Monday, June 3, 2013

10 Things To Pack For A Better Cruise

Packing for your Disney Cruise
Recently a friend asked me for some advice on what to pack for her upcoming cruise. Here are a few things that are good to pack for any cruise on any cruise line. 

1. Water bottles: They are great for your excursions. You can fill then up with water from the sink in your cabin and save a bundle instead of purchasing bottled water.  I love the collapsible ones that you can pack easily such as these.

2. Snacks: Although on most ships food is plentiful it is not the case while on excursions. Those of you who are moms realize that young children should never be to far away from a snack.  They can save you from a major meltdown.  At the breakfast buffet make sure to grab a couple pieces of extra fruit to take with you. Also, pack your own snacks. Fruit rollups, and nuts are easy snacks to make room for. It is said although, I have never done it you can also call room service and have them make you some sandwiches to take with you.  Most cruise lines will let you bring on your own bottled water or sodas, some may even let you bring on your own alcohol.

3. Soft sided cooler: Once again, great for excursions.  Pack your picnic and your water bottles for the day and head out to your port destination.  You will have everything you need to keep everyone happy. Here’s another great article on how to choose the right port excursions for your family.

4. Over the door shoe organizer: Perfect for hanging over the bathroom door in your cabin. You can store hair accessories, sunscreen, cameras, ties, socks, all sorts of small items.  It helps for a quick clean up of your room when trying to tidy up before they come in to turn your beds down.  You can read more about fun things to do with the doors to your cabin here
 
5. An extra luggage tote: There is no weight limit for luggage on the cruise ships or a maximum number of bags you can take. My friend decided that if she packed an extra bag in her suitcase once off the plane the night before she boards the ship she would make a run to the market for her extra snack purchases.  It may also come in handy for those priceless treasures you end up purchasing at your ports of call.  Another way to make the most of your luggage space is by utilizing packing cubes.  I wrote more about my experience using them here.

6. Carry on bag: The day you board the ship you will not have access to your luggage for a few hours.  We always carry our swimsuits and sunscreen in our carry on with us so we can head straight for the pool.  Get started now by taking a virtual ride on the Aquaduck aboard the Disney Dream

7. Clothes steamer: Since irons are not allowed in the staterooms it is much more convenient to bring a steamer.  Most ships have irons in the laundry area but I have not found them to be very accessible. 

8. Laundry bag:  Packing light is a necessity these days with so many restrictions on luggage.  So, plan to do laundry half way through your trip and make sure you bring a laundry bag with you.  It makes it much easier to tote to and from the laundry area.  We always bring a pop up hamper with us.  It fits in the closet and gives us a place to put our dirty clothes.

9. Plastic bags for wet suits or clothes: My kids want to enjoy every last minute they can in the pools since we don’t have one at home.  Having a plastic bag to store wet suits in my suit case or carry on gives them the opportunity to swim till the very end. 

10. Power strip or multiple outlet plugin:  Outlets are scarce in the rooms and now-a-days with all of our techno gadgets that constantly need to be recharged having one of these will make it much easier.  We have recently learned that Disney Cruise Line will now confiscate power strips.  You can request an approved power strip from Guest Services.  You may (not positive) be able to bring in a single plug-in that has multiple outlets.  As long as there is no additional cord.  Update March 2014

Bonus Tip: If you have young children and are going on a Disney Cruise be sure to bring your own white pillow cases and some permanent markers.  You can drop these off at Guest Services when you board and they will return them to you at the end of your cruise with the Character’s autographs for free!  Here’s some more free souvenir ideas for your Disney Cruise


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