Next week, my wife and I are embarking on our first cruise, and we’re racking our brains trying to figure out what we’re bound to forget.
What simple things or preparations do you usually remind new cruisers not to forget?
10 Likes
I gave my roommate a cash gratuity of $40 when I first arrived and another $20 a few times. I asked for ice in my room on the first night because I love having it there, and the guy brought me two buckets in the midafternoon and two in the evening. Not to add that he performed admirably in other areas. Well worth it.
8 Likes
Add more sunscreen. It’s costly on the ship; we had to buy more after using it all up! 
Reduce the number of outfits.
Every prescription you take in its original packaging. Tylenol or Advil.
7 Likes
Stow a change of clothes and necessities in a purse or backpack. It may take some time for them to bring your main luggage up to your stateroom, depending on the size of the ship. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended. Things I frequently forget
6 Likes
@Camilla When bringing your baggage outside for the final time, don’t forget to include a bag for your toiletries and nightwear as well as clothing for the following day!
Numerous folks have told me tales of getting ready for bed, setting their suitcases outside, and realizing the next morning that had packed EVERY article of clothing.
6 Likes
@Candy Yes, that is also true. Wouldn’t want to be left stranded carrying luggage off the ship. That is the elevator’s worst nightmare on the final morning.
5 Likes
I wholeheartedly concur. I used to bring a backpack for carry-on, but now that I have a tiny roller luggage, I can pack a change of clothing for the first evening meal and use it to store my dirty laundry from the previous evening and to pack delicate items that I bought both onshore and onboard when I leave.
4 Likes
Two days before our trip, we flew into Athens and checked into a hotel. Our US devices need an electrical converter to fit into European outlets, but I forgot to bring it. It was still an annoyance, but I could borrow one from the hotel.
3 Likes
For shopping and outings, bring US singles and fives.
I usually have bandaids and over-the-counter medications in my suitcase.
To draw attention to noteworthy events, use a highlighter on the paper schedule.
2 Likes
Money for porters’ and transfer drivers’ tips, etc. otc pain relievers, antihistamines, antidiarrheal medications, Lysol wipes or spray (to clean light switches, phone handles, and toilet handles in the room). For me, those are all “must-packs”
1 Like
I assumed you were trying to hide from cameras after reading the headline, haha.
1 Like
We have kids, so we want to be prepared with binoculars and a raincoat. We’re traveling to Alaska, so I literally just got Saline nose spray Vicks rub Tylonal, ibuprofen, a mild laxative and an anti diarrhea drug, Sudafed, allergy med, thermometer, mucinex, and tums.