When you know you have an upcoming vacation, I’m sure many of you start “packing” by making a list. Maybe you even have one you’ve downloaded from Pinterest to help organize what you’re bringing and what not to forget!
Here are some things that come in handy on a CRUISE VACATION aren’t on typical packing lists…
- Clorox wipes – when you arrive in your stateroom, take a few minutes to wipe down the door knobs, drawer handles, light switches, etc. While the staterooms are cleaned between cruises, taking extra precaution against possible viruses left behind from the previous passengers is always a good idea!
- Magnets – the doors and walls are usually metal. So bringing magnets to pop up some decorations on your door, or hang phone chargers when not being used is a great idea!
- Gallon resealable bags – whether it’s to throw a wet bathing suit in after changing at the beach and before you hit the shops, or to store those extra chocolate chip cookies you brought back to your room from the buffet, those bags come in handy!
- Chocolate – not for you, but for crew members who help you out! Yes, gratuities are added to your on board account if you don’t prepay them, but there are always other crew members that do something nice for you. Maybe someone at guest services helped fix a problem. Maybe you see a crew member polishing the railings who might need a smile. Give the Cruise Director a candy bar and he may thank you on the daily news broadcast! You can show your appreciation to anyone by passing them a Hershey Bar (a gift from PA, if that’s your home state). Crew members LOVE little things like that – the next thing you know, you’re receiving fabulous service, cruise key chains, sun visors, etc. – because you’ve made friends on board!
- Extra hangers – there will be some wooden hangers in the closets, but with drawer space being limited, you may want to hang more things than they leave hangers for.
- Lanyard with a card pouch – your cruise card will serve as your room key, charge card, and ID for getting on and off the ship, along with your license. If you have your cruise card and your photo ID together in the pouch, it’s easily accessible.
- Small purse – you don’t need to carry your Michael Kors with you, but a small purse to take to dinner is a good idea to keep your cruise card and phone tucked away fashionably!
- Highlighter – Even though most cruise lines have their own app to use while you are on board, paper copies of daily activities are still delivered to your stateroom the night before. Why not highlight things you don’t want to miss?
- Hand soap pump – There will be the little bar of soap wrapped in paper for you to use during the cruise, but if you (and your kids) are used to washing hands with soap from a pump, then bring one along!
- Wine – most cruise lines let you bring a bottle of wine (or two) on board, in your carry-on.* Of course this can be tricky if you have to fly because then it has to be in your checked luggage until you arrive at the port. If you open it in the dining room, there will be a corkage fee applied. But if you open it in your room to enjoy on your balcony – that’s free! *Check your cruise line’s policies.
If you have some other ideas you’d like to add, please comment below! And when you are ready to plan your next cruise, make sure you reach out to me and let me offer more expert cruise advice! #20cruisesandcounting #5cruiselines #29yearsofcruising
Happy Sailing! ~Laurie
Laurie@fivestg.net or 215-435-4151
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 