Okay - TWO things!
Anything?
I am packing and I know there is something I am missing!

Batteries and another memory card for my camera.

Great! I hadn't thought of that!

Binoculars!!

A little nightlight to plug in bathroom. Its very dark on the ocean at night!

Keep them coming - I love it! I have two sets of binoculars and one is going in the bag now. Nightlight, too!

We usually take a soft duffel or something similar in the bottom of our suitcase to bring dirty clothes home in--then we have room for the "treasures" we buy on the trip. We often take walkie talkies on cruises too.

tote umbrella just in case
ziplock bags

Some small thing to carry cruisecard in when walking around ship - small purse, etc.

Socks for sleeping since my feet are always freezing in cold cabin air (since DH sets thermostat at refrigeration level)

T69: great idea. I think we'll do that too.

For more ideas, see the detailed packing lists on the AllThingsCruise.com site:

http://allthingscruise.com/cruise-preparation/packing-for-your-cruise/

I brought 2 highlighters (different color) so my husband and I can each highlight our own events, and the daily schedules don't get mixed up.

Regarding a small 'card carrier' -- what my wife and I use are lanyard attached identity things we got at various conferences. They are excellent as travel papers handlers (just large enough for our passports and tickets (and cruise ID) cards. Not the sort of thing one uses on shore (a bit too easy to get swiped away), but excellent in going thru airports.

I don’t know how large your cabin is on Windstar, but what we found useful was an over-the-door shoe holder with several pockets. You can use it to store your toiletries, brushes/combs, sunscreen lotion, etc. and keep the sink area clear. They are very inexpensive in stores like Walmart or Target, but you can also pick one up at the Dollar Stores. I found the Dollar Store ones smaller, which was fine since I didn’t need a 24-pocket size.

Bring a stickie note pad to leave notes for your spouse or steward.

Wrap some duct tape around a pencil so you can have some for emergency repairs without having to bring the whole roll.

Extension cord with several outlets for charging cell phones, cameras, and other electronics.

Electrical adapter, if necessary, for overseas use.

Unless you have your sea legs, bring something for motion sickness. Some cruise ships supply it on board, but I don’t know about Windstar. I found ginger tablets worked fine for me when I felt a bit queasy.

If you take any prescription medicines, be sure to carry them onboard with you. If any luggage is misplaced, you will at least have your medicines.

Enjoy your cruise.

Great ideas - ingenious!

Some Scotch tape,zip lock bags in assorted sizes,and a plastic clip in case the drapes don"t close all the way.I also never travel without my tiny light up alarm clock and a small flashlight
Have a great time!

Another thing I've learned here on Fodor's: pack one swimsuit in carry-on, so if your suitcase is not delivered till after dinner, you can still enjoy the pool.

And somewhere else I read this advise: pack more then one swimsuit going to warmer places, so you always have a dry one.

Another question is: what did you take that you did not need?
With the airlines punitive about charging for overweight and extra bags, it pays to think very carefully about what you take. Consider: dress clothes - how much do you really need;
guide books - take as few as possible, and small ones if possible (you will not be anywhere long enough to need a comprensive guide; other clothes - where some things more than one day. Also be a miser at shopping time - it adds up and piles up fast in your luggage. On a cruise you won't notice all the extras until the last day.

"guide books - take as few as possible, and small ones if possible" - papers are heavy!

I can take copies at work, so I copy/shrink/enlarge what I need, and take 2-sided copies, combine by port. Once we sail away, the page(s) is(are) tossed.

To take copies and pay for them adds up. To save, use AAA booklets when possible, rip them apart, take only what's needed. They are free.

Or just get info off the Internet, copy/paste in Words, shrink the text if possible, and print. Put back in the printer, print a map on the other side.

Rain Poncho. It is small and compact and get the disposable one from the dollar store. Ruined a camera in heavay downpour in Jamica last year. Vowed not to do it again. Have rain poncho in Alsaka this year, stayed dry the whole trip (camera too).

Thank you all for your generous tips. To be sure that I didn't over pack (I am just bringing a carry-on since the airlines lost my luggage on the way to the last two cruises),
I laid out all my clothes, mixed and matched to make sure everything could be worn in 3 or 4 different outfits - and ruthlessly put back what didn't. Scarves, belts and pashmini are small and add color and flair without alot of room!
Thanks again!

I just returned this morning from an NCL cruise out of BCN. The things that we were glad we had was our small alarm clock (our stateroom did not have a clock except on the room phone and could not be seen without the light on). The other lifesaver was our tiny umbrellas.

We also purchased a tote bag in Pisa for 10 euro that we checked home today with our dirty clothes saving the empty room in our suitcases for our purchases and souviners.

I wish that we had brought tiny rain coat that fits into a tiny zip bag... I saw several people that their little raincoat pack fit onto their belt (it was always ready to use).. and it rained in several of our ports last week.

Have a great cruise!

Take a camera to the formal dinner, you'll save a lot by taking your own formal photo.

Just before you close your suitcase, put a layer of small bubble wrap on top. You can use it to wrap breakables really well when you fly home. If you don't use it, there is always someone who does need it. It takes up little space and can really be benefical. I use dental floss to tie the package tight when I use it.

"I use dental floss to tie the package tight when I use it." - this is a great idea! We always forget rubber bands

In 9 years on Fodor's, I always learn something new!!

Nicenancy must be all but gone by now but this little question she asked has brought forth a mine of very good information!
I will add my 2 cents worth and it applies to all travel really:

Instead of padlocks on your suitcase to stop pilferage, and the unfortunate instance of loosing keys or forgetting lock combinations, we put the zip tags together with a larg(ish) keyring - the kind that starts somewhere and as it revolves eventually hits the middle. Unless the thieves are carrying pliers, they would need a nice ladies manicured nail to find the start of the darn thing!

I now carry a little digital voice recorder to make notes. Its slips into my purse or pocket just like a cellphone.

I think these are all very good suggestions

I'm traveling NCL cruise out of BCN 22 Nov 2009 great suggestions!

Great ideas! I'm stealing some. Like I do, you take socks for bedtime because the ship will be cold and dry. Well, those who wear contacts should take extra rewetting drops and spare pairs for the same reaon. For what it's worth, I bought 2 long "slinky" dresses, advertised as California style, for formal nights. Roll them in balls, they won't wrinkle. Appropriate jewelry and shoes dresses them up and a pashmina goes well for the show before or after dinner.

Thanks All!
I bought pashmina in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbuhl - and used them on ship. Using my black and white theme, it worked great to have a "pop" of color with my pashmina and then I (blush) gave them as gifts when I got home!

Just reminded my father who is going to Mexico, and thought I will post it here too - if going to countries where US currency is accepted, bring small bills - for tips on tours, for small purchases. If ran out of dollars, ask if they will give change in dollars - in most places they do, but never hurts to confirm or remind.

I have two lists, one for cruises and one for timeshare exchanges. On both lists: power cords & power bar for multiple electronic charging; large beverage cups; first aid kit (allergies, nose spray, pepto bismal tablets, Tums, bandaids, courgh drops, liquid bandage, ibuprophin, sunburn gel); odor-less air freshener like Oust; snacks (trail mix, peanuts, pretzels); file folder for souvineer menus, pamphlets, etc); 1 large envelope for receipts; a journal book. Hope this helps!

I just scanned this thread and don't think this was mentioned. I address stick-on labels and take them with me for postcards. You can buy stamps from the purser's desk and this saves the time of writing them all out.

We use operating room shoe covers to pack our shoes. I used to work in a doctor's office and got the idea then. We have since obtained them from the doctors we see as they wear out. I guess you could get them at a medical supply store.