Take a photo on your phone of your luggage as you start your trip. This will make it easier to describe to the luggage desk if they are misplaced. Especially handy if you have "Decorated" it. Also, place a paper inside with your name, phone number and cabin number, in case it becomes separated from it's tags.
I like this idea. Several years ago, my mom, 2 sisters and me went on a cruise. One sister had just purchased new luggage and when we got to the baggage claim area, she couldn’t remember what it looked like. We spent a lot of extra time looking for it.
An excellent reminder list! The following are a few packing mistakes we have made in the past. 1. Failing to pack a double supply of critical prescriptions in a different carryon bag. Our cruise travel was extend and it was very difficult to obtain prescriptions in foreign countries. 2. Having our luggage get wet due to inclement weather at the port. I now give the stevedore a generous tip and request that our bags be places in the bottom of the luggage carts. This also helps prevent your bags from falling off the cart during the loading process. 3. Packing a small bottle of shampoo that looked like a bottle of liquor. Our bag was not delivered to our cabin and after talking with Guest Services we had to visit the "naughty room" on a lower deck to retrieve our bag. 4. Losing a wallet and my spouse not having at least one different credit card than I had in my wallet. Canceling credit cards while traveling is easy, but getting a new card from a foreign location is very difficult. Take care and keep cruising...
As a someone who used to work in the anti fraud department, I can confirm it can be difficault to get new cards to travellers. And once a card has been reported as lost or stolen, it has to be closed. Delayed closure can be done, but that requires you to contact the card company to remove a block on every single charge.
I just returned from a cruise a week ago (4/10/24) on the Norwegian Pearl. I told the line that I needed distilled water for my CPAP and it was in the cabin when we arrived.
While it is unlikely that one will ever cruise for various reasons, this channel is so much fun to watch and get a vicarious experience. Really like your narration.
@@LifeWellCruisedhi new to cruising I have a question in regards to foods , do they offer any gluten free options? And are supplements safe to take on cruise ? Like vit d and magnesium
Two tips. First don’t forget to pack your medication(s). I generally pack a “pharmacy” bag that have my medication, sea sickness pills, excedrin and antacids . Second, (for guys) at most bring 3 pairs of shoes, sandles, dress shoes( for formal nights) and a comfortable pair of sneakers.
I have sleep apnea and have been watching many cruise channels to get prepared for my first cruise. Your channel is the first one I've seen that addresses CPAP machines and cruises. Once again, you've proven to be the premier channel in this space! Thank you for your brilliant content!
Also, if you have a CPAP, you can order distilled water in the week before your cruise. We did that for my spouse and we has the bottle waiting for us in our cabin because we ordered it beforehand.
Princess Cruises provides a very long, heavy-duty extension cord (which the room steward tapes to the floor so you don't trip) and free distilled water. And btw sharps container, too. Just notify in advance, but I suspect if you forget, it won't be a problem. I don't have experience with any other cruise line.
Holland America provides extension cords for CPAPs and distilled water. There is a specific "accommodations" checklist that they have for specific items - canes, mobility items, need for refrigerated medicines as examples.
I use vacuum packing bags. The brand we got comes with a hand pump so you don't need to bring your own vacuum sweeper in your luggage. We are also getting suitcase covers from Amazon for our luggage. At the end of our last cruise we used the baggage handlers and found our cases in a room the size of Costco completely full of black and blue bags. Now our bags look like a paint store exploded and won't look like anyone else's bags (unless they shop from Amazon too). We did find it hard to know about special dinner "dress" before embarkation. The cruise company's information phone number didn't have that information. So I wore my tux to dinner the first night and fit in very well with the waiters.
We pack small travel umbrellas for the port. It was raining in Jamaica. We were thankful for those umbrellas. Definitely have an outfit for chilly weather. We also keep a packing cube with clothes and travel toiletries in our personal bag when we fly. Since we fly in to the port, we stop at a store and get bleach wipes and microban. We wipe down every hard surface in that cabin. I know they are suppose to clean and sanitize but I want to make sure. We also wipe down our hard sided luggage. We also pack a USB fan. They are handy on some of those bus rides to excursions or to use on the pool deck
On one of my cruises when I put my suitcase out for pick-up for disembarking, I missed packing a drawer of clothes. I was lucky to get it all into my backpack. I self-disembark now, but double and triple check all storage when packing to go home!
Our first cruise in 2023, it had been almost 10 years since our last cruise - we seriously over packed. Later that year we took another cruise and packed half of what we had before and made use of unlimited laundry to clean items. It was great and easier on our arms....
I tend to overpack. Usually bringing too many shorts and then I'm cold from the a/c on the ship and usually don't wear them, except for an excursion off ship. I do bring a sweater every cruise for the reason that I'm usually cold from the ship's a/c.
I over pack and really don’t understand why a lot of TH-camrs go on about it being wrong and acting like it’s the worse thing ever lol for me as long as I’m under my weight allowance then I’m happy. Yes I check a case I only take on a personal bag not carry on case. I like options and I like to make sure I have more than enough. I take a 28 size checked case
I’m with you. Better to pack a little more than forget things or just not have what you want (options). Some people really get stressed though about packing too much…
Packing cubes has revolutionized my unpacking. Everything stays in the cube, goes on a shelf or in a door, takes 10 minutes to unpack. They are brilliant.
Splitting clothes amongst each others bags is a great idea. On the first cruise we went on I over packed. One piece of advice I took to heart was as follows. Pack your bag. Walk away and come back in an hour. Take out 25% of the stuff and now you are done. Besides it is important to leave room for souvenirs. A Tide Good to Go cleaning pen is a great addition to your bag
When travelling for leisure (so going to the heat) I always wear zip-off trousers for travelling. Changing to shorts cos it's hot? Easy. (And the same in reverse going home.)
Yeah, I handle formal night by forgoing it. A suit takes up so much room in my bag, and while I suppose a light dress might take up less room, I'd be very uncomfortable wearing it in public. If they don't like black pants and a golf shirt, I'll eat at the buffet or get rooms service. I use an international power adapter (mine is a Unidapt). It's not only useful for my pre-cruise accommodations in foreign countries, it also provides four USB outlets. On the ship, it plugs right into the European outlet. That's four USB outlets, and an extra power socket if I need one.
Be very careful, however, when purchasing international power adapters. There's a BIG difference between just an adapter and a converter. Many US devices work ONLY with 110-115V and international adapters will not work. You have to have a CONVERTER from 220 to 110 in order for these devices to work. Look carefully on the voltage as well as the wattage, as even the converters have limits.
My friend and I are going on the Carnival Venezia on May 6th -17th plus staying in Manhattan the day before. Thirteen days of clothes needed and no self service laundry aboard that ship. Plus it's very hot and muggy in the Caribbean this time of year making the option of re-wearing some clothing items moot. I don't do bathing suits. I am concerned that my luggage will be overweight. I do have a scale. We aren't drinkers and didn't get a beverage package. I wish that you were allowed to bring more than just one 12-pack of soda aboard a 12 day 11 night cruise. Doesn't seem fair that people on 4 & 5 day cruises are allowed to bring a 12-pack but when on a cruise double the amount of days, you can still only bring one. At least you are allowed to bring two bags. I am looking forward to the trip.
If you are cruising from a US port and has arrived to the states on ESTA do keep the printed copy of your approved ESTA application in your carry on! Even though you have passed US Immigration the cruise line may still ask to see it. It is not as bad as having your passport in checked luggage (we got away with it) but it is better to have ALL documents available.
I fly into cruise ports; and for my cruise last week, one of my bags was overweight for the first time. I didn't think it would be too bad to pay an overweight fee, but their charge was $100.00!! Needless to say, I took stuff out and moved it to my other, smaller bag to make the big bag come in at the proper weight. That is a lot of money!
I forgot to pack feminine hygiene products. Big mistake, we were at Labadee and I couldn’t get anything on the ship. Thank goodness for a wonderful crew member who gave me some of her personal ones. Let’s just say she got a huge tip and a thank you message.
I overpack, and I will continue to do so. I enjoy clothes, and I change all the time. Plus, I hate a wet bathing suit, and they take like 2 days to dry in the state room, so I bring like 10 for a 7 day cruise.
Great report! We always split our clothes 50/50 in the two pieces of luggage . On our last cruise, one bag got really wet from the pouring rain while sitting outside awaiting loading.
50/50 is a must and a saviour if you’ve ever experienced it. I’d look pretty strange wearing my husbands clothes that don’t fit. The 50/50 rule saved us 😅
My partner and I are going on our first ever cruise in April. We are travelling from New Zealand and going on a 21 day cruise from Miami. Your videos have been so helpful with tips and tricks - thank you!
I overpacked both my formal wear and outdoor jackets when I went to Alaska in September 2024. There was so much and so little room that I forgot to pack my casual tops! Thank goodness everything at the ports were on sale at 40% off since the Us to Canada exchange rates were close to 40 %.
One tip I would give for travel in general is to pack versatile clothing, especially for men. Let’s say for example you’re going on a 7 day cruise you only really need four bottoms (slacks, jeans or shorts) & 5 or 6 shirts this way you can mix & match and two of those you are wearing when you travel to the cruise. Also as far as shoes go, don’t buy brand new shoes & the very first time you are wearing them is on your cruise. Even if you just walk around your house with them on break them in because the last thing you want is to have a walking tour on your excursion with unbroken in shoes.
Hi Llana! Would you do a video on HAL transfers from shop to hotel and from hotel to ship? How many days out will they transfer? How far can your hotel be from the airport to the cruise terminal? What does it cost??? I think people who are new to cruising could benefit from this topic. Thanks!
Hey Ilana! Great video again! I love the outfit swap idea. I always make sure I have a light rain jacket, hat, and ear covers for my early morning walks around the lido/outside decks. It’s always breezy and usually colder than you think it might be.
I wish I had brought European adapters on my last cruise, even though it was an American cruise. I would have had three additional plugs had I done so.
Just got off of our first cruise! I’ve been watching your videos for the last year. Your videos had us truly prepared for our cruise! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and videos! ❤
Love my Level8 luggage! Your code from a previous video put me over the top for getting a set for myself. When my wife saw how great it was, she wanted a set, so we got one for her too! So great! I didn't know they had the packing cubes. We may need to pick some of those up too.
I bring wire hangers on my cruises. I find many times. There are a limited number of hangers in the cabin closets, and they are usually large wooden hangers that take up a lot of room. Especially for those of us who overpack, wire hangers, take a lot less room. I leave them in the cabin when I disembark.
great video :) i was looking at the level 8 luggage and they look fantastic :) but at over $1600 aud for 2 suitcases there is no way that we could afford to buy it sadly
My son travels a fair bit each way across “the ditch”. He bought American Tourista Curio hardshell in 3 sizes. I am amazed at what he fits in, easy to wheel as well. So much so, that when my mid sized luggage case gives up the ghost I definitely know what I will be buying. Strand bags have it, so does eBay.
it looks amazing and like it would last for years :) i went through with a dummy booking and the shipping alone was almost $500 aud. so we just could sadly not afford it, but defintely looks fantastic :)@@LifeWellCruised
Thanks Illana for another great video. I found the packing cubes so helpful when i went on my first cruise. I did overpack but one thing i forgot to pack was antihistamine cream. We had to get some from the medical centre onboard which was costly (luckily my travel insurance covered it). I will definitely bring some for my next cruise next year 😊
/Susan Motschman You had mentioned to bring a credit card. My go-to card is Discover. However, many countries do not accept Discover, although they will accept Visa or Master Card, sometimes American Express.
@@LifeWellCruised I have a Travelon Maxlite 5 that only weighs 5.1lbs. I barely use any compression cubes in that so my luggage is lighter. Even had to check that on Air Asia. It was a bit too heavy for their allowance. Plus they took my scissors that only had 2” blades.
As for that almighty passport.........make sure it has at least 6 months left on it from the date you RETURN home to the date it expires or you won't be allowed to board your plane or your ship.
I always use a kitchen drawstring trash bag for dirty laundry at hotels. We generally dont care for housekeeping coming in and just want clean towels, TP and trash taken. Havent been on a cruise yet. Just hoping these daily cleanings dont misktake our dirty clothes for trash as theyll be in the trash bags. Also a question, are you supposed to lock your luggage when sending it off to the handlers or is that a no no?
Should I put the name of the hotel I am staying at the night before my cruise on my luggage, or should I put the cruise ship information on my checked luggage.
Just was on my 1st cruise Radiance Western Caribbean 4-11th Nov, i had sn awesomely fantabulous time. Ideifinitely did a little overpacking, will do better next trip. Thank u for the information u shared, i felt like a knowledgable cruiser lolololol
Great video! It was a wonderful refresher course for me! I enjoyed hearing the things you shared and was happy that I have complied with most of your suggestions! I am leaving on Black Friday for 20 days on RCL. Thanks again for sharing your expertise! 😎😎😎
Absolutely. We usually put the carry on size into the checked luggage and put them both under. You’ll see how we did this in my NCL cruise cabin tour & tips video :)
Not at all. You will have plenty of towels. They have pool towels available. On some ships, you have to check them out. If you don't check them back in, they will charge you $20.
Just got back from cruise to Europe. Really thought late October weather would be cooler. Next time I will pack lighter clothes and a jacket and sweater. Also, our ship did not have a laundry room. Was going to do laundry at our AirBNB but that washer was broken. Laundry prices on board were pretty high. $4 for a pair of undies. Otherwise I was very prepared because I watched so many of her videos. Thanks 😊
On Viking Saturn. Free laundry room, including free detergent. Viking wants to control the products being used in the machines. It’s mid December and the weather in the Mediterranean has been 65 - 70 degrees and sunny every day.
I just watched this video again as we are going on another cruise - this time to Japan. One question I had hopefully you can answer. We just purchased some new luggage and it can lock for TSA. - is that a problem going onto a cruise ship? Thank you so much for so many great travel tips. Here’s to another great year of traveling.
I have a bad back and use a heating pad. I’ve never brought it on a cruise before. Just suffer! I wonder if RC will allow heating pads. Of course without an a long electric cord it wouldn’t help bc anyway!
Hotteze heat pads are excellent. They come in packs of 10 and heat chemically. They are available in the US. I really recommend them for pain in your back, belly or neck. 👍
Do I need a passport if I am cruising within US territory, for example a Hawaiian cruise? I’m a first time cruiser and I really appreciate your videos. Thank you!
My fiancee gets awful sea sickness on a boat. I've been trying to find a way to maybe simulate how it feels on a ship and see if he can handle it with drammamine. I'd hate to have the very few vacations we can take be ruined by an upset stomach. Any suggestions?
Great ideas. You showed a beach bag at 14:43 min. My wife really liked it. However, I didn't see a link in the items you listed. Could you supply a link to that beach bag? Thank you.
Well travelled here! Stupid move here! I cruise at least once a year, sometimes 3. The rest of the time I am a Charter Yacht Captain and take people out days to weeks on a yacht. (Think Below Decks) Besides my paper passport I have the card which is what i need for charters. Goofed. Packed my paper passport in my check-in luggage but the card was in my wallet. No love, refused boarding on the aircraft. 48 hrs later my luggage returned and we tried again. Spend 48 hrs in an airport, its not fun
We just got the carry on solgaard luggage we don’t plan on checking any luggage in. Is that okay to do? This is our 3rd cruise but been a long time since last one.
Take a carry on bag with your most important items, meds, small medical kit with band aids etc. extra glasses, books you want to read, underwear, diary etc.
I purchased a new dress on land for formal night and the store put it in a storage bag. I put the bag in my luggage. On formal night I took the gown out and the plastic security tag was hanging off the bottom. The ship’s stores had already closed so I couldn’t wear it. Very unhappy packing mistake.
Thankyou Illana for all if your informative videos. You got me so pumped up for my 1st family reunion cruise last January on the Celebrity Reflection. This March we are having another family reunion on the Celebrity Apex and I am soaking up all of your videos. I can't wait to go but I haven't really heard of many people loving it. Have you been on it? If so, how was your experience? We are a party of 8 with no children.
Great video as always, but for #2, I am a male but I like to go all out. When I'm on a ship especially on a formal night, I really dress up. My friend from Hong Kong who goes back to Hong Kong every now and then and brought back some very unique bow ties that you won't find anywhere in the world. I have about 10 to 15 of them. Almost every ship, people from men especially women would come up to me and ask me about the bow tie and would want to touch them. So, I do go all out and want to look the best.
Hi Lana, quick?? or if anyone else can give me some advice. I have a big party of 13ppl. going on a cruise in Jan. I tried to get early embankment day but when checked in soonest was 1pm. My question is... If we go earlier can you check in early or do you have to wait for your assigned time? Thanks in advance!
Hi Illana. We are heading out on a 2 week cruise this week. Have you used the laundry services on NCL? It is a good idea to pack less and do laundry part way??
Thank you so much Ilana for your time and effort in making these videos. I'll be going on my first cruise in April and you have helped me immensely! I'll be in Sydney for four nights first. The Majestic Princess cruise is 33 nights, departing from Sydney, stopping at four ports in New Zealand, one night in Tahiti, one night in Oahu, Hawaii, Vancouver, Victoria, then Seattle. Right now I have three questions. #1 - How do I prepare my prescription meds for Customs in Auckland, NZ, or Sydney, AUS? I fly from San Francisco to Sydney with a stop in Auckland first. What about my supplements and over the counter pills like Excedrin and Dramamine? I have been in the habit of using small zip lock bags for meds but I've been told not to do this with prescription meds. #2 - I'll be bring US cash. What about Australian and New Zealand currency? I live in Liberty Lake, Washington and I haven't found a bank, etc., where I can get the currency. I've emailed the Spokane International Airport asking if I can get the currency there but haven't heard back yet. #3 - I'll be in Sydney and New Zealand in April. I think that's the Fall Season and I'm seeing the average temp is 69 degrees. How do I get good info on weather for good clothing planning. Any advise you can give me for this long cruise is greatly appreciated. Thanks very much for your advice. You're a gem! Eileen
What about life jackets? I have seen they have life jackets for the pool on the cruise ships, but can you borrow them for a trip to the beach at port. I'm specifically thinking for my 4 and 7 year old.
Im a first-time cruiser and my wife and I are heading to Alaska in May. Im planning on bringing my heated coat with the batteries and charger. Will this be a problem?
Do not bring large bills. We only take ones and fives with a few tens. I've seen people try to use a fifty, which can put a real strain on the vendor and is pretty high versus the traditional two dollar tip.
Im going on my first cruise in 2 weeks and i cant find the information about luggage allowance. Royal Caribbean don’t specify quantity/size/weight of the allowed luggage. Can anyone help?
So glad you enjoy the videos! Links to items are in the video description, which is below the video title. It can be confusing, but you’ll want to tap the “read more” or “see more” directly below the first line or so of the video description. You can also tap a little arrow on the right side of the title
On our last Carnival cruise they had sniffer dog doing the line-up on embarkation day so I think that should bring down the prohibited substances brought on board. We usually order a case of water (12-pack) through the app and that is usually enough for two people for the duration of the cruise so no need to struggle to bring water on. Also, When repacking my dirty clothes, I pack them by colour so it’s easier to do my laundry when I get home.
The level 8 carry on,did it fit the airport luggage requirement? We booked our first trip on Celebrity Mediterranean cruise beginning of October. I believe you are in Canada as well. We live in Ontario. I have watched many of your videos already but worry about international travel with a carry on.
Thank you. Yes…..but we usually bring $1000.00 for each week. That’s a lot of cash, and we bring 2 credit cards……as one credit card was hacked in the Caribbean and it was a HUGE hassle.
Make sure at least one credit card is a Visa. That seems to be the preferred card. We were in Mazatlan a couple weeks ago. I took Discover and Mastercard cards ashore and both were declined. I knew they had money available and couldn’t figure out why they were declined. Then I realized that they only accepted Visa. 🤦🏻♀️
I always notify my credit card company when I'm going to be on vacation and where I'll be going so that way they're not as likely to decline a purchase. And I also checked to see if there's any kind of transaction fees when I'm in a different country.
Take a photo on your phone of your luggage as you start your trip. This will make it easier to describe to the luggage desk if they are misplaced. Especially handy if you have "Decorated" it. Also, place a paper inside with your name, phone number and cabin number, in case it becomes separated from it's tags.
Great tips!! Thank you!!
I like this idea. Several years ago, my mom, 2 sisters and me went on a cruise. One sister had just purchased new luggage and when we got to the baggage claim area, she couldn’t remember what it looked like. We spent a lot of extra time looking for it.
An excellent reminder list! The following are a few packing mistakes we have made in the past. 1. Failing to pack a double supply of critical prescriptions in a different carryon bag. Our cruise travel was extend and it was very difficult to obtain prescriptions in foreign countries. 2. Having our luggage get wet due to inclement weather at the port. I now give the stevedore a generous tip and request that our bags be places in the bottom of the luggage carts. This also helps prevent your bags from falling off the cart during the loading process. 3. Packing a small bottle of shampoo that looked like a bottle of liquor. Our bag was not delivered to our cabin and after talking with Guest Services we had to visit the "naughty room" on a lower deck to retrieve our bag. 4. Losing a wallet and my spouse not having at least one different credit card than I had in my wallet. Canceling credit cards while traveling is easy, but getting a new card from a foreign location is very difficult. Take care and keep cruising...
Good lessons for us all! Thanks for sharing
If you are flying to a cruise port the day before your cruise when do you put your cruise luggage tags on?
As a someone who used to work in the anti fraud department, I can confirm it can be difficault to get new cards to travellers. And once a card has been reported as lost or stolen, it has to be closed. Delayed closure can be done, but that requires you to contact the card company to remove a block on every single charge.
We remove our flight tags and put on the cruise tags at our hotel.
@pam7313 . I've heard some cruisers say they put them on before they travel to the port. Like on the plane if you're flying.
I just returned from a cruise a week ago (4/10/24) on the Norwegian Pearl. I told the line that I needed distilled water for my CPAP and it was in the cabin when we arrived.
While it is unlikely that one will ever cruise for various reasons, this channel is so much fun to watch and get a vicarious experience. Really like your narration.
lol thanks I appreciate it! :)
@@LifeWellCruisedhi new to cruising I have a question in regards to foods , do they offer any gluten free options? And are supplements safe to take on cruise ? Like vit d and magnesium
Two tips. First don’t forget to pack your medication(s). I generally pack a “pharmacy” bag that have my medication, sea sickness pills, excedrin and antacids . Second, (for guys) at most bring 3 pairs of shoes, sandles, dress shoes( for formal nights) and a comfortable pair of sneakers.
I have sleep apnea and have been watching many cruise channels to get prepared for my first cruise. Your channel is the first one I've seen that addresses CPAP machines and cruises. Once again, you've proven to be the premier channel in this space! Thank you for your brilliant content!
Also, if you have a CPAP, you can order distilled water in the week before your cruise. We did that for my spouse and we has the bottle waiting for us in our cabin because we ordered it beforehand.
@@CarboneCat Thanks so much for that useful bit of information.
Princess Cruises provides a very long, heavy-duty extension cord (which the room steward tapes to the floor so you don't trip) and free distilled water. And btw sharps container, too. Just notify in advance, but I suspect if you forget, it won't be a problem. I don't have experience with any other cruise line.
@@julier8564Disney does the distilled water in the cabin
Holland America provides extension cords for CPAPs and distilled water. There is a specific "accommodations" checklist that they have for specific items - canes, mobility items, need for refrigerated medicines as examples.
I have used the zipper plastic bags from new sheets and pillow cases to protect clothes, etc. recycling! 😊
Great idea
Excellent idea!
I do the same, very handy!!
I use vacuum packing bags. The brand we got comes with a hand pump so you don't need to bring your own vacuum sweeper in your luggage. We are also getting suitcase covers from Amazon for our luggage. At the end of our last cruise we used the baggage handlers and found our cases in a room the size of Costco completely full of black and blue bags. Now our bags look like a paint store exploded and won't look like anyone else's bags (unless they shop from Amazon too). We did find it hard to know about special dinner "dress" before embarkation. The cruise company's information phone number didn't have that information. So I wore my tux to dinner the first night and fit in very well with the waiters.
This made me giggle today!
That's what I'm here for. That and fitting in with the waiters. @@lynnleipold2617
😂😂
We pack small travel umbrellas for the port. It was raining in Jamaica. We were thankful for those umbrellas. Definitely have an outfit for chilly weather. We also keep a packing cube with clothes and travel toiletries in our personal bag when we fly. Since we fly in to the port, we stop at a store and get bleach wipes and microban. We wipe down every hard surface in that cabin. I know they are suppose to clean and sanitize but I want to make sure. We also wipe down our hard sided luggage. We also pack a USB fan. They are handy on some of those bus rides to excursions or to use on the pool deck
You can put wipes in carry-on as they're not considered a liquid.
On one of my cruises when I put my suitcase out for pick-up for disembarking, I missed packing a drawer of clothes. I was lucky to get it all into my backpack. I self-disembark now, but double and triple check all storage when packing to go home!
Our first cruise in 2023, it had been almost 10 years since our last cruise - we seriously over packed. Later that year we took another cruise and packed half of what we had before and made use of unlimited laundry to clean items. It was great and easier on our arms....
I tend to overpack. Usually bringing too many shorts and then I'm cold from the a/c on the ship and usually don't wear them, except for an excursion off ship. I do bring a sweater every cruise for the reason that I'm usually cold from the ship's a/c.
Thanks! I didn't think of a jacket. Will definitely pack a sweater or jacket!😊
I over pack and really don’t understand why a lot of TH-camrs go on about it being wrong and acting like it’s the worse thing ever lol for me as long as I’m under my weight allowance then I’m happy. Yes I check a case I only take on a personal bag not carry on case. I like options and I like to make sure I have more than enough. I take a 28 size checked case
I’m with you. Better to pack a little more than forget things or just not have what you want (options). Some people really get stressed though about packing too much…
I agree, especially since we do not have to fly. We live in San Jose California and we are leaving out of the San Francisco port. 😊
Packing cubes has revolutionized my unpacking. Everything stays in the cube, goes on a shelf or in a door, takes 10 minutes to unpack. They are brilliant.
Yes!! Sounds like my experience too 😂
Splitting clothes amongst each others bags is a great idea. On the first cruise we went on I over packed. One piece of advice I took to heart was as follows. Pack your bag. Walk away and come back in an hour. Take out 25% of the stuff and now you are done. Besides it is important to leave room for souvenirs. A Tide Good to Go cleaning pen is a great addition to your bag
When travelling for leisure (so going to the heat) I always wear zip-off trousers for travelling. Changing to shorts cos it's hot? Easy. (And the same in reverse going home.)
Yeah, I handle formal night by forgoing it. A suit takes up so much room in my bag, and while I suppose a light dress might take up less room, I'd be very uncomfortable wearing it in public. If they don't like black pants and a golf shirt, I'll eat at the buffet or get rooms service.
I use an international power adapter (mine is a Unidapt). It's not only useful for my pre-cruise accommodations in foreign countries, it also provides four USB outlets. On the ship, it plugs right into the European outlet. That's four USB outlets, and an extra power socket if I need one.
Be very careful, however, when purchasing international power adapters. There's a BIG difference between just an adapter and a converter. Many US devices work ONLY with 110-115V and international adapters will not work. You have to have a CONVERTER from 220 to 110 in order for these devices to work. Look carefully on the voltage as well as the wattage, as even the converters have limits.
@@KorkyKathman No need to insult me by suggesting I don't know what I'm doing.
My friend and I are going on the Carnival Venezia on May 6th -17th plus staying in Manhattan the day before. Thirteen days of clothes needed and no self service laundry aboard that ship. Plus it's very hot and muggy in the Caribbean this time of year making the option of re-wearing some clothing items moot. I don't do bathing suits. I am concerned that my luggage will be overweight. I do have a scale. We aren't drinkers and didn't get a beverage package. I wish that you were allowed to bring more than just one 12-pack of soda aboard a 12 day 11 night cruise. Doesn't seem fair that people on 4 & 5 day cruises are allowed to bring a 12-pack but when on a cruise double the amount of days, you can still only bring one. At least you are allowed to bring two bags. I am looking forward to the trip.
If you are cruising from a US port and has arrived to the states on ESTA do keep the printed copy of your approved ESTA application in your carry on! Even though you have passed US Immigration the cruise line may still ask to see it. It is not as bad as having your passport in checked luggage (we got away with it) but it is better to have ALL documents available.
I fly into cruise ports; and for my cruise last week, one of my bags was overweight for the first time. I didn't think it would be too bad to pay an overweight fee, but their charge was $100.00!! Needless to say, I took stuff out and moved it to my other, smaller bag to make the big bag come in at the proper weight. That is a lot of money!
I go on my first cruise ever this upcoming Monday and have learned so much from watching your videos! Thank you.
Have fun! Hope it’s an amazing cruise!
I forgot to pack feminine hygiene products. Big mistake, we were at Labadee and I couldn’t get anything on the ship. Thank goodness for a wonderful crew member who gave me some of her personal ones. Let’s just say she got a huge tip and a thank you message.
I overpack, and I will continue to do so. I enjoy clothes, and I change all the time. Plus, I hate a wet bathing suit, and they take like 2 days to dry in the state room, so I bring like 10 for a 7 day cruise.
Great report! We always split our clothes 50/50 in the two pieces of luggage . On our last cruise, one bag got really wet from the pouring rain while sitting outside awaiting loading.
50/50 is a must and a saviour if you’ve ever experienced it. I’d look pretty strange wearing my husbands clothes that don’t fit. The 50/50 rule saved us 😅
And an absolute must if you are flying!
My partner and I are going on our first ever cruise in April. We are travelling from New Zealand and going on a 21 day cruise from Miami. Your videos have been so helpful with tips and tricks - thank you!
I've packed too many shoes. I usually bring a small notepad and pen.
I overpacked both my formal wear and outdoor jackets when I went to Alaska in September 2024. There was so much and so little room that I forgot to pack my casual tops! Thank goodness everything at the ports were on sale at 40% off since the Us to Canada exchange rates were close to 40 %.
One tip I would give for travel in general is to pack versatile clothing, especially for men. Let’s say for example you’re going on a 7 day cruise you only really need four bottoms (slacks, jeans or shorts) & 5 or 6 shirts this way you can mix & match and two of those you are wearing when you travel to the cruise.
Also as far as shoes go, don’t buy brand new shoes & the very first time you are wearing them is on your cruise. Even if you just walk around your house with them on break them in because the last thing you want is to have a walking tour on your excursion with unbroken in shoes.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing
We put an extra copy of the luggage tag inside our luggage in case the one on Handel comes off
Hi Llana! Would you do a video on HAL transfers from shop to hotel and from hotel to ship? How many days out will they transfer? How far can your hotel be from the airport to the cruise terminal? What does it cost??? I think people who are new to cruising could benefit from this topic. Thanks!
Sure, we can talk about transfers in a future video
Thank you!! ❤️
Packing folders are our best hack! We have 2 each, one for bottoms and one for tops and when cruising I have another for dresses.
Hey Ilana! Great video again! I love the outfit swap idea. I always make sure I have a light rain jacket, hat, and ear covers for my early morning walks around the lido/outside decks. It’s always breezy and usually colder than you think it might be.
You are sooo right about shoes. The double whammy is that they weigh a bit and it can push you over that 50 lb limit that airlines have.
I wish I had brought European adapters on my last cruise, even though it was an American cruise. I would have had three additional plugs had I done so.
Just got off of our first cruise! I’ve been watching your videos for the last year. Your videos had us truly prepared for our cruise! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and videos! ❤
One of your best, but all of yours are excellent
Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching 😊
Love my Level8 luggage! Your code from a previous video put me over the top for getting a set for myself. When my wife saw how great it was, she wanted a set, so we got one for her too! So great! I didn't know they had the packing cubes. We may need to pick some of those up too.
That is awesome! lol, everyone in my family loves them too! Both attractive & so functional
I bring wire hangers on my cruises. I find many times. There are a limited number of hangers in the cabin closets, and they are usually large wooden hangers that take up a lot of room. Especially for those of us who overpack, wire hangers, take a lot less room. I leave them in the cabin when I disembark.
great video :) i was looking at the level 8 luggage and they look fantastic :) but at over $1600 aud for 2 suitcases there is no way that we could afford to buy it sadly
They have much less expensive pieces and they are great!
My son travels a fair bit each way across “the ditch”. He bought American Tourista Curio hardshell in 3 sizes. I am amazed at what he fits in, easy to wheel as well. So much so, that when my mid sized luggage case gives up the ghost I definitely know what I will be buying. Strand bags have it, so does eBay.
I love the luggage, but unfortunately it seems less readily available in AUS :(
it looks amazing and like it would last for years :) i went through with a dummy booking and the shipping alone was almost $500 aud. so we just could sadly not afford it, but defintely looks fantastic :)@@LifeWellCruised
@@travelwithdebandnickdon’t worry about missing out. Pieces of that luggage are too big for airlines outside of the US.
Thanks Illana for another great video. I found the packing cubes so helpful when i went on my first cruise. I did overpack but one thing i forgot to pack was antihistamine cream. We had to get some from the medical centre onboard which was costly (luckily my travel insurance covered it). I will definitely bring some for my next cruise next year 😊
/Susan Motschman You had mentioned to bring a credit card. My go-to card is Discover. However, many countries do not accept Discover, although they will accept Visa or Master Card, sometimes American Express.
I appreciate your info , however Level8 luggage is just too heavy for the old gramma to lift into the overhead bin.
Thanks for the feedback. It’s lighter than most luggage, but a weekend style bag might be easier as an option if lifting is difficult
@@LifeWellCruised I have a Travelon Maxlite 5 that only weighs 5.1lbs. I barely use any compression cubes in that so my luggage is lighter. Even had to check that on Air Asia. It was a bit too heavy for their allowance. Plus they took my scissors that only had 2” blades.
As for that almighty passport.........make sure it has at least 6 months left on it from the date you RETURN home to the date it expires or you won't be allowed to board your plane or your ship.
I always use a kitchen drawstring trash bag for dirty laundry at hotels. We generally dont care for housekeeping coming in and just want clean towels, TP and trash taken. Havent been on a cruise yet. Just hoping these daily cleanings dont misktake our dirty clothes for trash as theyll be in the trash bags. Also a question, are you supposed to lock your luggage when sending it off to the handlers or is that a no no?
Should I put the name of the hotel I am staying at the night before my cruise on my luggage, or should I put the cruise ship information on my checked luggage.
Thanks!
Thank you for your generosity! :)
Very good information
We were traveling with out little one and usually bring dawn dish soap to clean bottles. Forgot that once. Not again.
I am going on my first cruise in August on Norwegian Bliss Alaska and your videos r so helpful!! Thank you!!😊
Just was on my 1st cruise Radiance Western Caribbean 4-11th Nov, i had sn awesomely fantabulous time. Ideifinitely did a little overpacking, will do better next trip. Thank u for the information u shared, i felt like a knowledgable cruiser lolololol
Great video! It was a wonderful refresher course for me! I enjoyed hearing the things you shared and was happy that I have complied with most of your suggestions! I am leaving on Black Friday for 20 days on RCL. Thanks again for sharing your expertise! 😎😎😎
I happened to run across your videos on tik tok and they are very informative and helpful
Glad you like them! Unfortunately those on TikTok are fake accounts that upload my videos without permission. Thanks for watching them on TH-cam :)
@@LifeWellCruised that’s sad but I shall continue to watch them as you put them on here. Thank you ma’am
Hi Ilana. Do you find that the hard shelled luggage fits under the bed in a regular stateroom?
Absolutely. We usually put the carry on size into the checked luggage and put them both under. You’ll see how we did this in my NCL cruise cabin tour & tips video :)
You could always slide it under the bed in an open position if it won’t fit closed.
What about towels? Do we need to pack towels for our cabin shower? The pool/ hot tub deck, or public beaches along our trip? That's soo many towels!
Not at all. You will have plenty of towels. They have pool towels available. On some ships, you have to check them out. If you don't check them back in, they will charge you $20.
@@bronzefox9035 🌴 Thank you!! 🌴
No towels needed :)
We always pack half of our clothes in one luggage and the other half in the other luggage. If one is lost at least we have some clothes.
My family and I will be leaving November 26th from Galveston on a Caribbean cruise 7days
Exciting!! Enjoy 🎉
Just got back from cruise to Europe. Really thought late October weather would be cooler. Next time I will pack lighter clothes and a jacket and sweater. Also, our ship did not have a laundry room. Was going to do laundry at our AirBNB but that washer was broken. Laundry prices on board were pretty high. $4 for a pair of undies. Otherwise I was very prepared because I watched so many of her videos. Thanks 😊
Thanks for sharing this! Unfortunately laundry services by item can be pricey
On Viking Saturn. Free laundry room, including free detergent. Viking wants to control the products being used in the machines. It’s mid December and the weather in the Mediterranean has been 65 - 70 degrees and sunny every day.
@davidhurwitz2291 those are surprisingly warm Temps, I agree. Have fun! 😊
I have a lot of prescription medicine, do I have to bring they in the original bottles in my carry on or can they be in my suitcase?
I just watched this video again as we are going on another cruise - this time to Japan. One question I had hopefully you can answer. We just purchased some new luggage and it can lock for TSA. - is that a problem going onto a cruise ship?
Thank you so much for so many great travel tips. Here’s to another great year of traveling.
I have a bad back and use a heating pad. I’ve never brought it on a cruise before. Just suffer! I wonder if RC will allow heating pads. Of course without an a long electric cord it wouldn’t help bc anyway!
Unfortunately not usually. However contact the cruise line to be sure
@@LifeWellCruisedthank you!
Hotteze heat pads are excellent. They come in packs of 10 and heat chemically. They are available in the US. I really recommend them for pain in your back, belly or neck. 👍
Do I need a passport if I am cruising within US territory, for example a Hawaiian cruise? I’m a first time cruiser and I really appreciate your videos. Thank you!
Would it be easier on embarkation day to pack all
Your liquids and meds in the same suitcase? I know they check them all but would it be faster?
My fiancee gets awful sea sickness on a boat. I've been trying to find a way to maybe simulate how it feels on a ship and see if he can handle it with drammamine. I'd hate to have the very few vacations we can take be ruined by an upset stomach. Any suggestions?
Great ideas. You showed a beach bag at 14:43 min. My wife really liked it. However, I didn't see a link in the items you listed. Could you supply a link to that beach bag? Thank you.
I was looking for that one too!
My apologies- I’ll add it
Awesome, thank you!
Well travelled here! Stupid move here! I cruise at least once a year, sometimes 3. The rest of the time I am a Charter Yacht Captain and take people out days to weeks on a yacht. (Think Below Decks)
Besides my paper passport I have the card which is what i need for charters. Goofed. Packed my paper passport in my check-in luggage but the card was in my wallet. No love, refused boarding on the aircraft. 48 hrs later my luggage returned and we tried again. Spend 48 hrs in an airport, its not fun
We just got the carry on solgaard luggage we don’t plan on checking any luggage in. Is that okay to do? This is our 3rd cruise but been a long time since last one.
I can never find the LINKS BELOW that you mention. Where are they??
I use packing cubes, however sometimes I forget what items in them how do you use to identify the cubes?
Me and my family are going on our first cruise to Bermuda 😊
Hope you enjoy it! Bermuda is amazing
Take a carry on bag with your most important items, meds, small medical kit with band aids etc. extra glasses, books you want to read, underwear, diary etc.
Nice informative video. Thank you!
YES to packing cubes!
Great videos ... Quick question: Can I bring regular size lysol on a cruise?
Yes you can, for boarding the cruise (but follow rules for flights re aerosols)
Thank you so much for such a response, and have fun on your upcoming cruise. You are a celebrity in my household.
I purchased a new dress on land for formal night and the store put it in a storage bag. I put the bag in my luggage. On formal night I took the gown out and the plastic security tag was hanging off the bottom. The ship’s stores had already closed so I couldn’t wear it. Very unhappy packing mistake.
Oh no!
Mine is not packing a change of clothes to wear before the mustard drill 🤦🏻♀️
Thankyou Illana for all if your informative videos. You got me so pumped up for my 1st family reunion cruise last January on the Celebrity Reflection. This March we are having another family reunion on the Celebrity Apex and I am soaking up all of your videos. I can't wait to go but I haven't really heard of many people loving it. Have you been on it? If so, how was your experience? We are a party of 8 with no children.
I think you'll love this ship! We have a couple videos about Celebrity Beyond, which is a sister ship
Great video as always, but for #2, I am a male but I like to go all out. When I'm on a ship especially on a formal night, I really dress up. My friend from Hong Kong who goes back to Hong Kong every now and then and brought back some very unique bow ties that you won't find anywhere in the world. I have about 10 to 15 of them. Almost every ship, people from men especially women would come up to me and ask me about the bow tie and would want to touch them. So, I do go all out and want to look the best.
Love that!
Hi Lana, quick?? or if anyone else can give me some advice. I have a big party of 13ppl. going on a cruise in Jan. I tried to get early embankment day but when checked in soonest was 1pm.
My question is... If we go earlier can you check in early or do you have to wait for your assigned time? Thanks in advance!
Hi Illana. We are heading out on a 2 week cruise this week. Have you used the laundry services on NCL? It is a good idea to pack less and do laundry part way??
At the end of this month i will cruise with ncl departure from NY. How can i find wich departure port?
Thank you so much Ilana for your time and effort in making these videos. I'll be going on my first cruise in April and you have helped me immensely! I'll be in Sydney for four nights first. The Majestic Princess cruise is 33 nights, departing from Sydney, stopping at four ports in New Zealand, one night in Tahiti, one night in Oahu, Hawaii, Vancouver, Victoria, then Seattle. Right now I have three questions. #1 - How do I prepare my prescription meds for Customs in Auckland, NZ, or Sydney, AUS? I fly from San Francisco to Sydney with a stop in Auckland first. What about my supplements and over the counter pills like Excedrin and Dramamine? I have been in the habit of using small zip lock bags for meds but I've been told not to do this with prescription meds. #2 - I'll be bring US cash. What about Australian and New Zealand currency? I live in Liberty Lake, Washington and I haven't found a bank, etc., where I can get the currency. I've emailed the Spokane International Airport asking if I can get the currency there but haven't heard back yet. #3 - I'll be in Sydney and New Zealand in April. I think that's the Fall Season and I'm seeing the average temp is 69 degrees. How do I get good info on weather for good clothing planning. Any advise you can give me for this long cruise is greatly appreciated. Thanks very much for your advice. You're a gem! Eileen
What about life jackets? I have seen they have life jackets for the pool on the cruise ships, but can you borrow them for a trip to the beach at port. I'm specifically thinking for my 4 and 7 year old.
I don’t believe you can. I’d bring my own
Packing cubes got to look into those
I was against them at first, even returned my first set, before I gave them another try. My who family are now converts 😂
Im a first-time cruiser and my wife and I are heading to Alaska in May. Im planning on bringing my heated coat with the batteries and charger. Will this be a problem?
Do not bring large bills. We only take ones and fives with a few tens. I've seen people try to use a fifty, which can put a real strain on the vendor and is pretty high versus the traditional two dollar tip.
We use the cruise line's laundry service and return home with a bag of freshly laundered clothes. 😊
Love it!
Im going on my first cruise in 2 weeks and i cant find the information about luggage allowance. Royal Caribbean don’t specify quantity/size/weight of the allowed luggage. Can anyone help?
Are you allowed to take a screwdriver just in case your luggage needs to be repaired?
For a 7 day cruise how many shirts do you suggest to pack as well as shorts bathing suits etc
Here’s a Caribbean cruise packing list that can help lifewellcruised.com/what-to-pack-for-a-caribbean-cruise/
Love her channel. I've searched all over and cannot find the links to the items Ilana mentioned. Where am I not looking?
So glad you enjoy the videos! Links to items are in the video description, which is below the video title. It can be confusing, but you’ll want to tap the “read more” or “see more” directly below the first line or so of the video description. You can also tap a little arrow on the right side of the title
On our last Carnival cruise they had sniffer dog doing the line-up on embarkation day so I think that should bring down the prohibited substances brought on board.
We usually order a case of water (12-pack) through the app and that is usually enough for two people for the duration of the cruise so no need to struggle to bring water on.
Also,
When repacking my dirty clothes, I pack them by colour so it’s easier to do my laundry when I get home.
Smart laundry idea
You rock! I'm a fan
What are packing cubes
The level 8 carry on,did it fit the airport luggage requirement? We booked our first trip on Celebrity Mediterranean cruise beginning of October. I believe you are in Canada as well. We live in Ontario. I have watched many of your videos already but worry about international travel with a carry on.
Yes, we had to put them in the checkers in Rome & they fit perfectly, even the wheels
New rules on power blocks - they are not allowed on Royal Caribbean. You can bring a usb cube but nothing that has multiple power outlets.
Where can I purchase a luggage bag like that and does it come in a set?
Please see the links in the video description for sets ect
Thank you really appreciate it and enjoy watching your videos for updates helps out a whole lot
I always bring cash…..we always split into 2 parts…..but never know where/how to pack it?
I usually keep some on me, some with my hubby. But we use a cc for most purchases
Thank you. Yes…..but we usually bring $1000.00 for each week. That’s a lot of cash, and we bring 2 credit cards……as one credit card was hacked in the Caribbean and it was a HUGE hassle.
Make sure at least one credit card is a Visa. That seems to be the preferred card. We were in Mazatlan a couple weeks ago. I took Discover and Mastercard cards ashore and both were declined. I knew they had money available and couldn’t figure out why they were declined. Then I realized that they only accepted Visa. 🤦🏻♀️
I like to carry my cash in a money belt under my clothing or in a small hanging zipper bag I wear under my shirt.
I always notify my credit card company when I'm going to be on vacation and where I'll be going so that way they're not as likely to decline a purchase. And I also checked to see if there's any kind of transaction fees when I'm in a different country.
how can you find out about theme nights?
Check in with a cruise facebook group or a message board for your cruise
I try not to pack to much when I'm on the cruise.
We found OTC to be 10x more on a ship
Wow!!
If the ship has them @#%! No Advil or similar on our last cruise
Bring feminine products even if you think you won't need it. They are expensive and limited brands/styles on the ship.
This is an excellent tip
Very true