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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Cruise Essentials

This post originally appeared as a guest post on Green Fashionista on November 17, 2013. Kate is a fellow cruise lover, so a cruise essentials post was perfect to share there, and it's perfect to share here now because      
1. It's February and winter has us in a headlock
2. I'm sick of whining about cold and snow.  
3. Monday night our roof started to leak because, yes, too much snow and ice up there. Instead of laying in bed in the fetal position, I want to think of beaches and vacations. 
4. It's my blog and I do what I want
I never thought I'd like cruising, but I freaking love it. So does MFD, because a cruise ship is just another small town where he can be the mayor. 

Here are my cruise essentials:

1 - I hate clutter at home, I don't want it on vacation! Cruise rooms don't have a ton of counter space, so buy a hanging shoe organizer and bring it with you to store toiletries, batteries, chargers, etc.
2 - No one wants to deal with wet bathing suits. Most bathrooms have retractable clotheslines. You can fit more on them if you use clothespins.
3 - I know, I know, no drying clothes on the balconies. That being said, if you bring a clamp, nothing will fly away. Good for shirts or cover ups that get wet.


4 - A fierce manicure. There will be a lot of photos.
5 - Comfortable shoes. Boats are big, so even if you're sashaying around in flip flops, make sure they're comfortable. My favorites are Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops.
6 - A stylish yet comfortable to carry beach bag. Some excursions can mean a lot of walking. It's not fun to lug a bag that's not easy to carry.
7 - A room with a balcony is a must for me. I'm claustrophobic and I need to be able to get outside without having to go up steps and down hallways. 
8 - Your on-board schedule. You don't want to miss out on bingo, baby. 
9 - Good reading material. A must on any vacation. 
10 - A camera to capture the gorgeousness that is the sun setting over the open sea. Your iphone isn't going to do it justice. 

The next time we'll be saying Bon Voyage is in December for a five day out of Miami with stops at Cozumel and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. And two days at sea to bask in the ocean on all sides of us. We're going with our good friends and cruise buddies Jill & Frank and hitting Disney for a few days after. It promises to be a wonderful time. 

Are you a cruiser? What are your cruise essentials? 


Linking up with Kathy for Humpday Confessions.
 Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday

37 comments:

  1. OMG the hanging organizer!!!! BRILLIANT! i have one and always wondered what the hell i was going to do with it!

    i have never been on a cruise. i tend to avoid all other humans at all possible during vacations so the thought of being on a boat with thousands of them make me anxious.

    -kathy | Vodka and Soda

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  2. I've never gone on a cruise and I've always wavered between thinking it would be awesome -- seeing so many places without having to change hotel rooms! -- and terrifying because I was trapped on the boat. Plus the whole norovirus thing. Yuck!

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  3. Even though we had the cruise from hell last year, I admit that my on-board mani-pedi was delightful. As was the balcony. And the warmth of getting a tan. Although, I can't complain about winter when you guys are getting assaulted again with snow.

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  4. You are the organized queen on vacay too!? I wouldn't expect anything less, my dear!

    I am totally jealous of the Disney portion of your trip! I so want to go and have never been. I have never been on a cruise either, and while I think it would be fun....I dont think it is for me. Motion sickness, claustrophobia, anxiety about a titanic incident, the fact that I cant really swim...these all spell disaster on a cruise ship for me. The trip sounds lovely though!!!

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  5. Everytime you post about cruises, it makes me want to go on one even more! Someday.

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  6. Only been on one cruise in my whole life and it was for spring break my senior year in college. Let's just say there are blanks in that vacation. We did however have a balcony and I always said if I went on a cruise again (which I probably will at some point) it needs to have a balcony.

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  7. LOL, as if there was any doubt in my mind you would bring your mad organizational skills on vacation. Makes sense. The hanger door thing is pure genius, I must say.
    I'm still nervous about signing up for a cruise, as my one experience on a boat had my hurling into the carribean on my honeymoon. Yucky. But maybe with a fierce manicure, and some Dramamine, I can give it a go!
    T minus 12 days til Mexico! Sorry you about your roof. Balls. Balls. Balls. Balls. Balls.

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  8. I've never been on a cruise...but definitely doesn't stop me from dreaming of nice weather and sunshine and the beach...*sigh*.

    And girl- your organizational skills never cease to amaze me! That's a really smart idea- even just on a normal vacation. Our bathrooms always end up a mess with stuff just thrown everywhere.

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  9. I have never been on a cruise i get a little sea sick and being stuck on something in the middle of the ocean freaks me out. Though going somewhere tropical in the middle of Winter sounds really appealing!

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  10. Okay I hate you a little bit for this post. I'm itching for some kind of tropical vacation and sailing away on a boat sounds preeeetttttyyyyy damn tempting right about now. You know. Maybe instead of treking to PA for my BILs wedding. Would the even notice we didn't make it? Damn weddings. The shoe organizer trick is my FAVORITE! I even use it at home or my nail polishes!!!

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  11. I've never been on a cruise... I have an irrational fear of open water... I won't even WALK into it past my knees. But, it's on my bucket list because it looks like fun and I know I'm being ridiculous. I think I'd have to go with a balcony room, too. I've heard how small the rooms are and I would feel trapped!

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  12. You know my cruise experience. I am a land-lover, but thrilled for you two enjoying the cruising. Marlon was my favorite part of that cruise. I do love thinking of beaching and being poolside, tho. And living beachfront. I have a powerball ticket that is a big winner(positive affirmation)!
    Carpe diem!
    love your MOMMA

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  13. I've been on two cruises, both when I was younger though. I really want to go on one now that I could really have some fun.. the clothespin idea is brilliant!

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  14. That last picture is gorgeous! I've never been on a cruise, but at least if I go on one anytime soon, I'll know what to bring and how to be organized!

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  15. I've never been on a cruise but I've always wanted to! I would have NO IDEA what to bring, so thanks :)

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  16. I have never been on a cruise because I don't think I would like it. But I want to do something big for our 10 year anniversary in a few years, so maybe?

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  17. Yes, I love cruising! I didn't think I'd like it at first but it turns out I LOVE it and have been on many! My only other essential that you haven't mentioned is a mouthwash bottle filled with vodka to sneak on the ship without getting caught! ;)

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  18. I saw someone using one of those clamps to keep their towel from flying off a beach chair and have been wanting one since. Love this other idea for its use too.

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  19. Even though I'm not doing a cruise for my honeymoon, these are still great tips for my caribbean trip!

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  20. I love that we share the opinion of balcony rooms being a must... we just booked a Mediterranean cruise for this spring and we refused to sail in an inside room ever again. Once you go balcony you can't go back! :)

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  21. My second cruise of my life is coming up in April so this is timed perfectly! We should have gotten the room with the view...

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  22. I need a room with a balcony on my next cruise. I am more than usually meticulous packer for cruises, because no excess room.

    I would add to your list.....a pair of stellar sunglasses.

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  23. I have never cruised. I've been dying to but I'm a teeny bit scared of weird boat germs or whatever seems to plague those cruises on the news. That said, I know ass-loads of people who have cruised with nary a sniffle, so it's likely that my fears are unfounded! Also, that striped tote? Swoon. I can't wait to hear about this adventure and all of the fancy stuff you guys do!

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  24. You are a genius I tell ya! Love love love the hanging organizer! Haven't been cruisin' since Disney January 09. Womp wompwomp. Living through you!!

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  25. I don't know if I would like a cruise… If I did sign up for one, I would have to get the room with the balcony. Maybe a short one someday...

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  26. Yes! I agree with everything on this list! I have to have a balcony too. I loved ordering breakfast and eating outside before getting showered and dressed for the day and heading to the real breakfast. Ha!

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  27. I am big fan of the cruise-- its a great way to see a lot of places affordably and in a shorter period of time. I always bring a case of water on board and a 12 pack of sugar free redbull. My other essential-- walkie talkies if you are with a big group. Great tips on here!

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  28. I am, so far, not a cruiser, BUT I WANT TO BE!!

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  29. Great tips. I will refer to this for sure if and when I ever get myself on a cruise!

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  30. Great tips... I never thought I wanted to go on a cruise, and then I went on a short one to the Bahamas. Even then I wasn't sold, but after my honeymoon cruise around the Hawaiian Islands (Norwegian Pride) I am hooked! I love the idea of clothes pins, and I will definitely never cruise without a balcony! I also like to bring some Dramamine, if for no other reason than to fall asleep on rough nights at sea! One thing that I found helpful to navigate around pricey drinks, is using a bottle of whitening mouthwash, or any kind of mouthwash that uses a bottle you can't see through. Wash it out well, and fill it with whatever you like and it won't be confiscated, and they'll only think you like really fresh breath!

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    Replies
    1. Excellent mouthwash tip Lauren! We've only ever done Disney, and you can bring your booze on with you, but I will file that away for the future.

      I always have dramamine with me on all trips in case I can't sleep!

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  31. I wish I was a cruiser! It looks so fun and glamorous.
    But 1) Motion sickness, 2) I'm a little terrified of being out in the middle of the ocean.

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  32. The hanging organizer is such a great idea I never would have thought of. Pinning this for later use. Thanks!

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  33. I loe the yoga mat flip flops. I got a pair in the fall and can't wait for it to get warm so I can wear them!!!! I've never been on a cruise. I'm a bit scared of them. Noro virus spreads fast on ships. That would not be fun. Plus I've seen too many stories on Dateline and 20/20 of people falling overboard. And don't even get me started on the one that lost power!!!! :)

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