- A Good Suitcase - They do say to get a fold-able one which I did but lots of girls didn't get one of those. It's up to you what case you bring. It's also vital that you stick to the 23kg limit. You might buy more stuff in London so to make sure you aren't worrying I would go to training with 19/20kg.
- Swimwear - Most of the ships go to hot countries so your going to need a good variety of swimwear. I got mine from primark or sainburys nothing fancy as I'm sure I will be buying more whilst I'm out there. I have just got 4 bikinis and 1 cut out swimsuit.
- Formal Dresses - I would take at least 2 formal maxi dresses for gala/formal nights on the ship. I just had 2 cheap plain ones which I can jazz up with jewellery if I want to. What you also need to keep in mind is the weight as really nice and embellished dresses can be very heavy.
- Glasses/Contacts - If your like me and blind then you need make sure your glasses are in a good condition and if you want to buy spare pairs then you have time to. I didn't have enough money to do this but I have loads of contact lenses to take with me. I'm also taking my prescription with me so if I come across a glasses shop I can get some new glasses.
- Shoes - I personally am not big on shoes, but I have never bought so many in my life. I would say the essentials are the uniform shoes which you have to buy (when you get your uniform for your ship then you get told what shoes you need), basic flats i have got some black ones, I've got a pair of boots but I'm going to wear them on the plane as they are really heavy, sandals, flip flops, converse dupes (as I can't afford normal converse), pumps from primark and I can't forget some fluffy slippers.
- New Clothes - Only if you need to! I had no colour in my wardrobe and hardly any summer clothing so I did buy a lot of clothes. Bright tops, patterned bottoms, dresses, kimonos etc. I would just say to make sure you have a good variety of clothing and take things that you can mix and match so you have lots of different outfits to choose from.
- Toiletries - I wouldn't have too many toiletries in your case for your ship. I just got loads of mini things from primark. I got body wash, hairspray, deodorant, mouth wash, toothpaste, moisturiser and 'time of the month' things. Just take enough with you for a little while on the ship as you can still buy it all when you are on there. For training I would stock up and take lots with you maybe a months worth as it will save you having to buy lots as usually when you get back to the YMCA the shops are all shut.
- Makeup - Steiner are very big on makeup. Make sure you have complexion items such as foundations, bb creams or tinted moisturiser and please bring blush and lipstick with you as they love love love lipstick and blush. I just use natural collection blushes as they are only £2 but they are really good and I love the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks/Stains. They come in so many colours and stay on like a dream. I am obsessed with makeup so I have got lots with me (around 4kg worth) just take with you everything you think you will need and bring items that will last.
- Coats - It's up to you whether you take a coat or not. I didn't bring a winter coat as I hoped I would get a hot country. I did however buy a really good raincoat. Not one of those poncho looking ones that can look awful, but I bought one from Next and it looks good and is water proof (plus its lightweight which is a bonus). You don't have to bring one but you have to think about training as well. Its in England and depending on what time of year you do training then you may need a winter or rain coat.
- Umbrella - This is not really for your ships but for training as England has a habit of changing weather quickly I always have one in my handbag just in case it rains.
- Medication - Make sure you have all your prescribed medications that you need and also sea sickness tablets, painkillers, the pill etc. I keep mine all in one of my small handbags so I dont lose them and so the tablets don't get squashed.
- Smart Wear - For your first day of training and when you got to join your ship you need to be in smart clothing. This is where you make your first impressions so make sure you look amazing, have makeup one and hair up in a neat bun.
- Plug Converters - Most of the plug sockets in the UK use 3 pins but on the ships as they are American they probably have 2 pins so I have got some converters to take with me so I can actually charge my things up.
- iPad/Tablet - I would highly recommend this as you don't want to be using your 3G by accident on the ship as that will cost a bomb. I got a Samsung tablet that can only use WiFi for Skype calls home. I thought this would be easier as I will know for certain that I won't be charged anything extra.
- Clear Plastic Bag - This is for training and I've also heard for on-board as well. You are asked to buy a clear handbag to bring all your things in on your first week as they like to see what you have. You can usually get these from boots or superdrug.
- Stationary - You need to ensure you have pens and notepads but I would highly suggest to have some coloured pens or highlighters as this may help you learn the routines and products.
- Food - For training I would bring as much food as you want. Crisps, snacks, chocolates etc. There is no fridge so you will probably be buying your lunch everyday but if you can save yourself money by buying bulk from poundland with crisps etc then go for it. If you don't fancy taking loads of food with you then there is a poundland right outside the YMCA.
- Washing Powder/Liquid - In the YMCA you have to do your own washing so you need to have your own washing powder or liquid. Also sometimes you can't get the washing machines as there is a limited number and they have to be booked so you will have to wash your clothes in the sink in your room.
- Toilet Roll - This may seem silly but if you share a toilet then the toilet roll will run out quickly. I shared mine with about 20 girls and the cleaners did change the rolls but occasionally I would go into the toilet and there would be none left. I would just bring around 2 rolls.
- Pop Socks - In training you HAVE to wear pop socks all the time. You can get them any where but they are the ones that are long nude socks that go over your knees.
- White Shoes - I would personally just go into primark and get whatever white shoes there are (that are practical of course).
- Towels - You are not provided with your own towel for showering with so you have to bring your own with you.
- Hair Supply's - Bring lots of doughnuts, hair ties and bobby pins and your hair has to look immaculate everyday.
- Foot Spray - This may sound weird but once you start with Steiner there is a saying of 'Steiner Feet' as most of the girls feet smelt due to the combination of pop socks and cheap shoes. You don't need this but you might want it just in case.
Sorry if this was another lengthy blog post but again I wanted to put as much information I can think of in my blog.
Thanks For Reading
Meg Rose
xxx
No comments:
Post a Comment