Iron & Steamer: Cruise lines do not allow irons or clothing steamers due to the potential fire hazard. If you must have something pressed, you can use the laundry service on board. Some ships even have a self-service laundry. Others will have a service that will do your laundry for you. I personally like to use wrinkle-release spray or hang my clothes in the shower to let the shower steam remove wrinkles. This may not be 100 percent effective, but please don't feel bad about walking around with a few wrinkles in your clothing. Your fellow passengers are in the same boat! (pun intended.)
Coffee Makers & Kettles: Due to safety concerns, most cruise lines do not allow this nor do they offer this in cabins. Instead, you can order room service for your morning coffee or tea, and in some cases, this is included in your cruise package for free. On our most recent cruise on MSC, we had the Fantastica package, which included free continental breakfast room service and I really enjoyed my morning coffee on the balcony each morning.
Beach Towels: Save space in your luggage, and leave your beach towels at home. Your cruise line will supply these for you at no charge. Be sure to return them at the end of your cruise to avoid an extra charge.
Hangers: There will likely be about 25 hangers in your cabin, but if you need more you can ask your cabin attendant.
CBD, THC or illegal drugs: These items may be legal where you live, but they are absolutely not allowed on a cruise ship. If you attempt to sneak them on board, you run the risk of being denied boarding, being banned from the cruise line or even being arrested!
Candles & Incense: Simlar to the iron and clothing steamer listed above, these pose a fire hazard and are prohibited. If these are found in your luggage when you check in, they'll be confiscated.
Snacks: These are allowed in sealed, unopened, original packaging. However, why waste luggage space when the buffet will have a wide assortment of snacks? If you'd like snacks for your room, go ahead and bring them back from the buffet.
Expensive Jewelry or Handbags: Many people opt for costume jewelry instead of wearing their expensive high-end jewelry on cruises. There are many reasons for this but most importantly, if you happen to leave these items in the safe and forget to retrieve them before you disembark, it's difficult to get these things back after you have returned home. You could also lose them in the ocean during beach days.
Surge Protected Power Strips: Surge protectors are a fire hazard and are not allowed on cruises. This is another item that will be confiscated if you attempt to bring it on board.
Bottled Water: Your ship will have a good supply of water for you to drink, including bottled water. Check to see if your cruise or drink package includes free bottled water, or bring a reusable bottle to refill at water stations on board.
Backpack or Beach Bag: I highly recommend using a backpack or beach bag as your carry-on luggage for boarding day. Fill it with your first-day essentials so that you have what you need while you wait for your luggage to arrive at your cabin, then on port days you can use this bag to carry necessities when you are exploring.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen and similar products are expensive on most cruise ships, so you'll definitely want to bring your own. Make sure it is reef-safe to protect ocean wildlife.
Bathroom Spray: Your bathroom will be very small, so bring a bathroom spray such as Poo Pourri to keep it smelling fresh!
First Aid Kit with pain reliever and anti-nausea medicine: The ship will have these things on board, but you'll need to visit the medical center and it will be costly. Save yourself the extra expense by packing your own!
Sun Hat: Spending time in the sun is much more pleasant when you can wear a sun hat, plus this will protect your skin and hair from sun damage. There are many varieties of packable hats that you can bring, or you can clip one to the side of your bag.
Ziploc Bags: Bring a few ziploc bags of each size. You'll use these to bring snacks from the buffet, carry wet clothes, and contain small items within your luggage.
Small Bills: Although most gratuities will be automatically charged, you'll want lots of extras for baggage porters, van or taxi drivers, bartenders or for crew members who provide extra services.
Carry-On Bag: Essential for the first day on board, packed with essentials like toiletries and a change of clothes.
Luggage Tag holders: Most cruise lines will email you a printable luggage tag prior to embarkation, but these can easily rip. You can buy clear plastic luggage tag holders to protect these tags and keep them securely attached.
Comfortable Shoes: Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters. A cruise is a relaxing vacation with plenty of time to sit around the pool, lounges, or the beach. But you'll also find that you'll do a LOT of walking every day. Comfy shoes are a must!
No comments:
Post a Comment