I just returned from my first cruise on the Celiac Cruise (read all about the Celiac Cruise) As a first-time cruiser, what did I learn?
Mistakes to Avoid: What I learned on my first cruise.
Mistake 1: Overpacking
I overpacked and under-packed at the same time. I recommend bringing a capsule wardrobe of items that work together. Stick with just a couple of bottoms and interchangeable tops. I really wanted super comfy loose clothes for on the ship, but I didn't pack enough. I also needed more space for stuff I bought at the gluten-free grocery store. Thankfully, I brought an extra duffle for the trip home.
Recommendation:
Bring compression packing cubes, the ones I have linked are ones I used for years. They really maximized the space in my suitcase and kept my clothes and gear organized in the cabin. I also recommend a hanging toiletry bag to maximize space in the bathroom. If you need some extra space for the trip home, pack an extra duffle bag.
For my trip, I filled my extra duffle bag with my packing cubes of dirty laundry leaving room in my suitcase for gifts and gluten-free food from the gluten-free grocery store.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Itinerary and Not Planning for Excursions
I wished I had researched more about the places we were going. I booked excursions through the cruise line ahead of time for 2 ports, and that was a money saver, but if I had researched the local sites, I might have chosen differently.
Recommendation:
Download the cruise app ahead of time to see options, but also research local options for tours. Book your tours ahead of time to save. Many people booked great local tours through Viator. If you travel with the Celiac Cruise, they made arrangements for us to carry our own gluten-free meals for our excursions if we wanted them.
Mistake 3: Worrying too much ahead of time.
I really worried about the silliest things. The power strips were a huge worry for me. I also worried about the boarding process. I worried about getting sick from germs, and getting sea sick. None of these were things I needed to worry about. I have learned what I needed to make sure those issues were not a problem.
Recommendations:
Pack the right power plug to power your devices. I really didn't have an issue with what I brought, but one small plug was excellent in the limited bedside outlet.
Getting a boarding time ahead of time on the app and printing out bag tags made the process so easy.
As far as sickness goes, bring what you need to help you feel well. Seasickness bands and patches are good, and I also recommend any medication that you may need to help you with tummy issues. When you have Celiac Disease your digestion may slow or speed up as you eat food you are not used to eating.
Mistake 4: Not Bringing Essentials You May Need
I thought I had everything covered, but one thing I didn't bring was a big tumbler or cup. I bought a water bottle, but unfortunately, you can't refill water bottles on the cruise. My water bottle was great for excursions, but I needed to buy a $30 tumbler with a lid in the cruise gift shop. I didn't buy the drinks package, but we decided it was worth buying the bottled water package. They deliver 2 cases of 1 Liter bottles to your room. That was worth the $50 to me.
Recommendations:
Bring a tumbler or a Stanley and a smaller water bottle for excursions.
Other essentials I thought were well worth having were a small fan that I could carry on excursions or place on the bedside table. Magnets and hanging organizers to keep small things like hats and sunscreen off the desk and ready to grab. Cabins are small and I recommend bringing your Poo-Pourri. It makes life so much easier.
I have a full list of things I will bring on my next cruise. Check out all my recommendations on Amazon.
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