The Master Rule of Cruising....Bring 1/2 as many clothes and twice as much money :)

You can also use those clothespins to put on the bottom of the shower curtain. It helps weigh it down so the shower curtain stays down and it won't stick to you as much.

Greetings, Having Been on multiple cruises, I always bring a small flashlight, a small battery operated travel clock, a small collection of first aid supplies, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc… And I always put a copy of my boarding pass inside my luggage in case the outside luggage tags get ripped off, they can open it and find out what room I’m staying in.

I love to snorkel but the water wreaks havoc on my hair.I bring a small spray bottle of detangler on my excursions so I can get the tangles out when I get out of the water.I also bring a small amount of Dawn in a travel size bottle to soak/wash out my snorkel gear.A Dollar Tree dry erase board for leaving notes to the family or room steward is helpful.Lots of baggies in various sizes are a must for me as well.

A small foldable cloth/cardboard drawer insert (Dollar Tree) to put inside the safe. Nothing gets lost on the bottom. Handy when you drop your watch or keys inside for safekeeping.

I have a small, flat zippered bag (a Samantha Brown) that has smaller zip bags in it which velcro to the bottom of the bag. I put extra ziplocks, garbage bags, 1st aid kit, sewing kit, magnet hooks, dryer sheets, flashlight, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, a small pack of kleenex in there to name a few things. I keep a list of everything I put in there so I can replenish before another trip and I review and revise my list depending on where I'm going. I probably take along more over the counter meds than a lot of people (married to a retired pharmacist). In my 1st aid kit I take Tylenol, naproxen, Benadryl, Tums, anti diarrhea pills, throat lozenges, decongestants, Cold-eeze (they work for me), anti-itch cream, triple anti-biotic oint., band aids, swabs and anything else I think I might need. I keep my Rx Meds in my carry on. If we have a connecting room with another group, I have a couple of dry erase boards in there too. It helps to keep track of who is where. I do have an extension cord and a multiple usb charger in there. It also doesn't hurt to bring along one of those fold up backpacks when you go off the ship. Sun block, sunglasses (if I'm not wearing them), fold up rain jacket, bug spray/wipes, a small hotel soap (just in case), extra water all go in that fold up back pack when I get off in port. Another thing. I always make sure my money and credit cards are in a cross body bag or secured on my person anytime I go off the ship. And people are right about those packing cubes. I have several sets in different configurations. I've found too it's good to have different colors if the bag is the same size as another. Makes it easier to reach and grab....oh yes. I don't take things like my underwear out of those bags when I put them in drawers or on shelves.

We take a couple of those battery operated flickering tea lights from Dollar Tree. Since we normally do interior rooms, those lights are enough to see to the bathroom without keeping anyone awake.

And take some unused dryer sheets to toss in with the dirty laundry throughout the week. It helps to control the odor. :)

We bring a mini flash light.

Great tips! I started using packing cubes on our cruises after watching your videos. I also bring a clear over-the-door shoe organizer that i hang in the bathroom to hold toiletries and hair tools. This keeps the countertop clutter free.

I like a night light for the bathroom or the room, it can be sooo dark in your cabin. I also have purchased the cardboard fold flat popcorn boxes you can get at dollar store. I pop them open then use them for corralling small items on the desk, like pens and highlighters, snacks, hair stuff, etc. I hate having stuff spread all over the desk top. 😊 Toss in trash at end of trip.

Whether on a cruise or in hotel, the hanger with clips can also be used to keep curtains closed to avoid the light coming through.

I bring a shoe organizer for the closet. It gets all those shoes up off the floor and makes more room for other things in the closet. I found a foldable one that lays flat in the suitcase at TJ Maxx. Also a closet shelf organizer that folds flat and I place all of our packing cubes inside and we still have plenty of space for all of our clothes that needs to be hung. I also found the organizer at TJ Maxx and it also folds flat. We both have our own and it saves up a lot of room in the drawers and shelves in the cabin. And your tips about bringing clothes pins, magnetic hooks, pop up hamper, analog alarm clock, analog watch, pack it flat toiletry bag have been lifesavers, making a small first aid kit for excursions has come in very handy, printing all documents has been a big lifesaver and such a breeze. What I did on our last trip was and needed to be done was take all of our clothes that needed to go to the dry cleaners and have then cleaned and pressed and wrapped in individual bags on our own felt hangers. And those were the very last things to go in the suitcase the morning that we left. No wrinkles at all. As soon as we got in the cabin we shook them out and hung them up and they looked great. And because they were professionally pressed, using downy wrinkle release the wrinkle came out easily and we wore them again. We will do this again for our next cruise. We saved the bags and took them back to the dry cleaners for recycling. After our first cruise back in 2004, and many mistakes and my brother getting a call from the alarm company cause the alarm went off at 3 in the morning, I print out a calendar a month before we leave and I start planning backwards starting from the day we leave the house. And I write on the calendar every tiny detail that needs to be done. Example, day before we leave; dogs to boarding. 2 day before leaving; hair done and mani/ pedi, and dogs go to grooming. Pack up all dogs meds, food and toys. 1 week before fill out vacation card for mail hold. Clean house day before. Morning of departure turn off water and make sure everything is unplugged and timers are on and alarm is set. 1 month before pull out suitcases, reorganize packing cubes, sort thru cruise clothes, wash any clothes that maybe going, go thru toiletries and make shopping list etc. Make packing list, make hubby's to do list for trip. Set up document organizer. Watch CTTV videos and get excited for our cruise! Learned a lot from watching your videos.

Instead of a hamper I bring extra packing cubes and roll my dirty clothes as I go into them. That way on the last night the majority of my packing is already done.

I think that I use almost all your ideas. I also love to pack some extra Ziplock bags and I am a big fan of Downey wrinkle release

Magnetic hooks for sure! I like to put one of the magnetic hooks on the inside of the door to hold my lanyard/seapass card (and mask) right above the door handle so I don't forget them. I use another two hooks on one of the walls to hang my chargers and cords, rather than having them on the desk or in a drawer.

I love your packing videos on KZfaq I usually pack a little more just in case I spill on my shirt or my pair of paints.

My solution for laundry is we always pack a light duffel bag in our luggage and that becomes the hamper for the trip, then we just zip it up and check it on the way home (we fly SW so get 2 free bags per person and just make sure to check one less on the way out). It’s so much easier than having to rejig everything at the end of the trip. I also don’t like the idea of putting the dirty clothes in with any clothes that are left clean at the end of the trip. Plus, that bag just goes straight to the laundry room when we get home.

Just a note on the mini frig, I work in appliance repair my whole life. They like to put those ini frig in cupboards. If you leave the door open the frig will work better as they need air around them.

I now bring extra hangers, the thin velvet ones, since there are never enough hangers on ships or in hotel rooms. And I put all those Ipsy bags to good use; one for electronic cords, one for hair accesories, one for makeup...you get the drift.

If your closet has removable hangers, use the ones with the clips if you haven't brought your own clothespins (for such as closing the cracks in the curtains). This tip also works in hotels.

I have always stored my suitcases under the bed. For laundry, I have a couple large, foldable, vinyl Tite bags with zippers. I always take one anytime we travel (not just cruises) to use for dirty laundry. All dirty laundry goes in and when it's time to go home, zip it up and if you have free bags when flying, I zip lock it closed and check it. I keep luggage tags on them all the time. If cat traveling, it just goes in the car. For organizing in cabin, we use those shelves in the bathroom for our personal items. Use a small glass for toothbrush & toothpaste, one for makeup brushes and everything else either stands or lays on its own. We always unpack as soon as our luggage arrives after sendoff party so we are organized and ready for fun!! Each person gets a closet and a drawer, and a shelf in cabin.

We Lovvvvve the pack it flat, still using it for cruising and traveling--- you give the best traveling advice and your Amazon store is invaluable, thank you!!!!!

I found some magnetic battery night lights that can be set to motion sensor that I put on the wall in strategic places. Really nice in an inside cabin when nature calls in middle of the night. Also picked up a collapsible canvas bin that my wife fills with all her misc stuff and slides under bed--much easier than pulling out a suitcase. Lastly I have a hanging set of pockets that I hang up with magnets and then have one place for things like sunglasses playing cards etc etc. Keeps the desk much less cluttered.

Packing cubes and the pop-up hamper are the 2 things I ALWAYS bring. I have the same set since 2016, and they are still in amazing condition! 1 more day, and I'll be on the Encore ;)

When packing your clothes….try to work with 2 maybe 3 colors and try to interchange your clothes as much as possible. That way your shoes will match your clothes your jewelry matches your clothes….and it looks great in your pictures.

I took a cloth and mesh hanging shoe organizer and adhered it to the wall with magnets. Worked great for toiletries and anything else we needed to store with easy access.

Thank you so much!!! Your content is so helpful!!!!

I'm an organizational freak, and this was super helpful. And the comments are awesome as well.

It's best to notify cruise line when booking of CPAP. They may also provide distilled water with extension cord.

I always bring at least 1 of the IKEA Skubb boxes that measures 11” x 5 1/2” when I cruise, these nylon boxes have a diagonal zipper across the bottom so the travel flat, and are a great little box to corral small things that you will use often in the cabin.

We have a 14 day cruise planned and I think I am going to pack like we are doing carry on - just use my checked luggage. The checked luggage is a little larger than my carry on size but will give us room to bring items back if needed. While we are getting better at not buying all of the things - some how the same stuff you fit in your luggage just fine before the trip never fits the same coming home. :-) The only extra item that I pack for a cruise is my "Room Essentials" packing cube. It has all of the bits and bobs that we have learned that we need in our room to keep things nice and organized.

I bring a small portable fan, usb powered. I like airflow in my room, and that provides it. I also pack painkillers and cold medicine. Prices for these things are crazy expensive on the ship.

We love packing cubes and the hampers!! We use them all the time even for camping. We do one load of laundry and come back with mostly cleaned clothes

Thanks Sheri and to the commenters for a great refresher before we do our restart in the not too distant future. Great advice and we'll probably replay this a few times before we sail again! 👍👍👍

Thank you for sharing Sheri! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗🤗🤗

Love your tips. Cruising in October to the Mediterranean this will be my 3rd cruise

Put tumble dryer sheets in your luggage to keep them smelling fresh, especially when you have your dirty laundry to take home

I take my own reuseable straws because I don't like the new disposable staws being used (from Amazon). I also use collapsable "dog" bowls for snacks (from the Dollar Store) , the are easy to store (flat) and collapsable cups (from Amazon). A night light especially traveling with kids. I use a clear hanging shoe organizer on the inside of the bathroom door, which also folds flat and accommodates everyone. I use collapsable storage containers (from the dollar) store to put socks, underwear in etc, they fold flat and weigh nothing. I am leaving on Carnival Mardi Gras on the 30th of January, the week before I alway go through my suitcase and remove about half the clothes I know I won't end up wearing "don't overpack"!

We also now bring a couple of those flat drying mats. Perfect for the ice bucket and anything else that will 'sweat'.

Sheri, your cruise tips as well as your Amazon livestreams are amazing and fun! Here is one mistake I made on a cruise to Cozumel. After spending a wonderful day at a local beach, I returned to the ship, or so I thought... I actually returned to the wrong ship, and, surprise, upon entry, my ID ship card wasn't recognized. MY tip is to remember exactly where your ship is docked. Not exactly a common cruise cabin mistake, or even a common cruise mistake, but I thought I would share my embarrassing cruise mistake. It only happened once, so I do learn from my mistakes... sometimes...

A large plastic shopping bag, such as from Kohl’s or Target, works just as well as a pop-up hamper, plus it takes up less packing space and is free.

You should bring a small first-aid kit or some bandaids. On one of my cruises on Carnival, I cut my finger and I thought I could go down to the ship's infirmary to get one free bandaid but OH NO, they made me pay $3 for a small package that contained 3 bandaids and one small packet of antibiotic ointment. You can purchase a travel-size first-aid kit at the 99 Cent Only Store for $1.99.

I took an 8 day cruise solo to Alaska. I had a checked bag and a backpack. Had laundry done once.Cheaper than another checked bag.

I use heavy duty magnets out on my balcony then attach a travel clothesline, nice and tight and us double strong clips for hanging things up. Put it over beside the adjoining wall. Never have had anything blow away.

Place smaller suitcases into larger ones before you put them under the bed. Gives you more room to put things under the bed. Just don't forget them before disembarking! Also, some Holland America ships have drawers at the foot of the bed. They may be hidden by the bed cover.

Great tips and thank you so much.

Thank you so much, since I'm fairly new to cruising.

My tip: pack less! The more you have, the more you have to worry about. And you'll have extra space for souvenirs.

Pop up hamper when full put in a vacuum bag and just squeeze out the air. And put it in your suit case. That way the smell doesnt get into your suit case. And last night you dont have much to pack.

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing!!!

We always bring a headlamp and flashlights I use olight and keep them handy for getting up late at night and emergencies-- always take lights that use common batteries too in addition to USB chargeables --- Thanks

Thank you. Nice seeing you again. We use a empty drawer to put dirty clothes in. You mentioned the refrigerator. Do you use it for anything besides drinks? I use the little button bags you get with new clothes to pack necklaces. I always take a new liquid soap to put on the sink. They are so cheap I just toss at the end of the cruise. God bless.

Those are the best magnets. They come with us ever time.

Love your videos. Great tips even for veteran cruisers

Tells us not to over pack then tells us all the great things to take. ;) great tips!

Excellent tips…thanks!

Brilliant valuable content. We're guilty of the laundry storage 😅.

Reading all these comments. Great tips!!

I admit that I've placed wet items on the balcony before.🙋🏽‍♀️ But I also used my beach chair clips to hold them down so they wouldn't fly away.😬

I always ask now for additional hangers which I never knew you could do originally!

My tip - small pop up cube to hold shoes in one place under desk area

I always take a universal adapter so I can use one of the plugs if necessary. I bring a spray bottle & spray everything in my stateroom like door handles, remote control, telephone, light switches etc. a must for me is a small battery operated clock that I put in the bathroom so I always know the time.

Thank you for the tips!

Thank you Sherri for the tips. Used a lot of your tips 5 years ago for my first cruise. My problem is I’m an over packer.

California Linda shares thank you for the timely reminders. We sail the end of April and I always being a motion detector light as it's the size of a deck of playing cards and provides light to the bathroom without turning on the room light and wakening up your spouse. My Corkcicle water bottle is also a must, compression packing cubes make carryon feasible and a mini bluetooth speaker for my Playlist musical favorites for the room and balcony. 😊 🎵

bring thank you notes for crew members & write a personal thank you note. every crew member on every cruise has treated me with kindness!!!!!

Love my flat hanging cosmetic case!

I always hang the swimsuit for a bit and then hair dry the suits. Works like a charm!

I booked my first cruise almost 3 years ago, but didn’t end up going until this last October. In the meantime I watched many many of your videos, as well as Matt’s. Thanks to you guys I was really prepared. Thanks for all the info you share. For me at least, it was very very helpful.

Thank you 🙏🏽 writing it down

Hello Thank you I really enjoy the way you explain everything Rosemary

The over the door mesh shoe organizer is great! Perfect for your sandals, sunscreen, first aid items, etc. Also, collapsible water bottles. They pack small and you can fill them at any of the water stations.

I've always found Popourri spray a necessity in such tight quarters.

I love bringing magnets to mark my door. That long hallway of identical doors can get very confusing. For safety reasons your room key doesn't have your door number listed.

I take one of those tiny fake battery candles to put in the bathroom at night, it's just enough light for those of us who "go" a lot at night.

I also add a clean garbage bag inside my hamper to seal in odors from our dirty cloths.👍🏼

Great tips, I like how you use a martini glass for your lipstick 😂

So nice to see your pretty face on the high seas!!! Thanks for the tips as always!

I use packing cubes for dirty laundry!

Pack less by taking a more casual dress that you'll wear in the evening for only a few hours and use it as a day dress the following days. Take an extra empty packing cube and roll your dirty laundry into it at the end of each day so that all of your dirty laundry is already packed at the end of your trip. Suction cup hook in the bathroom to put on the mirror for light hangable items.

I always take electric tea lights for the nighttime bathroom trips.

You taught us to use Clorox wipes well before Covid. You were ahead of your time.

Extension cords. They never have enough to share, bring your own.

Glad to see you mentioned using suitcases under the bed for dirty clothes. We do thst all the time. If you need to do some laundry

Hi Nice tips

You can put on one of the clothes lines on balcony

I bring a large plastic garbage bag to put my dirty laundry in. It weighs nothing and can be stored with the laundry under the bed or at the bottom of the closet.

My experience with US cruise ships means I'd never put my case under the bed. We don't get bed bugs on Australian ships,but still- I'd never put dirty washing in my bag! Yuck! I bring a waterproof, see-through beach tote & mesh laundry bags. I wash the night before port,& hang my washing on hangers. When I get back I put those hangers straight back in the wardrobe,but while I'm ashore,I loop my lanyard around the beach bag handle,so it's always at hand, & I stick any shore tour stickers on the side of my bag!

Definitely bring air freshener for bathroom. Upset stomachs will happen.

Pop up hamper ftw

I use an Ikea bag in the bottom of the closet for dirty laundry. Cheap!

Carnival Radiance they have a cooler. we just leave our dirty stuff on the balcony and someone must come by and take because by morning they are all gone. at the end of the cruise we asked for our clothes back but they acted like they didn't know what I was talking about

Nightlight! Really dark in the middle of the ocean to see at night!

Hi Sherri would you think about going to New Zealand

Do we pack the wall magnets in carry on or checked luggage? We use a scented trash bag in our suitcase for dirty clothes

I would never leave clothes in suitcase under bed.My sister in-laws room got totally flooded on a carnival cruise.They had to jet vac their room.All week they had to walk on wet rug.I don’t remember what caused the flood but it ruined their cruise.

Sherri ~ how can you find out if your ship has a laundry. We will be sailing on Carnival Miracle. Thanks

Don't slam your cabin doors when you exit your cabin. Your neighbors will thank you!

Can you bring some Lysol spray as well? I’m going on a bday cruise in March and I definitely want to sanitize my cabin and airplane seat. I plan on bringing the wipes also