Bon Voyage gift ideas?
 

My folks are taking their first cruise and I would like to make a gift basket. They are going to the Virgin Islands. My list so far is-

motion sickness bands
shower gel
film
album
travel journal

what else?

Will they being doing any underwater adventures (snorkeling, etc.) during their port stops? If so, a disposable underwater camera might be an idea. How about a few books for reading on the deck? Maybe a roll of quarters for each of them for slot machines for the ship casino.

As an added thought, instead of a traditional basket, pack the fun goodies in a tote bag that they carry their suncreen lotion, camera, etc. on the deck or port excursions.

What a great thought! I second the suggestion of the underwater camera. Even if they don't go snorkeling they can still use it like a regular disposable camera. as far as books go, why not buy them something destination appropriate? Maybe something like the Blanchards' book, A Trip to the Beach, the memoir of a Vermont couple who moved to the Caribbean to open a restaurant. Or Edwidge Danticat, a Haitian writer whose writing beautifully evokes the Caribbean? Or just a good ol' travel guide to the Virgin Islands so that they can make their own decisions about day trips rather than rely on the ship's suggestions for things to do in port?
Another nice touch would be to send a bottle of champagne to their stateroom for them to enjoy on their first night at sea.

I'd tuck a small folding umbrella into the basket for use when they're off the ship. It really comes in handy when we have quick showers. They'll also need sun hats.

Just thought of two things to add to the toiletry suggestions: some kind of aloe vera gel in case they overdo the sun, and some cooling peppermint foot lotion to soothe tired feet and legs after a hot day in port. And maybe some lip balm with sunscreen, as lots of folks forget to protect their lips.

Tucked inside the journal or book, a few dollars for a special drink, etc., will be a little surprise.

Two good male friends of mine recently went on a first trip to Cancun and I bought them a beach bag and filled it with;

15 SPF Sunblock
30 SPF Sunblock
15 SPF Lipblock
Tums
Immodium AD
condoms
disposable underwater camera
disposable flash camera
Asprin
Tylonol
Pepto Bismal
Aloe Vera Gel
Heavy lotion
breathmints
Goody Powders

Wow, thanks for the ideas! Actually my parents are more adventurous than myself. They scuba dive several times a year and have the fancy cameras. I did grab film and and album though. A fancy beaded journal, mirror and mints holder for my mom. And a teapot that looks like a travel agency! Now off to pick up your great items!

OH, how can I get a bottle sent to their room???

Condoms!!!??? :O Yuck! It's my parents! LOL!

Hi islandmom: The teapot sounds like a perfect gift for an English friend of mine who loves to travel. He just moving to a new home and I'd love to send it as a housewarming gift. Is there a name of the manufacturer on the teapot so that I could try and do an online search?

As for sending a bottle of champagne, you can log onto the cruiseline's website and look for a bon voyage or special gift section. A few years ago, I ordered massages for a wedding gift for a friend's honeymoon cruise. You can just charge the item directly on the website. You just need to know the cruise date and which ship that they'll be traveling on.

Twinings of London - Irish Breakfast Tea

Travel Agency on one side Luggage Store on the other.

Thanks islandmom! I'll start my website search to see if I can track down the teapot.

A gift certificate for shipboard purchases.

The cruise line web site also should have ideas: for example, I purchased a package for my parents wedding anniversary at sea and it included a special dessert, flowers, picture frame, photo from ship photographer, & champagne.