what to bring?
 

Im going on a carnival cruise to the mexican riviera in july. I was wondering what I should pack. certin clothes, cd player, Iron etc. Is there anything that I should not be without? I have never cruised before.

Pack lightly. It will be very warm in the summer months. You will have 2 formal nites I believe (one for sure, and then a semi formal nite)-check with them on that.<BR><BR>If you have never cruised before and you are not sure how prone you will be to motion sickness --bring some gravol just in case.<BR><BR>There is no cd players/radios in the staterooms so if you want tunes -bring your own.<BR><BR>I think thats all for now<BR><BR>happy cruising<BR>

David most ships frown on people taking irons, they are a fire hazard. Also why bother with that extra weight?<BR>Ships usually have laundry rooms equiped with irons.

The ship will have laundry services like pressing, so don't bring your own. I brought a cd player on my last cruise, I used it on deck when I was lying in the sun. Certain clothes: quick-dry shorts and t-shirts, and sandals for shore excursions and your own snorkel and mask if your planning on snorkeling, and a tote/duffel bag.

big sun hat, sunscreen,babywipes(to keep you cool), dollar store type of small blowup float for snorkling if you are going to, and it's more fun floating at the beaches, waterproof neck container for money, boarding pass etc., if you are not doing laundry, lots of nylon shorts, t-shirts bathing suits, you will sweat thru them all. It's so HOT in July, you'll feel like taking off your skin and just running around in your bones!!

MaryAnn,<BR> I learned the hard way NOT to take baby wipes. When you sweat, they will sting your skin and eyes. Handi Wipes or similar products only!

NOT HANDI -WIPES mea culpa! Those are for the kitchen, LOL. I'm packing right now and forgot which wipes I buy.....

Wear lots of linen and cotton, short sleeves. I'd suggest bringing tops and bottoms that mix and match and also ones that you could wear with swimsuits. This is how I pack for Florida and a cruise is no different.

hi linda, you are right, I just call all those types of wipes-babywipes. Be sure and read the label to get the type that will not sting. Thanks for the correction.

Always in my handbag and luggage are Cottonelle or some other product..have even used baby wipes.. There are now a alot of new products. I find they are handy for wiping the face, hands and rest rooms seats. One of the best hints that I have received is to buy an old fashioned plastic shoe bag..I hang that over the bathroom door and put in it my shampoos, sandals, tanning lotions, a little flashlight, shampoo and conditioners, Woolite, and a few old fashioned wooden clothes pins for drying bathing suits in the bathroom.

Parrot Mom always posts good information. I will ditto the flashlight. Keep it handy on the bedstand.<BR><BR>Paul

Don't forget the "Duck" tape.

What is a waterproof neck band for holding money?? <BR>First time cruiser....cant't wait<BR>Thanks,<BR>

hi, the waterproof neck container is a small plastic container about the size of a pack of cards on a rope. The opening has a rubber seal to keep it waterproof. great for keeping money, credit cards and ship's boarding pass while you are swimming. Some people just use zip-lok bags but they might fall out of your bathing suit unless secured very well. The main thing is don't leave anything on shore that you wouldn't want to lose.

Thanks for the info, one more question, where do you buy one of these neck things??

I can't imagine something flailing around my neck while swimming or snorkeling. I always wear a waterproof fannypack which has a sturdy belt 'round the waist. I bought mine at caribbeancharlies.com The one I own is called a splash caddy. You can also find these at dive shops.

hi, the waterproof neck container does not flail when you stick it down the front of the bathing suit (woman), my husband wears an old t-shirt when he snorkels, to keep from being sunburned on his back when snorkeling, so if he is wearing the thing, it's under the t-shirt. I like the idea of the fannypack and am going to look for one. The neck container can be found at some dollar stores or other stores with a big selection of beach supplies.

I would vote for the neck thing. It does not flail on me - when snorkeling I put it behind me and it floats above my back, and no, it doesn't choke me. I have to say, I can't imagine sticking it down the front of my bathing suit. I've heard where people have had to add a zip-lock baggie to the splash caddy fannie pack because it leaked. The neck container does not. A few years ago, at Sports Authority, I bought a fanny pak version of the neck container - with the rubber seal - and that works great too. This site has a picture of both:<BR>http://shop.store.yahoo.com/campingrus/frogsafe.html<BR>

Thanks for all the ideas for holding our money and things, I will definetly pass the word to our other cruising friends and go shopping!<BR>tgeorge<BR><BR>Sensation 10/02