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As far as safety pins go, my mom taught me to attach a few safety pins to the inside of a purse or wallet or such. Just physically attach one safety pin and clip the others to that one. This way you always have them whenever you need them.
For thank you cards we purchase tourism postcards from our own home town. This gives the recipients a little insight to where we are from and there’s plenty of space on the other side to write the thank you note
One of the best travel hacks we ever found if you like doing beach vacations: several years ago we purchased a cheap fabric shower curtain for under $10 at WalMart. We use it as a beach blanket! It folds up very small, is perfect size for two people to sit/lay on, extremely portable. We have used it on several cruise vacations when we know we are going to have beach time. Perfect!
I am a Front Desk Manager at a hotel. I keep sewing kits, makeup remover wipes, toothpaste, and many other things that we give to guests for free. Makeup wipes work just as well as, if not better than, Tide pens. I always have some on me. It never hurts to stop by the front desk at your hotel to see what they may have for free.
@@carolynnmathisen8754 oh no, not the cruise ship front desk. Ask at your pre-cruise hotel. Or any hotel you stay at and stock up for your next cruise. 😊
I am a retired nurse and I learned long ago that a roll of cloth tape like we used to secure IVs with work wonderfully to do an emergency hem job. I never travel without it.
Instead of packing the travel sized box of detergent, I pack a detergent strip (like TruEarth) and then can tear off pieces to use as needed, which takes up far less space. Likewise, if insect repellent is needed where we are going, we pack the repellent towelettes rather than the pump or aerosol versions.
Great video! One suggestion: lens wipes for your sunglasses, phone screen, laptop, etc. The sea air can leave a salty residue on your glasses, plus any sunscreen on your hands gets all over the phone and laptop screens.
When im planning a cruise with cousins or friends, i will purchase little makeup bags from dollar tree and fill them with things we all might need. A plastic raincoat, a pen, sticky notes and a small note pad, a lanyard with a card holder, a highlighter, a small flashlight
I have my “cruise bag” where I keep a lot of these items. Makes packing so much easier & I don’t forget things. I ordered the hangers & those were a game changer for me. Sturdy, compact & thin. I don’t use any of the hangers in the closet anymore on ships or hotels. I do not bring a white noise machine. Don’t have any issues with noises on ships. The 1st cruise I took my mom on she was so excited to go to sleep with the sounds of the waves. Well, she opened the sliding glass door when she went to bed. The crashing of the waves & winds was not what she expected. I died laughing. She closed the slider. Not the calming effect she expected. 🤣
We always bring a “white dry erase” board. Has a magnetic back so sticks to wall. We always leave a message for our room steward…any requests we have or a simple have a great day! We enjoy reading the messages they then leave us!!
I wrap a few inches of duck tape around the shaft of a pen. Then I don't need a bulky roll. I take a child's size Magnadoodle with a stylus for leaving notes. I use return mail lables to put on my water bottle, coffee mug, etc. I do nesting with my bags: makeup bag in purse, purse in backpack, backpack in satchel, satchel in carry on. Then I use each independently as needed for around the ship, to the pool, and ashore.
Even better than Duct Tape is Gaffer Tape, available on Amazon. Its what is used on movie sets to tape doen all the power cords, but doesnt leave a gummy residue behind upon removal.
Don't forget the Lysol wipes to wipe down a table at the Cafe or buffet and your room. They do a good job cleaning, but it never hurts to clean up your space!
The plastic trays you get produce in from the grocery store. They nest together great for space packing and are all different sizes. We use them in cabin as drawer organizers and on side table to keep things together. They are great to keep sunscreen in so they don't leak on other things.
I just bought mine, I have a loose one and for sure it will come off on cruise, have already had it put back on by Dentist who told me it will come off again…🙏🏻🙏🏻
I have a suggestion for all travellers who have food allergies. My husband made up recipe cards using google translate for all of the countries we were visiting on our Mediterranean Cruise. The languages we translated were Arabic, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Spanish and Croatian. What a benefit this was for the waitstaff in the ship restaurants and even on shore. This made for memorable dining experiences as I had full confidence that my dietary needs were being met. On occasion the chefs would actually make me a separate meal that was not on the menu just so I could have an enjoyable meal.
Dollar tree also has Non-Slip Plastic Shelf Liners, which help prevent slipping in the shower. We cut them into 3 parts then we can use them on multiple trips.
I always bring a string of battery operated lights that I hang in the bathroom. Nothing worse in the middle of the night than that bright bathroom light! Yes, I bring magnetic hooks to help hang it. I also have small scissors I bring.
I use a tiny battery operated candle from the dollar store. We either use it in the bathroom or our inside stateroom. As long as we turn it off in the morning it lasts the whole 8 or 12 day cruise. But I always bring 2 just in case. I like the ones that flicker too, so it's nice candle ambiance as well!
You have the best tips🤗. I would say make sure you have a large needle in your sewing kit. Sometimes the needle is so tiny that I can’t thread it without a magnifying glass
Pop up laundry hampers are also great for corralling all of kids toys, blankets, etc in a cabin when they aren’t in use. Another great one for families with tiny ones is an inflatable bathtub with temperature sensor (we used one from Munchkin that is shaped like a rubber duck). Also, for kids who like to play with cars a roll of painters tape makes for easy roads on the carpet.
I started buying bar shampoo and conditioner on Amazon and it is wonderful. Many different aromas and I find it comparable to my regular shampoo and conditioner. Mine came with plastic covered travel cases. They weigh almost nothing and no spills. I now use these at home and they last for months.
I must have left my highlighter in the cabin before out last cruise. We looked on 4 or 5 islands in the Caribbean for a highlighter and not only were they not available, no one seemed to know what we talking about. It was a laugh. On Princess you do not need to bring a tray. There is a tray under your glasses in your cabin. DH takes it down to get my coffee and muffins in the morning and always gets ," Why didn't I think about that?" comments from others.
@@natinchile a highlighter, also called a fluorescent pen, is a type of writing device used to bring attention to sections of text by marking them with a vivid, translucent colour. A typical highlighter is fluorescent yellow.
I bring disposable toilet seat covers for bathrooms while in port and on excursions to use after I clean the toilet seat with a Lysol or Clorox wipe. I throw them away in the trash, never flush them.
@@pdallen5801 I have a little pouch with individually wrapped toilet seat covers, a little container of dry soap, which is soap on a little type paper that disappears when water is added, plus some tissues in case there's no toilet paper, and individually wrapped anti-bacteria wipes.
My best travel hack is buying a cheap nylon tote with a zipper (or not your choice but zipper is better) and fold it up nice and small and put it in your small purse or handbag, whenever you start shopping or you got food or snacks or even water to carry you can just take it out of you bag whenever you need it and use it, instead of carrying a big bag everywhere.
Wonderful video and viewers' comments! Baby diaper pins are better for many things, since they will not come undone and prick you! Nylon dental floss is really small to pack-not just for your teeth, either! Use as shoe ties, repair jobs, with a larger eyed-needle, can stitch more things, strap small bundles tightly, and it's quite strong!! peace
Large zip lock bags for Spray Bottle. After wife's hairspray cap came off and "starched" most of her cloths. Always keep in the sealed bags. Personally, I bring bags of wrapped hard candy, butter scotch is my fav. Good for waiting in long lines, great way to meet fellow passengers and treats for the ship's crew.
I routinely practice throw and go. I bring my oldest underwear, bras, nightgown etc. Then at the end of the cruise I throw them all in a garbage bag and leave them behind to be thrown away. Make sure to leave a note on the bag that says it's garbage. I forgot one time and about a week post cruise I got a call from a representative wanting to know I wanted my clothes back!
I do this as well. Tossing out those old undies, bras and clothes is very liberating especially after wearing the same things during a three month holiday. It frees up space for all the new clothes that I’ve purchased on my travels.
You can also get disposable underwear. It can be washed and revised a few times,, but for emergencies, emergency kits or just convenience they are handy.
If you don't remember sewing kits. Just ask at Guest Services.Years ago, Princess Cruises had free sewing kits with their logo on it. I bring my clothes on the plastic hangers I got se at home and fold shirts with the hangers in 3. No wrinkles and to quote Joan Crarford "No more wire hangers."
As I am watching this , I am packing for my 2 week Baltic cruise at the end of May. I chuckled at some of your must-have items to bring. We are flying from Canada to Amsterdam to catch the cruise with only carry -on, then travelling around for another 2 weeks. It's taken me a lot of thought of what to pack and Tupperware and trays didn't make the list. LOL . Ziplock bags, sewing kit and few other of your suggestions were very helpful. Thanks
lol I definitely would not bring Tupperware on a Baltic cruise. I do think that some people on a Caribbean cruise where they drive to the port might consider it 😉
I thought the tray and plastic container ideas were interesting but I'm packing a few Ziploc and Starbucks bags(any kind of small sturdy shopping/gift bag will work). I have different sizes of each. I will most likely use the bags when I'm at the buffet. I'm just going to slip my Ziploc-ed snacks into the SB bags for easy carrying back to my stateroom....easier to carry than a tray, a bit more discreet and WAYYY easier to pack.
I’m going to post gain. This is one of the top videos you have made over the years. I congratulate you for all the tips you made! Candy,for instance, especially if you are traveling with children, is a must bring, unless you don’t mind being fleeced buying it on the ship. My late husband had a thing for good & plenty (maybe because he use to say “woo woo” as he shook the box. Forget getting that on the ship. But so many “light goes on in the brain “ items Ilana. You’ve done a superb job of educating all of us.Thank you so much!
Yes, I bring safety pins! I get them at Hobby Lobby so I have a variety of sizes. I also bring Ziploks, in snack, sandwich, quart and gallon, a few of each. Yes, I take stuff from the buffet for our fridge. But the bags keep things dry! I also bring plastic containers, and a water bottle. I take a few binder clips and larger paperclip in my purse at all times. I also carry a small stapler. If in a hurry, a small stapler, properly applied, can save a hem until it can be sewed. I am on the shorter side, so I trip on my pants and skirt hems sometimes. And yes, I use magnet hooks/ clips at home and on travels. I bring my own shampoo and conditioner because I have yet to see my brand offered. The overdoor organizer saves me from chaos! I just use a plastic bag for the laundry. I cheat. 😅 I hand-wash a few clothes with shampoo. Sure you're not originally from the southern USA? We are big on thank you notes. Snacks and wine are a given.
If cruise lines want people to fill up their water bottles using glasses from the buffet, you can take a small collapsible silicone funnel. They’re small and cheap.
We’re bringing carryon luggage and backpacks only, so some of these things we obviously can’t pack. I have purchased laundry detergent sheets, bar soap and bar shampoo because we’ll be traveling through Italy before taking the cruise. 🚢 We’re veteran cruisers and have never packed nor needed most of the stuff mentioned in this video. That said, we never go anywhere without our water bottles. We purchased crossbody slings on Amazon to carry them in.
My mini stapler that uses standard size staples. Great for putting on luggage tags the morning of boarding. In a pinch I have stapled pants seams that start to come down and also have stapled a dress strap, pocketbook strap and stapled paperwork together.
I was watching one of your recent videos and this one started to play when that one finished. I hope you will still get this message. I would like to add: rather than bring a roll of duct tape, wrap it around an old/used gift card or a similar card your not using. You can wrap it around as many times as you think you might use. It takes up less room than the bulky roll.
I have just about everything on this list (thank you!), but I might need to pick up a few, new things! I love cruise shopping! One organization item that we bring is one or two of the small, collapsible storage bins from The Dollar Tree. They fold flat and we can use them in a bathroom, on a desk, etc. to avoid having stuff everywhere. Thanks for your videos, love them!
I always bring sewing thread, black, blue, brown & white, small scissors, small & large safety pins, a small container of straight pins in a small cosmetic bag. Also zip lock bags in case needed, an umbrella, my own soap, extra hangers, a few envelopes for tips, my neck pillow , extra reading glasses.
In addition to this fabulous list.. Other items we use.. (over 40 cruises, 20 plus of these with children) 1. some store still have plastic bags - re-use these again by putting shoes in them, 2.poo-poouri, 3.reusable foldable tote bags, 4.”Hollywood tape” can work for clothing repairs, 5.towel bands for poolside..not bulky like the clips
Instead of shower caps, I have found small cinch backpacks at Dollar Tree that make perfect shoe bags. Love the tray idea! Cruised with my mom on Royal and they didnt have trays...would fetch breakfast for the two of us from the buffet and had so many close calls almost dropping everything!
Those are great, I pack full outfits for each day socks n underwear included. Pink for my girl blue for my boy. That’s how I put their clothes away from the dryer into their drawers at home. It’s amazing
Very nice video, thank you. I would say 50% of those things are very practical. The rest may be not so. I love the idea of having magnets to be able to hang stuff on and magnets to clip stuff with. I would caution about that power adapter I bought one that’s non-surge protected that’s much more versatile with, three or four plugs that converts automatically to European power and has three USB. I have the ones that you describe and I just find them to be too rickety Tickety. I love the idea of clipping the curtains closed. A few years ago we did a 14 night Norway cruise in June, bright as day all night.😂 I love the idea of the wrinkle release spray too. I didn’t think of that one, got to go out and buy it. The biggest thing I bring @ 63 is a pharmacy. 😂. I bring all over-the-counter meds so that I don’t have to pay three times the price in the ship store, or be out of luck because they don’t carry it. You never know what might happen. I’m a retired RN one thing I don’t see listed is zicam! Zicam is a nasal spray which helps mitigate the onset of an illness and shorten it every time. Zicam is an essential. Nice job, thanks.
I pin safety pins in my toiletry bag and they just live there. On my first solo trip out of the country, my bra strap broke! So now safety pins and a mini sewing kit always go on vacation with me.
I bring pillow cases and use them on my main pillow and for laundry. Princess cruises has self serve laundry facilities and i see many people carrying bags of laundry struggling. I put the laundry in my suitcase and wheel it to the laundry room. A book, laundry detergent and dryer sheets are already in the luggage with my coins. Tip- dont wait until laundry day to get coins. Sometimes the machine is out. Whenever i pass the laundry room on my deck in the beginning, i pop in and buy enough for 4 loads for w/d.
I LOVE binder clips!! You can hang wet suits and hand washable, by clipping the binder clip into the garment and hanging on hooks. We bring a quart bag full of clips and hooks. LOL
One thing I’ve recently started taking are OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Original Eyelid Cleanser wipes. They come individually wrapped and I never have to worry about sand or sunscreen getting in my eyes
I use a garment bag that fits in my carry-on (or larger) and just leave the hangers on the clothes. It makes unpacking much easier. I have a couple of "dump trays" I bring along for holding meds, pocket dumps, etc. They are sized to fit in the small shelves you find on the ships. It keeps meds/change/etc handy and tidy. Gaffer tape: the best thing to secure cords/cables or repair luggage, especially if you use a C-PAP and have to run the cable across the floor. Wrap about 2 meters around an old gift card and it's easy to carry and use. (Not duct tape, duct tape will leave a residue, Gaffer tape will not for a shorter use [21 days, stayed in place and pulled up without a trace.])
I totally agree with you Ilana, about the zip lock baggies. It was normal in the past to order a before dinner snack, as well as perhaps cookies as hot chocolate before bed. It was that very thing that made cruising special. Another thing was tea time. It seems only luxury lines continue to serve a high tea. Turn down service was a norm, with chocolates on your pillow---Gone!
We use a white noise app on the phone Also there are magnetic motion activated rechargeable led lights. They are small and are great to use in the bathroom so you don’t have to wake everyone up using the bright bath light
Always bring your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair gel or spray, safety pins, thin clothes hangers, Pens! Post-It notes! - Magnetic hooks are a great idea, thanks! Get everything up off the floor and off surfaces - out of your way! Need 2 per person, Re-usable water bottles/mugs with handles for filling with cold or hot drinks from the buffet. Toiletry bag that unfolds to show 3-4 sections & hangs by shower. Travel Adapter Cube is great! No surge protected ones? Why? Need USB & USC cables for charging devices. Don’t forget Fitbit charger! I always bring small tubs of powdered Oxy Clean for treating laundry stains & Powdered Laundry detergent! Clothes pegs!! Or Towel Clips - fires have been fueled by towels on balconies so NOT ALLOWED. I have a suction cup clothes line for - towels, hand laundry & rinsed Swimsuits hung on INSIDE OF GLASS SLIDING DOOR (do not put it on the door that is slid over by the other door!) Never hang anything on balcony! I bring a drug store with us with everything you could possibly need because hubby always asks “do you have any….?” Either buy travel size or decant large containers of liquids like Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn treatment or Mouth Wash or other toiletries into multiple plain plastic snug-screw-top containers then bag them against leaks! Don’t pack huge bottles of liquids! Border Security have broken our locks on our suitcases and confiscated large bottles of Mouth Wash, Aloe Vera Gel & even large thick tubes of Sunscreen! Everything has to be in small containers so it does not look suspicious when going through bag radar screening! ❤
Good reminders! The magnetic hooks were so helpful last cruise. Now I think I'll get towel clips and paper holders. I always bring safety pins, to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. 😂
Safety pins & sewing kit. I pin my purse shut and connect zipper to pin with small carabiner clip when in high pickpocket area. Slows down any potential thief!
First of all, I LOVE your channel. So informatvie. I was thinking of adding a small spray bottle of screen cleaner. Need it for phones etc. Plus very helpful for people who wear glasses.
I've been on 40 + cruises, and a few years ago I discovered a collapsable bucket. It's waterproof canvas, folds flat, and makes washing out my bathing suit so much easier. No more sloshing water all over the sink area and floor. I also pack magnetic puck lights that have a motion sensor. They are great for middle of the night trips to the bathroom. I put one down low on the wall near the bed, and one on the bottom inside of the bathroom door. I use many of the things you mentioned like an over the door organizer, magnetic hooks and clips, and a travel clothesline.
I use the over the door shoe organizer, but I removed the over the door hangers and used 3 heavy duty magnet hooks to hang the organizer on the wall instead 😊
I once brought tape and embroidery scissors, caus we had a birthday on board, even though i had wrapped up the gife already. My family laughed, right up until they had to borrow them. Ha.
Hi, just finished a RC transatlantic cruise. It was fun and great to veg cruise. Not necessarily a family cruise to do. NOTE: the magnetic hooks and clip: the cruise cabins are not necessarily now all metal rooms. On the ship we were on, only the bathroom door and front door outside were metal. Thus, these were the only doors any magnet hooks or clips would stick. They were useful but beware it may not be as convenient as the videos did show there days. Also brings extra zip lock bags, all sizes as they are very useful in capturing items that may leak. If you buy the bathroom spray before you use it items, put them or any items with screw tops in a zip lock bag, before and returning, as they leak in airplanes! The cruise planner is a good guide and a lot of some of the tips shown worked out! We are pretty seasoned cruisers and we talked to a lot of "super" cruisers on our trips. One last thing, check on your cruise for "formal nights' more for the outfit than the requirements. RC has them but it was pretty loose on the "had to wear it" rule. But a suit or nice dress would work. Oh yes, if you want to watch TV, download some movies to watch if you can't wait for a port. The tv on board is not like home. The internet was great as it was Starlink but work your deals with RC or your travel agent to get it as free as you can, because they can get expensive or just live without it for a few days. We were at sea for 8 days and got it free as we had a suite. Plus, as noted, say "hello" or talk to your crew members. They appreciate it and it may get you some perks to be nice!
Ziploc Bags, YES. Binder Clips, YES. Ear Plugs, YES. No Surge Power Cube Adapter, YES. Garbage Bag for your wet, dirty, sandy clothes and sandals, YES Since COVID, I've been packing face masks, both washable and disposable as they are recommended for Embarkation at the Terminal, or when you're on a Tender Boat and Disembarkation. I would also suggest taking an at-home COVID test kit, which would have been helpful on our last cruise if our luggage wasn't mishandled in Montreal. We tend to pack very lightly, my husband and I were sharing one regular-sized suitcase. But since our missing checked luggage on the last trip, we have downsized to using one carry-on and one personal bag each. Anyway, it was the first cruise back since the COVID restrictions were lifted. We did end up getting COVID at the very end of that trip, and it would have been nice to have the test kit we packed in the checked luggage. Personally, I wouldn't bother bringing any type of laundry detergent because the cruise lines offer laundry service for a small fee. I'm leaving tomorrow (Saturday) for a 7 day Canada/ New England cruise from Boston to Montreal. I'm only bringing a carry-on with enough clothes for 4 days and on Tuesday I will opt to use the laundry service and get my clothes back cleaned and folded on Wednesday. If you're not extending your vacation at the end of the cruise, it's not worth taking up the extra space in your bag. One thing worth packing with your toiletries is ALOE. I pack it for me because I tend to burn, never tan. My brother and sister in law were grateful that I packed aloe when they realized how red their skin was after lots of drinking on the pool deck. It's nice if you can keep it in the mini fridge. Speaking of mini fridges, many interior rooms and ocean view rooms don't have a mini fridge, but for as little as $2/day you can request to rent a mini fridge. The cruise line doesn't offer this info, you have to ask Guest Services or your room attendant. I'm an avid cruiser, minimalist packer, feel free to ask me about my cruising experiences or other tips. :)
Security opened one of our suitcases and managed to reset the passcode to something we didn't know. TSA key for your suitcase is a must and inexpensive.
Because I need to book a Handicap stateroom, I always bring a cheap, non-slip bath mat to put on the tile floor in the roll-in shower. The bath mat folds flat in my large suitcase and takes up very little space. At the end of the cruise, I just leave it in the stateroom. I also let our stateroom attendant know that the bath mat must stay in place during the duration of our cruise. The mat provides me with peace of mind knowing that I am not going to slip on the tile flooring. As a matter of fact, every time we travel anywhere (cruise, driving, etc.) I bring a bath mat because what many hotels and cruise ships consider “ADA Compliant” is, in reality, a far cry from what is really safe. A few grab bars and a fold down shower seat aren’t enough!
I watched this video because I am going on a cruise this weekend. Personally I find cruises to be a total rip off but my wife wants me to go with her and some friends. I live in Florida and I can see the ocean any day I like and we have all types of food and conveniences. The best part of the cruise for me is always getting off that boat at the port and heading back home.
What a great video! I haven't read all the comments, so my comments may be duplicates. Besides ear plugs, I always bring an eye mask, saline nasal spray, and cough drops for my bedside table. I love travel cube packing containers, and was so glad I had them when I booked a small single cabin one time that had open shelves rather than drawers for storage! Love your folding travel hanger suggestion! I also bring cascading hanger hooks to save space in the closet. Silicone ziplock bags are a bit more eco-friendly, and washable. Your travel clothes line looks great, and might be easier to pack than my usual go-to, which has one hook on top, and about a 6' disk with 10 clips.
my tips…If your cruise line bans over the door organizers (Disney), you can hang one on the magnetic wall hooks. I have never ever needed more hangers, but if I did, I would hang multiple items per hanger. I use a smaller foldable laundry bin for all shoes in the cabin. I always travel with strong tape on every type of vacation, not just cruises. I cant imagine packing a tray for a cruise if traveling by air.
This is a great video with a wealth of information. The mini sewing kit and the kitchen garbage bags for dirty clothes are my two favorites. Thank you notes with envelopes for extra tips is a great idea. We always bring a cribbage board and two decks of cards. If there is a game room, many of the games are missing parts. i.e. 48 cards in the deck. My daughter brings a white noise device. I would add rubber bands and 4 extra days worth of prescription medicines to your list.
The clothes hanger solution I use … clothing retailers have an over abundance of plastic hangers they need to get rid of. They leave bundles of them outside their stores for the taking.
I cut a white magic eraser in half and bring one. Great for cleaning just about anything but great for my white leather trainers. Also with the safety pins, mini sewing kit, a very small tube of super glue.
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
I like all your videos. Very informative to my brother and I
❤
As far as safety pins go, my mom taught me to attach a few safety pins to the inside of a purse or wallet or such. Just physically attach one safety pin and clip the others to that one. This way you always have them whenever you need them.
Disposable Dollar tree raincoats take up very little space but are a lifesaver for that rainy day ashore.
For thank you cards we purchase tourism postcards from our own home town. This gives the recipients a little insight to where we are from and there’s plenty of space on the other side to write the thank you note
Oh I like that idea.
❤I never thought about that! Thank you, I'm going to get some from home for my cruise this month. 🫶🏾
Love that!!
What a neat idea. I am going to get a few from my town and have my friend get a few as well
We have done that for our last two cruises.
EYE GLASS REPAIR KIT! It has come in handy many times, not only repairing our glasses but repairing out table mates glasses!
Old or extra pair of glasses just in case.
One of the best travel hacks we ever found if you like doing beach vacations: several years ago we purchased a cheap fabric shower curtain for under $10 at WalMart. We use it as a beach blanket! It folds up very small, is perfect size for two people to sit/lay on, extremely portable. We have used it on several cruise vacations when we know we are going to have beach time. Perfect!
I am a Front Desk Manager at a hotel. I keep sewing kits, makeup remover wipes, toothpaste, and many other things that we give to guests for free. Makeup wipes work just as well as, if not better than, Tide pens. I always have some on me. It never hurts to stop by the front desk at your hotel to see what they may have for free.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ll have to try the make up wipes tip :)
Cruise lines don’t giveaway much. They want you to spend 4-5 x what it costs at home
@@carolynnmathisen8754 oh no, not the cruise ship front desk. Ask at your pre-cruise hotel. Or any hotel you stay at and stock up for your next cruise. 😊
@@LifeWellCruisedwho knew makeup remover wipes also work for stains! Thanks.
Don't you mean you "take" those things ?
We bring many of the items mentioned and keep them in a small packing cube so it is always ready to go. I call it my cruise travel junk drawer.😊
First of all this is a great idea!!! Second all- love the “cruise travel junk drawer” name 🤪🤪🤪
Always a tiny bottle of dish soap to wash water bottles. Reusable straws with a straw cleaner. Lens cleaner to clean sunblock of my sunglasses.😎
I am a retired nurse and I learned long ago that a roll of cloth tape like we used to secure IVs with work wonderfully to do an emergency hem job. I never travel without it.
Me too when I snagged my uniform hems!
Clever, thanks for the tip.
Instead of packing the travel sized box of detergent, I pack a detergent strip (like TruEarth) and then can tear off pieces to use as needed, which takes up far less space. Likewise, if insect repellent is needed where we are going, we pack the repellent towelettes rather than the pump or aerosol versions.
Great video! One suggestion: lens wipes for your sunglasses, phone screen, laptop, etc. The sea air can leave a salty residue on your glasses, plus any sunscreen on your hands gets all over the phone and laptop screens.
When im planning a cruise with cousins or friends, i will purchase little makeup bags from dollar tree and fill them with things we all might need. A plastic raincoat, a pen, sticky notes and a small note pad, a lanyard with a card holder, a highlighter, a small flashlight
I have my “cruise bag” where I keep a lot of these items. Makes packing so much easier & I don’t forget things. I ordered the hangers & those were a game changer for me. Sturdy, compact & thin. I don’t use any of the hangers in the closet anymore on ships or hotels. I do not bring a white noise machine. Don’t have any issues with noises on ships. The 1st cruise I took my mom on she was so excited to go to sleep with the sounds of the waves. Well, she opened the sliding glass door when she went to bed. The crashing of the waves & winds was not what she expected. I died laughing. She closed the slider. Not the calming effect she expected. 🤣
We always bring a “white dry erase” board. Has a magnetic back so sticks to wall. We always leave a message for our room steward…any requests we have or a simple have a great day! We enjoy reading the messages they then leave us!!
Any issues with the pens exploding I.e. in carry on or checked bags?
@@suzTeach199put each pen in a snack sized ziplock bag.
I like this idea
We bring a dry erase marker and leave notes to room steward on the cabin mirror
Travel spray Lysol. All the door/cabinets Handel's, Safe buttons, sofas, and chairs. When I arrive to my cabin.
Not TSA compliant though. I asked recently and was told No.
Wipe down remote also 😮😮😮
I bring small wipe lysol packets.. perfect amount
I wish we had brought a plain old clock!!
Weighing down the shower curtains with binder clips is brilliant! Good tip!
lol those are good items
I use binder clips to attach a Dollar Tree clear plastic liner inside of the cloth shower curtains to prevent cling
I wrap a few inches of duck tape around the shaft of a pen. Then I don't need a bulky roll. I take a child's size Magnadoodle with a stylus for leaving notes. I use return mail lables to put on my water bottle, coffee mug, etc. I do nesting with my bags: makeup bag in purse, purse in backpack, backpack in satchel, satchel in carry on. Then I use each independently as needed for around the ship, to the pool, and ashore.
Even better than Duct Tape is Gaffer Tape, available on Amazon. Its what is used on movie sets to tape doen all the power cords, but doesnt leave a gummy residue behind upon removal.
I love Gaffer tape for some things but use it sparingly because it’s 4x as expensive as duct tape!
I save the zip plastic bags from Amazon that a lot order come in to pack shoes and soiled undergarments in.
I bring 3 sizes of ziplock bags. I bring 1/2 gallon; quart; and snack size.
I bring 2 gallon ziplocs for laundry and garbage and pack shoes in my luggage in them.
Don't forget the Lysol wipes to wipe down a table at the Cafe or buffet and your room. They do a good job cleaning, but it never hurts to clean up your space!
The plastic trays you get produce in from the grocery store. They nest together great for space packing and are all different sizes. We use them in cabin as drawer organizers and on side table to keep things together. They are great to keep sunscreen in so they don't leak on other things.
The one thing every cruise blogger forgets to mention, a cork screw or church key opener. Both are quite handy to have.
Owner stewart brought us one with ship name on it.
@@JimH13164 I do have both of those items on my list. I have received several over the years as gifts from different Cruise Line reps
We have brought a dental repair kit with us. My husband lost a crown and we were able to stick it back on with the kit adhesive
We bring these, too! We have found nice little kits at The Dollar Tree.
I just bought mine, I have a loose one and for sure it will come off on cruise, have already had it put back on by Dentist who told me it will come off again…🙏🏻🙏🏻
I just added this to my medicine bag my last cruise.
Blister bandaids are a life saver.
I have a suggestion for all travellers who have food allergies. My husband made up recipe cards using google translate for all of the countries we were visiting on our Mediterranean Cruise. The languages we translated were Arabic, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Spanish and Croatian. What a benefit this was for the waitstaff in the ship restaurants and even on shore. This made for memorable dining experiences as I had full confidence that my dietary needs were being met. On occasion the chefs would actually make me a separate meal that was not on the menu just so I could have an enjoyable meal.
This is good
Dollar tree sells a smaller over the door shoe organizer. It has 8 pockets and is 2 layers deep. Perfect!
Dollar tree also has Non-Slip Plastic Shelf Liners, which help prevent slipping in the shower. We cut them into 3 parts then we can use them on multiple trips.
Ooh, great idea!!
I bought one of those from dollar tree as well. It’s made so cheaply, it’s definitely disposable/one-use only.
I use the mesh multi picket show organizer from there and hang with strong magnets
I always bring a string of battery operated lights that I hang in the bathroom. Nothing worse in the middle of the night than that bright bathroom light! Yes, I bring magnetic hooks to help hang it. I also have small scissors I bring.
Great idea
we bought a special battery powered nightlight it was perfect
I use a tiny battery operated candle from the dollar store. We either use it in the bathroom or our inside stateroom. As long as we turn it off in the morning it lasts the whole 8 or 12 day cruise. But I always bring 2 just in case. I like the ones that flicker too, so it's nice candle ambiance as well!
Does the bathroom not have any outlets?
@@3401mirandadepends on cabin and cruise line. My experience is my cabin had one receptacle for shaver, curling iron, etc.
I bring a blood pressure cuff and medicine since I'm a stroke survivor
I gave it a LIKE just from the intro❣️Shop your own home FIRST!
You have the best tips🤗. I would say make sure you have a large needle in your sewing kit. Sometimes the needle is so tiny that I can’t thread it without a magnifying glass
I always bring a motion sensor light for the bathroom at night!
And collapsible shelving to hang in closet
Pop up laundry hampers are also great for corralling all of kids toys, blankets, etc in a cabin when they aren’t in use. Another great one for families with tiny ones is an inflatable bathtub with temperature sensor (we used one from Munchkin that is shaped like a rubber duck). Also, for kids who like to play with cars a roll of painters tape makes for easy roads on the carpet.
I also bring crystal light or something to flavor my water
Smart!!
I bring True Lemon or True Lime. They are crystallized versions of the fruit... no other ingredients.
I also bring my favorite tea bags!
How about electrolyte mix for water, after a late night of partying?
Great idea!
I just bring electrolyte tablets.
I started buying bar shampoo and conditioner on Amazon and it is wonderful. Many different aromas and I find it comparable to my regular shampoo and conditioner. Mine came with plastic covered travel cases. They weigh almost nothing and no spills. I now use these at home and they last for months.
Thanks for the advice. I just ordered bar shampoo from Amazon.
I must have left my highlighter in the cabin before out last cruise. We looked on 4 or 5 islands in the Caribbean for a highlighter and not only were they not available, no one seemed to know what we talking about. It was a laugh. On Princess you do not need to bring a tray. There is a tray under your glasses in your cabin. DH takes it down to get my coffee and muffins in the morning and always gets ," Why didn't I think about that?" comments from others.
What is a highlighter?
@@natinchile a highlighter, also called a fluorescent pen, is a type of writing device used to bring attention to sections of text by marking them with a vivid, translucent colour. A typical highlighter is fluorescent yellow.
I bring disposable toilet seat covers for bathrooms while in port and on excursions to use after I clean the toilet seat with a Lysol or Clorox wipe. I throw them away in the trash, never flush them.
@@pdallen5801 I have a little pouch with individually wrapped toilet seat covers, a little container of dry soap, which is soap on a little type paper that disappears when water is added, plus some tissues in case there's no toilet paper, and individually wrapped anti-bacteria wipes.
I bring safety pins all the time. Great essential item. I also bring a thank you card for leaving Money staff.
My best travel hack is buying a cheap nylon tote with a zipper (or not your choice but zipper is better) and fold it up nice and small and put it in your small purse or handbag, whenever you start shopping or you got food or snacks or even water to carry you can just take it out of you bag whenever you need it and use it, instead of carrying a big bag everywhere.
Wonderful video and viewers' comments! Baby diaper pins are better for many things, since they will not come undone and prick you! Nylon dental floss is really small to pack-not just for your teeth, either! Use as shoe ties, repair jobs, with a larger eyed-needle, can stitch more things, strap small bundles tightly, and it's quite strong!! peace
In a pinch I have used the hair dryer... to dry a pair of socks, shirts or undies
Large zip lock bags for Spray Bottle. After wife's hairspray cap came off and "starched" most of her cloths. Always keep in the sealed bags. Personally, I bring bags of wrapped hard candy, butter scotch is my fav. Good for waiting in long lines, great way to meet fellow passengers and treats for the ship's crew.
pack non aerosol hairspray in a spray pump bottle in future
Safety pins also help with static. If you are all clingy just put the pin it to your bottom hem and it takes the static away.
I routinely practice throw and go. I bring my oldest underwear, bras, nightgown etc. Then at the end of the cruise I throw them all in a garbage bag and leave them behind to be thrown away. Make sure to leave a note on the bag that says it's garbage. I forgot one time and about a week post cruise I got a call from a representative wanting to know I wanted my clothes back!
😂 they should have sold online auction
@@gogglespaisano59jokester 😂😂😂
I always do that for flying trips. I bring enough oldies for the whole trip. By the end, I have more room in my suitcase for souvenirs.
I do this as well. Tossing out those old undies, bras and clothes is very liberating especially after wearing the same things during a three month holiday. It frees up space for all the new clothes that I’ve purchased on my travels.
You can also get disposable underwear. It can be washed and revised a few times,, but for emergencies, emergency kits or just convenience they are handy.
If you don't remember sewing kits. Just ask at Guest Services.Years ago, Princess Cruises had free sewing kits with their logo on it. I bring my clothes on the plastic hangers I got se at home and fold shirts with the hangers in 3. No wrinkles and to quote Joan Crarford "No more wire hangers."
As I am watching this , I am packing for my 2 week Baltic cruise at the end of May. I chuckled at some of your must-have items to bring. We are flying from Canada to Amsterdam to catch the cruise with only carry -on, then travelling around for another 2 weeks. It's taken me a lot of thought of what to pack and Tupperware and trays didn't make the list. LOL . Ziplock bags, sewing kit and few other of your suggestions were very helpful. Thanks
lol I definitely would not bring Tupperware on a Baltic cruise. I do think that some people on a Caribbean cruise where they drive to the port might consider it 😉
I thought the tray and plastic container ideas were interesting but I'm packing a few Ziploc and Starbucks bags(any kind of small sturdy shopping/gift bag will work). I have different sizes of each. I will most likely use the bags when I'm at the buffet. I'm just going to slip my Ziploc-ed snacks into the SB bags for easy carrying back to my stateroom....easier to carry than a tray, a bit more discreet and WAYYY easier to pack.
Yes, I bring safety pins and a travel sewing kit.
I’m going to post gain. This is one of the top videos you have made over the years. I congratulate you for all the tips you made! Candy,for instance, especially if you are traveling with children, is a must bring, unless you don’t mind being fleeced buying it on the ship. My late husband had a thing for good & plenty (maybe because he use to say “woo woo” as he shook the box. Forget getting that on the ship. But so many “light goes on in the brain “ items
Ilana. You’ve done a superb job of educating all of us.Thank you
so much!
Love that! Lol thanks for sharing! :)
Agreed on this being one of her top videos!! So many helpful tips!
Yes, I bring safety pins! I get them at Hobby Lobby so I have a variety of sizes. I also bring Ziploks, in snack, sandwich, quart and gallon, a few of each. Yes, I take stuff from the buffet for our fridge. But the bags keep things dry! I also bring plastic containers, and a water bottle. I take a few binder clips and larger paperclip in my purse at all times. I also carry a small stapler. If in a hurry, a small stapler, properly applied, can save a hem until it can be sewed. I am on the shorter side, so I trip on my pants and skirt hems sometimes. And yes, I use magnet hooks/ clips at home and on travels.
I bring my own shampoo and conditioner because I have yet to see my brand offered.
The overdoor organizer saves me from chaos!
I just use a plastic bag for the laundry.
I cheat. 😅 I hand-wash a few clothes with shampoo.
Sure you're not originally from the southern USA? We are big on thank you notes.
Snacks and wine are a given.
@@loriloristuff me too, even on car trips
If cruise lines want people to fill up their water bottles using glasses from the buffet, you can take a small collapsible silicone funnel. They’re small and cheap.
We’re bringing carryon luggage and backpacks only, so some of these things we obviously can’t pack. I have purchased laundry detergent sheets, bar soap and bar shampoo because we’ll be traveling through Italy before taking the cruise. 🚢 We’re veteran cruisers and have never packed nor needed most of the stuff mentioned in this video. That said, we never go anywhere without our water bottles. We purchased crossbody slings on Amazon to carry them in.
My mini stapler that uses standard size staples. Great for putting on luggage tags the morning of boarding. In a pinch I have stapled pants seams that start to come down and also have stapled a dress strap, pocketbook strap and stapled paperwork together.
Creative!!!
Yep. I bring my dollar stapler for b2b cruises on different cruise lines.
Best thing I brought were reader sunglasses, the headache this saved not having to lug multiple glasses was life changing!
Tell me more!!!!
On every trip I bring kitchen size garbage bags for the room/cabin for. There’s never enough room for garbage.
So do they come and puck up the garbage?
@ yes they do!
I was watching one of your recent videos and this one started to play when that one finished. I hope you will still get this message. I would like to add: rather than bring a roll of duct tape, wrap it around an old/used gift card or a similar card your not using. You can wrap it around as many times as you think you might use. It takes up less room than the bulky roll.
I have just about everything on this list (thank you!), but I might need to pick up a few, new things! I love cruise shopping! One organization item that we bring is one or two of the small, collapsible storage bins from The Dollar Tree. They fold flat and we can use them in a bathroom, on a desk, etc. to avoid having stuff everywhere. Thanks for your videos, love them!
I do this too! So handy!
I always bring a microfiber washcloth and towel. They don’t take up much room and dry quickly.
I always bring sewing thread, black, blue, brown & white, small scissors, small & large safety pins, a small container of straight pins in a small cosmetic bag. Also zip lock bags in case needed, an umbrella, my own soap, extra hangers, a few envelopes for tips, my neck pillow , extra reading glasses.
I just booked my first cruise!!!! I'll be cruising to Alaska. Your video's seems so helpful, thank you.
We always bring a travel size first aid kit with plenty of plasters. We, somehow, always find ourselves in the need of using them during travels.
So true!!
Plasters? Is that what we call a bandaid?
@@leahguljord Yes.
In addition to this fabulous list..
Other items we use.. (over 40 cruises, 20 plus of these with children)
1. some store still have plastic bags - re-use these again by putting shoes in them,
2.poo-poouri,
3.reusable foldable tote bags,
4.”Hollywood tape” can work for clothing repairs,
5.towel bands for poolside..not bulky like the clips
Instead of shower caps, I have found small cinch backpacks at Dollar Tree that make perfect shoe bags. Love the tray idea! Cruised with my mom on Royal and they didnt have trays...would fetch breakfast for the two of us from the buffet and had so many close calls almost dropping everything!
I’ll have to look for those :)
Those are great, I pack full outfits for each day socks n underwear included. Pink for my girl blue for my boy.
That’s how I put their clothes away from the dryer into their drawers at home.
It’s amazing
Very nice video, thank you. I would say 50% of those things are very practical. The rest may be not so. I love the idea of having magnets to be able to hang stuff on and magnets to clip stuff with. I would caution about that power adapter I bought one that’s non-surge protected that’s much more versatile with, three or four plugs that converts automatically to European power and has three USB. I have the ones that you describe and I just find them to be too rickety Tickety. I love the idea of clipping the curtains closed. A few years ago we did a 14 night Norway cruise in June, bright as day all night.😂
I love the idea of the wrinkle release spray too. I didn’t think of that one, got to go out and buy it.
The biggest thing I bring @ 63 is a pharmacy. 😂. I bring all over-the-counter meds so that I don’t have to pay three times the price in the ship store, or be out of luck because they don’t carry it. You never know what might happen. I’m a retired RN one thing I don’t see listed is zicam! Zicam is a nasal spray which helps mitigate the onset of an illness and shorten it every time. Zicam is an essential. Nice job, thanks.
When travelling internationally always best to keep medications in original packaging and get letter from dr stating they are current medications
Thanks for the tip. What about vitamins?
I pin safety pins in my toiletry bag and they just live there. On my first solo trip out of the country, my bra strap broke! So now safety pins and a mini sewing kit always go on vacation with me.
I bring pillow cases and use them on my main pillow and for laundry. Princess cruises has self serve laundry facilities and i see many people carrying bags of laundry struggling. I put the laundry in my suitcase and wheel it to the laundry room. A book, laundry detergent and dryer sheets are already in the luggage with my coins. Tip- dont wait until laundry day to get coins. Sometimes the machine is out. Whenever i pass the laundry room on my deck in the beginning, i pop in and buy enough for 4 loads for w/d.
I LOVE binder clips!! You can hang wet suits and hand washable, by clipping the binder clip into the garment and hanging on hooks. We bring a quart bag full of clips and hooks. LOL
One thing I’ve recently started taking are OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Original Eyelid Cleanser wipes. They come individually wrapped and I never have to worry about sand or sunscreen getting in my eyes
I use a garment bag that fits in my carry-on (or larger) and just leave the hangers on the clothes. It makes unpacking much easier.
I have a couple of "dump trays" I bring along for holding meds, pocket dumps, etc. They are sized to fit in the small shelves you find on the ships. It keeps meds/change/etc handy and tidy.
Gaffer tape: the best thing to secure cords/cables or repair luggage, especially if you use a C-PAP and have to run the cable across the floor. Wrap about 2 meters around an old gift card and it's easy to carry and use. (Not duct tape, duct tape will leave a residue, Gaffer tape will not for a shorter use [21 days, stayed in place and pulled up without a trace.])
I totally agree with you Ilana, about the zip lock baggies. It was normal in the past to order a before dinner snack, as well as perhaps cookies as hot chocolate before bed. It was that very thing that made cruising special. Another thing was tea time. It seems only luxury lines continue to serve a high tea. Turn down service was a norm, with chocolates on your pillow---Gone!
We use a white noise app on the phone
Also there are magnetic motion activated rechargeable led lights. They are small and are great to use in the bathroom so you don’t have to wake everyone up using the bright bath light
Always bring your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair gel or spray, safety pins, thin clothes hangers, Pens! Post-It notes! - Magnetic hooks are a great idea, thanks! Get everything up off the floor and off surfaces - out of your way! Need 2 per person, Re-usable water bottles/mugs with handles for filling with cold or hot drinks from the buffet. Toiletry bag that unfolds to show 3-4 sections & hangs by shower. Travel Adapter Cube is great! No surge protected ones? Why? Need USB & USC cables for charging devices. Don’t forget Fitbit charger! I always bring small tubs of powdered Oxy Clean for treating laundry stains & Powdered Laundry detergent! Clothes pegs!! Or Towel Clips - fires have been fueled by towels on balconies so NOT ALLOWED. I have a suction cup clothes line for - towels, hand laundry & rinsed Swimsuits hung on INSIDE OF GLASS SLIDING DOOR (do not put it on the door that is slid over by the other door!) Never hang anything on balcony! I bring a drug store with us with everything you could possibly need because hubby always asks “do you have any….?” Either buy travel size or decant large containers of liquids like Aloe Vera Gel for Sunburn treatment or Mouth Wash or other toiletries into multiple plain plastic snug-screw-top containers then bag them against leaks! Don’t pack huge bottles of liquids! Border Security have broken our locks on our suitcases and confiscated large bottles of Mouth Wash, Aloe Vera Gel & even large thick tubes of Sunscreen! Everything has to be in small containers so it does not look suspicious when going through bag radar screening! ❤
Good reminders! The magnetic hooks were so helpful last cruise. Now I think I'll get towel clips and paper holders. I always bring safety pins, to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. 😂
lol, yes to safety pins 🧷
I switched from towel clips to towel bands because they take up far less room in your suitcase or beach bag
Safety pins & sewing kit. I pin my purse shut and connect zipper to pin with small carabiner clip when in high pickpocket area. Slows down any potential thief!
First of all, I LOVE your channel. So informatvie. I was thinking of adding a small spray bottle of screen cleaner. Need it for phones etc. Plus very helpful for people who wear glasses.
I've been on 40 + cruises, and a few years ago I discovered a collapsable bucket. It's waterproof canvas, folds flat, and makes washing out my bathing suit so much easier. No more sloshing water all over the sink area and floor. I also pack magnetic puck lights that have a motion sensor. They are great for middle of the night trips to the bathroom. I put one down low on the wall near the bed, and one on the bottom inside of the bathroom door. I use many of the things you mentioned like an over the door organizer, magnetic hooks and clips, and a travel clothesline.
I use the over the door shoe organizer, but I removed the over the door hangers and used 3 heavy duty magnet hooks to hang the organizer on the wall instead 😊
I once brought tape and embroidery scissors, caus we had a birthday on board, even though i had wrapped up the gife already. My family laughed, right up until they had to borrow them. Ha.
Hi, just finished a RC transatlantic cruise. It was fun and great to veg cruise. Not necessarily a family cruise to do. NOTE: the magnetic hooks and clip: the cruise cabins are not necessarily now all metal rooms. On the ship we were on, only the bathroom door and front door outside were metal. Thus, these were the only doors any magnet hooks or clips would stick. They were useful but beware it may not be as convenient as the videos did show there days. Also brings extra zip lock bags, all sizes as they are very useful in capturing items that may leak. If you buy the bathroom spray before you use it items, put them or any items with screw tops in a zip lock bag, before and returning, as they leak in airplanes! The cruise planner is a good guide and a lot of some of the tips shown worked out! We are pretty seasoned cruisers and we talked to a lot of "super" cruisers on our trips. One last thing, check on your cruise for "formal nights' more for the outfit than the requirements. RC has them but it was pretty loose on the "had to wear it" rule. But a suit or nice dress would work. Oh yes, if you want to watch TV, download some movies to watch if you can't wait for a port. The tv on board is not like home. The internet was great as it was Starlink but work your deals with RC or your travel agent to get it as free as you can, because they can get expensive or just live without it for a few days. We were at sea for 8 days and got it free as we had a suite. Plus, as noted, say "hello" or talk to your crew members. They appreciate it and it may get you some perks to be nice!
Ziploc Bags, YES. Binder Clips, YES. Ear Plugs, YES. No Surge Power Cube Adapter, YES. Garbage Bag for your wet, dirty, sandy clothes and sandals, YES
Since COVID, I've been packing face masks, both washable and disposable as they are recommended for Embarkation at the Terminal, or when you're on a Tender Boat and Disembarkation. I would also suggest taking an at-home COVID test kit, which would have been helpful on our last cruise if our luggage wasn't mishandled in Montreal. We tend to pack very lightly, my husband and I were sharing one regular-sized suitcase. But since our missing checked luggage on the last trip, we have downsized to using one carry-on and one personal bag each. Anyway, it was the first cruise back since the COVID restrictions were lifted. We did end up getting COVID at the very end of that trip, and it would have been nice to have the test kit we packed in the checked luggage.
Personally, I wouldn't bother bringing any type of laundry detergent because the cruise lines offer laundry service for a small fee. I'm leaving tomorrow (Saturday) for a 7 day Canada/ New England cruise from Boston to Montreal. I'm only bringing a carry-on with enough clothes for 4 days and on Tuesday I will opt to use the laundry service and get my clothes back cleaned and folded on Wednesday. If you're not extending your vacation at the end of the cruise, it's not worth taking up the extra space in your bag.
One thing worth packing with your toiletries is ALOE. I pack it for me because I tend to burn, never tan. My brother and sister in law were grateful that I packed aloe when they realized how red their skin was after lots of drinking on the pool deck. It's nice if you can keep it in the mini fridge.
Speaking of mini fridges, many interior rooms and ocean view rooms don't have a mini fridge, but for as little as $2/day you can request to rent a mini fridge. The cruise line doesn't offer this info, you have to ask Guest Services or your room attendant.
I'm an avid cruiser, minimalist packer, feel free to ask me about my cruising experiences or other tips. :)
im going to need another carry on bag to fit all this extra stuff lol
Security opened one of our suitcases and managed to reset the passcode to something we didn't know. TSA key for your suitcase is a must and inexpensive.
I always bring a small body spray in a nice fragrance to use for room freshener in the bathroom! Very useful. 😉
Those fold up hangars look great.
Very useful, even for hotel rooms
Because I need to book a Handicap stateroom, I always bring a cheap, non-slip bath mat to put on the tile floor in the roll-in shower. The bath mat folds flat in my large suitcase and takes up very little space. At the end of the cruise, I just leave it in the stateroom. I also let our stateroom attendant know that the bath mat must stay in place during the duration of our cruise. The mat provides me with peace of mind knowing that I am not going to slip on the tile flooring. As a matter of fact, every time we travel anywhere (cruise, driving, etc.) I bring a bath mat because what many hotels and cruise ships consider “ADA Compliant” is, in reality, a far cry from what is really safe. A few grab bars and a fold down shower seat aren’t enough!
I watched this video because I am going on a cruise this weekend. Personally I find cruises to be a total rip off but my wife wants me to go with her and some friends. I live in Florida and I can see the ocean any day I like and we have all types of food and conveniences. The best part of the cruise for me is always getting off that boat at the port and heading back home.
Hope you have a great time! 😂🎉
White noise apps make it easier than bringing a separate device. Sleep Pillow is free and will run while your phone is asleep and charging.
Agree! I use the Better Sleep app, also free
I use the white noise options on TH-cam
I use the White Noise app. It has tons of options to sleep to.
Do these apps require WiFi ?
@@joybird5495 sleep pillow does not
I've been watching your videos for abt a year now. Im so glad I found you. I've viewed a couple of other cruise vloggers but you are the best!
What a great video! I haven't read all the comments, so my comments may be duplicates. Besides ear plugs, I always bring an eye mask, saline nasal spray, and cough drops for my bedside table. I love travel cube packing containers, and was so glad I had them when I booked a small single cabin one time that had open shelves rather than drawers for storage! Love your folding travel hanger suggestion! I also bring cascading hanger hooks to save space in the closet. Silicone ziplock bags are a bit more eco-friendly, and washable. Your travel clothes line looks great, and might be easier to pack than my usual go-to, which has one hook on top, and about a 6' disk with 10 clips.
A few times a year, I get cards in the mail from groups like the Sierra Club - I take those cards (free to me) to use for a note a tip to crew.
You don’t need magnetic clips. You just hook one of the binder clips on the hooks so less types of things to buy.
Exactly. I also use the binder clips for some chairs for my towels.
I love the food tray idea! Going on a cruise in August. Just ordered one on Amazon.
May I ask which one you purchased on Amazon?
I bring a small sewing kit w/safety pins. I use a mini dry erase board to leave notes. I will be bringing a tray on my next cruise.
I am going on my first cruise next May. I'm going to start a basket of things suggested so i don't have to stress getting closer to cruise time.
Travel size lysol or other sized wipes & definitely lysol works perfect to wipe down and sanitize your room regardless of how clean it looks!
my tips…If your cruise line bans over the door organizers (Disney), you can hang one on the magnetic wall hooks. I have never ever needed more hangers, but if I did, I would hang multiple items per hanger. I use a smaller foldable laundry bin for all shoes in the cabin. I always travel with strong tape on every type of vacation, not just cruises. I cant imagine packing a tray for a cruise if traveling by air.
Very good ideas
This is a great video with a wealth of information. The mini sewing kit and the kitchen garbage bags for dirty clothes are my two favorites. Thank you notes with envelopes for extra tips is a great idea. We always bring a cribbage board and two decks of cards. If there is a game room, many of the games are missing parts. i.e. 48 cards in the deck. My daughter brings a white noise device.
I would add rubber bands and 4 extra days worth of prescription medicines to your list.
Good additions 👏👏
The clothes hanger solution I use … clothing retailers have an over abundance of plastic hangers they need to get rid of. They leave bundles of them outside their stores for the taking.
I cut a white magic eraser in half and bring one. Great for cleaning just about anything but great for my white leather trainers.
Also with the safety pins, mini sewing kit, a very small tube of super glue.