1. Liquid soap 2. Laundry hamper 3. Luggage tag holders 4. Your own shampoo and bodywash 5. Aspirin 6. Chapstick 7. Apple AirTags 8. Reusable water bottle 9. Noise-canceling headphones 10. Air freshener 11. Magnetic hooks 12. E-reader (e.g. Kindle) 13. Night light There. Saved you 8 minutes.
I use most of these types of items when cruising. Instead of Potpourri, I bring a small spray bottle of febreeze. I fill a small pump bottle with liquid hand soap. For the shower, I buy a soap dish from the dollar store to put my items on the rack so things don't fall through. I also recently saw where someone uses hook suction cups to hang their razors from. I use the hamper but I line it with a dark garbage bag for my underwear that way the room stewards aren't seeing my unmentionables! Plus you can take the dirty clothes from the hamper and put them right into a suitcase.
Just got back from my first cruise, RC Brilliance of the Seas. It was really fun. * MOST IMPORTANT!!! Seasickness pills. The ones I brought were so-so, and failed me on a particularly rough patch of ocean (Gravol), but my friend had brought chewable bonine (meclizine) ones that worked fantastically. One a day in the a.m. and done. She also had dramamine ones, but I found they made me sleepy. Another friend swears by wristbands. HOWEVER - avoid the patches bc they can cause negative health issues and other problems - talk to your doctor about those if you are tempted to use them. * Dirty laundry? Just put it, rolled or folded, in an extra large size ziplock bag (less than 10 bucks for a whole box full, I brought 3 bags, only used 2), squish all the air out, fits in your luggage with room to spare. * A tiny dollar-store flashlight on the nightstand for trips around the cabin in the dark works well for about $3. My friend just used the flashlight function on her cel phone. * Our cabin had knob-style hooks on the back of the bathroom door and opposite the closet, so extra magnetic hooks were not necessary, but they could be useful for the ceiling (for hanging a shower curtain you brought along for creating a privacy area between beds and sitting space for changing/sleeping.) * Lip balm is a must, regardless of itinerary. * Ditto your own water bottle. Put your name and cabin number on it in case you leave it behind. * If able, pack a few wire coat hangers. You may need them and can always leave them behind when the cruise is over. Our room only had 6 hangers....not enough for two women....and our room steward brought us more, but it was still not quite enough. *Hand and body lotion is a must to bring. Cabin air and wind on deck are very drying. * The shampoo/body wash stuff provided was utter crap- always bring your own. We did not mind the bar soap, but I would not wash anything but hands or feet with it, definitely not your face. * Bring towel clips to attached your beach towel to the lounge chair. Otherwise you will be fighting wind and gravity for the towel the whole time. * Water shoes to wear in the pool and hot tub. No one needs warts or toenail fungus, eh? * Ditto for in the shower. I packed both shower slides and water shoes and was very glad I did. * We brought our own tea bags. The tea on board was pretty good, but often they ran out of the ones we liked. It's also easier to have room service bring us a big pot of hot water and a large glass of milk and have multiple cups of our own tea in our cabin. We did find, though, that the water was never hot enough anywhere on board for tea and suspect it is heated but not fully boiled. *Bring some snacks along to keep in your cabin so you don't have to go roaming if you get peckish at night. We had nuts, apple chips, granola bars, trail mix, popcorn.
So much for the luggage tags…they delivered our luggage to the right deck and area but way down the hall from our stateroom. We happened to be walking the hall and I saw a luggage that looked like mine 😂😂😂 I was like hey…
I bought a. Cruise ship approved extension cord. There are never enough outlets in your cabin. Also an ace bandage, sounds silly but I tripped and hurt my ankle.
A quick flash of the electric outlet converters, but not really a mention of it during the video. Depending on where you're staying in Europe, you probably need the European outlet converters for American plugins. I've ordered mine online (and you can get a full set). Since Royal Caribbean, is a U.S. ship, you probably won't need it while you're on the ship. But for your first and last nights, maybe so. All good tips in this video. Thank you!!! --Caroline from Indiana USA
I don't understand bringing a laundry hamper ... don't you just put your dirty laundry back in your suitcase? we unpack everything so our suitcases are empty and we just dump stuff in there until it's time to leave ... thoughts?
I think some people wait until the end to pack... while others put it in the suitcase... I think some just want to keep the dirty clothes from the clean but you can (IMO) use a garbage bag for that .....well, until they are outlawed as well... but that is a subject for another day! LOL
I pack in various size packing cubes (the set also came with a laundry bag, so that's where the dirty clothes go). I unpack by placing the cubes into the drawers, and unzip them for easy access. I also bring a few grocery-size plastic bags, which are good for shoes, wet suits, or excess dirty laundry on longer trips. Our last few cruises I brought laundry detergent sheets; handwashed some tops and nightwear so I didn't have to pack as much. Really handy when we were gone for 19 days. Celebrity does not have self-service laundry on board, but for lines that do, the sheets are good in the washing machine, too. And no trouble with 3 1 1 TSA rules because they aren't liquid.
Another informative video. Most of the things that you mentioned I already pack. I might have to look into luggage tag holders although I have never had an issue with lost tags. Lastly I never had a need for the magnetic hooks or laundry bags, I just used a corner of a drawer for my dirty clothes or put them back in my suitcase.
Instead of a laundry basket, we unpack everything into the drawers and closet. Once we use them, we fold them and put them back in our suitcase. This way, not only are they out of the way, but also, already packed up when it’s time to go. One less thing to do.
That's what we do as well. We also brought a large scented trash bag and use it as liner for the dirty suitcase. Keeps dirty clothes and suitcase fresh until we get home.
That's an excellent idea. I just have a drawstring bag I hang on the bathroom door. Dirty clothes go in there and then the whole thing just goes right into my suitcase when we leave.
I lol'd at the laundry hamper. What idiot cannot just keep dirty stuff in one spot as you mentioned? I would take none of what he listed, especially his vague need for aspirin.
I bought a foldable laundry bag and packed all my dirty clothes in one suitcase and the clean ones in another suitcase so laundry day when I got home was so easy
My wife and I have a “cruise bag” where we store all these items between cruises. When we are packing for a cruise, we just grab the cruise bag and are safe and secure that we didn’t forget any of the small convenience items mentioned here.
Same here! I collect all the stuff we might need (it will be our first long cruise 🙈😂) and which people recommended in all that cruise videos here, in a big transparent plastic container. Hope, it will get us through our journey well! 😊
I have a cruise tote. Helps keep everything in one place for later trips. Good to know there are other people who love to keep cruise things organized, too. ❤
Yup, we do too. Easy to pack stuff (in the cubes!!), easy to store. I tape a list on the top, so I don't get it confused with the Christmas stuff and ComicCon stuff!!@@uteliebl542
Having packed the magnets, hanging shoe bag, and emergency dental kit in the other suitcase that got left home last month, THAT is a piece of genius. Then there are the shoe bags, my travel razor, travel alarm, night light.
We usually pick up a few of these things at Dollar Tree for our trips, including hand soap, air fresheners, night lights, OTC medicines, and similar things. Instead of a hamper, we pack a kitchen trash bag for dirty clothes. That way, when it gets packed to go home, the leftover clean clothes aren’t touching the dirty ones. I also pack a couple of plastic grocery bags for damp swimsuits and shoes. Another handy item is a small container of dish soap to clean water bottles or travel mugs during the trip (also great to pretreat stains). We take usb towers for our charging needs. I keep a spare set of everything I need so I don’t forget pack something.
Not just aspirin-we have a permanent pack that has travel quantities of OTC meds (meclizine, Lomotil, Aleve, Benadryl) as well as more general first aid supplies.
Instead of Luggage Tag Holders I find that since we have to print tags ourselves at home, we also have packing tape. So i just wrap the tag around my handle and use packing tape to secure. Strong, almost like laminating. No worry of it tearing off...and less expensive.
We have to fly to any cruise port, so I've used travel tags for the last 14 years. I put them inside my suitcase for the flight and attach to the bag handles before heading to the cruiseport. Also easy to unscrew and take off before flying home. Wish we lived close enough so we didn't have to fly. Those tags would get used a lot more.
Travel hint. Take a few trash can bags with you. Why? Well, when you need to wash some clothes, you put a hole at the bottom of the trash bag. Then you put a clothes hanger's hook through it. After you have washed and wrung out your wet clothes, you can them on the hanger. Take the hand held hair dryer and stick the exhaust port into the bag and using a rubber band, cinch the bag around the hair dryer. Turn on dryer. Bag fills up with hot air. Clothes dry in the bag. Check on them after a bit. It works.
zip lock bags, 1 gallon size are better. All luggage comes with a front compartment, that's where you store them until needed. As for "trash bags", all pre/post cruise hotels come with large laundry bags. I don't steal towels, washcloths, clocks, but the laundry BAG (if plastic) is guilt free fair game.
If you wear prescription glasses, bring a spare, you never know what might happen, and if you are dependent on them, can't read without them, make sure you have a spare
Non surge protector outlets and extension cords, mesh shower hanger for shower, lanyards for cruise cards, waterproof pouches for phones, portable phone charging stations & power bricks for phones and smartwatches.
Great suggestions! I now travel with shampoo and conditioner bars rather than liquid. Downy Wrinkle Release and Tide stain pens are also absolute musts. We love are magnetic hooks and are actually purchasing another set. Also adding a travel clothesline since stuff never really dries in the shower and some compact travel fans (USB). Rather than carrying a laundry hamper, we simply roll our dirty clothes and put them in a designated suitcase. Works great for us and simplifies packing at the end of the cruise.
Hint with the magnetic hooks - they work just as well on the ceiling. Hanging damp stuff from the ceiling actually works better than on the walls. And since you travel with an abundance, give it a try.
Towel clips can definitely come in handy when you are on the pool deck and it inevitably gets windy. Also can be used on your balcony to insure things don’t blow away 🌬️
I bring battery-powered candles to use for night lights everywhere I travel. They're only $1.25 at Dollar Tree so if they break or get lost, it's not a huge investment.
Those are great ideas Matt! I do bring most of those items. I like the hand soap idea. Another item I bring is little post it notes. I leave notes for our cabin attendant on first day because I don't always see him/her right away. Little thank you notes are nice too to give that person who you feel deserves a special little note. (Besides the tip) Thanks for all you do.
I made a laundry bag out of a king size pillowcase. I put a drawstring on it. I hang it on a hook on the back of the bathroom door. When cruise or travel is over I just throw it in my suitcase! Since it’s soft it fits right in!
I've got the magnet hooks, laundry basket and extra outlet block. I also put some kinda decor on my front door. It's really easy sometimes to pass your door. Lol
I think I got a Vacuum sealed bag for $10. And I've used it on my last few cruises. It actually helped me get more room in my bags. Especially going on an Alaska Cruise. It was so nice.
I agree on many things except laundry hamper and liquid soap. Laundry hamper takes too much space, at least when it's full of clothes and bringing back home. You have to take clothes out and pack it again so that's a waste of time. We usually use one of the laundry bags available in our cabin and fold our laundry in it every day so all we have to do at the end of the cruise is pack that in the suitcase.
I like to bring a small bottle of apple cider vinegar, in a ziplock bag. I can use the ship’s shampoo, conditioner and body wash, just apply the acv to my hair and body and rinse off- my hair is shiny and tangle free. I also put 2-3 tablespoons in water and drink it when my acid reflux is plaguing me.
As a physician who never gets colds because I'm constantly washing my hands, that is overkill. There are so many surfaces you touch that are away from your lysol, the bug will still find you. Soap and water is all you need to wash your hands. Oh, I wish I bought stock in hand "disinfectant" prior to covid. I'm a Board Certified specialist in Internal Medicine - the stuff doesn't work, and actually after a few uses actually opens you up to worse skin infections. (Frau Doktor doesn't believe me, but that's another story.)
I know I'm old fashioned but I keep a list on my computer that I print out for every cruise. The list if for many of the things you mentioned, and more, that I might otherwise forget to pack. Many things I can leave in my luggage between cruises, but some are things I have to use all year, or have to refill, and this way I don't forget to take them. I also bought a pack of 100 small baggies made for pills, that can be labeled. I fill one for each day with my daily pills, and others with pills like painkillers, sinus or cold pills, NSAIDS, digestive aids, etc. Then I put them in a sandwich bag, and in my toiletry bag. It takes up much less room than pill bottles, and I can take one out each day as needed. I use the cruise line's laundry bag and just throw it in my luggage to go home.
Cheaper than small bottles of shampoo etc is the set of clear bottles in a plastic carry case & takes up less room. Don't forget to also wrap it in another zip lock just in case. We use gallon or larger for ALL my bathroom stuff. To protect my clothes? Pack every shoe in a plastic grocery bag, come in handy later. I detest carrying my phone, I insist on a paper newsletter and a highlighter I brought to remind me of daily events I'm interested in. DON'T FORGET YOUR MAGNETS!
.. forgot: I take a few dryer sheets only to put in the shelves in the closet as usually pretty "stuffy". FREE tip- stewards laughed as commented on my "toothbrush holder"--- a drinking glass from the buffet-- I don't ever lay my toothbrush on the counter. HAVE FUN!!
Thanks for the tip on the liquid hand soap, I just put some in my luggage for my cruise. Now to get that night light even though we have a balcony. I pretty much have everything else you mentioned. I always take my own bar soap, shampoo and conditioner. Well I guess I’m ready to go. We leave on 20 April on the Grandeur.
Clothes hamper tip: It drives my husband nuts but I fold my dirty clothes before putting them into the pop up hamper. Why? Because folded clothes take up much less space. Takes literally seconds and helps conserve space when packing to go home.
Shoe/net pocket door hanger to store a lot of items besides shoes…works really great on the back of most bathroom doors, otherwise use magnetic hooks/clips to hang it on a wall somewhere out of the traffic area!
Great idea. I’ll add: use a label maker to label each pocket so that you can easily ID what’s missing instead of trying to recall what had been in the empty pockets.
I've always wondered who those "upgraded bathroom amenities" were targeted at. Women generally prefer their own product. Men generally don't care. I put my dirty clothes in empty packing cubes.
@@defend4ever The electrical circuits in a house and a cruise ship are very different. Surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships because they increase fire risk. The reason this danger exists is that a normal surge protector only breaks the circuit on the “live” electrical wire, whereas both the “live” and “neutral” wires carry current on a cruise ship.
Always have a handheld fan. This folds nicely for next to bed and sometimes use it as white noise. However I don’t leave without one on any trip. I use it on the airplane, especially Hawaii airport, transportation to excursions (those buses get stuffy), etc. this is my favorite.
I bring a tall kitchen garbage bag for my dirty clothes. It's free from my kitchen, can hang it in the closet, weighs nothing, easier to pack in the luggage.
Hooks and chap stick WITH a sun block a must for me. Dirty clothes I shove in my suitcase under the bed throughout the week. Out of the way and no need to use additional cabin space.
chap stick, deodorant, hand lotion, fingernail kit, sewing kit, mini flashlight, water bottle, earbuds/anc headphones, qtips, air freshener, magnetic hooks, luggage tags, storage bags esp for dirty laundry, nightlight
Some other things not mentioned: extension cord, USB chargers for all your electronics, chip clips to secure your towel to the lounger, a mini backpack, an insulated travel mug in addition to or instead of a water bottle, and thank you cards for crew that kick a**. All can be found at your Dollar Tree for cheap, as well as travel sized toiletries.
One of the best things I have found is a non-surge protected plug in for electric plug and charger complete with a night light. It gives us extra plugs and the night light when we turn the cabin lights off.
The non surge protector plug is ok to bring? I’m going on a RC cruise in 6 days so this would be great if it’s true! Edited on 5/24/23: I went on my cruise 4/24/23-4/28/23 on Independence of the Seas and they let us bring our non surge protector with us and didn't have any issues!
I am packing tonight because I leave for Baltimore tomorrow to get on my cruise Saturday. I am bringing a few bottles of liquid hand soap for my 12 night Southern Caribbean cruise. I thought I was crazy but that is the 1st thing you mentioned so now I don't feel so crazy. Lol. I'm trying packing cubes for the 1st time and instead of a hamper I have extra empty packing cubes that I will put my dirty clothes into and hopefully It will be easy to pack on the last day. It never has been before so I'm hoping packing cubes help with that.
If you're a bit on the chunky side, like me, don't forget the hydrocortisone cream. It helps with chub rub and other skin irritation that might occur when you're exposed to different water and temperatures, frequently sweating, and/or damp from the pool while walking around a lot and generating friction. It's also great if you happen to encounter mosquitoes on some of your port days! Glacier gel and moleskin patches are also super important. I tend to do a lot of walking and a fair bit of hiking when I'm on vacation and good skin and foot care can mean the difference between a day or two spent stationary, resting the feet, and a day or two spent out seeing the world!
This list is amazing thank you! We have our own list and I’m adding a few of your suggestions! Here are a few others I recommend: - [ ] Travel Nail grooming kit - [ ] Mini Umbrella - [ ] Poncho - [ ] Sun visor - [ ] Sun block spray - [ ] Sun glasses/ glasses - [ ] Stain remover - [ ] Snacks
GREAT TIPS!!! After our trip on Harmony in a Junior Suite the Shampoo my wife and I got in the room is the Shampoo we still use to this day. L'Occient is great!
In addition: 1. inexpensive hanging shoe holder to put away my shoes. Keeps the closet neat. 2. V.I.Poo ( to keep your bathroom smelling sweet) :) 3. 10 foot long power cord, so I can use my phone anywhere in the room. 4. small first aid kit- bandaids, alcohol wipes.etc 5. foldable beach bag or tote for towels and bathing suits - maybe beach/ water shoes 6. small sewing kit 7. individual packages of electrolytes - in case you are dehydrated 8. your own snorkel set ( if you plan a beach day )
My favorite travel hack is bring old socks and underwear. Before a long trip I pack my oldest, nastiest socks and underwear. I wear them for one day, then throw them away. For trips involving air travel, I buy used shirts from yard sales for $1-2 each. Those are worn once, then tossed along with my socks and underwear. My wife and I took a 10 day trip to Iceland and Ireland last year. I came home with an almost empty suitcase.
Why is this a "hack"? The only thing it solves is not doing a load of laundry when you get home. Even if your clothing cost $1 or $2 a piece it still seems wasteful to just throw it away after wearing once.
@@ashleys4652 I wouldn't do it by buying new items (even new to me), but I have seen the old item hack. I think its helpful. I travel budget airlines where space is veeery limited. I have legitimately stuffed my pockets with socks and panties to save $140. Bringing panties or socks that I was gonna throw out anyways is definitely helpful. It really depends on the type of travel you do. Even on a cruise, I would rather throw something away that I was going to throw out anyways to fit souvenirs than to take a whole extra bag if I was on the edge.
I got the motion sensor 7:50 night light because of your recommendation. Even with an ocean view or balcony stateroom, it’s dark at night. Saved a few of my toes. For those of us who are nearsighted, a stick-on magnifying makeup mirror is helpful. And for the gamblers, get a push button lanyard that will allow the card to remain in the slot instead of retracting. You can ask for a hole punch at guest services. The new technology (proximity cards) on the newer ships you can’t punch holes. But you just to remember to touch your card when you leave the slot machine.
We were on Ruby Prince during Easter. They have motion sensor at the beds and in front of the bathroom but they are quite bright when it is on and it can be annoyed for those who are still at sleep. I prefer small night lights
@@newlearner5560 That would have driven me crazy. Was there no way to turn them off? Fortunately I travel alone. I like the small portable one I use. Happy sailing!
You are right about the dry feeling from bar soap. Typically bar soaps are much more alkaline than liquid soap. I wish Royal would stop with that harsh bar and install a liquid dispenser like in the shower.
I just turn my luggage Into a dirty clothes hamper in the closet. 1, all my clothes are not laying around everywhere, 2 I'm halve way packed by the end of the cruise
Majestic Princess has built in motion sensor lighting. I thought it was a great feature. My husband says next cruise he is going to bring a door wedge as when you order room service its a bit difficult to hold the door open and accept a heavy tray as they don't seem to bring the trays right into your room anymore.
✏️ I keep a general packing list that I refer to for any kind of travel. It helps remind me not only of things to take, but also things to do before I travel, things to have on the plane, etc. I just customize the list for each trip, and I can quickly scan the list before leaving to make sure I didn’t forget anything important. 🧴My travel toiletries bag always stays packed and ready to go, even with little items like a comb, razor, nail file, nightlight, chapstick, etc. I also have a small tub at home which contains various things I only use for travel like outlet extenders and travel sized products, so they’re easy to find when I pack and easy to put away when I get home. 🧳
Definitely always pack my own body lotion and my TENS anti-nausea band. Expensive but 10000% worth it. Decent swell just has me saying “wheeee!” and not “blllaaaaarg!”
Remember before you pack your eReader...to download some books from home. That way when on board ship you will have books ready to read in case you choose not to purchase the Wi-Fi package or if it is very slow.
I tend to just keep a suitcase 3/4 zipped and standing in a closet as a hamper. I like to do laundry at some point anyway so I don't have to when I get home, and already bring lysol. So, I go start laundry, bring the suitcase back to the room, spray it, then I'm not throwing clean clothes into a dirty suitcase. The handsoap is one I hadn't really thought of, but it makes sense....
I use foaming hand soap tabs, they dissolve in water. You can just bring an empty foaming hand soap bottle and put the tab and water in it when you get on the ship. That way you could pack it on a flight if you need to.
We bring a battery powered alarm clock with really bright LEDs. The alarm clock's display is bright enough that it doubles as a night light. We also have an alarm to get us up to get ready for that excision or leaving the ship, or taking a nap and we don't want to miss dinner that we paid for.
1. Liquid soap
2. Laundry hamper
3. Luggage tag holders
4. Your own shampoo and bodywash
5. Aspirin
6. Chapstick
7. Apple AirTags
8. Reusable water bottle
9. Noise-canceling headphones
10. Air freshener
11. Magnetic hooks
12. E-reader (e.g. Kindle)
13. Night light
There. Saved you 8 minutes.
Not all Hero’s wear capes 🦸♀️
8 minutes for some AirTags and earphones
@@SamuelStephen28 No one's forcing you to watch the video. You can get this information from a google search if you were that outraged.
Same here except for the Apple air tags.
@@DaAvedes outraged 😂 sit your sensitive ass down at the buffet
I use most of these types of items when cruising. Instead of Potpourri, I bring a small spray bottle of febreeze. I fill a small pump bottle with liquid hand soap. For the shower, I buy a soap dish from the dollar store to put my items on the rack so things don't fall through. I also recently saw where someone uses hook suction cups to hang their razors from. I use the hamper but I line it with a dark garbage bag for my underwear that way the room stewards aren't seeing my unmentionables! Plus you can take the dirty clothes from the hamper and put them right into a suitcase.
Just got back from my first cruise, RC Brilliance of the Seas. It was really fun.
* MOST IMPORTANT!!! Seasickness pills. The ones I brought were so-so, and failed me on a particularly rough patch of ocean (Gravol), but my friend had brought chewable bonine (meclizine) ones that worked fantastically. One a day in the a.m. and done. She also had dramamine ones, but I found they made me sleepy. Another friend swears by wristbands.
HOWEVER - avoid the patches bc they can cause negative health issues and other problems - talk to your doctor about those if you are tempted to use them.
* Dirty laundry? Just put it, rolled or folded, in an extra large size ziplock bag (less than 10 bucks for a whole box full, I brought 3 bags, only used 2), squish all the air out, fits in your luggage with room to spare.
* A tiny dollar-store flashlight on the nightstand for trips around the cabin in the dark works well for about $3. My friend just used the flashlight function on her cel phone.
* Our cabin had knob-style hooks on the back of the bathroom door and opposite the closet, so extra magnetic hooks were not necessary, but they could be useful for the ceiling (for hanging a shower curtain you brought along for creating a privacy area between beds and sitting space for changing/sleeping.)
* Lip balm is a must, regardless of itinerary.
* Ditto your own water bottle. Put your name and cabin number on it in case you leave it behind.
* If able, pack a few wire coat hangers. You may need them and can always leave them behind when the cruise is over. Our room only had 6 hangers....not enough for two women....and our room steward brought us more, but it was still not quite enough.
*Hand and body lotion is a must to bring. Cabin air and wind on deck are very drying.
* The shampoo/body wash stuff provided was utter crap- always bring your own. We did not mind the bar soap, but I would not wash anything but hands or feet with it, definitely not your face.
* Bring towel clips to attached your beach towel to the lounge chair. Otherwise you will be fighting wind and gravity for the towel the whole time.
* Water shoes to wear in the pool and hot tub. No one needs warts or toenail fungus, eh?
* Ditto for in the shower. I packed both shower slides and water shoes and was very glad I did.
* We brought our own tea bags. The tea on board was pretty good, but often they ran out of the ones we liked. It's also easier to have room service bring us a big pot of hot water and a large glass of milk and have multiple cups of our own tea in our cabin. We did find, though, that the water was never hot enough anywhere on board for tea and suspect it is heated but not fully boiled.
*Bring some snacks along to keep in your cabin so you don't have to go roaming if you get peckish at night. We had nuts, apple chips, granola bars, trail mix, popcorn.
I just use the shampoo/body wash they provide as my liquid hand soap while am cruising....I save the suitcase space for my own body wash from home
So much for the luggage tags…they delivered our luggage to the right deck and area but way down the hall from our stateroom. We happened to be walking the hall and I saw a luggage that looked like mine 😂😂😂 I was like hey…
I bought a. Cruise ship approved extension cord. There are never enough outlets in your cabin. Also an ace bandage, sounds silly but I tripped and hurt my ankle.
The med unit on the ship has a lot of things for free. 🫶🏾
A quick flash of the electric outlet converters, but not really a mention of it during the video. Depending on where you're staying in Europe, you probably need the European outlet converters for American plugins. I've ordered mine online (and you can get a full set). Since Royal Caribbean, is a U.S. ship, you probably won't need it while you're on the ship. But for your first and last nights, maybe so. All good tips in this video. Thank you!!! --Caroline from Indiana USA
Great content and thanks for sharing
I want those under $10 airpods!
I don't understand bringing a laundry hamper ... don't you just put your dirty laundry back in your suitcase? we unpack everything so our suitcases are empty and we just dump stuff in there until it's time to leave ... thoughts?
I think some people wait until the end to pack... while others put it in the suitcase... I think some just want to keep the dirty clothes from the clean but you can (IMO) use a garbage bag for that .....well, until they are outlawed as well... but that is a subject for another day! LOL
I pack in various size packing cubes (the set also came with a laundry bag, so that's where the dirty clothes go).
I unpack by placing the cubes into the drawers, and unzip them for easy access. I also bring a few grocery-size plastic bags, which are good for shoes, wet suits, or excess dirty laundry on longer trips.
Our last few cruises I brought laundry detergent sheets; handwashed some tops and nightwear so I didn't have to pack as much. Really handy when we were gone for 19 days. Celebrity does not have self-service laundry on board, but for lines that do, the sheets are good in the washing machine, too. And no trouble with 3 1 1 TSA rules because they aren't liquid.
Good grief. Laundry hamper on a 4 day cruise? LOL. I pack light and just bring a backpack and plastic bags.
Another informative video. Most of the things that you mentioned I already pack. I might have to look into luggage tag holders although I have never had an issue with lost tags. Lastly I never had a need for the magnetic hooks or laundry bags, I just used a corner of a drawer for my dirty clothes or put them back in my suitcase.
Glad it was helpful!
😮
Who buys chap stick from Amazon?
Don't forget condoms.
Baby wipes for after you poop 💩
You can’t flush those on a cruise ship. Will clog the toilet
Use that horrible shampoo to wash your hands
Or provided body wash.
Airtags won't work for us we have androids
I was wondering if there is an option for android users?
We purchased Android compatible airtags in NZ
Tile tags work with Android phones.
Thnx all...
Use the tiles
Instead of a laundry basket, we unpack everything into the drawers and closet. Once we use them, we fold them and put them back in our suitcase. This way, not only are they out of the way, but also, already packed up when it’s time to go. One less thing to do.
🫶🏾 smart
That's what we do as well. We also brought a large scented trash bag and use it as liner for the dirty suitcase. Keeps dirty clothes and suitcase fresh until we get home.
That's an excellent idea. I just have a drawstring bag I hang on the bathroom door. Dirty clothes go in there and then the whole thing just goes right into my suitcase when we leave.
I lol'd at the laundry hamper. What idiot cannot just keep dirty stuff in one spot as you mentioned? I would take none of what he listed, especially his vague need for aspirin.
We keep our suitcases under the bed. Seems loke a lot of trouble to drag them out everyday to put a few dirty cloths in.
We use a trash bag for our dirty laundry, it’s cheaper and you can close the bag up at the end of the cruise and it won’t stink up your suitcase
We use 2 trash bags. One for white (bleachable) clothes and one for colored (non-bleachable) clothes.
We do the same. We don't need to separate laundry because we do that at home.
Same here 👍🏽
Me too
I bought a foldable laundry bag and packed all my dirty clothes in one suitcase and the clean ones in another suitcase so laundry day when I got home was so easy
My wife and I have a “cruise bag” where we store all these items between cruises. When we are packing for a cruise, we just grab the cruise bag and are safe and secure that we didn’t forget any of the small convenience items mentioned here.
We do too… we actually just keep this stuff stored in our cruise luggage so it’s already always packed
Same here! I collect all the stuff we might need (it will be our first long cruise 🙈😂) and which people recommended in all that cruise videos here, in a big transparent plastic container. Hope, it will get us through our journey well! 😊
I have a cruise tote. Helps keep everything in one place for later trips. Good to know there are other people who love to keep cruise things organized, too. ❤
Yup, we do too. Easy to pack stuff (in the cubes!!), easy to store. I tape a list on the top, so I don't get it confused with the Christmas stuff and ComicCon stuff!!@@uteliebl542
Having packed the magnets, hanging shoe bag, and emergency dental kit in the other suitcase that got left home last month, THAT is a piece of genius. Then there are the shoe bags, my travel razor, travel alarm, night light.
We usually pick up a few of these things at Dollar Tree for our trips, including hand soap, air fresheners, night lights, OTC medicines, and similar things. Instead of a hamper, we pack a kitchen trash bag for dirty clothes. That way, when it gets packed to go home, the leftover clean clothes aren’t touching the dirty ones. I also pack a couple of plastic grocery bags for damp swimsuits and shoes. Another handy item is a small container of dish soap to clean water bottles or travel mugs during the trip (also great to pretreat stains). We take usb towers for our charging needs. I keep a spare set of everything I need so I don’t forget pack something.
Not just aspirin-we have a permanent pack that has travel quantities of OTC meds (meclizine, Lomotil, Aleve, Benadryl) as well as more general first aid supplies.
I to pack antihistamines: the generic Benadryl that is drowsy, and loratadine that isn't drowsy.
Instead of Luggage Tag Holders I find that since we have to print tags ourselves at home, we also have packing tape. So i just wrap the tag around my handle and use packing tape to secure. Strong, almost like laminating. No worry of it tearing off...and less expensive.
We have to fly to any cruise port, so I've used travel tags for the last 14 years. I put them inside my suitcase for the flight and attach to the bag handles before heading to the cruiseport. Also easy to unscrew and take off before flying home. Wish we lived close enough so we didn't have to fly. Those tags would get used a lot more.
Travel hint.
Take a few trash can bags with you.
Why?
Well, when you need to wash some clothes, you put a hole at the bottom of the trash bag.
Then you put a clothes hanger's hook through it.
After you have washed and wrung out your wet clothes, you can them on the hanger.
Take the hand held hair dryer and stick the exhaust port into the bag and using a rubber band, cinch the bag around the hair dryer.
Turn on dryer.
Bag fills up with hot air.
Clothes dry in the bag.
Check on them after a bit.
It works.
zip lock bags, 1 gallon size are better. All luggage comes with a front compartment, that's where you store them until needed. As for "trash bags", all pre/post cruise hotels come with large laundry bags. I don't steal towels, washcloths, clocks, but the laundry BAG (if plastic) is guilt free fair game.
If you wear prescription glasses, bring a spare, you never know what might happen, and if you are dependent on them, can't read without them, make sure you have a spare
Definitely, also RX sunglasses.
My last pop up laundry basket I purchased was actually from the dollar tree store for a 1.00. Used it many times.
Non surge protector outlets and extension cords, mesh shower hanger for shower, lanyards for cruise cards, waterproof pouches for phones, portable phone charging stations & power bricks for phones and smartwatches.
We also used to bring a multi-outlet cord, but we don't any more for the new ships. There are a lot of outlets and USB ports in the newer ship cabins.
Great suggestions! I now travel with shampoo and conditioner bars rather than liquid. Downy Wrinkle Release and Tide stain pens are also absolute musts. We love are magnetic hooks and are actually purchasing another set. Also adding a travel clothesline since stuff never really dries in the shower and some compact travel fans (USB). Rather than carrying a laundry hamper, we simply roll our dirty clothes and put them in a designated suitcase. Works great for us and simplifies packing at the end of the cruise.
Hint with the magnetic hooks - they work just as well on the ceiling. Hanging damp stuff from the ceiling actually works better than on the walls. And since you travel with an abundance, give it a try.
Towel clips can definitely come in handy when you are on the pool deck and it inevitably gets windy. Also can be used on your balcony to insure things don’t blow away 🌬️
Travel size liquid dish soap. I use it to clean my reusable water bottle, spot clean clothes, etc.
I bring battery-powered candles to use for night lights everywhere I travel. They're only $1.25 at Dollar Tree so if they break or get lost, it's not a huge investment.
Those are great ideas Matt! I do bring most of those items. I like the hand soap idea. Another item I bring is little post it notes. I leave notes for our cabin attendant on first day because I don't always see him/her right away. Little thank you notes are nice too to give that person who you feel deserves a special little note. (Besides the tip) Thanks for all you do.
I made a laundry bag out of a king size pillowcase. I put a drawstring on it. I hang it on a hook on the back of the bathroom door. When cruise or travel is over I just throw it in my suitcase! Since it’s soft it fits right in!
Excellent tip!
I've got the magnet hooks, laundry basket and extra outlet block. I also put some kinda decor on my front door. It's really easy sometimes to pass your door. Lol
I hear that Norwegian Cruise lines has banned door decorations
The 100 lb magnets are WAY too strong!
And if you do have the drink package you may also want to bring liquid IV packets 😂
Maybe someone already mentioned this, why not use the flash lite on your cellphone instead of bringing a night light?
does it drain your battery if used all night?
@@emmib1388 keep your phone plugged in.
I think I got a Vacuum sealed bag for $10. And I've used it on my last few cruises. It actually helped me get more room in my bags. Especially going on an Alaska Cruise. It was so nice.
I agree on many things except laundry hamper and liquid soap. Laundry hamper takes too much space, at least when it's full of clothes and bringing back home. You have to take clothes out and pack it again so that's a waste of time. We usually use one of the laundry bags available in our cabin and fold our laundry in it every day so all we have to do at the end of the cruise is pack that in the suitcase.
I have a pocket pharmacy that I bring. Pain meds, stomach meds, allergy meds, etc.
I like to bring a small bottle of apple cider vinegar, in a ziplock bag. I can use the ship’s shampoo, conditioner and body wash, just apply the acv to my hair and body and rinse off- my hair is shiny and tangle free. I also put 2-3 tablespoons in water and drink it when my acid reflux is plaguing me.
You drink acid to control stomach acid? That's interesting... Dr H, MD
Lysol travel speay size for the door handles and surfaces when I get to my room. Even the balcony railing.
Absolutely!! Been doing this for years…..
As a physician who never gets colds because I'm constantly washing my hands, that is overkill. There are so many surfaces you touch that are away from your lysol, the bug will still find you. Soap and water is all you need to wash your hands. Oh, I wish I bought stock in hand "disinfectant" prior to covid. I'm a Board Certified specialist in Internal Medicine - the stuff doesn't work, and actually after a few uses actually opens you up to worse skin infections. (Frau Doktor doesn't believe me, but that's another story.)
I know I'm old fashioned but I keep a list on my computer that I print out for every cruise. The list if for many of the things you mentioned, and more, that I might otherwise forget to pack. Many things I can leave in my luggage between cruises, but some are things I have to use all year, or have to refill, and this way I don't forget to take them. I also bought a pack of 100 small baggies made for pills, that can be labeled. I fill one for each day with my daily pills, and others with pills like painkillers, sinus or cold pills, NSAIDS, digestive aids, etc. Then I put them in a sandwich bag, and in my toiletry bag. It takes up much less room than pill bottles, and I can take one out each day as needed. I use the cruise line's laundry bag and just throw it in my luggage to go home.
Nothing wrong with doing the things the old fashioned way! When it works, it works! TU
My son put me onto refillable purse size spray perfume bottles (look like a lipstick tube) which he fills with hand sanitizer. A 6-pack is under $10.
Cheaper than small bottles of shampoo etc is the set of clear bottles in a plastic carry case & takes up less room.
Don't forget to also wrap it in another zip lock just in case.
We use gallon or larger for ALL my bathroom stuff. To protect my clothes? Pack every shoe in a plastic grocery bag, come in handy later. I detest carrying my phone, I insist on a paper newsletter and a highlighter I brought to remind me of daily events I'm interested in.
DON'T FORGET YOUR MAGNETS!
.. forgot: I take a few dryer sheets only to put in the shelves in the closet as usually pretty "stuffy".
FREE tip- stewards laughed as commented on my "toothbrush holder"--- a drinking glass from the buffet-- I don't ever lay my toothbrush on the counter.
HAVE FUN!!
Thanks for the tip on the liquid hand soap, I just put some in my luggage for my cruise. Now to get that night light even though we have a balcony. I pretty much have everything else you mentioned. I always take my own bar soap, shampoo and conditioner. Well I guess I’m ready to go. We leave on 20 April on the Grandeur.
Clothes hamper tip: It drives my husband nuts but I fold my dirty clothes before putting them into the pop up hamper. Why? Because folded clothes take up much less space. Takes literally seconds and helps conserve space when packing to go home.
Shoe/net pocket door hanger to store a lot of items besides shoes…works really great on the back of most bathroom doors, otherwise use magnetic hooks/clips to hang it on a wall somewhere out of the traffic area!
Great idea. I’ll add: use a label maker to label each pocket so that you can easily ID what’s missing instead of trying to recall what had been in the empty pockets.
I bring towel clips to find our chairs easier. So many good tips Matt!
I've always wondered who those "upgraded bathroom amenities" were targeted at. Women generally prefer their own product. Men generally don't care.
I put my dirty clothes in empty packing cubes.
You forgot a power strip with usb ports. Non-surge of course.
I heard of this. Why?
@@defend4ever The electrical circuits in a house and a cruise ship are very different.
Surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships because they increase fire risk. The reason this danger exists is that a normal surge protector only breaks the circuit on the “live” electrical wire, whereas both the “live” and “neutral” wires carry current on a cruise ship.
In what would is an AirTag, Kindle, or noise canceling headphones under $10?!? Matt c’mon man did you forget the video you were doing?
and that is why he started off saying that he added things that cost more than 10 dollars
@@emmib1388 I posted this 4 months ago and he didn’t say that with the original video. He must have edited it afterwards . Hence my comment.
I always make sure to take a portable charger and cord for my phone. Comes in handy when in a port of call, and you are taking a lot of pictures.
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but straws. I have a reusable straw because I hate the candy straws they give you
Always have a handheld fan. This folds nicely for next to bed and sometimes use it as white noise. However I don’t leave without one on any trip. I use it on the airplane, especially Hawaii airport, transportation to excursions (those buses get stuffy), etc. this is my favorite.
I bring a tall kitchen garbage bag for my dirty clothes. It's free from my kitchen, can hang it in the closet, weighs nothing, easier to pack in the luggage.
Hooks and chap stick WITH a sun block a must for me. Dirty clothes I shove in my suitcase under the bed throughout the week. Out of the way and no need to use additional cabin space.
chap stick, deodorant, hand lotion, fingernail kit, sewing kit, mini flashlight, water bottle, earbuds/anc headphones, qtips, air freshener, magnetic hooks, luggage tags, storage bags esp for dirty laundry, nightlight
Bandaid, anti-nausea meds (just in case), waterproof phone case. We always take waterproof camera with us too. One for each port.
I take 2 command hooks for the inside of the closet to hang my mesh laundry bag, especially good on longer cruises. Keeps it out of the way.
Some other things not mentioned: extension cord, USB chargers for all your electronics, chip clips to secure your towel to the lounger, a mini backpack, an insulated travel mug in addition to or instead of a water bottle, and thank you cards for crew that kick a**. All can be found at your Dollar Tree for cheap, as well as travel sized toiletries.
Some cruise lines do not allow extension cords. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity specifically prohibit them.
One of the best things I have found is a non-surge protected plug in for electric plug and charger complete with a night light. It gives us extra plugs and the night light when we turn the cabin lights off.
The non surge protector plug is ok to bring? I’m going on a RC cruise in 6 days so this would be great if it’s true!
Edited on 5/24/23: I went on my cruise 4/24/23-4/28/23 on Independence of the Seas and they let us bring our non surge protector with us and didn't have any issues!
Most RC cruise ships do not allow these. They will confiscate them.
NUMBER 1 item...Insulated Water bottle!!!!
Why not just use the water bottles on board and re-use them???
or spend a 1.25 and get your hamper at dollartree
I put my laundry in my suitcase stored under the bed w dryer sheets to absorb the smell.
I am packing tonight because I leave for Baltimore tomorrow to get on my cruise Saturday. I am bringing a few bottles of liquid hand soap for my 12 night Southern Caribbean cruise. I thought I was crazy but that is the 1st thing you mentioned so now I don't feel so crazy. Lol. I'm trying packing cubes for the 1st time and instead of a hamper I have extra empty packing cubes that I will put my dirty clothes into and hopefully It will be easy to pack on the last day. It never has been before so I'm hoping packing cubes help with that.
If you're a bit on the chunky side, like me, don't forget the hydrocortisone cream. It helps with chub rub and other skin irritation that might occur when you're exposed to different water and temperatures, frequently sweating, and/or damp from the pool while walking around a lot and generating friction. It's also great if you happen to encounter mosquitoes on some of your port days! Glacier gel and moleskin patches are also super important. I tend to do a lot of walking and a fair bit of hiking when I'm on vacation and good skin and foot care can mean the difference between a day or two spent stationary, resting the feet, and a day or two spent out seeing the world!
So I’m confused. In another of your videos you pop pooed the laundry bag and recommended a garbage bag instead. Hmm, which is it?
I would say - personal preference... consider the dates of the videos -- maybe he thought garbage bag then upgraded.
Better than the hamper, are the Jumbo Ziplock bags, we use them for all travel and beach days. The fan is important for all travel.
This list is amazing thank you! We have our own list and I’m adding a few of your suggestions! Here are a few others I recommend:
- [ ] Travel Nail grooming kit
- [ ] Mini Umbrella
- [ ] Poncho
- [ ] Sun visor
- [ ] Sun block spray
- [ ] Sun glasses/ glasses
- [ ] Stain remover
- [ ] Snacks
Don’t forget motion sickness medicine/patches!!!
GREAT TIPS!!! After our trip on Harmony in a Junior Suite the Shampoo my wife and I got in the room is the Shampoo we still use to this day. L'Occient is great!
In addition:
1. inexpensive hanging shoe holder to put away my shoes. Keeps the closet neat.
2. V.I.Poo ( to keep your bathroom smelling sweet) :)
3. 10 foot long power cord, so I can use my phone anywhere in the room.
4. small first aid kit- bandaids, alcohol wipes.etc
5. foldable beach bag or tote for towels and bathing suits - maybe beach/ water shoes
6. small sewing kit
7. individual packages of electrolytes - in case you are dehydrated
8. your own snorkel set ( if you plan a beach day )
Omg I thought I was the only one who NEEDS to have liquid soap. So much more sanitary and moisturizing.
My favorite travel hack is bring old socks and underwear. Before a long trip I pack my oldest, nastiest socks and underwear. I wear them for one day, then throw them away. For trips involving air travel, I buy used shirts from yard sales for $1-2 each. Those are worn once, then tossed along with my socks and underwear. My wife and I took a 10 day trip to Iceland and Ireland last year. I came home with an almost empty suitcase.
Why is this a "hack"? The only thing it solves is not doing a load of laundry when you get home. Even if your clothing cost $1 or $2 a piece it still seems wasteful to just throw it away after wearing once.
I give them away when we travel to third worth nations. Wasteful to throw things away. Workers on the ship might be able to use them.
@@ashleys4652 I wouldn't do it by buying new items (even new to me), but I have seen the old item hack. I think its helpful. I travel budget airlines where space is veeery limited. I have legitimately stuffed my pockets with socks and panties to save $140. Bringing panties or socks that I was gonna throw out anyways is definitely helpful. It really depends on the type of travel you do. Even on a cruise, I would rather throw something away that I was going to throw out anyways to fit souvenirs than to take a whole extra bag if I was on the edge.
I think this is the best tip ever!!!!
Weird but true. 😂
I got the motion sensor 7:50 night light because of your recommendation. Even with an ocean view or balcony stateroom, it’s dark at night. Saved a few of my toes. For those of us who are nearsighted, a stick-on magnifying makeup mirror is helpful. And for the gamblers, get a push button lanyard that will allow the card to remain in the slot instead of retracting. You can ask for a hole punch at guest services. The new technology (proximity cards) on the newer ships you can’t punch holes. But you just to remember to touch your card when you leave the slot machine.
We were on Ruby Prince during Easter. They have motion sensor at the beds and in front of the bathroom but they are quite bright when it is on and it can be annoyed for those who are still at sleep. I prefer small night lights
@@newlearner5560 That would have driven me crazy. Was there no way to turn them off? Fortunately I travel alone. I like the small portable one I use. Happy sailing!
@@clbert7460 I don't think it can be turned off. It did drive me bananas. Perhaps I should ask room attendant if he knows. 🙂
Bring less and worry less
You are right about the dry feeling from bar soap. Typically bar soaps are much more alkaline than liquid soap. I wish Royal would stop with that harsh bar and install a liquid dispenser like in the shower.
I just turn my luggage Into a dirty clothes hamper in the closet. 1, all my clothes are not laying around everywhere, 2 I'm halve way packed by the end of the cruise
We just use one of our suitcases for dirty laundry. Anything clean stays in another one. No added expense there!!
Dollar tree is your best friend
Love the liquid hand soap idea. Have used many of your tips but this one for sure we will do next cruise
When battling that hangover, there's nothing more effective than Alka-Seltzer!
Majestic Princess has built in motion sensor lighting. I thought it was a great feature. My husband says next cruise he is going to bring a door wedge as when you order room service its a bit difficult to hold the door open and accept a heavy tray as they don't seem to bring the trays right into your room anymore.
If flying cannot bring over 3 oz. Of liquid. I’m ok with bar soap😊
That's only for hand luggage. You can pack more in checked bags.
I'd also bring earplugs. Cruise ships are kind of loud with ambient noise as I recall.
Princess Cruises provide liquid hand soap in their cabins. I like this because the bar soap freaks me out
✏️ I keep a general packing list that I refer to for any kind of travel. It helps remind me not only of things to take, but also things to do before I travel, things to have on the plane, etc. I just customize the list for each trip, and I can quickly scan the list before leaving to make sure I didn’t forget anything important. 🧴My travel toiletries bag always stays packed and ready to go, even with little items like a comb, razor, nail file, nightlight, chapstick, etc. I also have a small tub at home which contains various things I only use for travel like outlet extenders and travel sized products, so they’re easy to find when I pack and easy to put away when I get home. 🧳
where did you get your packing list
@@robbiebledsoe5042 I’ve just created my own over the years based on things I’ve taken and used on past trips.
Definitely always pack my own body lotion and my TENS anti-nausea band. Expensive but 10000% worth it. Decent swell just has me saying “wheeee!” and not “blllaaaaarg!”
Remember before you pack your eReader...to download some books from home.
That way when on board ship you will have books ready to read in case you choose not to purchase the Wi-Fi package or if it is very slow.
Bar soap carries more bacteria.
I tend to just keep a suitcase 3/4 zipped and standing in a closet as a hamper. I like to do laundry at some point anyway so I don't have to when I get home, and already bring lysol. So, I go start laundry, bring the suitcase back to the room, spray it, then I'm not throwing clean clothes into a dirty suitcase. The handsoap is one I hadn't really thought of, but it makes sense....
I bring a basic 13 gallon trash bag for laundry
My favorite is the luggage tag holders. You gotta protect those important, valuable luggage tags.
I use foaming hand soap tabs, they dissolve in water. You can just bring an empty foaming hand soap bottle and put the tab and water in it when you get on the ship. That way you could pack it on a flight if you need to.
A hanging shoe bag, great for everything. Sunscreen, shampoo, make up, the list is endless.
This was very helpful video! I took a lot of notes for my first cruise!
I like to take a little throw blanket especially on Alaska cruises
great idea!
We bring a battery powered alarm clock with really bright LEDs. The alarm clock's display is bright enough that it doubles as a night light. We also have an alarm to get us up to get ready for that excision or leaving the ship, or taking a nap and we don't want to miss dinner that we paid for.
Mini 1st aid kit
What dining options are available for lunch on Allure on port days? Really like your blog.