What to pack? Suggestions on items to bring.?

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Julie T

Less is more when packing for a cruise. There is limited closet/storage space and you still have to handle your luggage at the cruise terminal.

Pack your valuables, breakables, documents, prescription meds, any OTC meds and anything else you want before midnight (like smokes...) in your carry on bag. Remember, your carry on bag is subject to search in front of everyone boarding so don't pack anything that would embarrass you in front of your mother!

Power strip. There is usually only one outlet in the room.

A bedside alarm clock w/a light. The rooms are wicked dark and you have to wake up early to catch most shore excursions.

A XXXL Ziplock bag (they are new) for taking home yucky, sandy, wet clothes.

Plenty of $1, 5 and 10 in US dollars for shopping in open air markets, taxis and tipping shore excursion staff.

A back pack to carry stuff on shore excursions. You need a towel for many of the excursions plus you want a bag to carry all of the shopping loot you will buy in port.

A fanny pack or lanyard to carry your Sign and Sail card.

A light jacket. It gets cool on-deck at night.

If you fly into the port city, don't book your return flight home too early. Debarkation can take awhile.

Get a porter for debarkation. They will expedite you through customs. Costs about $1.00 per bag tip.

Plan to be at the cruise terminal in the early stages of boarding. Once on board, they have the Lido deck and buffets open. You can avoid the rush to get on-board.

Cruiser

We did the very same itinerary two years ago with Royal Caribbean. It will be very hot and humid, so pack shorts, tank tops, and the like. Also, if you are going on excursions, remember to pack comfortable shoes. 100% cotton is always best, but if not, make sure your clothes contain as much cotton as possible. Senthetic material will stick to your skin and make you miserable. Make sure you have at least two bathing suits, so you will always have a dry one. We cruise every year, but we have never gone with Carnival, but I think they are all pretty much the same, so there will probably be one formal night on your trip. A cocktail dress is fine, and a tux is really not necessary, a nice suit will do. Other nights will probably be just as if you were going to a restaurant at home (not dressy). On Royal Caribbean there are no jeans or shorts allowed in the dining room, but slacks and casual shirts okay, and sun dresses, or nice capris and tops okay.Also, years ago crusing was much more formal, everyone is more relaxed these days. I hope you will enjoy cozumel as much as we did. Just remember, pack as lightly as possible. I have a tendency to pack too many shoes, I am still trying to cut back. Have a great time. Also, don't forget your camera and sun hats or caps.

Southern Apostolic

Well, I will be going on that ship of Sept 8. It is our third cruise. I am preparing for two formal nights (not real formal, though). We just bring casual clothes for day wear on the ship. Must have appropriate clothes for the dining room.. We don't eat on the Lido deck.

We take two cameras, our camcorder, a laptop to dump the pics to. Definitely remember a power strip. There is only one outlet in the room.

If they have "Shout" as one of the shows, you have got to see it. It was great.

Another important item is lip balm. I love to hang out at the top of the ship on the bow. But, when you are travelling at 20+ knots, the wind is something.

We don't get into the excursions much. Have already been to Nassau and Cozumel, and seen everything there that we wanted. Don't miss the Atlantis at Nassau. And we liked the Pirates of Nassau museum. at Cozumel, if you want an island tour, don't get one right off of the ship. We walked about a half mile up the road toward town, and got one for half price. And make sure they are real cab drivers. Last year we met someone on the Inspiration that had someone take them to the center of the island, and would not bring them back unless they paid $150 each. The real drivers all had white cars, and wore red polo shirts.
We have a friend in Belize, so we are going to meet him there at the port. From what I understand of Costa Maya, there is not much there except a launching place for tours.

The ship is large enough that you should not feel any movement, except for the occasional rocking. However, if you are prone to seasickness, you should get some bands for it.

Lastly, watch out for the food. They will stuff you silly if you let them. When you go to the dining room, you can have whatever you want, and as much as you want. My wife has gotten two different entrees before, because she could not decide what she wanted. If you want more than one steak, just ask. Same with lobster. And the desserts are to die for. Just relax and enjoy your trip. Be advised however, they are habit forming

blondhair/blueeyedgirl

Keep it comfortable.
Shorts, t shirts, bathing suits, cover ups for during the day.
Most dinners are cruise casual... I tend to wear a nice skirt and shirt, my husband, khakis and a button down...
If you have formal nights, I highly recommend getting bridal party seperates. I have a black bridesmaid skirt I bought three cruises ago and I buy two new tops each time I cruise... much cheaper and less to pack!
Dont forget the camera and extra memory cards or a laptop to dump your pictures.
Make sure you have the correct travel documents. The rest is basic... medications, yada yada yada.

Denise O

Here is my list:

dramamine for motion sickness. (very expensive on ship)
advil
pepto
power strip
night light
you can also pack and alarm clock time wont always be right
aloe gel (for sunburn)
band aids
hand sanitizer gel
flip flops
formal wear ( if you plan to attend formal dinner)
a sweater it gets cold in the lounges and dinning rooms
sunglasses
sunscreen
tanning lotion
lots of 1's and fives
camera
lysol spray of wipes
toothbrush
and anything else you think you might need...

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