Needful Things

I have a great list of things I want to get done this year. I wonder where it is...
~ Anonymous

I'm still in the planning stages of packing for this trip, but I've realized it's not just about packing our clothes. That will take several more posts to cover, I'm sure. And I'm not blogging about the all important prescription meds and toiletry items today. This post is about the little things we take for granted that make our life comfortable and pleasant. I don't want to leave these niceties behind just because I'm leaving land for a while.

Here's my list so far:

• Umbrellas--I've read on some of the Cruise Critic message boards that often the cruise line gives world cruise passengers umbrellas with the ship's logo as a pillow gift. However, I'm not taking any chances. I'll pack the matching "hurt-your-eyes" yellow ones my publisher Kensington gave us. They're good for excessive sun as well as for rain. And in the unlikely event that we become separated, the vibrant color insures we'll find it easy to spot each other! 
  
• Sewing Kit--You never know when you'll need to tack up a hem or mend a tear. My dear friend Marcy gave me a pretty handy-dandy kit and every time I use it, I'll think of her! (This picture is not of the one Marcy gave me. That sewing kit is already in our camper which is at the shop getting its wheels repacked before we head over the mountains next month. But when we put the camper to bed this fall, Marcy's sewing kit is coming in and going into the cruise pack pile!) 
  
• Collapsible Laundry hamper, over the door hanger, & clothes pins--pretty self-explanatory. We'll probably try to buy laundry detergent in LA before we board, but I expect to find room for these items in our suitcases along with a bleach pen and stain stick.
• 
• Binoculars--We normally keep them near the window that looks out on the pasture behind our house so we can watch deer and other wildlife. We forgot to pack them on our 30 day cruise to the South Pacific and wished for them several times.
  
• Power strip and EU adapter--Cruise cabins are notoriously light on the number of outlets provided. A power strip will maximize our existing outlet and the adapter will allow us to make use of the plug that normally serves European-style electronics.
  
• Assorted magnets and magnetic clips--We've only just discovered that under a thin sheet of wallpaper, the walls of a cruise ship cabin are metal! We can use magnetic clips to keep excursion tickets and other paper clutter in organized spots on the wall. I'm also on the look out for some magnetic hooks.
  
    
• Plastic bags, assorted sizes--You never know when you'll need to put something that might leak into one. Erin Erkun (TwoToTravel) recommended carrying wet wipes in a plastic bag on excursions in case you need to clean your feet before putting your shoes back on after visiting a holy site that requires you to go barefoot!
  
• Water Bottles--I have a drinking problem. Fortunately, my beverage of choice is water and I like to keep a glass with me all day. Packing our Nalgens will remind us to stay hydrated. 
  
• Storage Bins--Okay, I'll admit it. These collapsible cloth boxes are totally on the "only if there's room" list, but it would be so nice to have them along. We use them in our camper to organize undies and socks, and foldable clothes like t-shirts and jeans. There are never enough drawers in a cruise cabin. These would be especially useful for high closet shelves. (In case you're wondering, I'm a bit vertically-challenged. When we go shopping, the DH gets to reach for everything that's up high!) 
  
   
• Lastly, I'll pack an empty, collapsible, zippable bag in one of our suitcases. We'll use it to stock up on toiletries, first aid/OTC meds, mosquito repellent, sun screen, and such in LA before we board. As we use up our supplies, it'll do nicely to bring home any souvenirs we accumulate in our travels. It can also double as a port excursion bag.
  

Okay, I'm sure I've forgotten something. Probably a lot of somethings that will become painfully important to have remembered, but once the deck is swaying beneath my feet, it'll be too late! 

So help me out. What needful things would YOU want to take with you for 94 days?