Donna's Cruise Must Have's

By now, you know this is our year for cruising. I have always been an overpacking but after our simpler lifestyle in Ecuador, I have been working on fine-tuning both my clothes and other accessories. Finding things that pack well is critical as is my comfort.

So here are a couple of things I've found that now go on every cruise.


COCOON TRAVEL BLANKET

I originally got this for the times I am sitting around somewhere on the ship, either writing or reading, and my legs get cold. While great for that, I also used it A LOT for taking naps in the cabin without disturbing the bed. (Yes, I know they will remake the bed.)

I love that it folds up so small - 4"x7" stuff size. I used it doubled in half but the full size is a generous 55"x70". Lightweight, perfect for travel.


THERM-A-REST COMPRESSIBLE PILLOW

Traveling with a bad back can be bad news. I sleep with a small pillow between my knees to alleviate back and  hip pain. I could use a regular bed pillow but that becomes cumbersome, especially in the middle of the night when you need to move. On our last cruise I bought this compressible pillow and feel in love with it. I used it behind my head with sitting up on the bed reading, watching TV, etc. and then I used it at night.


It worked out so well that I now use it at home as my night time knee pillow. It takes a little effort to compress it back but since it folds into it's own storage bag. To save space, I sometimes just clip it outside of my carry-on bag. The first time you open the pillow, allow a couple of hours for it to expand. You will be amazed!



And just for the ladies....those of you living/traveling in an RV, understand about limited storage space. So wardrobe items need to be easy to store and serve multiple purposes. That means, I don't normally have dressy clothes. For cruises, I had been combining a pair of dressy black slacks with a couple of tops for dinners. At times we like to dress up a bit more and do the steakhouse and while my choice worked, I really wanted a dress. I found this one and am in love!!!

LEGGINGSQUEEN WOMEN'S 3/4 SLEEVE, SHIRRED WAIST, LONG MAXI DRESS

While they come in many colors (red, magenta, green, burgandy/black, gray, eggplant, burgandy, navy and more), I opted for the simple black/white combination.

These are the two I ordered. They don't wrinkle, they stretch, they pack small (and don't wrinkle) and best of all, they hide the rolls that have decided to reside permanently around my mid-section.

Perfect for travel, they take up little space when folded (mine are stored in a drawer). The best news? They cost $25. Color me HAPPY!

CRUISE TAGS - LUGGAGE ETAG HOLDERS ZIP SEAL & STEEL LOOPS THICK PVC - 8 PACK

The last thing is something for both of us - very handy. Not a requirement but we love not worrying about our cruise tags. We no longer have to wrap them in packing tape so they don't get wet, don't have to staple them on our bags and worry they will get torn off. We highly recommend these for anyone who cruises.



Ciao for now!