Anything I may have forgotten to pack for my cruise?

Question

I'm going on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean on the Crown Princess! Flying to San Juan tomorrow and cruise leaves on Saturday.

Can you think of anything I should pack that I might have not thought of?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have been on many cruises all over the Caribbean and here's what I suggest, some you may have already thought of, but some not.

Always pack your passport and cruise documents in your carry on bag ONLY.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM, so take:

-swim wear (at least 2),

-shorts, tank tops and "T's"

-sandals,

-beach shoes,

-your snorkel equipment if you have it,

-sun glasses and sun screen,

-lotions,

-a cap or big hat for the sun,

-a book if you are a reader, -

-your music player,

-sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, -good walking shoes,

-your camera, and

-other personal toiletries.

Your cabin will have towels and soap provided, including pool and beach towels. It will also have a generic hair shampoo so you do not need to bring that unless you like a specific brand. They do not provide tooth paste, mouth wash or lotions. They DO provide a hair dryer.

- Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage.

- Pack using the vacuum clothing bags (about $20 for 3 at Target)  so that you can get more in your bag AND so that if the TSA at the airport opens your bag they can see what's inside without rummaging through your things.

-Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and your clothes that you sleep in.

- If you can take a six-pack of bottled water and soft drinks in your carry-on for your cabin. You will have to pay for both on the ship and its nice to have those handy in the cabin.

- If you are taking your cell phone, MP3 player or other item that needs to be plugged in take an extension cord as the plugs in the cabin are generally not in the best places and there are usually only one or two.

- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or hand-wipes. There are generally sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of restaurants, the buffets and dining room, but some times the are not there or not working. The sanitizer helps prevent the spread of the Norwalk Virus that sometimes occur on cruise ships.

-If you plan to get into the pools or hot tub as soon as you get on ship, bring those clothes in your carry on bag; you other luggage may not get to your cabin until much later in the afternoon.

- Take a can of air freshener for your cabin bathroom. The bathrooms do not have exhaust fans.

- Take a few zip lock bags of various sizes; they always come in handy.

- Take some one dollar bills (also maybe a few $5's) for tipping the porters in the airport, at the pier (they do not work for the ship), and they will come in handy in port stops for buying small items in the markets and at vendor stands; especially bartering places.

Answer 2

some island communities do not appreciate what they consider American's inappropriate dress. Pack a few modest items like a sun dress or 2.  Not too much skin.

Answer 3

Here's a good Cruise Packing List, complete with checkboxes to check off each item as you pack.  It also has blank spaces at the bottom of each category for you to write in extras that you think of.  Once you get to this site, be sure to click on the "Printer Friendly" version of the packing list. Here's the link:

http://www.packinglistplace.com/cruiseli...

Hope it helps, and have a wonderful trip!

--Johnnie

Answer 4

Pack quart size baggies, I had travel sized items to return with and had to trash because I didnt have a clear bag to put them in to go thru security at the airport.

Sunscreen!!!!!!  

Have a great time

Answer 5

I always regret it when I don't have nail clippers. Your own pillow. Extra shoes. An umbrella (good for the sun, too.) Period stuff, if you're expecting it. Have fun. Be safe.

Answer 6

a watch as you won't be carring you cell phone with you. a night lite if you have a inside cabin..

Answer 7

Post it notes are good to have in case you want to leave a note for your room steward.

I always bring Thank-you cards also - you would be surprised how much the room stewards and waiters appreciate a simply hand written thank-you from you.

Bring a zip-lock plastic bag to keep your wet swim suit in.  If you go to the beach in a taxi, they will not bring you back if your suit is wet - so you will need to change.

Have fun - I'm doing a cruise from San Juan also in April.  Can't wait!!

Answer 8

A power strip is always good to have.  Most cabins only have one outlet.

1 or 2 of those large XXXL Ziploc bags to tote home wet, sandy clothes.

A large canvas bag to carry stuff on shore excursions.

Mark the handles of your luggage with brightly colored yard, ribbon or plastic marking tape (from the hardware store) for debarkation.  This will help you find your luggage in a sea of black and common looking luggage.

Take plenty of US dollars in small denominations...$1, 5 and 10 for shopping in ports, taxis and tips to shore excursion personnel.