Cruise packing?

Question

My family is going on a 7 day Carnival Cruise. What do we need to pack that we wouldn't think about?

Answer 1

I have been on many cruises and here's what I suggest based on my experiences.  

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take:

- swim wear for the pool and hot tub,

- shorts and/or jeans for days,

- a light jacket, cap,

- sneakers or other good walking shoes for tours and the gym,

- sun glasses, sun screen, and lotions,

- a book if you are a reader,

- your music player,

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

- your camera, and other personal toiletries including tooth paste, mouth wash, shave cream, etc.

Your cabin will have a generic shampoo and soap provided so you do not need to bring these unless you prefer a specific brand. A hair dryer is also provided.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports or resort  casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. (no jacket or tie required for men) You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc. Don't over pack; take a change or two of underwear for each day and plan to mix and match tops and bottoms and wear most of it twice.

7-day cruises normally have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a party dress or gown (any color) for women. Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown. You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up. (we usually take off the formal stuff after dinner and pictures anyway)

- 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.

-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, or  baby 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.

Answer 2

Well, it would help to know where you are going. If it is the Caribbean or Mexico, one thing most people don't bring, but need is insect repellent. The bugs can be really bad in the tropics. Also bring Imodium or Pepito bismo for you know what.

Answer 3

As a girl, I can tell you that you won't want to carry a big purse.  Since you don't need much on the ship (it's all cash-less).  I encourage women to take a long a small purse big enough for your cruiseship sign-n-sail card (which also your room key), your ID, lip gloss and breath mints.  Have fun! :)