10 Genius Items Cruise Crew Members Buy Before Every Sailing — All Under $5 at Walmart

Essential Items for Your Cruise 00:00

"What you haven't packed are the 10 items sitting in every crew member's cabin right now."

• As you prepare for a cruise, packing your vacation essentials such as nice clothes and medications is important. However, there are key items that crew members often buy, which can significantly enhance your cruising experience. These items, purchased at Walmart for under $5 each, address common issues that passengers may face, especially in the first 48 hours aboard.

Preventative Solutions: Ziploc Bags and Baby Powder 01:27

"A 50-cent Ziploc bag would have prevented all of it."

• Small quart-sized Ziploc bags serve multiple purposes, such as protecting your CPass card from getting wet at the pool, organizing medications, and keeping jewelry secure. Passengers are particularly prone to losing their CPass cards, which can lead to long wait times at guest services for replacements.

• Travel-size baby powder or cornstarch can be a game-changer for passengers experiencing chafing after a day in the heat. It is crucial to apply this powder before walking in humid conditions to prevent skin irritation, particularly for those not accustomed to such weather.

Quick Fixes: Safety Pins and Electrolyte Packets 03:45

"Passengers rarely think about this until they're in the dark trying to find their room key."

• A small pack of safety pins can save a formal night when dress straps break or button pops off. Having this handy item can alleviate panic and embarrassment in emergency wardrobe situations; guests often face difficulties that crew members regularly prepare for.

• Individual packets of electrolyte powder are essential for staying hydrated after spending a day in the sun or enjoying drinks. The medical center often charges significantly for hydration treatment, so having your own packets can save both money and discomfort.

Managing Space and Maintaining Health 05:53

"Experienced crew clip wet items to anything that gets airflow."

• Clothes pins or plastic clips can be used creatively to dry wet swimsuits and towels, preventing mildew smells from developing in cramped cabins. Utilizing vertical space, like clipping items to hangers or balcony railings, can optimize airflow for drying.

• Carrying a small LED flashlight or keychain light helps manage nighttime cabin navigation. This is particularly useful during power outages or when trying to quietly leave the cabin without disturbing roommates. A flashlight ensures you can find your way without fumbling in the dark.

Packing and Financial Management Tips 09:35

"You can't dispute what you can't document."

• Gallon-sized freezer bags are incredibly handy for transporting souvenirs and preventing spills in your luggage. This is especially useful when packing liquids from port stops to avoid messy situations in your suitcase.

• Keeping a small notepad and pen helps monitor expenses throughout the cruise. By documenting what you order and the charges on your SeaPass card, you can avoid unpleasant surprises on billing day. Recording your tab enables easier disputes at guest services if discrepancies arise.

Effective Dispute Resolution Strategies 09:51

"The passengers who kept notes got refunds in four minutes."

• Keeping detailed notes of your expenses and reservations on a cruise is essential for effectively disputing any incorrect charges. Passengers who documented their dining reservation times, spa appointment times, and excursion meeting locations found it easier and quicker to resolve billing errors.

• Instead of casually stating that a charge looks incorrect, passengers should be specific by saying, "I have notes from that day, and the charge doesn't match. Can you pull the itemized receipt?" Using the term "itemized" can significantly improve the chances of obtaining an accurate resolution, as it prompts staff to pull the correct documentation.

Importance of Hand Sanitizer 11:10

"Norovirus outbreaks make the news, but the minor stomach bug that ruins your day happens quietly every sailing."

• Hand sanitizer is crucial on a cruise ship where many people share the same spaces and touch common surfaces. Passengers should use travel-size hand sanitizer regularly, especially before meals and after using public amenities.

• The reality is that while norovirus outbreaks are notable, minor illnesses can disrupt your cruise experience without warning. Crew members are trained to sanitize frequently, which greatly reduces their illness rates compared to passengers, who often neglect to sanitize unless they see a station.

Duct Tape as a Cruise Essential 12:27

"Crew members keep duct tape in their cabins like civilians keep Band-Aids."

• Duct tape is a surprisingly versatile tool that can save a vacation from becoming disastrous. Small rolls of duct tape can be used to temporarily fix a broken suitcase zipper, a malfunctioning charger, or a cabin door that rattles.

• For example, a passenger with a broken CPAP machine hose was able to continue his cruise thanks to a quick fix with duct tape provided by a crew member. This kind of improvisation can prevent minor issues from escalating into major inconveniences during the cruise.

The Value of Preparation 13:55

"You have more control over your cruise experience than you think, but only if you prepare for the system."

• The items discussed, such as Ziploc bags, baby powder, safety pins, and electrolytes, are not just luxury items but practical solutions to common cruise problems. They provide a sense of control and preparedness, allowing passengers to mitigate issues before they arise.

• The importance of these preparations is highlighted by the fact that crew members are acutely aware of the typical problems passengers face, especially during embarkation when excitement and overwhelm can cloud judgment. By packing a selection of these essentials, passengers can alleviate many potential stressors and enhance their overall cruise experience.