My husband and I are going on our first cruise in January. It’s exciting, but also nerve wrecking. I mean, we have never traveled by water before and we have never visited these other countries that we will be going to. Being the travel planner of the household, I like to stay organized. I decided to make a cruise packing list and itinerary folder that wouldn’t break the bank and Dollar Tree helped me do just that.
Cruise Itinerary Folder
On every vacation or press related trip, I like to keep all of my paperwork together. I also like to plan ahead of time. For my cruise itinerary – I purchased a 3 ring folder {not a binder} from Dollar Tree that has pockets on the inside. I chose a folder because I want it to be flat as possible. I wanted the pockets so that I could carry my passports, receipts, and any other extra papers I might get along the way. I am also attaching binder clips that I purchased from Dollar Tree to ensure these items don’t fall out.
I have filled my folder with plastic sleeves. What did I put in these plastic sleeves?
1. Cruise Documents – This includes travel agent receipts, credit card receipts, etc.
2. Shore Excursion Information – This is the information involving shore excursions through my travel agent.
3. Important Emails – Right now that consists of emails from my travel agent.
4. Port Of Call Information – I went to the cruise website and printed off some information about each port of call.
5. Cruise Map – I plant to hang this up in the room with magnets.
6. Trip Insurance Brochure – I hope we don’t need it, but just in case.
6. Cruise Atlas – This is actually in the back pocket. In case we want to book again while on our cruise, we have the cruise schedule through 2015.
7. Passports – We recently ordered our passports so we don’t have them yet, but my folder has a sealable pocket that I plan to keep them in, if they fit. If not, I will hook them in a pocket with a binder clip.
Other Dollar Tree Cruise Packing List Must Haves
Highlighters – In researching what I would need for a cruise, many people have told me that highlighters are awesome to have around. When you get your cruise activities list from the actual cruise ship for each coming day, you can highlight what you plan to do. I plan to take at least two highlighters so that what Jay wants to do can be in one color and what I want to do can be in another.
Pens/Pencils – You need something to write with. How horrible would it be to pay an extravagant price for a simple pen in the cruise gift shop? If you are taking lead pencils, you might want to pick up some refills and some extra erasers, as well.
Notebook – I want to blog about my fun times when I get back. Since I will not be paying crazy high prices for cruise internet, I don’t see much point in taking my laptop. Therefore, my plans for a notebook involve writing about my adventures first and then typing it up when I get home.
Sticky Notes – I just love these! I have been marking all of the other cruises I hope to one day take in my Cruise Atlas. I can also mark the sleeves that I need {receipts, excursion information, etc} as I need it. These are great for just about anything. You can also write on these. 🙂
Magnets – Many people have told me that one or more of your walls or your door is usually magnetic on a cruise ship! I love this and would never have known it. So, I plan on taking magnets that I purchased from Dollar Tree to hang my map in my room.
Memo Board – Several people have suggested that I purchase a small memo board – so I did just that. They have a cute selection of cheap memo boards right now at Dollar Tree. You can hang this on the back of your door and leave notes to each other about where you are. No one wants to run up a cell phone bill with huge international rates just to leave each other messages, right?
Over The Door Shoe Holder – Cruise rooms are SMALL! I have heard that one of the cheap over the door show holder is a great item to have to hold your small stuff like highlighters, tanning oil, glasses, etc. Plus, if the ship is rocking to and fro *gasp* your items won’t be flying off the shelves. I don’t always see these at Dollar Tree, but I did purchase one there in the past, so it won’t hurt you to check.
Free Cruise Packing List Printable
Need to know what else to pack for a cruise? Simply click on the picture to print out this FREE Cruise Packing List Printable!
Free Children’s Packing List Printable
Taking children? Be sure to click on this picture to print out this FREE Children’s Packing List Printable!
Free Warm Weather Packing List Printable
If you are going to warm weather destinations, be sure to click on this picture to use this FREE Warm Weather Packing List! Happy travels!
I hope this DIY Cruise Itinerary Folder and these FREE Packing Vacation and Cruise Packing List Printables make your vacation planning a lot easier!
View Comments (77)
Great lists! I've never been on a cruise before, so I'm sure I'd have no idea where to start in regards to packing!
That is a great list. I haven't been on a cruise in many years, but would love to go on another one.
Have fun. Years ago, when my husband and I first got married, his father offered to send us on a cruise as a honeymoon gift. I declined because I have a fear of the water. I'd panic if I looked out and could see nothing but!
That is the same exact reason that my daughter doesn't want to go. Some say face your fears but I say if you are going to be so scared that you won't enjoy it, there are always other vacations.
Great list, definitely a keeper for when we do finally go on a cruise. Dollar tree has so many great things.
They really do - and all in one stop without wading through the crowd of a massive store. Sometimes you just want to get in and get out.
These are such great tips. The printable list is perfect for someone who isn't so good with being organized. Thank you!
You are so organized! These are excellent lists and I am bookmarking this page for future travel reference! Thank you.
You are welcome. I try to be, but surprises often happen!
What helpful lists! I hope to go on a cruise soon!
Thank you so much. I hope that you get to go on a cruise very soon.
Great lists! I am yet to go on a cruise but we do want to one day.Hope you have a lovely time on yours :).
Thank you so much. I had wanted to go on one for quite some time so I hope it lives up to my expectations, lol.
This is a great idea. I love that it could be adapted to any kind of vacation, not just a cruise.
Nerve wrecking?
Or nerve wracking. ;)