an extension cord no problem
I have been using the magnetic hooks for years. They are a lifesaver and minimizes clutter. One extra note, I bring either a night light or a small magnetic flashlight in case you get up at night. I also purchased a shower step which adheres to the shower wall in the bathroom by a simple suction cup. It is helpful for ladies who need to shave their legs, which can be awkward in the small showers on cruise ships.
I use the magnetic large clips to hold the Information each day, our reservation tickets, etc. Put them near the desk! So convenient.
We just sailed NCL Encore to Alaska, there was a single cup coffee maker in our balcony cabin. This was the first time we've ever seen this on a ship, we really found it useful.
For Alaska, you generally want more clothes than you'd take on a tropical vacation. Alaska gets a lot of rain, so you obviously need rain coats/ponchos -- and you have to plan for changing multiple times a day.
Thanks for the info and great packing tips for Alaska
Thank you, Chuck! We are doing that same cruise in less than 30 days! We have a balcony cabin and I was wondering about the coffee maker. Did they give you Keurig pods or was it the normal loose coffee kind of maker'? Anything else that would be helpful to know? We have never been to Alaska, nor been on NCL. We are also taking the Encore.
@@suzannefunk4815 I don't recall what type coffee maker, except it just did one cup at a time. If your itinerary includes a stop at Ketchikan, expect frustrating waits for the shuttles -- NCL has decided to dock well away from the actual town -- 20/30 minute drive, not including needlessly long lines.
That large zip lock bag hack is soooo smart! Never thought about that !!
I was on Mardi Gras and found out what I did need and what I didn't use at all. I found it simple to figure out for the next cruise as when I came home I only brought the stuff that I didn't use or wear and left the rest at my Mom's in Florida. To leave my summer clothes down there was no strain, with us here in Canada going into our fall/winter seasons.
Such a good list, though I disagree with one item. I have gone on two cruises, and about to go on my third. I am going to pack MUCH more clothing than I did the first two times. I find that I am constantly changing from pool, to hot weather casual, to night, back to pool etc. I also find that I sweat so much that reusing clothing simply isn't an option. So bringing two-3 outfits PER DAY is really necessary, plus pool stuff. I will take your advice to plan out outfits per day, but then add three or four extra full casual outfits to make up for those extra sweaty, busy days where I am swapping outfits super often.
Just wanted to add that the Carnival ships have laundry rooms on several decks. Small, but they do the job.
There is a laundry room you can use..bring coins and throw a few things I n there.
@@marilynwilliams1849 I've never been on a ship with a public laundry - not all have them. Last time I was on a cruise it was something like $25 for a small bag.
Wow...I go Carnival and I have used their laundry room self serve several times. Yeah to send laundry for them to do is expensive.
@@marilynwilliams1849 I've only cruised Royal Caribbean so far, and unfortunately they don't have that amenity. So packing lots of outfits is a must!
My favorite vacation hack is:
Instead of getting rid of all the underwear, bras, and socks, as long as they are not totally disgusting, and the elastic still works, and even cloths I’m gonna get rid of, I placed in my suitcase throughout the year
When I’m ready to pack for a trip, I pack using as many of these items as I can.
It’s less laundry because I throw things out as I go.
And then I have extra space in my suitcase for the trip back for home for souvenirs/ clothes that I buy on vacation
This is crazy enough to be genius
Yuk. I prefer to have nice underwear when I go on holiday, not the old stuff I’m going to throw away, what a thought!
@@julesw4056I agree. It’s a good idea but not for me. Underwear n socks take up no space. You can stick the dirty ones in your shoes or your spouses shoes if you need the space😆. I bring a laundry bag and fold my dirty clothes up in it so it’s separate from anything I clean I didn’t wear. I usually end up washing everything anyway when I get home. 😊
On the Celebrity Equinox site they have extremely high prices for having items washed. They mention one item has charges from $69.99 to about $100.00. To have one checked bag is $200 to $300. How can I find out which charges are correct? Thank you.
So many people used the ships laundry deal at the end of their cruise to have it all washed ironed and folded ready to take home. It was on Fred Olsen ships I'm thinking of doing this on my next cruise
Idea - Advocate for folks to bring REEF SAFE sunscreen for ocean days and explain why it's super important.
If u stay some where the night before getting on ship we put bathing suit on and cover .. then u don't have to worry about changing and having clothes in ur carry on..
I absolutely order coffee and juice to drink every morning to enjoy as I'm preparing for my day or getting ready to race out for a port excursion.
That is a great ideal about the thank you cards, because they do work hard and always with a smile.
Idea
I like the first tip especially. Hang your cloth at the moment you're in the room. Great one!
When you were speaking about jewelry, I always wore my aunts 3k diamond ring that she willed me. It's stunning but old. One day in Zanzabar I heard something hit a board in a small store. It was my aunts ring!!! The band was so fragile it broke apart there. Since I never took it off I didn't realize how thin it had become. If I hadn't heard it the floor it would have been gone forever and I'd not known where. Since then I put all my good pieces up and buy cheap but pretty jewelry, including a gold band..
I always hang my clothes on wire hangers in my garment suitcase. You can get them for free at any dry cleaners. It makes unpacking easy and takes up less room in my luggage. Also weights less that plastic hangers. I simply leave them in when room when I depart the ship.
Ha ha! Same hack for me. I save over the months prior the cheap plastic hangers from walmart/target etc. I pack them for the cruise and utilize them for the lighter clothes. When packing to come home, I leave the hangers and utilize the extra space saved from the hangers for a those extras that I want to take home! Also keeps the luggage weight now packing for the cruise. And willing to carry more weight in my carry on as I head home.
Silicone ziplock bags in a range of sizes are much better for travel than plastic ones. Stronger, washable and reusable - useful in the kitchen as well as travel.
I don't know if anybody mentioned it. If you go to the laundry room to wash clothes bring some pods and fabric softener sheets. I use these items at home. So I just put some sheets in a sandwich baggie and some pods in a baggie. That way you don't have to worry about the machine running out supplies to wash or buying any.
NCL have coffee makers in balcony rooms. Also NCL doesn’t have formal nights! 2 big pluses for me!
Oh that's good to know. I hadn't noticed that on NCL in the past, but it's been too long I think ;-). Glad NCL is a good choice for you - true everyone should know about dress codes before they book to find the best fit
They use Senseo pods on the Epic
I HATE having to pack formal wear just for a night or two. I'd rather just skip it.
I take NCL at least once a year. I never knew you could request a coffee maker. A big than you!
More comfy shoes. 1 cheap flip flops for shower/pool area
Flavored coffee creamer, if you use. Cruise ships usually only have milk or plain coffee creamer.
Good idea - I've heard some people say they do (I don't like flavoured coffee)
my wife and i are going on a Alaska cruse this Sunday I'm listening to all your videos for 8 hours as I works
You mentioned hanging clothes right away and spraying with wrinkle release. I would also recommend adding some weight to the bottom of hanging clothes with binder clips or clamp type pants hanger brought from home.
That’s a brilliant tip!! Thanks
On Princess, if you would like a coffee pot/kettle in your room, just ask and they bring one to keep along with coffees and teas.
When ever we travel we use a vacuum seal clothes bags. We put our underwear socks swimsuits in the bag and roll out the air. After the trip we use the bags for dirty clothes
UK cruise ships provide a kettle and tea , coffee, milk and sugar sachets. Would be lost without a kettle to make my first drink of the day before I get up.
Thanks for sharing this!
I have always taken my electric kettle. I take my favorite tea (PG Tips), and to go cups w/lids too.
It hasn't been confiscated, nor do I hid it from the cabin steward.
I don't understand why North American cruisers are treated differently. I am very capable of making a cup of tea in my cabin without set the ship on fire.
That's one thing I REALLY miss. I wish we had kettles too! I love my morning tea in my jammies.
Take it from me: STRETCHY PANTS.
Haha true
😆😆😆
I think an over the door hook rack would be very usefull
We packed an over the door shoe organizer and hung it on the back of the bathroom door. Stored shampoo, conditioner, shave cream, etc.
My sister and I almost exclusively use NCL One thing I've found on EVERY ship we've been on is the buffet coffee is great, but what you order from room service and the single packets for the cabin coffee maker are awful! Just an observation.
I have always had a kettle on Royal Caribbean, I have always booked a balcony but if you book a suite you get a coffee machine as well.
P&O do provide kettles. If you’re on an American ship from the UK make sure your hair straighteners are dual voltage. Also taking an insulated cup to take tea/coffee back to your cabin works well.
I was very pleased with your videos. Informative, well spoken, and to the point. Thank you
For those asking about bringing large bottles of shampoo and conditioner, I think the problem is if you are flying into a city to board the cruise ship. The airlines are very strict on the oz. Must be 3 oz and all liquids must fit into the same clear bag. And I mean all liquids together.
Some airlines are stricter than others. I travel often and consistently have 4 ounce bottles in my carry-on. I sail right through security, lol. The only place that ever gave me a hard time was Vancouver, Canada.
@@rwsopinion2186 what I’m trying to say the cruise line doesn’t care what size your toiletries are, just the airlines.
Put large bottles in your checked bag.
That's only for carry on luggage. You can pack full size bottles in your checked in luggage
This was honestly so helpful, thanks!
I always get extra cookies from the buffet and put them in our cabin. I also carry asstd. zip lock bags no matter how or where we travel and a garbage bag for dirty laundry.
Getting ready to book our 4th cruise since this year is our 50th Wedding Anniversary. So excited. Love your videos. It’s been a few years since we last cruised, so your tips are very helpful as I’m sure some things have changed.
I do the same - always carry assorted sizes of ziplock bags when traveling (even if it's a driving trip). I also carry zip ties - from tiny to larger.
Love how you did the "don't pack this, HOWEVER, yes pack this instead"!
Haha yes, of course always based on your own needs and preferences :-)
My husband and I just got back from our Alaskan Cruise on Holland America. We sprung for the upgrade to a Neptune suite, which had an espresso/coffee maker in our suite. However, they didn’t provide any creamer, and it was a canister of sugar rather than individual packets (which concerned me, as we are still in a pandemic.) The upgrade to the suite offered SO much more than a standard balcony room that I don’t think I’ll travel any other way again!
We had our own Lounge on our floor where you could stop in for coffee/cappuccino/lattes and there was *always* food. Breakfast pastries & cereal, small sandwiches and jumbo shrimp, a fridge with assorted sodas, and a full (make your own drinks) bar, and a concierge. This was awesome because it was easy to stop in and check your dinner reservations or excursions, plan your next cruise, or pay your end-of-cruise bill. Also, you could grab a drink or snack anytime just by walking down the hall. The lounge itself had multiple seating areas and places to eat your food.
In addition, our balcony was much bigger, with areas for lounging and a table for four to dine. In the room, we had a conversation area with space for four to sit, an “honor bar”, and all the glassware you need to drink anything you could imagine. Our stewards were in & out of our room any time we left it, and we always returned to a pristine room.
The one drawback is that despite wearing a mask *everywhere*, I contracted Covid. I believe it was from the spa, which was the only time I took my mask off for treatments. I’m sure it’s happened to cruisers on other lines, but I ended up in the hospital for kidney failure from Covid, so I’m annoyed that our first kid-free vacation in 26 years ended up this way. We had a land portion after our cruise and none of our excursions were refundable, even though I couldn’t attend even if I wasn’t shivering under blankets. Our one excursion was over $500!
You need to stick with Royal Caribbean!
Get the trip and excursion insurance.
On my recent cruise on Royal to the Bahamas was amazing the 1st time for 8 days however I would highly recommend bringing your own toilet paper and wet wipes for sure!!! The 1 ply was horrible and my bottom was sooo sore from this toilet tissue. Funny but not funny when you’re stuck on a ship with 1 ply that rips in your hand off the roll.
I've read that NCL will confiscate it; absolutely banned because they can't trust that ppl will throw them away vs flushing. Even 2-ply will clog ship toilets :((
I was on one cruise that had the ring display out. They were something like 15.00 each and a lady was trying them on. She accidentally put her real diamond ring in one of the displays and everyone had to stop picking anything until she found it. There was about 10 tables of rings. So don’t wear your real rings to look at fake rings
Sounds like something they'd put in a TV Sitcom!
Outlets are at a premium on cruise ships...typically 1 120v US standard outlet, 1 240v European outlet, and USB ports. I travel with a universal poser station...has adapters for any outlet...so I can use the European outlet. My unit has 3 120v outlets and 4 USB ports. I also carry a 9 port usb charging station that plugs into a 120v outlet. There typically is another 120v outlet behind the TV.
Thanks for all the effort you pour into these videos. Very helpful!
On Royal Caribbean, caffe is usually available on the top deck near the walking track (or the deck right below)
I used Ziplock baggies (1 or 2 gallon, double sealed) to pack my dirty clothes (kneeled into it on floor to vacuum seal) and it saved so much space so I could pack all the stuff I bought.
I've been on two cruises now and your tips have helped me so much! I'm also an over packer, but was able to reduce it some from your tips.
I take instant coffee packets, sweetener, and creamer with me so I can make coffee anytime I want. Water from the bathroom faucet is usually hot enough. I also take instant coco with me. And I always bring my own hair drier when I travel. They are the most unsanitary items you will ever find in a cabin or hotel room.
Great tips!!
This is brilliant!thank I really love waking up and just relaxing for a bit with my coffee. I will definitely be doing this in October. Thank you. 😊
On NCL/Joy a small coffee maker was provided along with tea.
Is the coffee maker a Keurig? So I just bring my K cups?
Thanks for posting these videos. They have been most helpful with my preparation for my first solo cruise. ❤
I hang my items in a dry cleaning clear bag, I use in garment bag and luggage. I put my tshirts and shorts in dry cleaning bag and fold. It prevents wrinkling. I put back in empty luggage when I get home and recycle bags.
P & O cruise line currently cruising the Caribbean has tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin. Also good quality hairdryer with a nozzle. We took 1 litre of spirits each and then topped up with another 1 litre bottle from liquor store on an excursion. No corkage costs involved. Definitely a good idea as you advised to bring a refillable water bottle.
Very Helpful. One comment, on the recharge power-bar, show the plug part in the video, one or two male plugs? Would be very helpful - Needs to have a single plug.
Good info on what to bring or not too, The ziplock bags idea was nice too.