Cruise Packing Checklist?
 

Does anyone have a traveler's checklist of items that one should (or should not) pack for a 7-day cruise? We will be in Las Vegas 9 days prior to the cruise, so need to try to pack light and can wash clothes, but not sure of other necessities or things one might for sure want to take on a cruise... like binoculars?? are they necessary? We have 3 ports, P. Vallarta, Mazatlan & Cabo. Thanks.

Sorry I do not have such a list but I did find lots of help at cruisecritics.com. Just do a search for "packing list" or something similar. I did bring my binoculars and never used them - but you might be going on excursions where you would. Post it notes were helpful to me as were over-the-door hooks. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and bug spray and a journal to record your experiences.

I would pack binoculars - I have certainly used mine lots cruising. Also I take washing powder/liquid, a small round hanging clothes line with pegs to hang in the bathroom (turning the air con up high when you're out will dry the clothes quickly and save on drier costs) Last cruise my husband insisted on taking extra coat hangers but you can ask your steward for these. A MUST are extra (charged)camera batteries!!!. Sadly my camera faded just as they were setting up the champagne waterfall and I missed lots of wonderful shots. Also a spare carry-on bag is handy too. :)

Thanks eileyann, I will check it out.
ozcruiser, you mentioned charged camera batteries.... am I wrong to assume that I will be able to plug in my battery chargers in our cabin? I am only taking one extra set of batteries for each of our cameras. I am a picutre-NUT and would just hate it if I lost my camera or ran out of battery at a crucial time or event! :-) Have not heard of the round clothes hanger, but I will look for one while in Vegas the week b/4 our cruise. I have a couple of small carry on bags ready to pack in the larger bags, learned a long time ago to pack them & save money, as we've had to buy extra bags on several trips just to carry home things we've bought! Thanks for your suggestions.

I think Lillian Vernon carries the round clothes line.

an iPod and sound dock of sorts. Even if you don't plan on spending a lot of time in your room. I HIGHLY recommend this!

I did have a slight problem charging as my (borrowed from a friend) converter plug didn't fit! However the pursers desk charged them for me 'out the back'. Unfortunately they didn't last long (not sure how long they actually charged them for) but you shouldn't have a problem charging them in your cabin.

A pair of light dress pants or a skirt with three different tops should help you get through dinner sittings. I assume you will need to bring at least one dress for the captain's dinner. For the men, same - pair of light dress pants and shirts with collars. You will probably require a jacket for the captain's dinner.

What cruiseline are you sailing on? Will you have any formal nights? In that case, you can take one pair of dressy black pants & a couple of dressy tops to change off w/a pair of dress sandals.

No film camera or films unles you are a photo-hog. Add to your list the following: rain poncho, proetctive gear for your camera, post-it note pad, high-lighter. a power bar (for all your electronics that needed plug in), emergency lighting, sun tan lotion (non-fragrant preferred), cash in mixed denominatins (with higher percentage in smaller bills), a good book, mp3 player (plus accessories), comfortable shoes, and most import of all, "I am going to have a good time regardless what happens" attitiude. :D

Good luck on your trip and don't forget to post a trip report here!

Weird. 2nd post on Fodor's, just to pull up a 5.5 year-old thread?

I was surprised Patons is going on a cruise again... oh, it's somebody to promote their website!