41 Cruise Essentials You Shouldn’t Cruise Without
First-time cruiser or seasoned pro, it’s time to organize your cruise essentials. Don’t forget to print our cruise packing list below.
We’ve compiled essential tips from our cruises and our experienced friend, Kim, the Cruising Queen. She has amassed over 60 cruises since childhood and has contributed invaluable packing wisdom to this list.
What are cruise essentials? Cruise essentials are recommended items that enhance your experience by providing comfort and enjoyment. While our list covers basics, consider adding personal preferences like a refillable water bottle or necessary medications not readily available on the ship.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.
Pack essentials for a cruise, including cabin comforts and shore excursion items. This guide covers things to bring on a cruise that will make your vacation more enjoyable. Your needs may vary, so adjust accordingly. Note: Some cruise itineraries may require a slightly different packing list.
CRUISE MUST-HAVES: PRE-CRUISE ITEMS
1. Be Prepared and Have Your Passport and/or Government Identification Ready
Don’t overlook the passport—it’s the top priority on your cruise packing list. Without it, you won’t be allowed on board, especially if you’re departing from or arriving outside the US. Pack it in your travel essentials bag and check its expiration date; some countries enforce a 6-month validity rule.
When planning our Celebrity Beyond cruise to the Mediterranean, I discovered mine was too close to expiring. This prompted me to expedite its renewal immediately upon returning from our last cruise to avoid any hassles with our upcoming cruises.
2. Sturdy Luggage With Wheels That Glide
The importance of sturdy luggage with smooth gliding wheels becomes evident when navigating airports and cruise terminals. Opting for reliable luggage with smooth-spinner wheels can alleviate travel difficulties.
We recently tested Monos and Away travel luggage, focusing on durability, sturdiness, organization, and carry-on capacity. Our recommendation for an excellent overall experience goes to AWAY luggage. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, Amazon offers a variety, including brands like Samsonite and Level 8.
3. Track Your Luggage: Apple AirTags or Tile Mate Tracker
Lost luggage is a common issue at flight check-in or with cruise porters. Apple AirTags offers a modern solution for easy tracking, a small investment for added peace of mind. We always check in to see if our luggage arrives on the plane or the ship.
Android users can opt for Tile Mate tags.
4. Cruise Luggage Tags
Cruise luggage tags will likely not be mailed to you unless you’re a suite or luxury cruise guest. And even then, you may not receive anything as we did not when we booked a suite at The Retreat on Celebrity Beyond.
Print them before embarkation. Some staple them to their suitcases, while others use cruise luggage tag holders for security and a neat look. You can then slide the printed e-tags into sealed plastic holders, securing them with a steel loop.
Cruise Cabin Items For Efficiency
5. Electrical Hub Essentials: Power Strip | Power Outlet
Bringing a power outlet extender for your cruise (surge protectors are banned on cruise ships) can be helpful, especially on older ships with limited cabin outlets. A power strip with USB-A and USB-C compatibility is a smart choice if you have multiple devices to charge.
Newer ships may offer more outlets, so a bit of research can help you plan based on your ship’s features.
Here are a few reliable options we’ve used over the years to meet our travel needs:
‼️ Royal Caribbean recently (Sept 2024) banned multi-plug outlets. If you’re cruising with them, it’s a good idea to leave your power strip at home and pack a USB port multi-charger like ours listed below. Alternatively, you could bring a Universal Power Adapter to convert the European outlet into an extra US electrical port.
6. Additional Power Hub: USB Charging Station
For your cruise, research and check if your cabin has USB ports—if so, a power outlet extender with extra USB-A ports (as mentioned in #4) suffices. If not, you may want to bring a USB charging station for multiple devices.
If you have many devices needing charging, we recommend an extra charging station—one with USB-A and USB-C ports. Don’t risk a dead camera or phone during port outings.
You can keep all cables, chargers, and power outlets organized in a cable/electronic case like this one that we use.
Read more: 30 Enjoyable Cruise Activities: From Free to Paid Options
7. Power on the Go with a Portable Charger
It is important to have a portable charger with you, especially when disembarking the ship for the day. Since I take so many photos and videos throughout the day, even on Sea Days, by mid-day, I usually bring my portable charger out to get a boost.
Over the years, we’ve tried various portable chargers, and the Morphie chargers stand out as favorites. Their fast charging capability and ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously make them reliable choices, especially when sharing with hubby.
8. Smart Space Solutions: Over-the-Door Toiletry Organizer
Consider an over-the-door organizer for three or more people in one cabin, maximizing bathroom storage. This is great for shared spaces with limited surface area. The organizer allows everyone to store their toiletries and other items in designated pockets for easy access later.
We recently upgraded to the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag, replacing our old five-year-old organizer. The new bag is a standout, accommodating everything from our previous organizer and more. It’s practical with a secure zip, foldable design, and features like a handle and door hook, making it perfect for our cruise cabin. We opted for the large size, which suits our needs as a duo.
9. The Handy Portable Fan
A portable fan may seem surprising, but a portable fan is a top recommendation and one of the most popular items on our list. Battery-operated, foldable, and easy to pack in your luggage.
Our friend Kim swears by it for a good night’s sleep and to keep the air circulating, making it a must-have for her on every cruise. Other cruisers can’t sleep without the noise of a fan.
10. Portable Glamour: Your Essential Travel Vanity Mirror
Kim’s stand-up mirror is a brilliant suggestion that our readers love. It’s a must-have if you share a compact cabin with limited space. A standing makeup mirror is a practical solution when you need to do your make-up and someone else is hogging up the bathroom.
For an upgraded experience, explore a travel vanity mirror with lights. While not as basic, it’s rechargeable and provides extra illumination—an excellent choice for enhancing your makeup routine.
11. Utilize Cruise Cabin Space: Maximize Efficiency with Magnetic Hooks
Cabin walls are made of metal, making magnetic hooks a cruise essential.
Opt for heavy-duty ones that hold 100 lbs or more—they’re perfect for keeping your lanyard, hat, or other items organized and secure in the cabin. I also use them to hold important documents on the wall instead of buying and carrying a 2nd set of magnets.
Additionally, you can use them to hang items to dry in the bathroom by sticking one to the ceiling of the shower. They are efficient and versatile.
12. Portable Clothes Line to the Rescue
A must-have when there’s no built-in clothesline in your cruise cabin bathroom. This handy cruise cabin hack, combined with magnetic hooks, lets you dry clothes anywhere inside your cabin. Research your cabin category before cruising to determine if you need to pack this versatile item. Ideal for drying hand-washed items or drying wet swimsuits.
Our balcony cabin on Celebrity Solstice did not have a clothesline.
13. Clothespins Have More Than One Use
In the comments, a seasoned cruiser suggested bringing a few clothespins from home. In your cabin bathroom, use them on the clothing line to hang up wet swimsuits or hand-washed items. They also come in handy for securing balcony curtains and keeping light out of the room. This is a small, practical addition to enhance your cruise experience.
If you purchase the Portable Clothes Line above, you don’t need to bring clothespins, as that set comes with them.
14. Don’t Stub Your Toe in the Middle of the Night: Bring a Nightlight
Nighttime in the cabin can be pitch dark, risking a stubbed toe during nighttime bathroom trips– I speak from experience, ouch.
Solve this with a small LED nightlight. Battery-powered tea lights work well. They’re cheap, take up minimal luggage space, and are often available at local dollar stores– I get mine at Ikea.
You can also consider the travel nightlight by CruiseOn or a plug-in nightlight.
15. Packing Cubes: Packing Tip Not To Be Missed
I believe in packing cubes. Packing cubes keeps your suitcase organized and saves space, making unpacking a breeze. After dropping off your suitcase in the cruise cabin, transfer your packed cubes to the drawers or shelves. Hang a few items in the closet, and you’ll be ready to head out for another vacation cocktail in no time.
16. Stuff Your Dirty Clothes in a Laundry Bag
This foldable laundry bag easily fits in your luggage or carry-on. Conveniently toss dirty clothes during your trip, and when packing for disembarkation, stuff the bag, clothes, and all into your luggage. While others prefer pop-up laundry bags, we like to keep our dirty clothes separate when repacking.
A shopping bag may also suffice, but our trusty laundry bag has been a reliable travel companion on many trips. Even though our new suitcases came with laundry bags, we still packed and used this one.
Cruise Ship Essentials: Accessories
17. A Coffee Tumbler for the Coffee Lover
For coffee lovers, packing your favorite coffee tumbler is a game-changer. Those buffet cups are a joke, and since we all like to save money on a cruise, hubby uses his tumbler to avoid multiple buffet trips. Essential since anything outside the main dining areas and designated coffee spots is considered a specialty and costs extra.
It’s also environmentally friendly, safer in crowded spaces since it is covered (I’ve almost run into other passengers a few times while carrying an open cup of coffee), and keeps your coffee hot longer. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Note: Leave the tumbler at home if you purchase a premium beverage package that includes all the specialty coffees you can drink. They provide to-go cups, and health regulations prohibit them from serving coffee in your tumbler.
18. Stay Hydrated and Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
An insulated water tumbler is your eco-friendly companion on and off the ship. Cruise ships don’t provide free bottled water unless you have a drink package, so fill up your tumbler with ice and water at the buffet with the filtered water they provide. It’s another great way to save money and stay hydrated. You can also bring it off the ship with you on port days.
Tip: Some cruise lines will allow you to carry on a case of water water bottles. Check with the cruise line you’re sailing in.
19. Reusable Straws If You Can’t Drink Your Frozen Drinks Without One
Plastic straws are a thing of the past on many cruise lines, replaced by eco-friendly options like paper and compostable straws. Depending on the cruise, they probably won’t give you one, or only by request.
Missing a straw with your piña colada? We get it. It’s not the same. Although bringing your straws may seem unnecessary, it’s a personal choice considering the environmental impact of plastic. Cruise lines are adapting, but if you prefer your own, go ahead and bring them along.
20. Lanyards & Alternative Ways to Hold Your Cruise Card
You’ll receive a cruise cabin card upon embarkation—a multifunctional key to your cruise experience. Linked to your credit card, it serves as your payment method, grants access to your cabin, and facilitates embarkation and disembarkation. Carrying it with you is vital, and using a lanyard is a popular, convenient, and readily accessible way to keep your cruise cabin card close at hand.
While lanyards are sold on the cruise ship, you can find affordable options on Amazon. Remember to carry your cruise ship card when leaving your cabin, and since hole-punching is no longer allowed, opt for a lanyard with a plastic slip.
I’ve ditched lanyards for a small crossbody bag on cruises. Alternatively, consider phone/wallet crossbody bags or phone wallets that attach to your phone—perfect for keeping your cruise cabin card accessible.
This is the crossbody purse I’ve been using since it fits my Kindle, too.
Some newer cruise ships offer advanced features, allowing you to manage everything from your phone and its app, including locking and unlocking your cabin door. Virgin Cruises gives you a bracelet to manage it all, making cruise cards a thing of the past their ships.
21. Ziplock Bags
The most versatile item for your cruise is a Ziplock bag—handy for unexpected needs like storing wet clothes, organizing last-minute items in your luggage, and even snacks. We recommend bringing gallon and quart-sized bags. Environmentally friendly reusable storage bags are also a great alternative.
Cruise Shore Excursion and Port Day Essentials
22. Keep Your Towel in Place With Beach Towel Clips & Bands
During one of our cruises, we discovered the value of beach towel clips while sunbathing by the pool deck on the ship and then at the beach in port. These clips keep your towel secure on your chair, preventing the frustration of constant readjustments, especially on windy days. And when you’re out at sea, it’s windy. Now, we always travel with beach towel clips.
Another option popular among cruisers is beach towel bands.
23. Waterproof Phone Case for Water Adventures
Ideal for vacations with water activities, a waterproof phone case has proven invaluable during cruise shore excursions like kayaking in Harvest Caye. The universal waterproof phone pouch, being both affordable and popular, is my go-to. It’s a permanent fixture in my travel essentials arsenal; it’s easy to roll up and pack, taking up minimal room.
24. Bring Your Own Snorkel Set
While we include the snorkel set in our beach packing list, just like we won’t miss packing our flip-flops, we will always bring our own set when cruising to beach destinations. This way, we are ready to head to the beach and snorkel if we don’t plan excursions. Even if we do, we like having ones we are used to using and know that no one else has used them. Plus, you save money by not having to rent them out.
25. Water shoes
These are always a must for us when cruising the Caribbean. Not all beaches are equal with that soft white sand you want to sink your toes in. Some have rocky beaches, like in Bonaire, where our water shoes were lifesaving. You can carry them in your beach bag or wear them for the day if you know you’re going to beach hopping.
These are my favorite water shoes because they look like sneakers, while my husband prefers his Speedos.
26. Packable Beach Towel
The cruise ship will give you a beach towel to bring off the ship on port days. Realistically, there is no need to spend money on more towels if you don’t want to.
However, these packable microfiber beach towels are not bulky, easy to pack, and take up less room in your beach bag. They’ll do the same job or better than the cruise ship towel. This may be a wise investment if you’re a frequent cruiser looking to save space in your beach bag.
27. A Hat For Sun Protection
Don’t underestimate the power of a sun hat. Often overlooked, it becomes a regrettable afterthought when you’re under the scorching sun. Ideal for sunny days on the pool deck, too.
Learn from my experience, pack your favorite sun hat, and avoid impromptu purchases at the port.
28. Beach Bag or Travel Backpack for Port Days
Choose a beach bag or travel backpack for sunscreen, water bottle, towel, and more.
We use a versatile carry-on bag that sometimes doubles as a cruise carry-on and a beach bag at ports. During other trips, we take it empty in our luggage and fill it up with goodies we find while on vacation to bring back.
Another great option that we love to use is the packable backpack.
29. Travel Umbrella Because You Can’t Let Some Drizzle Rain on Your Parade
Cruise ships typically provide umbrellas only to passengers staying in higher-end suites. If it’s raining at port, you might consider staying on the ship, but that doesn’t stop everyone. Bring a travel umbrella; weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Caribbean, where rain showers come and go. It’s also a must-pack item for cruises to Alaska, and we certainly used ours.
Essentials Toiletries & First Aid You’ll Need
30. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Planning to sunbathe on the pool deck or at the beach at port? Don’t forget sunscreen—even on overcast days. I skipped it once on a cloudy day and regretted it with a severe sunburn. Sunscreen is a cruise essential and will cost you double or triple the normal cost on the cruise ship. Try to get reef-friendly sunscreen if you’re heading out snorkeling at port.
31. Take Care of That Sunburn with This Sunburn Relief
Have you ever ended up buying overpriced aloe at the port due to a bad sunburn? I’ve been there. Despite ample sunscreen in Hawaii, we faced serious sunburns. We discovered an incredible after-sun moisturizer in Kauai that is worth bringing with you.
32. Keep Mosquitos Away: Mosquito Repellent
This will depend on where you’re cruising, but adding an insect repellent to your cruise packing list isn’t a bad idea. If mosquitos love you, you won’t regret having a good repellent with you. We love the Natrapel brand repellent, which you can find in sporting goods stores like REI.
33. Prepare for Seasickness
Bring sea bands or a motion sickness patch, just in case. If you prefer alternatives to medications like Dramamine or Bonine. Ginger pills can help, but start taking them 2-3 weeks before the cruise for effectiveness. Green apples in the buffet are readily available and can assist with motion sickness.
34. Shared Cabin Tip: Poo-Pourri to the Rescue
When sharing a cabin with limited bathroom privacy, like on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship, having a bottle of Poo-Pourri can be a lifesaver. This before-you-go toilet spray ensures a more pleasant shared space experience.
35. No Iron, No Problem: Use Downey Release Spray
Avoid the hassle of no irons onboard with Downy Wrinkle Release Spray. Just spray it on your clothes, smooth them out, and watch the wrinkles disappear within minutes. You can also hang your clothes in the bathroom after spraying them. The steam will help loosen those wrinkles out even more.
Note: Some Carnival, Princess, and Disney ships may have laundry rooms with irons, but you should verify within your cruise roll call or Facebook groups for the cruise ship if they are available.
You can also consider sending clothes for formal nights for proper ironing on day 1 of your cruise.
36. Laundry Detergent for Handwashing
We love to travel with the Tide-to-Go packets when we cruise. These handy detergent packets are perfect for handwashing clothes, and a little goes a long way—lasting for 2-3 washes.
If washing machines are available during our travels, we bring a few Tide pods from home in a ziplock bag for convenience.
37. Tide-To-Go Pen For Quick Clean-Up of Small Stains
Don’t travel anywhere without a Tide-to-Go pen. This pen is such a lifesaver. It will easily clean out spots you probably don’t know how they got there. Takes up no space, and it’s easy to pack.
38. Add Electrolyte Mixes to Your List
Whether exploring hot ports or winding down with a few drinks, enhance your cruise experience by including travel packs of electrolyte mixes to your cruise essentials.
Our top choice is Liquid I.V Hydration Multiplier, a refreshing and effective way to replenish electrolytes and stay energized. They are easy to pack, and the packets are small enough to keep 1 or 2 with you in your bag.
39. Medications You Need
For regular prescription medications, ensure they are always in your bag with you. Consider adding over-the-counter meds that you think you will need. Our handy pill organizer is filled with potential OTC meds and has proved invaluable during our travels. You can purchase something like this, too, and then label it.
Include:
- Allergy meds
- Aspirin (Tylenol)
- Anti-inflammatory (Advil, Aleve)
- Cold meds
- Anti-diarrhea (Immodium, Pepto)
- Dramamine
Create a list based on your needs. Be prepared for unexpected health situations during your cruise.
40. First Aid Kit
Always bring a small first-aid kit when traveling. They sell premade ones online that you can purchase and add a few things to do or make your own.
We do have travel with a first-aid kit with bandages and the like, but these are the top things that we like to keep in our first-aid kit outside of medications:
41. Avoid Getting Sick: Use Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants
When we travel, we always carry hand sanitizers and wipes. You can find mini disinfectants in local convenience stores, pharmacies, and markets.
While cruise ships have hand sanitizer stations, hand washing stations, and staff equipped with spray bottles with hand sanitizers, carrying your own helps keep your hands germ-free between hand washes is wise. Be proactive about your hygiene even when on board.
Is this a 100% foolproof way of not getting sick? No, but it helps to minimize your chances and someone else’s.
OUR Top 5 Cruise Essentials We Never Sail Without
Printable Cruise Essentials Packing List
We’ve created a printable cruise packing list of the essentials mentioned in this post. You can cross off anything you don’t plan to take or don’t make sense for your traveling style. Check mark things you plan to pack as you add them to your suitcase.
What should I pack for my first cruise?
For your first cruise, pack travel documents, casual and formal clothing, toiletries, medications, electronics, sun protection, travel accessories, and optional items such as books to read.
What do I not need on a cruise?
On a cruise, you do not need to worry about packing things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap if you don’t mind using what they provide. You can also leave behind hangers and household items like coffee machines, and don’t think of bringing an iron or a steamer as they are prohibited items that are not allowed on a cruise ship.
What do I need when boarding a cruise?
When boarding a cruise, you must have your official identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, and your boarding pass. Have a credit card to link to your cruise card for onboard expenses and cash for additional tipping. Additionally, you should keep the necessary medications and change clothes in your carry-on bag to be pool-ready if your checked luggage is delayed.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
I just booked a cruise so this was very helpful info to know in advance. Thanks for sharing!
That is great! Let me know if you need any other tips.
I’m about to book a cruise and this list is going to help me a lot! I love making travel lists and this one gave me some new ideas like makeup mirror lol (you know, us ladies need that!!) and tea lights. Overall, great tips!
Thanks,
Amira at ASelfGuru.com
I’m so glad it helped! Let me know how that mirror works out for you.
I love that your husband needs to have his travel coffee mug! That is the best. Maybe you can make it a tradition to buy one on every ship…you know, just like people collect shot glasses or magnets?
So TMI but when I am packing for short trips (like overnights), I forget the most important item ever. AND IT’S NOT THE WINE. For some dumb reason, I forget clean undies. Yup. Confession from a world traveler here, and I am SO embarrassed. But I had to bring it up after the coffee mug thing.
Love the little electric candles. Clearly, I am too barfy for a cruise, but they came in so handy for our last FL hurricane. They are romantic too. A must; you are right.
I 200% need to travel with a stand up mirror! I need something for the plane too.
I will be sure to use your affiliate links when I make purchases.
Great post and tips. Thanks!
Love, Christine, The Uncorked Librarian
? But that is the most important thing to pack! ?? Love It!
But yeah, who knew that a coffee travel mug was an essential? I mean, I need coffee too but I just get it at breakfast and lunch if needed. I guess I don’t have the addiction your hubster has? He must literally drink it all day long. If I did that, you’d never see me cuz I’d be in the restroom ?
Kathy, your posts are always so informative! Informative, fun, and engaging! A triple threat! And Kim, awesome tips! Thank you!!
Haha, about the bathroom thing. I plead the 5th! =D
When you go on your first cruise and it’s one of those mega ships, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It’s a long walk to and from the buffet usually. Coffee mug is a must for the free coffee. 🙂
Keep an eye on Bermuda cruise sales from NYC. You can get a great deal to go here and they stop in Bermuda for like 3 days. Great week away, even with the family.
Omg, Christine! I was dying laughing reading your comment last night. The way you express yourself is a skill I wish I had. Never change!
And, we did try to buy a travel mug at the gift shop on board, but they didn’t have any in stock. Can you believe that? Lack of marketing because I believe they would make a killing. We are not the first people to forget our travel mugs.
If you take a stand up mirror on the plane, I want pics!
Thank you for the support. You are amazing.
This post is awesome! I’ve been wanting to cruise forever and I’ve read so many posts about what to bring when you cruise. I promise you, none of them covered half the things you put on this post. And all of these things are super necessary. Great post 🙂
Oh, you made my day! This is so great to hear. Hope it helps with your future cruise plans.
This post comes at a perfect time for my family and I. We leave on our cruise in a week! So excited but nervous I may forget something. This will be my husband’s 10th cruise, my 4th cruise, my daughter’s 3rd cruise and my son’s 2nd cruise and all on Carnival!
Oh, how exciting! You must come back and let me know how it went. Or do you plan to blog about it? Either way, have a fantastic time! Cruising is a great family vacation.
Wow, I’ve never been on a cruise and I would have never thought to pack even half of these items!
Some of these items are great for other travel too. =)
It’s been many years since I was on a cruise, but I know that a list like this would have been extremely helpful! Great advice!
Thanks! Hope you get to go on a cruise someday soon!
What a treasure trove of tips! Many of these are great tips for travel in general. I’d never thought about an insulated cup for taking ice out in. I’ve never been on a cruise but if I ever do, I’ll definitely be referring back to this list ?
Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, some of these just make life easier. I’m not one to pack a lot, but when we cruise, we do tend to take more stuff than usual.
I have never been on a cruise, but I would love to go on one at some point. These packing tips will come in handy if/when we do go on one. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you get to go on a cruise soon. It’s a great vacation option.
There are some awesome tips here that I would never have thought of!!! I love the suggestion of using an over the door shoe rack as storage space in the bathroom – genius!! We’ve only ever been on one cruise but it’s definitely something I’d like to do more of! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
How did you like that one cruise? People either love it or hate. Would love to know your thoughts!
Useful info! I’m not sure if I’ll ever be brave enough to go on a bigger cruise but it’s also exciting. Do you know any good pills that one can take if they are seasick? Or do you not get that on these huge ships?
I think the bigger the ship, the less likely you’ll get seasick. Also, important to book a mid-ship cabin so you don’t feel the rocking so much. Generally, I don’t feel it and I get used to it after a day. My BFF loves to cruise but suffers from motion sickness… ginger pills help, so she says. The crew always tells us to eat green apples cause that helps. Hope you get to try it out some day, even if its for a long weekend. It’s really like one great big party on the ship, especially if you go with a group of friends you love. Thanks for coming by, Jella! You’re awesome!
@Jella, I take a natural over the counter ginger vitamin 2 to 3 weeks before a cruise and during definitely has helped I also wear sea bands you can also buy ginger candies
Great tip. I love those ginger candies and chews, too.
This will be my third Cruise! I am definitely looking forward to it. Ever since my first cruise, I have researched what I might need on each trip. Your suggestions are spot on! I have gone through each trip list and either taken out some items or added to the list. I love cruising very much and like that you have made a list of essentials needed. Take care and cruise on!
Hi Joyce! Your feedback means so much! I’m always learning from other cruisers as well. So glad you agree with this list and think its helpful. Have fun on your next cruise!
I am curious as to how you take all this stuff and still stay under the 50# weight limit for the airlines. Haha. Going on our 2nd cruise in 12 years in a few months. Have been stocking up but need to watch the weight.
Hi Karen! Not everyone will pack everything on this list, only what they think they need to make their cruise more comfortable. We manage to always be under 50 lbs unless I start adding too many things from my beach packing list, that’s when it starts getting tricky. As we usually travel with a carry-on and then another suitcase that is slightly bigger that needs to be checked in. We also have travel backpacks. When we travel it is also just hubby and I, depending on the cabin, we probably won’t need the shoe rack and I may not be in the mood to apply make-up, so no mirror necessary. It all depends, however, most of this is small and light. I also do not like to overpack when it comes to clothes because I used to do this all the time and return home with never wearing half of what I packed. We also always take advantage of laundry on the ship (NCL offers $20 per bag of laundry as a mid-week special). When do we run into problems? On the return flight! Usually, its too many pounds of duty-free foreign coffee that we need to bring home or chocolate! That’s when the travel backpacks truly help. 😀
Hope you have a fantastic time on your cruise! Don’t stress about packing every single thing, just what you think you’ll need.?You can also buy one of those handy luggage scales and weigh your luggage before you leave your home.?
For a couple you could check 100 lbs of luggage. That seems like a fair amount to me.
Also, the only hassle would be lugging bags around the airport as once on the cruise you are situated. It is not like a European driving trip where you change hotels.
You just mentioned one of my favorite reasons to cruise… once situated on the ship, that’s it. No dragging luggage like when we go on a European adventure. Definitely a nice perk. Thanks for commenting!
Easiest way to weigh your bag is a bathroom scale. If it doesnt fit then weigh yourself, then hold the bag and subtract your weight from the new weight.
Yes, that’s a great tip. Also, a travel luggage scale is a great tool for when you’re not near a bathroom scale.
After 35 cruises I agree with every item. There are some that are new to me but I definitely will include. Another suggestion is plastic clothes pins to hang up lingerie and wet swim suits on the cord in the shower. Thanks for the tips
Hi Patricia – That’s a great tip! I will definitely add that one soon. Appreciate your comment – made my day!
Once i forgot my swimsuit. Not pretty. They didn’t have anything onboard to help and we searched in every port and finally found one I could squeeze into! My husband assured me it was fine. It was WAY to small. I actually wore a bra under it (and it had a DEEP plunging neckline!) Can we all say jacuzzi and suddenly every guy older than 70 is in the tub with me! Oy! And there water slide???? LOL 😣
One time I only took one bra. It malfunctioned – one front fastener on the strap broke and almost hit my husband in the eye when it propelled across the room! 😯 We didn’t have a safety pin and tried to fix it with an old earring until our room steward found a safety pin on the ship somewhere because even the gift shop didn’t have any!
So, the moral of my story is to be careful with your packing. Check off lists! I put all of my essential stuff on a chair as I remember what I am sure I’d forget.
We are off on a vaccinated cruise on Carnival next Sunday. Bathing suit, a spare and two extra bras plus more masks than one person needs, in the packing cube as I speak! 🤣
Oh no! I totally envisioned the hot tub scenario. Hubby always says the same, “you look fine” haha – gotta love them for loving us blindly.
Yes, it is so important to be careful with what we pack. There are some things that I’ve learned my lesson on and learned the hard way that I won’t always be able to buy it when I get to my destination.
I’m totally adding safety pins to this list after this comment. Also, going to mention a quick reminder of going over lists and not forgetting swimsuits. Thanks so much for commenting!
FYI, it’s “ports-of-call”. Many of your suggestions are very good.
Thank you, Betty!