The items I packed for a cruise were so different from the things I usually pack for a trip. It was exciting getting to research and shop for items I don’t usually buy. You know me…I asked everyone’s opinions and read lots of blogs to see what I would need. I bought some and borrowed some, and am so thankful for all the recommendations. Here are 40 useful items for a cruise:
Luggage Tag Holders
You check your luggage when you get to the ship so these are a must since you have to attach the paper luggage tag they make you print out.
Lanyard
When you get on the boat, they give you a card with your name/picture on it. You have to pull it out all the time because it’s your room key. It is also used whenever you get a drink or get on/off the boat at ports.
Magnetic Cabin Hooks
Who knew the walls and door were magnetic? You can use the clip to hand your lanyard so you don’t forget it when you leave the room. You can also use them to organize cruise daily schedules.
Non Surge Protector Power Strips
My room had 2 outlets so it was nice to have more spots to charge my hair straightener, phone and computer chargers, and blow dryer.
Refillable Water Bottle
These are great to hold water…or more importantly, to hold frozen cocktails! I like that this one is collapsible.
Thermal Mugs
Some people had these instead of water bottles. These are great for having coffee on the deck in the morning and also can be used for cocktails.
Towel Bands
When it’s really windy these are helpful to keep your towel hooked to your chair.
Carry-On Bag
It’s nice to have a bag to carry around when you get on the ship because you usually have to wait a while to get into your room.
Nightlight
It is pitch black in your room when they lights are off and it can be disorientating. A night light is good for getting around in the dark.
Packing Cubes
I usually take these on trips but it was also a good way to organize things on the shelves and in the bathroom.
Travel Hamper
I find it hard to relax when I’m surrounded by a mess so a hamper is a good way of keeping your room neat. I put it right in one of the closets so it was out of the way.
Wrinkle Release Spray
The cabin doesn’t have an iron so this was useful to refresh my dresses for dinners.
Seasickness Patches
I was told to put this on the night before getting on the cruise and I replaced it every day while I was on board. I never got seasick but I’m not sure if it was because I was doing something preventative. Better safe than sorry.
Dramamine
Again, I luckily never needed this but I heard it is good during rough seas.
Beach Bag
You’ll need a bag to use when you are doing excursions, walking around towns in port, and to bring things to the pool.
Travel Sunscreen
Sunscreen is ridiculously priced on the ship so I loaded up on these travel ones. That way I could bring them from home and not have to check my bag. They were also easy to throw in my beach bags during excursions.
Cover Ups
Days at sea you are usually wearing a bathing suit most of the day. A nice cover-up is good for when you’re going indoors or having meals.
Snorkel & Mask
I like to use my own when I travel, so they might be a good purchase if you are doing any beach excursions.
Sunscreen Lip Balm
I burned my lips so bad when we were hanging out in the hot tub. Wish I had thought ahead.
Travel After Sun Lotion
If you get a sunburn you will be thrilled you brought some aloe to sooth your skin. Again, it costs a fortune if you buy it on the ship.
Portable Phone Charger
These are great for excursion days so you never run out of battery.
Waterproof Phone Case
I always travel with this if I’m going to a beach.
Travel First Aid kit
It’s always good to have the essentials like Advil, band aids, tweezers, etc.
Hand Sanitizer
I like the ones that you can hook on your bag.
Stainless Steel Straws
On the first day I was so excited to see they use candy straws on frozen drinks. That got old quickly and I would have loved a straw not made of sugar.
Waterproof Camera
These are great to have on excursions for under-water shots. They are also great to use at water parks, catamaran tours, and in the pool.
Ginger Candy
I always bring ginger candy when I travel because it’s a natural remedy for a queasy stomach.
Reading Glasses
If you can get away with using cheaters, don’t forget to bring a pair or two on board.
Blow Dryer Brush
The blow dryer was so weak in my cabin it took forever to dry my hair. This drying brush works quickly and may eliminate the need to bring a straightening iron.
Cozy Slippers
These would be great for having coffee on your balcony in the morning, or to put on after wearing heels all night. I also liked wearing them to the spa as I did my massage and used the sauna.
Cardigan
It can get a little chilly at night, especially if you are doing outdoor activities like watching a movie on the deck at night. It can also be chilly in the dining room.
White Noise Machine
My room was too quiet and I’m used to the hum of my humidifier at home, so this was a great thing to bring. Perfect size.
Beach Toys
If you have kids, bring along a few beach toys to keep them entertained at the beach and in the pool.
Waterproof Deck of Cards
There are so many places to relax while on the boat and a deck of cards or a game like Uno is a nice way to entertain yourself. I like these because you can use them at the beach or by the pool.
Travel Clock
I felt like I was always looking to see what time it was because you are on a schedule the whole time. Rather then always looking for my phone, an alarm clock would have been great. It also would be nice to use when you wake up during the night.
Sun Hat
It is perfect for excursions, by the pool, in he hot tub, or while walking around the deck.
Swim Floats
If you are doing beach excursions these would be fun. I heard you can’t blow them up while on the ship so make sure it won’t be too hard to blow up and can easily be folded back up.
Hanging Organizer
Since cabins are not huge, it’s always nice to find ways to add extra space. These hang over the door and let you organize clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Jewelry Organizer
It’s nice to keep your jewelry from being tangled so you can easily use them. This organizer is perfect for keeping it all in one place.
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