Haven't cruised in a few years, give me helpful hints/tips

I just completed my 20th cruise in March and I'm heading to the Mediterranean in September but I don't think I have any more to offer than you'll find at Cruise Critic, lol! The weather should be perfect when you're going so it should be pretty easy to pack. Enjoy your trip and share some photos when you get back

Other than taking a power strip (check to make sure it's still allowed on your cruise line, some are getting a bit picky now) I don't pack any differently for a cruise than any other vacation.  When we started cruising years ago I thought I would need things like the over the door storage things and found that we didn't need them for just the 2 of us - there is usually storage behind the mirrors in the bathrooms, plenty for our needs.  I use the laundry bags in the cabin for dirty laundry or bring a couple of trash bags, no need to bring anything else.  I do take my own hair dryer, I've found the ones in the cabins are usually not very good.  Pack light, it makes that last day much easier, I don't want to spend all that last afternoon packing - we can pack in about 15 minutes now.  

Gravol and Imodium, just in case
Sunscreen and aloe.
Evening wear
Anything special for your particular cruise line/ ship ( eg. On a Disney cruise we had pirates night)
Workout clothes and shoes... Comes in handy if you have days at sea and are surrounded by Buffett meals
If you are traveling with kids, bring something to do at sit-down meals

I toss in a few binder clips (same logic as safety pins or clothes pins), a pen and highlighter, flashlights (you can pick up some small bright led ones at the dollar store), a small roll of tape, a small pair of scissors (or pocket knife, or nail clippers - something to cut stuff/ open packaging with).

Don't forget your family's preferred OTC meds (Benadryl, Imodium, pepto, etc). You can get them on board but it's just cheaper and easier to toss them in the suitcase. get some bonine or seasick medicine. It's inexpensive at Walmart, just in case.

Don't forget your passports! Last cruise we met some people who had to leave half their party at home at the last minute. They didn't have passports, couldn't find their birth certificates and weren't allowed to board. Eek!

That's an excellent idea - I bet a small white board and dry erase marker would make that easy

Double check on the power strip - most are banning them now. We got one of these and have no issues:

3 Outlet Charger

I also bought one of these portable battery operated fans. I like to have air moving. I just set it on the nightstand next to me at night and it did the trick.

Portable Fan

If you're cruising with a lot of people, I recommend using the dry erase boards on the outside of your door. That way you can leave messages for other people in your party.

A small bag or backpack to carry your stuff around the ship on Sea Days - book/kindle, knitting/crafts, sea pass card, etc.

I definitely 2nd the water bottle. I refuse to pay their prices for bottled water, but refilling is easy and the water on board is filtered already.

We're going on a West Coast cruise this fall, and a Trans Pacific next September (Hawaii to Sydney).

We are booking a shorter cruise tomorrow, just needing to confirm one thing with my son first!

Have fun on your cruise! I hope you have an amazing time!

With regard to the pictures...I take a picture of the local license plate (once we disembark) so I know where we were when the pictures were taken.

Have a great time

My favorite things for cruising might be specific to me but I will post them as you may value in them. 

A pop up container (mesh) that is round or square to put dirty clothes in. We usually find a spot in a corner or under a dresser and we always do a load or two of laundry even on a 7 day cruise. It is nice to have a place to put it all.

Clothes pins for hanging wet suits or if you have to hand wash anything. 

An insulated cup. This is a must for me. I can't stand the spilling, sweaty cups that the plastic cups end up being. 

My Kindle. Some trips I am lucky to read one book and other trips 3-4 books. I love have variety and an unlimited amount so that if I want it then it is there. 

Pack less, lots of black that works and a couple scarfs and jewelry pieces that can change it up. 

A hanging jewelry pouch. I bought it at TJ Maxx. It has zippers to keep everything contained, lays flat in my suitcase and easily hangs up once I arrive in the closet, keeps things from breaking or losing small pieces. It was $10 and well worth it! 

I like to bring a few thank you cards for staff. There are always those that are simply amazing and served us in a special way. I always bring a few and make sure I don't go home with them. 

A light jacket (casual) for deck, a hat to keep the sun out, 2 pair of sunglasses and a light jacket that is a color that goes with most things for dinner if the dining room gets cold. 

I usually bring a few nuts or chocolate for our room. Not much as there is plenty to eat but if we want something small to munch on in our room then we have it and don't have to go pay above retail prices at the gift store.

Zip lock baggies because I always needs them for something. 

Tweezers! I swear I forget these 1/2 the time and half way through I am buying a crappy pair from the gift store.