What all should I pack to go on my cruise?

Question

It's a 5 day cruise.

I know I need clothes, bathing suit, tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, and conditioner.

What else should I take though?

By the way it's the end of this month and my first.

I am leavin off the coast of Miami.

Answer 1

bonine (for seasickness;just in case) (take one each morning then you won't have to worry)

other over the counter meds you usually take. Make sure youhave all your prescription meds with you.  go to cruiseclues.com

they have a great set of lists.

also cruisediva.com.

Answer 2

not cruise specific, but an extensive list of things you might want to pack - pick and choose what you need .. see below

Answer 3

Most of what you need will be supplied on the ship.  Other than what you've mentioned, bring your camera, and a power strip.  Most cabins only have one electrical outlet, and a power strip will come in very handy.  Your luggage may take some time to get to your room, so pack medications and anything else you may not be able to wait for in a carry on bag.

Bring some drinks with you if the cruise ship allows it.  They charge outrageous fees for drinks.  ($1.75 for a can of Coke on my last cruise.)

A backpack is helpful when you're in port to hold all the things you've shopped for.  The only drawback is that it screams "I'm a tourist!", and may invite muggers.  I came close to trouble like this in Seattle.

Have fun!

Answer 4

Bonine is much better than dramamine. Doesn't make you sleepy.

An extension cord (even a strip) is a good thing to have since there are not many places to plug things in on a ship.

Hairdryer can be left home depending on the ship.

When on the ship, be sure to carry the daily bulletin (whatever they call it on the ship you are going on) with you as there is so much going on at all times, you can keep up with not only "what to do" but "where" it is being held.

Most important - bring a good attitude. Sometimes things go wrong and you have to be able to take them in stride or ruin your trip.

Have fun!

Oh yes - hopefully it's not "off the coast of Miami" but at the Port of Miami or you would need a rowboat to get to the ship or a good swimming technique<grin>.

Answer 5

Leave the shampoo, soap and conditioner at home - they supply it on the ship.  

Bring post it notes - so you can leave notes for your room steward if you need anything.  

If you have a small cabin - bring an over the door shoe holder.  Put it on your bathroom door for all your little objects, (can be bought at Walmart for about $7.00) toothbrush, comb, brush, toothpaste, medicines, etc.  Comes in VERY handy as some of the smaller cabins have no cabinet space or counter space in the bathrooms.

Answer 6

I have been on many cruises and here's what you should pack.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take swim wear, shorts, 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, your camera, and other personal toiletries.  The cabin will have soap and shampoo but if there is a brand that you prefer, bring it.  The cabin will have  a hair dryer, but not tooth paste or tooth brush.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports 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. 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. You do not have to wear different clothes each night; wear each piece at least twice and mix and match tops and bottoms. Dress sports casual for dinner and then change to some shorts if you just plan to spend the evening around the pool or on your balcony.

But keep the dressy stuff on if you plan to go to the disco, casino, or show.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. Your 5 day cruise may have just one formal night. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (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).

-Always take soft sided luggage as it stores better under the beds. You can take two bags per person. The lines do not weight your bags but they do scan them the same as at the airport security. But all of your bags should fit under the bed. We usually take a couple duffel type bags and a suit/dress carrier type for the more formal stuff like suit, dresses and tux.

- 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 and your clothes that you sleep in.

-Take an extension cord if you are also taking your cell phone

and/or MP3 player.  The cabin will have a plug or two but its much better with an extension.  

-Cruise lines do not want you to bring travel irons because of fire safety concerns.  But if you do take one, use it the first night on ship, hang your clothes and then put the iron out of sight, otherwise it may be confiscated.

-If you have time and opportunity between your airline flight and the pier, take a six pack of bottled water and/or soft drinks for your cabin.  I find having my own very handy vs paying for bottled water and soft drinks on ship.

Answer 7

I have been on several cruises you should dress casual through the day and dress for evening

Answer 8

Dramamine...

Pop one every morning.  

Don't wait until you feel sea sick to take it.  

It can't help you then.