Important hints of things to pack on a cruise?

Hi! My boyfriend and I are cruising for the first time (yay!) 12/1/08. We are sailing on RCCL's Navigator of the Seas. I've been doing some research for helpful little hints of things to bring-- a travel iron, an electrical power strip, insulated cups to keep drinks cold, etc. Does anyone have any other advice or helpful hints they could pass along?? Maybe a hint that you think is something that people don't usually think about before embarking?? Thanks!!! :)Important hints of things to pack on a cruise?
One thing that I always stress is to bring appropriate footwear for the excursions you plan on taking. To many people try to wear flip flops on a 5 mile hike or something. You also can't wear flip flops for white water rafting and a lot of the adventure excursions. If you know the type of thing you are going to do, make sure you have the right shoes for it.



Also, I always bring a pair of long pants and a sweater/sweatshirt. People think they aren't going to get cold but I always get cold. The evenings can be chilly and sometimes the air conditioning in public areas is lower than I'm comfy with.



As far as the travel iron goes - double check with your cruise line to make sure it's allowed. I don't iron (too lazy) but on my first cruise a few years back, they weren't allowed. I've seen where one allows them but only in a special area of the ship where the electric systems are set up for them.



DON'T bring a garment bag. Cruise lines discourage it, but I've seen people do it. Think of how the airport people load luggage on a plane, and that's how they'll handle your garment bag. Quick and efficient without concern for whats inside.



Edit: Sorry for the over share, but as an experienced cruiser I always like to help prevent people from making similiar mistakes that I've made. Most of us here are sincere in our advice and willingness to be helpful. You may not need all the extra stuff we tell you, but you never know. We might mention something that you hadn't thought off.
In the many cruises I have taken on many ships and with various cruise lines, I have NEVER needed or wanted a power strip, a travel iron, or insulated cups! If your cabin does not have an iron and ironing board that is because it is unsafe to do there -- go to the on board laundry facility and use the irons provided there. Better yet, skip ironing! Your clothes will de-wrinkle themselves very nicely while hanging. As to a power strip, that is unnecessary since there are outlets available in your cabin in the bathroom, and you shouldn't leave heat-producing things plugged in all the time anyway. (Fire is the most serious hazard on board any ship.) As to keeping drinks cold, you can get as much ice as you will ever want from any bar on board. They're very nice about it, so don't hesitate to ask.



Now, as to what I always take that never seems to be on anybody's list -- a tote bag! I find it wonderful for days to keep my sunscreen, sunglasses, a book, key/ID card, bit of cash for the casino, and daily program together. Also, take some waterproof shoes such as flipflops or water shoes with you, since the decks can get really hot around the pool, and it's very helpful to have something on your feet that you can leave right on the edge of the pool while you're swimming. You won't want heels -- flats or sandals are much easier and more comfortable to wear in the evening. Tennis shoes for all the walking you'll do on board and on shore, of course. And -- a lot fewer clothes than you think you need!Important hints of things to pack on a cruise?
One thing if flying is to bring a snack. The ones on the plane are not very good for what they charge. As for the cruise comfortable shoes, sun glasses, common sense etc. Just do not doing anything that you would not do at home. Con grates on your first cruise, been on over 20 and the best travel going. A good camera is a plus, an international phone card if you need to call anyone will save you alot over a cell phone.

ENJOY.
ERICA. think you have pretty much covered everything. I also know what it's like when you travel a lot, I usually get just as excited as you seem to be when planning a new trip. that to me is also part of the excitement of traveling it's so much fun to be doing something new. you'll have a wonderful time,
You will want to bring a battery powered travel alarm clock. If you are in the inside cabins with no windows, there is no way to tell if it's morning or not.

Bring some snacks but don't over do it. The line we sail on (Princess) has food of all sorts available 24-7.

A book and MP3 player are good to have.

One set of dress cloths for the formal dinner and the rest can be casual wear.

A phone card just in case. Tylenol.



Have fun!
a plug that will switch from UK to USA or wherever you'll be
I have been on about 20 cruises, many with Royal Caribbean, and here's what I suggest based on my experiences:



Always pack your passport and cruise documents in your carry on bag ONLY.



The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM, so take:

-swim wear (at least 2),

-shorts, tank tops and "T's"

-sandals,

-beach shoes,

-your snorkel equipment if you have it,

-sun glasses and sun screen,

-lotions,

-a cap or big hat for the sun,

-a book if you are a reader,

-your music player,

-sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym,

-good walking shoes,

-your camera, and

-other personal toiletries including tooth paste, mouth wash or lotions.



Your cabin will have towels and soap provided, including pool and beach towels, and a hair dryer. It will also have a generic hair shampoo so you do not need to bring that unless you like a specific brand.



After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports or resort casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, (like a bank employee), shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc. Don't over pack , take clothes that you can mix and match tops and bottoms and plan to wear each piece twice. If you are going to the Caribbean you will likely be in shorts and/or swim wear most of every day so evening clothes don't usually get much wear.



Your cruise will have a formal night or two when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship鈥檚 Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. You will not be denied entry to the main dining room if you decide not to dress up, as long as you are at least sports casual. But most people do dress up. A gown or party dress for women and a suit or tux for men. Some people dress up both formal nights, some don't. We always take the formal stuff off after dinner and a photo or two and go back to casual stuff.



- Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage.



- Pack using the vacuum clothing bags (about $20 for 3 at Target) so that you can get more in your bag AND so that if the TSA at the airport opens your bag they can see what's inside without rummaging through your things.



-Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and your clothes that you sleep in.



- If you can take a six-pack of bottled water and soft drinks in your carry-on for your cabin. You will have to pay for both on the ship and its nice to have those handy in the cabin.



- If you are taking your cell phone, MP3 player or other item that needs to be plugged in take an extension cord as the plugs in the cabin are generally not in the best places and there are usually only one or two.



- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or hand-wipes. There are generally sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of restaurants, the buffets and dining room, but some times the are not there or not working. The sanitizer helps prevent the spread of the Norwalk Virus that sometimes occur on cruise ships.



-If you plan to get into the pools or hot tub as soon as you get on ship (they will be open), bring those clothes in your carry on bag; you other luggage may not get to your cabin until much later in the afternoon.



- Take a can of air freshener for your cabin bathroom. The bathrooms do not have great exhaust fans and the cabins are close.



- Take a few zip lock bags of various sizes; they always come in handy.



- Take some one dollar bills (also maybe a few $5's) for tipping the porters in the airport, at the pier (they do not work for the ship), and they will come in handy in port stops for buying small items in the markets and at vendor stands; especially bartering places.



- Royal Caribbean ships don't have self service laundry and don't provide iron and boards; but they will press clothing for a fee (and its kinda expensive). If you do take an iron use it, cool it and put it away because if you leave it sitting out they WILL confiscate it (its listed as a prohibited item).



- I have found it beneficial to take an insulated cup, preferably with a top, for hot and/or cold drinks. The cups and glasses provided on ship area OK but kinda small.