Planning a cruise holiday? Be sure to include these cruise essentials in your bags so you don’t get caught out to sea without the things you need most!
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Many people make the mistake of over-packing for a cruise, yet realizing after they set sail that they don’t have some of the essentials they most need. While I am a big advocate for using my Perfect Carry-on Combo, some prefer to pack big. After all, the cruise line will handle all baggage movement once you arrive at departure port. Just remember, you may still have flights for which you need to check your bags both before and after the cruise.
I am never one to take unnecessary bulk in my bags. While the “luggage fairies” are surprisingly efficient on most ships, I really like to self-haul my baggage off the ship. After all, while I love a great cruise vacation, when it is done it is done and I just want to go home. For this reason, I try not to pack extraneous stuff in my bags or recommending it for yours. But these 20+ true cruise essentials are truly must haves!
Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders
There are luggage tags, and then there are luggage tags! Your cruise line will provide specific luggage tags that will ensure your luggage gets where it needs to go before and after your cruise. You can get creative and put these on with packing tape, but then you have to haul the tape with you to connect them to your luggage at the end of the cruise. These handy dandy cruise line luggage tags are essential to making this process easy. Be sure to buy the ones specific to your cruise line (just follow the link and select your cruise line)!
Packable Cinch Dry Bag
This amazing little waterproof cinch bag takes up hardly a speck of space in my bag but provides protection for all my stuff at the pool or on the beach. I also use it as a day bag for other shore excursions.
Towel Bands or Pins
Cruise ships will provide all the towels you need for the pool deck at no extra charge. But, you do check them out and they expect you to return them. Towels have a tendency to flip and fly with the wind at the most inconvenient of times. Secure them to your chair with these nifty towel bands. They will keep your towel and any other light items you stick under them in place. A less expensive option is to purchase these towel clips. They work fine but they do take up a bit more space in your bag.
Comfortable Flip Flops
Just any old flip flop will never do on a cruise. Be sure to pack ultra-comfortable ones like these Women’s Reef Sandals and Men’s Reef Sandals to ensure your feet last the day. After all, you wouldn’t want to pull a Jimmy Buffet and “blow out a flip-flop “and “step on a pop top!” Then you would have “to cruise on back home.”
Water shoes
A good pair of water shoes are a must if you plan on playing on the beach. You may also enjoy them in the pool, but I am more of a barefoot swimmer. I love these water shoes because they take up little space and dry quickly.
Sun Hat
I have tried all the different versions of hats for the beach and pool, but nothing beats a traditional wide brimmed sun hat. Not only does it provide better protection from the sun, but it is more attractive in photos. Guys, you may want to try this hat instead.
Sunglasses
“Buy cheap, buy twice!” I really do not know who originally coined that phrase, but it is true in regard to sunglasses. While I don’t think you should break the bank on this item, dollar store glasses do not offer the protection you need, and they tend to break frequently. These stylish polarized sunglasses for men and women are a good mix of quality and value.
If you, like me, are stuck in prescription lenses but want to add a layer for sun protection, try these anti-glare clip on lenses . If you need broader coverage, try these high definition polarized over glasses sunglasses instead. They don’t stick out as far as most other versions.
Sun Protection
Most cruise ships have a location where you can purchase sunscreen and other sunburn prevention essentials, but why would you ever want to pay cruise ship prices? Instead, take along a bottle or two of Sun Bum to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
Plugs and Cords
An Internationals Power Adapter similar to this one has followed me around the world on land and sea. While I don’t generally need the adapter part, it is a cruise essential because it provides a sufficient number of USB slots combined with and outlet for my hair dryer all in one. Be sure to check what your cruise ship allows! Many have outlawed surge protectors and typical gang plugs that many use.
Multi-cords
I really maximize my outlet use by utilizing these great USB cords with multiple charging ends. I like that they are 4 foot long so I can use my device from my bed even if it is plugged in down the wall. Outlets are at a premium on most cruise ships!
Apple Watch charger
I don’t go anywhere without my apple watch to keep me on time, count my steps, and help me navigate without holding my phone up and screaming, “I am a tourist!” This portable watch charger keeps it metaphorically ticking.
Portable Charger
Taking photos all day can really drain a phone battery. This portable charger is essential to keep my phone and other electronics working on every cruise.
Waterproof Lanyard
This waterproof phone lanyard lets me take photos in the pool, on a kayak, and at the beach without worrying about ruining my phone. I have even used it when snorkeling for great underwater photos.
Phone Cooling Bag
I learned the hard way that you can lose great photos opportunities and miss important texts if you let your phone get too hot. This phone cooling bag is a must for any trip to the pool deck or beach.
Toiletries
Yes, you can buy shampoo and toothpaste on board the ship. But it will cost you a pretty penny that can be spent on much more enjoyable souvenirs. So don’t forget to pack your perfect toiletry kit! I recommend using this awesome liquids bottle lanyard instead of your regular shampoo bottles. Cruise ship showers are quite small and there just isn’t much room for you and your stuff. This lanyard easily hangs in the shower to keep everything handy and easy to use. I own two of these – one is with my luggage and the other in my gym bag!
Poo Pourri Before You Go Toilet Spray
Sharing a stateroom? No problem! Just be considerate with a touch of this Poo Pourri Spray!
Medicine Kit
I believe the best medicine kit is a DIY version tailored to meet your needs.
There is nothing worse than learning you suffer from motion sickness after you set sail. For this reason, motion sickness prevention tools are one of the most important cruise essentials on this list. I never travel anywhere without my trusty Motion Sickness Bands.
When going on a cruise, I like to bring Non-Drowsy Dramamine as a back-up. Even if you do not typically suffer from motion sickness, don’t leave home without something in the event of rough seas.
Reading Material
Most ships boast a small library, but I never leave home without a stash of great reading and listening material. As I am not one to carry heavy bags, I rely upon my trusty Kindle Paperwhite. Honestly, I can’t live without it at home or abroad. I also enjoy listening to my Kindle read to me through Bluetooth connected earbuds.
Camara Ready
Cruising is all about exploring new places, relaxing, and playing with family, and making memories. Use this Selfie Stick/Tripod to capture those special moments.
Do you have any cruise essentials to add to the list?
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