23 days on Anthem of the Seas – At sea and reevaluating our packing- Day 14

So I figured today was a good day to reevaluate our packing. Recently, I was viewing some of my old videos on packing and realized that things change as you become a more seasoned cruiser.

I don’t want to lug around unnecessary items, but want to ensure I am prepared. Bringing one medium size suitcase is the right amount. Pack it full, if there is no airline involved and the cruise line has no weight limit. Royal Caribbean has no weight limit. Remember the shoes are important!!!

Since this was a back to back cruise. We each had a bag of laundry done on each cruise. You can really get a lot into one of their bags by rolling your items. A few dresses, tops, shorts, socks, and under garments fit nicely. They came back very clean and in good shape.

So now lets look at:

1) A few items necessary and recommend be brought: The links where provided will bring you to Amazon for the items I use.

• Sea Bands – This was a rough trip and I used them for a few days. Would never ever cruise without these.

• Room Thermometer – So nice to have in your room. I have also used on the balcony.

• Lanyard – Have to have a lanyard. Bought a new one on the ship and replaced the card holder with one of these. These are resealable and you can easily take the card in and out as needed.

• Small Bills – We bring small bills for tipping. When we get served in the Diamond Lounge or the Casino the drinks are complementary and therefore there is not gratuity added. These small bill as for that purpose. Also in a lot of places small shop owners do not have change.
• Packing cubes – Love, love, love these. First trip used and would never go away without them again. I could pack so much more, was organized, and could take them and put them right in the dresser drawers.

2) Should have brought and needed:

• Extra sneakers – If you walk or exercise a lot you may want to bring an extra pair of athletic shoes. I definitely will next time. We walked everyday at least 12,000 steps and I find that it is better to switch up your shoes and not wear the same ones every day. The front of my feet are wide and Merrell’s are my go to athletic shoe.

• Evening flip flops – In the evening I wear a dress and a pair of nice high shoes. This does not work after you have been walking all day. You really need a nice open comfortable flip flop. Flat flip flops gross me out as you never know what you are stepping in. We were in Antigua and I was wearing a pair of flat flip flops. I stepped off the curb and my toes were in mud that smelled like sewer. Gross – gross – gross. I love these. They are dressy looking and most importantly up off the ground.

3) Items we brought and won’t bring again:

• I really can’t think of any items for this section at this time.

For additional information:

1) About packing click here : http://deestimes.com/packing/

2) On the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas click here: http://deestimes.com/anthem-of-the-seas/