I always bring many of your listed items, but have several more. 1) PASSPORT. 2)Thank you notes for a personal touch when tipping staff. 3) Extra sunglasses. 4) Small sticky notes, highlighter, pen, clothespins (wet bathing suits in shower & balcony curtains. 5) small alarm clock with reflective hands. And finally a large bottle of patience! Sail on everyone 😊😊
My real life preserver-100 SPF. light weigh, non-greasy sunscreen (melanoma survivor here), baby wipes, solid shampoo/conditioner, a large garbage bag for dirty clothes, audible and kindle books downloaded into phone and a battery charger w/cords!
I have replaced the bottle of hand soap with travel packs of antibacterial paper soap sheets. They are almost weightless, they take up no room, they can be packed in carryon and checked baggage, and you can easily take them all over the ship and ports with you. I have absolutely fallen in love with these and I have the entire family carrying them in their pockets.
I don’t pack a hamper. Instead I fold back up/roll up the dirty clothes and put them back in the empty packing cubes. That makes last night packing super easy. I just put the full packing cubes back in my suitcase and everything fits just fine.
We always bring binoculars. There are so many cool birds and sea life you can find. The white noise I use a phone app but I also bring a fan which works like white noise
We always bring an eyeglass repair kit, glue to pop a dental cap back on, a solid air freshener such as 'California Scents', 13 gallon trash bags for dirty laundry and a travel size roll of toilet paper (they come in a plastic container.) Happy Cruising!
yes, please do a video for what you do for flying. I would like to see that. :-) oh and I've never been on a cruise. we are going on the new Disney Destiny in 2026.
In addition to Poo-pourri, I bring a Little Trees air freshener ( the kind people hang on their rear view mirror) in a non-overpowering scent. It takes up no room in my suitcase. I hang it in the bathroom and it definitely helps since my better half forgets to use the spray.
Yes Poo-pourri is a must bring. Not only for your waste but also in case your stateroom is close to the bottom of the ship where sewage is collected. Sometimes the smell seeps through the plumbing.
California Linda shares after cruising for more than 20 years I never use a lanyard, I fly and cruise carry-on (21 inch and a back pack) for both international and domestic flights and do not use air tags or tiles, and I do not use towel clips or towel bands, straws or a🎉🎉 white noise machine. I also make a stop at the local Bath and Body store for a pump bottle of soap - no more messy soap bar, and a small bottle brush with a small amount of soap detergent to wash out my water bottle and coffee mug. We are so proud of your ability to overcome "flight anxiety." With the exception of the above-mentioned items ... we pack it all. Great video for everyone, new and seasoned alike. 👍🎉
I've started brining a small thermal water bottle. I'll get a face cloth wet and put it in a zip lock bag. Then I'll put ice in the water bottle and put the zip lock bag in it. Then when we go into the ports I'll have a nice cool cloth when it gets too hot.
I pack most of the items you have suggested, including my Reese's peanut Butter cups (an essential!). I now also pack my satin pillowcase, put it on one of the pillows and then put their case over top, taking it off to sleep. It really does prevent facial creases in the morning and your hair also survives the night. And I have started packing my annual mahjong card so I can play on sea days. Princess has the games and I enjoyed playing with two lovely new friends on a cruise to Hawaii with lots of sea days.
Definitely bring my own travel straws! I have been on a few cruises and one must have are wet/dry bags. They are great for any clothing/swimsuits that gets wet and for water shoes-much better than ziploc bags for me.
Also, the toilet paper is a wonderful idea. I have hand soap and a small wash cloth from Daiso, as I have found that in Mexico, I may not find supplies in the restrooms. I learned in Europe to use hand sanitizer with me in the bathroom to clean the seat.
I use my Owala water bottle that has a built in straw. Keeps the ice from watering down my drinks, too. Pen, highliter to mark schedule, and sticky notes for messages to husband, steward and others. Magnetic clips for papers, excursion tickets and a calendar page that lists ports, excursions, dinner reservations, etc. After dragging heavy cruise ship towels on dozens of excursions, I'm now taking lightweight "sand" towels. A watch that stays on ship time. Noise cancelling head phones. Books and movies downloaded on phone and/or tablet. If it's a long cruise (12+) a shoe holder for wall.
I never leave home or travel without my noise canceling AirPod Pros and downloaded Audible books. It really helps me to relax… Especially in situations where people might become loud to the point that it’s rude. I can pop them in my ears, turn up the volume of something that I will actually enjoy listening to, and tune out the shenanigans.
Please do make the video on how to fly more comfortably. You can make your own downy spray. Not only is it almost free to make, but you can take as much or as little as you want. The recipe is 1 part liquid Downey to anywhere between 10 and 15 times the water (depends on how strong you want to make it). Take the bottle with just the Downey to the ship. Once aboard add the water to your liking. When you're ready to go home you can dump the leftovers down the drain.
First time traveling with grandkids the youngest was still in diapers...so I brought along a roll of the doggie bags we use when walking the dog. Easy to use, tie up and dispose. Could be used for fem products and toilet wipes too if needed.
I also bring stuff for the staff. We have Philipino markets by me and knowing many crew come from there, I bring stuff that reminds them of home like tamarind candy and soup mix. I was told the soup mix is used as seasoning. The crew can get homesick so they have told me that really helps.
Great tips as always!!❤ One thing we’re planning to use instead of ziplock bags are the plastic bags with seals that some of our Amazon purchases (especially clothing) have come in.
First time cruiser here! Your videos have been my go to in preparation for my New Zealand cruise in November 🎉 besides all these wonderful items i have also been thinking about packing card games, pencils and colouring books and even some needle craft to keep my hands busy!
Once again, what an awesome channel to watch before a cruise!! We are going on our second cruise this November and we are rewatching a lot of these videos to help us prepare. Thanks again for putting in the work to produce this content, it's great and my whole family watches.
Have to agree with #1 the magnet hooks! I use many of the other things listed for travel in general, but the item unique to cruising would be the magnet hooks. Our next cruise is a Christmas cruise so bringing extras to hang our stockkngs’
I use all that you’ve suggested. Thanks for the reminder. Cartons not bottles of water are allowed as long as it’s the correct ounce per carton. I bring a mini bottle of dish detergent to wash water bottles/straws and mini laundry detergent to rinse bathing suits.A small bottle of seasoning to add to cruise food. Target carry a large variety of mini travel necessities. My first aid kit has over the counter medications but also a prescription of Broad spectrum antibiotics just incase. Sunvisor for on the ship and port. A non cellular watch is a must to stay on ship time.
In addition to the magnet hooks I also bring magnetic clips to hold shore excursion tickets and the daily planner. It helps to keep countertops neat! Love your advice! 🚢🛳️🌴❤
My fiance and I are leaving for our first cruise together in 26 days! It will be his first cruise and my 10th! We’re both so excited and have been watching your videos in anticipation of our trip. Thank you for the content that you provide!
What works well for us cruising for a night light…… is a kitchen under cabinet light 12 inch( motion sensor) LED rechargeable and magnetic( light weight/ set of 2 for $9.99 from Amazon) I like to put near the floor so when I get up during the night ….my path is lit…
I made my I have pins in it and white and black threads and needles also some small zip ties, small scissors ,I put it all in a zippered pencil case I got at the Dollar Store. I also made a pouch for first aid items, we use the sea sick patches when needed. I find they work really well and you just stick it on your tummy lasts about 2 days. Never leave without extra glasses.
Hi Ilana! Just got off an NCL Joy cruise to Bermuda. Brought that nonsticky aloe you recommended and it was a lifesaver. Also, I found a small fan on Amazon that can be handheld, handle folds to rest on a desk/night stand and has magnets to just stick up on the wall near the bed. It also had a dimable light to use as a nightlight built in. My new favorite cruise find
I make a hygiene kit that includes toilet paper, paper towels, small pack of paper soap sheets, and hand sanitizer. Started doing this when in Mexico the bathrooms didn't have anything in there. Works great.
I and my husband just went on our first cruise at the beginning of September. One thing that I brought that I won't ever travel without again is liquid (foaming) hand soap. Amazon sells clear 3 oz plastic (reusable) foaming hand soap dispensers. I DESPISE soap bars, so this was a much better alternative!
I have those bottles and was thinking about trying another commenter’s tip about using the cabins’ shower soap in it instead of filling it prior to the cruise, although I usually like to fill it with Dr. Bronners’ soap lol
Instead of poo-poori which I use at home, I will bring a disposable air freshener for the bathroom as it will last 2 weeks which is how long we usually cruise. Thanks for sharing!
I use an app on my phone for my sound machine. There are all sorts of ones to choose from so no need to bring anything extra. I also always bring an organizer for my passport and other paperwork so it will be in one place and easy to find in my bag.
I run youtube noise blocking vids on my phone with bluetooth active noise canceling ear buds. I make sure to run them on a browser that works with adblocking.
In addition to the magnet hooks I also bring magnetic clips to holt shore excursion tickets and the daily planner. It helps to keep countertops neat! Love your advice! 🚢🛳️🌴❤
I pack an empty pump hand soap bottle and fill it when I arrive with the multi purpose liquid soap they provide in the cruise cabin showers. I use it for the bathroom sink on cruises then just toss when our cruise is over. I don’t like the messy bar soap on the sink. Thanks Ilana! My friends are always amazed at all the great hacks I have when traveling thanks to you. MAGNET HOOKS the Holy Grail. Tide stain stick always a must for any traveling as well. Safe travels❤️🛳️
On a recent cruise my cruise mate brought a bottle of wine that she didn’t realize had a cork. She was unable to open it until she could obtain a cork screw in Kona. Could have paid the $20 corkage fee in the dining room, but wanted to avoid that. So take a good look at your wine bottle and bring a cork screw if needed 🤩
If you fly in the day before and stay at a hotel see if there's a Walmart nearby ( sometimes the hotel will shuttle you there and back for free) then you can purchase things like soda (other canned beverages), aloe vera gel, sunblock, wrinkle spray etc and not have to fly with them. I have found that things like aloe vera are actually quite a bit cheaper in the full size bottle than the smaller size and if you don't end up using it you can just leave it for your room attendant or the next guest ❤️
I take arm sleeves and something for neck to limit the amount of sun. They take up very little room, can carry in your pocket. Good for Northerners go to Caribbean in January or February
Iphone “stand by mode” is the perfect travel clock and a portable Bluetooth speaker for music while you are getting ready and it can double as a “white sound” machine (download different nature sound files)
I found it interesting the order of the items people found important. I do have and take these items with me and agree they are pretty essential. I use my phone for white noise on an app. Works well for me. Thanks for always giving us such great advice.
On my recent Mediterranean cruise I brought a wet/dry bag and detergent sheets to wash items in my cabin. I could put several items in there to wash and I used it to rinse my items as well. I cut the detergent sheets into fourths to provide just the right amount of detergent for a small hand wash. It worked so much better than washing in the shallow sink in my cabin. If I had wet bathing suits at the end of my cruise I could put them in there as well. It was my daughter’s idea. She saw a You Tube video about it. It was great as we were gone for three weeks.
Love your videos! So many ideas that I've used. One thing I found to use are extra small trash bags for disposing personal items. Although the room steward provides paper ones, I need more and hate to ask for more, I also use a "smallish" toiletry bag as my OTC medications/ first aid kit. I keep it stocked for my next trip, check it frequently for outdated items. I only have to add my prescriptions when it's time leave.
A few comments from an experienced cruiser: 1. ALWAYS bring TP on your excursions. A paperless women's bathroom in the El Yunque rainforest on Puerto Rice taught me that lesson. 2. I purchased the rechargeable black fan that you recommended never envisioning I would be using it through hurricane Milton. That thing has enough juice to produce a nice breeze all night long! It will now go between my cruise bag and my hurricane kit! 3. I took a retirement cruise in 2016. My "Aunt Flo" had not visited since 2013. Imagine my surprise when she made an appearance on the first day of my cruise! No advise here just a funny memory that surfaced when you mentioned feminine products which, of course, I didn't have. Problem solved $13 later from the sundreys shop. 4. I was told that the new Sun Princess does not have the hydration stations at the buffet like ALL other Princess ships do. So, I ordered 2 cases of water at $24 EACH to be in my cabin when I arrive. I'll have my room attendant keep my ice bucket full and that will allow me to keep my 40 ounce stainless steel bottle full for my 2 week BTB cruise next month. Keep producing these great videos, Iliana!
Thanks for sharing! lol definitely a reason to now remember TP 😂. Sun Princess now has water pitchers on tables in the buffet and had water stations at the pool deck, however your own bottles might be easier :)
Just got back from my first cruise. First of all, I want to say THANK YOU for the magnet hooks suggestion!!! They were so helpful hanging up wet swim clothes to dry, purses, hats, belts, etc. and even our lanyards with our sea passes so we wouldn't forget them walking out of the door. I found that hanging up clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot steamy shower took out wrinkles better than the wrinkle-release spray... but we did get an off-brand version that might have had lower quality than Downy. We did press all of our clothes before the trip as well to keep wrinkles at a minimum. DEFINITELY bring a first aid kit WITH GAUZE!!! I sprained my wrist at the airport right before the cruise and the gauze came in handy. The pop-up hamper was also a major life saver being that we switched clothes at least 3 times a day everyday for gym, swim, eating (fine dining), and nightclubbing lol. Air tags worked amazing, we made sure to hide them in discrete places in our luggage (inside of shoes & socks) so no one could take them out if found. We actually didn't use our portable chargers at all but still good to bring. Dramamine is a must bring as well, my wife deals with motion sickness more than I do but there was one particular day I was a bit dizzy after eating by the water. We did a pretty good packing job but we are going to try packing cubes next time. If I had to add anything to the list, it'd be a WATERPROOF TOTE BAG. It rained all day at our Bahamas stop but we were still able to swim at the beach with all of our belongings safe from water. Amazon has some good ones. Also, RFID BLOCKING WALLETS WITH AIR TAG POCKET and PASSPORT HOLDING CROSSBODY POUCH. Made getting through the airport AND cruise check-in & boarding super easy, all required documents were in the same place. I suggest RFID blocking wallets/pocketbooks because while we'd like to think everyone on the cruise are goodhearted people, you just never know with thousands of people in one place. WATER SHOES as some shore excursions do not allow crocs/flip flops (e.g. zip lining). WATERPROOF PHONE CASES WITH LANYARD for river tubing, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. And last but not least!!!!! SNORKELING GEAR!!!!!!! We had to use the reused ones they provided on the yacht and I'm sure they soak them in a bleach solution but I was quite disgusted putting my mouth on the same equipment thousands of others had. YUCK!!! lol.
I just get a hair wrap at the Dollar Tree, and leave it when I disembark. On older NCL there are no drawers, so I make sure and take the collapsible cloth container for clothes. Just a few of many :)
Great to always review these lists especially when our cruise is in 5 days!!!!! 🎉 Can I get a woo hoo Ilana?! I have to always have my workout gloves and head/ear covers for those cold and windy sea days.
We are packing a bottle of Veuve (or two!) in our luggage. Only $55 or so at Costco. Granted it adds to the weight but it's probably one of my favorite travel 'hacks' if you can call it that. For me the Champagne tastes better without the markup, but I totally understand this may not be worth the hassle or added luggage weight for everyone. I usually wrap a tshirt or sweatpants around the bottle and try to pack it so it's snug - never had a wine bottle break!
Coffee creamer is an absolute must for me. I usually buy a small bottle of French Vanilla or Hazelnut creamer before we board. It would be nice if the cruise ships offered those little cups. I’ve suggested it several times in my post cruise survey but it appears that falls on deaf ears. Also, I always bring a battery operated small clock with large red letters, so I can see the time even if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night, due to the time change.
7:24 you definitely want to get the apple AirTags. my last cruise my cousins bag said it was at the airport that we were at because of the AirTag and it did not come out on the conveyor belt, so my aunt was talking to workers at the airport and they were claiming they did not have the bag. So my aunt decided to ring the apple AirTag that was in the bag that was missing and sure enough they had it sitting in the room over.
I always bring a swim suit, but I can't remember the last time I used it on the ship. Off the ship, it's used for snorkeling.. We bring laundry soap in a dry sheet form. It's way more convenient for us than pods or liquid and in a smaller form factor. Re: flying, a video would be interesting. We bring a foldable 5"x 8" plastic sheet that serves as a clip for our mobile phone or tablet. We almost always bring a door decoration and on longer cruises, a regular calendar, and a digital thermometer. We're cruising this Nov-Dec, so an ADVENT calendar will be along. For a night light one of the inexpensive faux candles also works well for some minimal light. Recently we have been bringing flavored water enhancer in an effort to reduce soda consumption. It's worked well. We're veteran cruisers with over 1,000 days at sea.
I carry reusable straws because the paper ones are toxic…glue used to put them together..paper straws are compressed tiny bits of paper glued and compress. If you are lucky some dollar stores still have plastic straws, just remember to put them in recycling not garbage.
Never travel without Downy Wrinkle releaser anywhere, even with irons. Fast and easy. for sure. I do bring twizzlers for my sister ( laughed when you said licorice) and she brings bars that can only get in her province for me. Glasses repair kit- aka the wee screwdriver and screws. Must get some organic aloe vera to try , I always bring reg. walmart kind.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos! Last cruise I brought my blow-dryer but I won't do it next time. I just find more convenient to tie my hair after washing it.
Extra pair of glasses - definitely! Several years back, my husband and I were in Hawaii for work with a little vacation thrown into the off time. Well, during that off time, I booked an excursion for sea kayaking. I forgot a leash for my glasses, so when we were flipped by a wave, I lost my glasses. And I had no backup. Had to hunt around to find reading glasses and got a give- away pair of cheap sunglasses. I will never forget extra glasses or a leash for my glasses again.
Love your channel! I bring a box of covid tests, a thermometer and some Tylenol cold and flu. I’ve yet to be on a cruise where covid didn’t surface. I just want to know if I have it or if I have a cold or the flu. Saves me a trip to the ship doctor for that expensive visit.
A warning about toilet paper: While it might be very valuable to carry toilet paper with you, please use only the toilet paper provided by the cruise line abord the ship. It might not be as good as what you have at home (and you might need to use more of it), but using your stuff can clog the ship's "sewer" system.
