10 Essential Items To Pack For Your Cruise

Are you planning to set sail on a cruise? Make sure you pack these 10 essential items to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Packing List:

• Sunscreen– 

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays while lounging on the deck or exploring ports of call. Especially in places like the Caribbean the sun can be more intense than you might be used to, and you want to be protected. Many cruises have been ruined by a bad sunburn. This item may seem like a no-brainer but we all forget obvious things from time to time so make sure this is on your packing list. You may be thinking that sunscreen will be available at one of the stores on the ship and you are most likely correct, but you won’t like the price so make sure to pack it.

• Travel-size First Aid Kit–

Be prepared for any unexpected accidents or illnesses that may arise during your trip. Whenever walking and exploring and other physical activities are involved there is potential for cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It’s much better to be ready with a band aid and any needed ointments to treat them than it is to depend on the ship’s stores or the medical center. To save yourself money, time, and effort, pack these things yourself just in case. Also, you’ll probably be indulging in more and different food than your usual diet so prepare for potential stomach issues too. Headaches and other minor aches and pains also happen sometimes so pack whatever over the counter pain relief you use at home.

• Swimwear–

Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit for relaxing by the pool or taking a dip in the ocean. Why would this even need to be mentioned? I have witnessed passengers combing through the limited selection of swimwear in the ship’s stores, trying to find one that fits because they forgot to pack theirs. One tip that we learned a few cruises back is to actually bring two swimsuits so that you will always have a dry one to wear. You don’t want to spend your time and money shopping for things you already have at home so remember to pack your swimsuits.

• Dinner Attire-

Most cruises have “dress your best” nights, so pack at least one outfit for these occasions. While most mass-market cruise lines don’t have a “formal” night any more, there is normally a dress code for the dining room. Things like shorts, swimwear, ballcaps, and other extremely casual clothing are mostly not allowed in the dining rooms. Before the debate over proper dinner wear begins, it is true that the enforcement of dress codes in the dining room is not what it used to be even a few years ago. What you wear is a matter of your comfort level and whether or not you have any desire to “fit in” with the crowd. It takes little effort for men to put on a pair of slacks (even jeans) and a collared shirt. It can be a nice experience to dress for dinner a little, so pack accordingly.

• Comfortable Shoes-

Whether you’re exploring a new city or dancing the night away, comfortable shoes are a must. These ships are BIG! Some of the mega-ships are mind blowingly large and require lots of walking to get places. Add the excursions or exploration you might do in a port of call and you have quite a bit of time on your feet. Packing comfortable shoes is a must for all cruisers, after all, who wants to deal with blisters and aching feet? We always end up packing more shoes than we think we will at the end of the day, trying to be prepared for all situations. Do yourself a favor and don’t forget to pack the most comfortable shoes you have.

• Reusable Water Bottle–

Stay hydrated throughout your cruise by refilling your water bottle at the ship’s water stations. If you like to drink it is easy to go a little overboard when cruising, making this a must-pack item. Also, bottled water can be pricey on board unless you have a drink package so be aware. We pack our water bottles and fill them as suggested previously when we get off the ship at ports so we can drink when we need to. Again, this suggestion is not only convenient but can save you a little money along the way.

• Sea-sickness Medication–

If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to pack medication to keep nausea at bay. If you research you will find that the majority of cruisers do not experience motion sickness on the ship. However, if you do it can be bad enough to spoil a good time for you. There are things you can pack that will help alleviate motion sickness, one in particular is Bonine and there are many others that you can research. We always pack Bonine for every cruise just in case motion sickness strikes and suggest that you pack it too. A pro tip is that on some ships they will give Bonine away free at guest services or the infirmary if you ask. Pack your own just in case though.

• Power Strip–

With limited outlets in your cabin, a power strip will ensure all your devices stay charged. But it isn’t quite that simple. Due to the design of the ship’s electrical system, you will not be allowed to bring any surge protected power strips. They will likely be confiscated at boarding and given back at the end of your cruise. Pack your non-surge protected outlet strip though, because you’re going to need more than a couple of outlets and usb ports to power and charge all of your devices. If you forget to pack this item you will most likely have to juggle your electronics in order to keep them charged. For us this is a must-pack item.

• Travel Adapters–

Keep your electronics powered up by bringing the right adapters for the ports you’ll be visiting. I won’t say much about this, just be aware that cruise ships usually have several different types of outlets. We pack our power strip and it usually suffices but if you find you need to use the European or other outlets you should pack adapters as well. Remember, the older the ship the fewer outlets and usb ports it has so plan accordingly. Also, the countries you visit on your cruise have their own outlets. Do your research and make sure you pack adapters if needed.

• Travel Documents-

Don’t forget your passport, boarding pass, and any other travel documents. If you have read my posts, you know that I am  big proponent of bringing your passport when you cruise. Also, you will normally have a boarding pass (physical or digital), and any health documents required by countries you visit. Don’t forget birth certificates if traveling without a passport, approved picture id, any required visas, and so on. Your cruise can be spoiled before it begins if you fail to make sure you have the required documentation. While boarding a cruise a couple of years ago, I witnessed and entire family be denied boarding because they did not have all of the documents required. Don’t let this happen to you.

Summary:

Packing for a cruise can be overwhelming, but with this list of essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth sailing experience. From sunscreen to proper identification, make sure you have everything you need for a memorable cruise vacation.