Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
If we are taking two suitcases, I pack half of my items and half of my hubbies in each suitcase. That way if for some reason a case is lost we are not totally without clothing. In your 3-1-1 bag place items horizontally to save space.
I do the same thing with my own luggage. My carry on has both casual and formal clothing and one bathing suit and cover up as well as my checked luggage.
@Marilyn Williams I do the same, because once both of our luggages got lost (they forgot them in Istanbul when we were switching airplanes), so I keep sleepwear, 2 outfits, toiletries, and so on, in my carry on. Sleeping in your sweaty clothes you wore on flight is disgusting.
If we r flying and check luggage we split the clothes for my husband and myself between two pieces of luggage. That way if one of the pieces are lost we at least have some clothes. 6 days until celebrity reflection
You did an excellent job pointing out packing hacks. The only additional hack I have is I leave the room when my wife packs. We have totally different methods and my sitting in the bar when she packs to go home has kept us married for quite a while. The only problem is she takes so long I get pretty "happy" sitting in the bar that long so I have to pack first..😁
Great tip on extra pair of glasses, even on land vacation. Many years ago when lenses were real glass sister had a lense shatter. Getting a replacement lens many miles from home was interesting. Also there is a nearsighted fish wearing a pair of mine in lake Huron.
Getting ready to go on my 1st cruise in almost 2 years, and this video came at just the right time. I can't wait to be on board the Carnival Mardi Gras!
I also like to bring magnetic clips for clipping up our shore excursion paperwork or artwork from my girls (who don’t usually come with us) to make it seem more homey.
I always take a foldup vinyl tote bag with a zipper for my dirty clothes. I am able to just put my dirty clothes in every day, zip it up and carry it off the ship and, if flying, I just check it! It is wonderful and makes sure I am not stinking up my clean clothes!
I am going on my first ever cruise in January and it took alot of convincing by my husband as I had completely shut out the idea of ever going on a cruise after hearing so many horror stories. Anyway I have been watching many of your videos and I just want to say thank you for all of the important information and helpful tips you provide. I am now excited and prepared for my upcoming getaway!!
Good for you and your husband! The both of you will be hooked on cruising for life! Wherever you are going you'll have the time of your life! I'm very happy for the both of you. 🤗
Omg so exciting!! I just love Celebrity - we really debated between our Princess & a celebrity cruise, but the Princess date worked best. Have an amazing cruise!
OMG! We took our first cruise a couple weeks ago and used a handful of your hacks. They saved me so much time!! The packing cubes are amazing!!! It kept us so organized and made the unpacking and getting settled in our room so quick and easy. Also, the magnet hooks!! Brilliant!! Kept a number of items up off the limited desktop space. I brought binder clips to clip hats together and hang on the hooks. The hooks were a little smaller than I expected but, they were great! Oh, and the suggestion about the power cube. YES! It was so needed and the cube worked excellent. Thanks for all the great ideas!! I felt like a seasoned cruiser!!
What I do for my kids because they like to dig through their packing cube and make such a mess. I select a different color cube for each child. Then I pick out the outfits at home and lay the top and bottom flat then roll each outfit up like a jelly roll and place them side-by-side in their packing cube. They just grab one roll each day and it makes everything so much easier.
California Linda shares another great vlog Ilana. We use a cookie cutter and safety lite tape to make dogs shapes and these stickers stay on the suitcases, even lasted through four international and trips, and the stickers are still doing their job - easy to spot coming off the baggage corral at airports when we check luggage and very easy to find in the rows of luggage in the cargo area after departing from your cruise. Your cellphone flashlight makes it easy - look for the glow.
I second the printing of all your documents. On our last trip, the airport Wi-Fi went down just as we were starting to board our flight and people were having trouble pulling up their boarding passes on their phones. We had ours printed and got to walk right on.
I use hand-vacuum bags (like giant Ziploc bags) to compress my clothes. You can place the packing cubes in the bags and roll the air out. Great for packing the dirty laundry at the end of the trip.
@@LifeWellCruised You roll them up (kind of like wringing a towel) the zip the seal. There is a new version that comes with a little hand pump. I am going to order those for next time.
On all Carnival trips you can order 12 - 16 oz bottles of water to your cabin, prior to departure, for $5.85. Order two if you like. You can also bring 2 bottles of wine on board for your room enjoyment if you care.
Really useful advice as always. The cling film idea for bottles is a really good idea. Luckily at Southampton they never seem to care how many suitcases you are checking in or weigh them. I have bright coloured suitcases that make it easy to spot them in the collection hanger. I have those luggage tags and they are really good.
Very smart! Yes I have a friend who takes a crossing from Southhampton back to the US and she tells me she brings tons of stuff (Christmas gifts & lots of treats she can’t get at home)
Ilana, I cannot tell you how much your videos have helped me out for our upcoming cruise. We have not cruised in 20 years and so much has changed. I think I've watched all of your videos, and I may have cleaned out Amazon on travel accessories. Thank you so much!!!
Even though I’m about to take my 13th cruise, I still listen to your videos as a refresher to make sure I bring everything to front of mind before I start packing. Thank you! 😊
Great packing hacks! I pack my embarkation bag with items that I can "survive" a day just in case my luggage arrives late to my room. Fun shall not be delayed!
I haven’t cruised since 2018. I’m going on a back2back cruise for my 60th birthday on the Mardi Gras. I’ll be on the sailabration cruise! I already have some of the items you mentioned but you gave me more great ideas. This video was really helpful. I also bought the Ultimate Cruise Planner. I’m going to be ready!! Thank you for sharing!!
What a great way to celebrate your 60th birthday!! Omg a B2B on this ship will be amazing 🎉 So glad the video was helpful & thanks for your purchase :)
Alaska now has fees for luggage over 40 lbs…I saw the sign when we flew 2 weeks ago. This was news to me so I recommend checking before you go! I always take my scale!!
Take pictures of your suitcases. That way if lost you are in no doubt and about colour and makings. I also always put a large printout of my itinerary and place it on top of everything in the case.
Excellent video as always. Great idea about keeping the good jewelry home and taking inexpensive pieces. My motto is: only pack what you are willing to lose. Saying that I pack my important documents, wallet, and phone in a fanny pack and keep it on me through the flight and toss it into the safe once onboard the ship. If there is an inflight emergency and evacuation, you can't take any luggage with you, but the fanny pack is attached and I can slide down the escape slide safely. Also, clarify "packing heavy items on the bottom". The bottom of an open suitcase on the bed is different than the bottom of a suitcase standing on the wheels (for those not used to packing for a trip).
We play "musical clothes" with our luggage. I will place 3 outfits in my cruise buddy's case and she will do the same with mine. I'll also have 2 outfits in my carry on. That way, if a piece of luggage is lost, we will each have some of our own things. This evolved after my suitcase was "lost" during a trip to WDW and I had minimal clothing for the 5 days until it was located. When there are more than 2 of us, I line up the suitcase and each person places an outfit in each suitcase until all the outfits are packed. Obviously, these are complete outfits including underwear and socks
Recently found and subscribed to your channel, loving all the tips. Purchased the cruise planner as well, 6 more weeks!!! Packing cubes are the bomb for traveling more than a couple of nights 😃
We bring two or three of the faux (battery) tealight candles from the dollar store - they make a great nightlight in the bathroom. The dollar store is also a great place to pick up small travel sizes of over-the-counter medicines that we like to bring just in case.
I would like to buy a euro converter plug so I can use that “other plug” in the cabin. However, not sure which to buy because I was told NOT to get one that just changes Euro to US plug, but to get one that also converts the power to be safe for a US product.
Thanks for sharing this video! You're a well informed cruiser. I'm taking notes. Looking forward to my trip. Love the packing cubes. I can find them at Amazon. 😍🤩🙏🙏
I got a great deal on a 3 piece of luggage set that was over $700 for $192 at Kohl’s and best thing ever. I’m thinking about the future and I want the best things I can get and it doesn’t matter when I get them. Can’t beat sales and great deals.
Your videos were very helpful, Thank you. The last time I cruised was in 2010 on the Maiden voyage of Allure. Great tips, I never thought of wrinkle spray, Tylenol, hooks, towel pins etc to pack in my suitcase. They all came in handy..Thanks again
I always put any liquids or sprays in ziploc containers, I learnt the hard way. I never put all my stuff in one suitcase, half my stuff and half of my husband's goes in one suitcase so if one is lost at least you'll both have some things
Pack you cloths in large ziplock bags the gallon size you can pack your clean cloths in them and then this for dirty cloths and shoes after. FYI: this is good for kids to pack their daily outfit
I'd recommend purchasing an inexpensive USB hub, which allows you to plug in several devices for recharging, while using only one cabin electrical outlet. They aren't surge protected, so are allowed by the cruise lines.
Thank you Ilana for wonderful tips!! Just booked my cruises in April 2022 on Wonder of the seas and in July 2022 on Symphony of the seas!!! Keep on coming… your TIPS are very helpful!!!! Thank you
How do you pack your formalwear and /or mens suit? Do you use some sort of garment bag or do you just carefully pack it in your larger check in luggage? PS thanks for these great tips for our first cruise ever!
My tip is if you are flying before your cruise, wear your heaviest shoes and the clothes that take up the most space so you have more room in your suitcase and it doesn’t weigh so much. My makeup is pretty heavy, so I put it in my carry on instead of my suitcase so my suitcase isn’t too heavy. Plus my makeup is expensive, so I don’t wanna risk losing it if my suitcase gets lost.
This might be a weird question but do you have any idea how many inches worth of space is under the bed. We have a large suitcase and I’m wondering if it will actually fit under the bed. Sailing on NCL Sun.
I don’t know, but honestly our first few cruises we had a massive suitcase we brought and it fit. You may need to ask the attendant to lift the frame just a bit but it will likely fit under
Once again, great advice and info as always. My wife and I are doing the packing thing now for our November 16th cruise on Emerald princess. All the tips are great but, how do you prevent over packing ?? We always bring way to much. Lol thanks again for all the information you provide everyone.
I was guilty too. I try to match and lay out outfits for the week as you can wear items over again esp on at sea days. It takes some trial and error! Lol
Distribute the clothes between all the bags so if one item of luggage is lost it will reduce the impact of that. I used to only put my stuff in my bag and if my bag was lost I’d be in big trouble.
I've watched quite a few (hundred?) of these packing tips videos. They get me excited for my planned trips! But I gotta tell ya, I just don't get the excitement over packing cubes. I'm already packing a suitcase. Now I have to pack nylon zip cases to go in the suitcase? I know, I know, these cubes can be put in drawers and shelves to make unpacking a simple exercise. But then I'll have to check several of them to find my sexy underwear, not the practical panties. I'm not organized enough to remember what I put where. And before you tell me that I can purchase see through ones, (I'm thinking about the sexy underwear again) I'll just say, "No way, Jose." Love you Ilana!
Haha I love packing videos too! I totally get why you might not like the packing cubes. If you don’t need them & it would actually make packing more complicated, you’ve got to stick with what works :) - thanks so much Judith ☺️
I tag all of mine with lightweight, clear badge tags and attach them with a clear luggage loop to the zipper pull. To make the bags easier to open, I put pulls on the zippers. I then let those tags be visible in both my suitcase and when in the cupboards or the drawers in the cabin.
I'm taking my first Royal Caribbean Alaskan Cruise is September that also stops in Victoria. My question is can you take your prescriptions in a weekly pill case, or do you have to bring all of the original pill bottles from the pharmacy??
Great video! Going on my first ever cruise Feb 2022 on Celebrity Reflection! This will help me alot! By any chance do you have a link to your Amazon store instead of separate links to each individual item? It would a lot easier to avoid going back and forth. Thanks again!!
Also, one set of cables in each bag. Gives you backup cables in case one dies or one case doesn't get to you. Remember battery packs must be in carry-on for your flight, they are banned in checked luggage. If they catch it, your checked bags may not get to your final destination.
Hope this isn’t a dumb question..we are going on our first cruise in March. If I pack an extra duffle-type bag in my luggage for extra stuff coming home, I just need to print out an extra luggage tag, right? We will only be checking 2 bags total to start with. Ty
Not a dumb question. When you’re on your cruise, the cruise line will give you new luggage tags for disembarkation. They often give 6 or so, but you can ask for more. I have a video about what to expect for disembarkation that might be helpful:)
Take photos of your luggage with something that shows the scale of it - A ruler for example or just make a note of the measurements. This makes it easier should it get lost as you can show a photo rather than trying to describe it.
Hello- we are going on our first cruise in March--im very curious about “formal” wear. Many videos show all casual… few very formal- is there an in between? Im just not sure which way to go and i dont want to go too much on either extreme!
Great question - I do have a video about what to wear that goes into this more in detail, however formal is usually a dark suit for men and a cocktail dress or long dress for ladies. You’ll see a mix of more or less dressy than this as well
Great question. You can use the waterproof phone case on a lanyard or perhaps get one of the phone cases with a cross body strap (similar to a thin purse strap). A waist pouch would be good too. I keep a wristlet case for evening
Don't fill your containers to the max. Squeeze out the excess air so that if the contents expand due to temperature or pressure, they will fill the void rather than pop open.
I Always have a ziplock of Dryer Sheets and a couple loose in my luggage. They make everything smell Amazing and Fresh! And here’s a Pageant Secret BONUS TIP: Dryer Sheets instantly take deodorant marks off clothes 😉
Hi Ilana, Jill loves how you pronounce the word as "neck-lace" as opposed to "neck-less" sounding. Well, one week from right now (Sunday 3:25 pm, We'll be landing in Ft Lauderdale Airport for our overnight stay and then it will be life well Cruised. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut.
Haha you’re going to laugh as this sent me googling the pronunciation of this word. Honestly being in a French province I know I have a little accent on some words but didn’t notice this one. Seems it’s common in the Maritimes & Eastern Canada to pronounce this way. Lol fun fact. I’m excited for you both!!! Have a wonderful cruise & let me know please how it feels to be back
For women, don't forget menstrual products! Not all ships will have a good selection on board, nor supply them in the infirmary. Even if you're not close to cycle, having some on hand could possibly help another passenger. You also never know what'll happen.
I followed this and took a ton of magnetized hooks and they worked NOWHERE. I am sure that underneath whatever was covering the walls is metal, but the covering must have been sufficient to neutralize the magnets.
Great tip on extra pair of glasses, even on land vacation. Many years ago when lenses were real glass sister had a lense shatter. Getting a replacement lens many miles from home was interesting. Also there is a nearsighted fish wearing a pair of mine in lake Huron.
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
If we are taking two suitcases, I pack half of my items and half of my hubbies in each suitcase. That way if for some reason a case is lost we are not totally without clothing. In your 3-1-1 bag place items horizontally to save space.
Great tip
Great idea!
I do the same thing with my own luggage. My carry on has both casual and formal clothing and one bathing suit and cover up as well as my checked luggage.
@Marilyn Williams I do the same, because once both of our luggages got lost (they forgot them in Istanbul when we were switching airplanes), so I keep sleepwear, 2 outfits, toiletries, and so on, in my carry on. Sleeping in your sweaty clothes you wore on flight is disgusting.
What a smart idea
If we r flying and check luggage we split the clothes for my husband and myself between two pieces of luggage. That way if one of the pieces are lost we at least have some clothes. 6 days until celebrity reflection
Definitely a smart idea!! & omg your cruise is almost here!! 🎉🎉🎉
great idea, also put shorts in caryyon bag for when you first get there
You did an excellent job pointing out packing hacks. The only additional hack I have is I leave the room when my wife packs. We have totally different methods and my sitting in the bar when she packs to go home has kept us married for quite a while. The only problem is she takes so long I get pretty "happy" sitting in the bar that long so I have to pack first..😁
Great tip on extra pair of glasses, even on land vacation. Many years ago when lenses were real glass sister had a lense shatter. Getting a replacement lens many miles from home was interesting. Also there is a nearsighted fish wearing a pair of mine in lake Huron.
Getting ready to go on my 1st cruise in almost 2 years, and this video came at just the right time. I can't wait to be on board the Carnival Mardi Gras!
That’s awesome!! What a fabulous first cruise 🎉
I also like to bring magnetic clips for clipping up our shore excursion paperwork or artwork from my girls (who don’t usually come with us) to make it seem more homey.
I always take a foldup vinyl tote bag with a zipper for my dirty clothes. I am able to just put my dirty clothes in every day, zip it up and carry it off the ship and, if flying, I just check it! It is wonderful and makes sure I am not stinking up my clean clothes!
Love this tip
I am going on my first ever cruise in January and it took alot of convincing by my husband as I had completely shut out the idea of ever going on a cruise after hearing so many horror stories. Anyway I have been watching many of your videos and I just want to say thank you for all of the important information and helpful tips you provide. I am now excited and prepared for my upcoming getaway!!
Awe so glad to hear! Honestly, cruising is a great way to travel. Once on the ship it’s both a fun & relaxing vacation. Happy planning 🎉
Good for you and your husband! The both of you will be hooked on cruising for life! Wherever you are going you'll have the time of your life! I'm very happy for the both of you. 🤗
Been binge watching these and Gary’s videos. Headed on a 12 night celebrity in December. Can’t wait! Thanks for the video!
Omg so exciting!! I just love Celebrity - we really debated between our Princess & a celebrity cruise, but the Princess date worked best. Have an amazing cruise!
I just bought some cadence containers for my liquids. Amazing. Takes little room in my 3-1-1 bag. I have magnets that I love to hang things
OMG! We took our first cruise a couple weeks ago and used a handful of your hacks. They saved me so much time!! The packing cubes are amazing!!! It kept us so organized and made the unpacking and getting settled in our room so quick and easy. Also, the magnet hooks!! Brilliant!! Kept a number of items up off the limited desktop space. I brought binder clips to clip hats together and hang on the hooks. The hooks were a little smaller than I expected but, they were great! Oh, and the suggestion about the power cube. YES! It was so needed and the cube worked excellent. Thanks for all the great ideas!! I felt like a seasoned cruiser!!
What I do for my kids because they like to dig through their packing cube and make such a mess. I select a different color cube for each child. Then I pick out the outfits at home and lay the top and bottom flat then roll each outfit up like a jelly roll and place them side-by-side in their packing cube. They just grab one roll each day and it makes everything so much easier.
I find that the aLOKSAK Element Proof Bag 12" x 12" (2 Pack) are great for not only cosmetics but any items for secure weatherproofing.
I love how you say hello with your hand and fingers!!!!
California Linda shares another great vlog Ilana. We use a cookie cutter and safety lite tape to make dogs shapes and these stickers stay on the suitcases, even lasted through four international and trips, and the stickers are still doing their job - easy to spot coming off the baggage corral at airports when we check luggage and very easy to find in the rows of luggage in the cargo area after departing from your cruise. Your cellphone flashlight makes it easy - look for the glow.
That’s the cutest!! Love that idea
I second the printing of all your documents. On our last trip, the airport Wi-Fi went down just as we were starting to board our flight and people were having trouble pulling up their boarding passes on their phones. We had ours printed and got to walk right on.
I use hand-vacuum bags (like giant Ziploc bags) to compress my clothes. You can place the packing cubes in the bags and roll the air out. Great for packing the dirty laundry at the end of the trip.
Good idea! How do you compress them at the end of the cruise?
@@LifeWellCruised You roll them up (kind of like wringing a towel) the zip the seal. There is a new version that comes with a little hand pump. I am going to order those for next time.
On all Carnival trips you can order 12 - 16 oz bottles of water to your cabin, prior to departure, for $5.85. Order two if you like. You can also bring 2 bottles of wine on board for your room enjoyment if you care.
I use the disposable shower caps from hotels as shoe covers when packing.
I love your style of thinking as how to organize things. Very similar to me.
You did great job addressing very important points.
Really useful advice as always. The cling film idea for bottles is a really good idea. Luckily at Southampton they never seem to care how many suitcases you are checking in or weigh them. I have bright coloured suitcases that make it easy to spot them in the collection hanger. I have those luggage tags and they are really good.
Very smart! Yes I have a friend who takes a crossing from Southhampton back to the US and she tells me she brings tons of stuff (Christmas gifts & lots of treats she can’t get at home)
Ooh,like the electronics case idea!
My hubby likes it too :)
Ilana, I cannot tell you how much your videos have helped me out for our upcoming cruise. We have not cruised in 20 years and so much has changed. I think I've watched all of your videos, and I may have cleaned out Amazon on travel accessories. Thank you so much!!!
Omg too funny! So true a lot has changed. So glad the videos (and item suggestions 😂) were helpful :)
for a distinctive ribbon on your luggage, check out a surveyor supply store - tapes of different colors, with stripes, polka dots, etc.
Great idea! You’re right duct tape comes in many different colors
Even though I’m about to take my 13th cruise, I still listen to your videos as a refresher to make sure I bring everything to front of mind before I start packing. Thank you! 😊
Great packing hacks! I pack my embarkation bag with items that I can "survive" a day just in case my luggage arrives late to my room. Fun shall not be delayed!
You have a really soothing voice - I find your videos very entertaining and relaxing! :)
Thanks Sebastian! Lol it’s weird to hear your own voice so I appreciate the compliment:)
I haven’t cruised since 2018. I’m going on a back2back cruise for my 60th birthday on the Mardi Gras. I’ll be on the sailabration cruise! I already have some of the items you mentioned but you gave me more great ideas. This video was really helpful. I also bought the Ultimate Cruise Planner. I’m going to be ready!! Thank you for sharing!!
What a great way to celebrate your 60th birthday!! Omg a B2B on this ship will be amazing 🎉 So glad the video was helpful & thanks for your purchase :)
I bought the cruise carry on bag that u recommended . I love it. Has everything we need
That’s great!!
Alaska now has fees for luggage over 40 lbs…I saw the sign when we flew 2 weeks ago. This was news to me so I recommend checking before you go! I always take my scale!!
Alaska Air? Good tip to always check each trio
These tips are so helpful, you're really preparing me for My upcoming cruise.
Heading to Mexico in weeks. Brushing up on the do's, don'ts, take, don't take. This video is awesome!!!
Take pictures of your suitcases. That way if lost you are in no doubt and about colour and makings. I also always put a large printout of my itinerary and place it on top of everything in the case.
Smart idea! I may share this tip in a future video 👍
@@LifeWellCruised sorry about the typos !
Excellent video as always. Great idea about keeping the good jewelry home and taking inexpensive pieces. My motto is: only pack what you are willing to lose. Saying that I pack my important documents, wallet, and phone in a fanny pack and keep it on me through the flight and toss it into the safe once onboard the ship. If there is an inflight emergency and evacuation, you can't take any luggage with you, but the fanny pack is attached and I can slide down the escape slide safely. Also, clarify "packing heavy items on the bottom". The bottom of an open suitcase on the bed is different than the bottom of a suitcase standing on the wheels (for those not used to packing for a trip).
Smart idea for the fanny pack!! Thanks for clarifying too :)
I can never get enough packing tips, tricks and hacks. Especially when you travel with just a carry on and backpack.
I'm a ziplock lady
I pack each day in a bag.
All NY vitamins in a small ziplock 1 for each day. I find I am very organized.
Brilliant 👌
I carry a small first aid kit on excursions in my bag. One time at sea world a little girl scraped her knee and I had Neosporin and band aid.
So smart!! Great idea
Leaving soon for our first cruise since covid. All your tips are right in line with my tips.
Awesome! So glad! Very exciting to be cruising again 🎉
We play "musical clothes" with our luggage. I will place 3 outfits in my cruise buddy's case and she will do the same with mine. I'll also have 2 outfits in my carry on. That way, if a piece of luggage is lost, we will each have some of our own things. This evolved after my suitcase was "lost" during a trip to WDW and I had minimal clothing for the 5 days until it was located. When there are more than 2 of us, I line up the suitcase and each person places an outfit in each suitcase until all the outfits are packed. Obviously, these are complete outfits including underwear and socks
Recently found and subscribed to your channel, loving all the tips. Purchased the cruise planner as well, 6 more weeks!!!
Packing cubes are the bomb for traveling more than a couple of nights 😃
Welcome Paige! Omg that final countdown is so fun. Thanks for your purchase of the planner - hope you love it :)
I have your planner and have been using it more and more. Our cruise is 20 days away,! And the checklist has been wonderful.
So glad you like it & it’s been useful! I really appreciate your feedback. Very exciting that your cruise is getting so close 🎉🎉
T-minus 30 days to my cruise in over 6 years! Excited. Perfect timing on this video.
How exciting!! Have an amazing cruise!! 🎉
We leave in 29 days for our very first cruise!
@@kerrymotton1819 what cruise will you be on? Maybe we are in the same one!
We’ll be on Carnival Legend
@@kerrymotton1819 I’ll be on Royal Caribbean. Explorer of the Seas. Happy cruising!
We bring two or three of the faux (battery) tealight candles from the dollar store - they make a great nightlight in the bathroom. The dollar store is also a great place to pick up small travel sizes of over-the-counter medicines that we like to bring just in case.
We watch all your video's, we love them. We have cruised so many years but do learn new things. Thanks for the updates
You’re so sweet! Thanks for watching & I’m so glad that there’s some value even for an experienced cruiser like yourself:)
I would like to buy a euro converter plug so I can use that “other plug” in the cabin. However, not sure which to buy because I was told NOT to get one that just changes Euro to US plug, but to get one that also converts the power to be safe for a US product.
a tip for marking your suitcase.. colloured electrical tape,I tape it around the the handles on your suitcases
Leaving next Sunday on Royal Caribbean…post Covid
Yay!! Good for you!! Enjoy 🎉🎉
Going on our first cruise in December! Thank you for the videos!
That’s awesome! Have an amazing cruise!!
We are, too! 11 days to go!
Great tips and REMINDER after no Cruises for almost 2 Years
We all will FORGET something..
It’s crazy isn’t it? I’m so looking forward to getting back & sure you are too
For sure .. Next week on the
Scarlet Lady ..Packed our
Bags 2x's...
@@raymullen3583 wow!! So exciting! Please let me know how you like it. Enjoy 🎉
Thanks for sharing this video!
You're a well informed cruiser. I'm taking notes. Looking forward to my trip. Love the packing cubes. I can find them at Amazon. 😍🤩🙏🙏
I got a great deal on a 3 piece of luggage set that was over $700 for $192 at Kohl’s and best thing ever. I’m thinking about the future and I want the best things I can get and it doesn’t matter when I get them. Can’t beat sales and great deals.
That’s awesome 👏
Your videos were very helpful, Thank you. The last time I cruised was in 2010 on the Maiden voyage of Allure. Great tips, I never thought of wrinkle spray, Tylenol, hooks, towel pins etc to pack in my suitcase. They all came in handy..Thanks again
I always put any liquids or sprays in ziploc containers, I learnt the hard way. I never put all my stuff in one suitcase, half my stuff and half of my husband's goes in one suitcase so if one is lost at least you'll both have some things
Pack you cloths in large ziplock bags the gallon size you can pack your clean cloths in them and then this for dirty cloths and shoes after.
FYI: this is good for kids to pack their daily outfit
Great idea!
maka list of all contents in bag and use it again next time, less decisions
I'd recommend purchasing an inexpensive USB hub, which allows you to plug in several devices for recharging, while using only one cabin electrical outlet. They aren't surge protected, so are allowed by the cruise lines.
Thank you Ilana for wonderful tips!! Just booked my cruises in April 2022 on Wonder of the seas and in July 2022 on Symphony of the seas!!! Keep on coming… your TIPS are very helpful!!!! Thank you
What amazing cruises!! Glad the tips are helpful:)
How do you pack your formalwear and /or mens suit? Do you use some sort of garment bag or do you just carefully pack it in your larger check in luggage? PS thanks for these great tips for our first cruise ever!
Another second for the hooks, get at least ten!
Had to save this list for next year!!😁😁 Wondeful segment!! A+
I travel a lot and don't know if it's that its a cruise that got be off track. But should I put my Yeti in my checked bag?😞
As always, great tips. Love that you add the links. Thanks for sharing.😎
Thanks Eleanor:)
My tip is if you are flying before your cruise, wear your heaviest shoes and the clothes that take up the most space so you have more room in your suitcase and it doesn’t weigh so much. My makeup is pretty heavy, so I put it in my carry on instead of my suitcase so my suitcase isn’t too heavy. Plus my makeup is expensive, so I don’t wanna risk losing it if my suitcase gets lost.
Will the magnet hooks not set of any alarms in TSA?
Thanks for the packing cube suggestion! Your details and examples were super helpful for our upcoming cruise in Jan! 👍
Glad the video was helpful :)
roll all clothes and I can use the overhead bag and 1 carry on for the entire trip
That’s awesome
This might be a weird question but do you have any idea how many inches worth of space is under the bed. We have a large suitcase and I’m wondering if it will actually fit under the bed. Sailing on NCL Sun.
I don’t know, but honestly our first few cruises we had a massive suitcase we brought and it fit. You may need to ask the attendant to lift the frame just a bit but it will likely fit under
@@LifeWellCruised Thank you so much!!
Thank you for all the helpful travel tips.
My pleasure!! So glad the tips are helpful Janette
When you suggest packing heavy items on the bottom of the luggage do you mean at the bottom with the luggage while laying flat ?
Hello. Quick question, do you have to have luggage tags on every bag, including the bags you are carrying on yourself? Thank You very much!
I hesitate to buy packing cubes when I still have the old clear plastic travel bags that rolls the air out of them.
How many suitcases do you use? I will be flying and cruising solo and don’t want to over pack
I would pack 1 medium suitcase plus a carry on bag. I don’t go carry on only, but you definitely could get away with this if you do a capsule wardrobe
Check out Travel Tips by Laurie UA-cam. She has tips for carryon luggage.
Once again, great advice and info as always. My wife and I are doing the packing thing now for our November 16th cruise on Emerald princess. All the tips are great but, how do you prevent over packing ?? We always bring way to much. Lol thanks again for all the information you provide everyone.
So glad you liked the video Jeff. Lucky you - you’re cruising so soon!! 🎉 Btw I’m always working on not overpacking as much as the last time 😂
I was guilty too. I try to match and lay out outfits for the week as you can wear items over again esp on at sea days. It takes some trial and error! Lol
What type of converter do you need for carnival ships?
Distribute the clothes between all the bags so if one item of luggage is lost it will reduce the impact of that. I used to only put my stuff in my bag and if my bag was lost I’d be in big trouble.
Very smart!!
@@LifeWellCruised I bet this is a mistake you’d only ever make once.
I've watched quite a few (hundred?) of these packing tips videos. They get me excited for my planned trips! But I gotta tell ya, I just don't get the excitement over packing cubes. I'm already packing a suitcase. Now I have to pack nylon zip cases to go in the suitcase? I know, I know, these cubes can be put in drawers and shelves to make unpacking a simple exercise. But then I'll have to check several of them to find my sexy underwear, not the practical panties. I'm not organized enough to remember what I put where. And before you tell me that I can purchase see through ones, (I'm thinking about the sexy underwear again) I'll just say, "No way, Jose." Love you Ilana!
Haha I love packing videos too! I totally get why you might not like the packing cubes. If you don’t need them & it would actually make packing more complicated, you’ve got to stick with what works :) - thanks so much Judith ☺️
I tag all of mine with lightweight, clear badge tags and attach them with a clear luggage loop to the zipper pull. To make the bags easier to open, I put pulls on the zippers. I then let those tags be visible in both my suitcase and when in the cupboards or the drawers in the cabin.
Is it good to have the locks on you luggage or no locks
I haven’t ever used locks going on the ship
I'm taking my first Royal Caribbean Alaskan Cruise is September that also stops in Victoria. My question is can you take your prescriptions in a weekly pill case, or do you have to bring all of the original pill bottles from the pharmacy??
Great video! Going on my first ever cruise Feb 2022 on Celebrity Reflection! This will help me alot! By any chance do you have a link to your Amazon store instead of separate links to each individual item? It would a lot easier to avoid going back and forth. Thanks again!!
Very exciting! Yes, the link to the Amazon storefront (with cruise essentials) is at the bottom of the list of items :)
Also, one set of cables in each bag. Gives you backup cables in case one dies or one case doesn't get to you. Remember battery packs must be in carry-on for your flight, they are banned in checked luggage. If they catch it, your checked bags may not get to your final destination.
Thanks Don for that tip. I didn’t really power banks can’t be in checked luggage for a plane
What packing hacks & tips do you use?
We roll our outfits together when packing…we learned from traveling on motorcycle 🏍
@@coraldeaver3707 great to know. Smart tip
Hope this isn’t a dumb question..we are going on our first cruise in March. If I pack an extra duffle-type bag in my luggage for extra stuff coming home, I just need to print out an extra luggage tag, right? We will only be checking 2 bags total to start with. Ty
Not a dumb question. When you’re on your cruise, the cruise line will give you new luggage tags for disembarkation. They often give 6 or so, but you can ask for more. I have a video about what to expect for disembarkation that might be helpful:)
@@LifeWellCruised ..thank you so much!
I always take a picture of my suitcase in case the airlines lose it.
So smart
Take photos of your luggage with something that shows the scale of it - A ruler for example or just make a note of the measurements. This makes it easier should it get lost as you can show a photo rather than trying to describe it.
Smart!
Hello- we are going on our first cruise in March--im very curious about “formal” wear. Many videos show all casual… few very formal- is there an in between? Im just not sure which way to go and i dont want to go too much on either extreme!
Great question - I do have a video about what to wear that goes into this more in detail, however formal is usually a dark suit for men and a cocktail dress or long dress for ladies. You’ll see a mix of more or less dressy than this as well
What can you use to carry your phone and key card so you don’t have to carry a purse everywhere?
Great question. You can use the waterproof phone case on a lanyard or perhaps get one of the phone cases with a cross body strap (similar to a thin purse strap). A waist pouch would be good too. I keep a wristlet case for evening
@@LifeWellCruised I just got the phone waterproof pouch with lanyard. They will work very well
We always have to fly...50# Max.
also dress in layers for plane
Is red a good color for luggage?
I think so. It will definitely stand out & it’s noticeable
@@LifeWellCruised thanks
Don't fill your containers to the max. Squeeze out the excess air so that if the contents expand due to temperature or pressure, they will fill the void rather than pop open.
I Always have a ziplock of Dryer Sheets and a couple loose in my luggage. They make everything smell Amazing and Fresh! And here’s a Pageant Secret BONUS TIP: Dryer Sheets instantly take deodorant marks off clothes 😉
Brilliant tip!! I’m going to try - thanks Erica!
Anyone else going on the carnival glory February 2022?
Hi Ilana, Jill loves how you pronounce the word as "neck-lace" as opposed to "neck-less" sounding. Well, one week from right now (Sunday 3:25 pm, We'll be landing in Ft Lauderdale Airport for our overnight stay and then it will be life well Cruised. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut.
Haha you’re going to laugh as this sent me googling the pronunciation of this word. Honestly being in a French province I know I have a little accent on some words but didn’t notice this one. Seems it’s common in the Maritimes & Eastern Canada to pronounce this way. Lol fun fact.
I’m excited for you both!!! Have a wonderful cruise & let me know please how it feels to be back
For women, don't forget menstrual products! Not all ships will have a good selection on board, nor supply them in the infirmary. Even if you're not close to cycle, having some on hand could possibly help another passenger. You also never know what'll happen.
Can you wear crocs on cruise
I followed this and took a ton of magnetized hooks and they worked NOWHERE. I am sure that underneath whatever was covering the walls is metal, but the covering must have been sufficient to neutralize the magnets.
That’s too bad. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. Most cabin walls are metal (and magnetize), but unfortunately not all :(
Never have shoes empty, use socks or shampoo bottles
🙌🙌
A lot of plastik garbage for the environment 😡
Great tip on extra pair of glasses, even on land vacation. Many years ago when lenses were real glass sister had a lense shatter. Getting a replacement lens many miles from home was interesting. Also there is a nearsighted fish wearing a pair of mine in lake Huron.
Oh no!! Must have been super difficult