My first career as a cruise ship entertainer had me sailing all over the world, living and working aboard these large floating resorts for six to eight months at a time. After years of roaming the world’s ports and experiencing every ship and shoreside scenario that you could imagine, I became adept at packing a single suitcase to ensure a comfortable life at sea.
Although living on a ship long-term is different from taking a 10-day cruise, crew and guest cruise packing lists are similar — emphasizing items that make sailing more comfortable and easy. Whether you’re embarking on a world cruise or just escaping to the Caribbean for a quick trip, these essential travel accessories are what my fellow seafarers and I would suggest bringing to make life on the water all the more comfortable. From versatile travel bags to helpful gadgets and genius seasick remedies, here’s what to pack for a cruise like a pro.
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Travel Voltage Converter
Most ship staterooms are outfitted with a three-prong 110-volt (North America-grounded) and a 220-volt (Europe) outlet. It’s always a good idea to carry an international adaptor and surge protector to safeguard your devices from electric irregularities. What's more, smaller interior cabins may have only two outlets, which could pose a problem if you and your guest have multiple devices to charge at the same time. Useful for more than just onboard, an internal adaptor is also handy for cruise itineraries that drop you off in multiple countries. Keep this adaptor in your day bag so you can plug it in ashore if your tech needs a charge.
Liquid I.V. Packets
Cruises are vacations, a time to enjoy yourself and indulge. But it’s all too easy to go a tad overboard (ship pun intended) on alcoholic beverages, savory foods, and sunbathing. If you think a hangover is bad, just wait until you have one on a rocky ship at sea. To avoid losing a precious day of your cruise, bring along Liquid I.V. powder, an electrolyte mix that delivers hydration to the bloodstream faster than just water alone. Each bag comes with 16, travel-friendly powder packets and you have your choice between 17 flavors.
Portable First Aid Kit
Visits to the ship’s medical center can be pricey. Avoid this unexpected expense if you can by bringing your own first aid kit. Start by packing your essential prescription medications. Then, add bandages and antibiotic ointment for attending to small surface wounds. Bring pain relief medication and cold medicine, just in case. Don’t forget antacids and over-the-counter medicines to ease digestion. Sunscreen and aloe vera gel are must-haves so you don’t spend your whole cruise hiding from the sun. Bug repellent and after-bite lotion will also ease your sleep if you’ve run into sand fleas at the beach. If you have any allergies, make sure that you have an EpiPen or your chosen allergy medication.
Portable Charger
When I lived on a ship, I would be one of the first ashore and the last back onboard. Exploring new locales is one of the best parts of cruising. If you like to head ashore for the whole day, you’ll want to keep your phone charged so you can navigate your way back to the ship, call for help in case of an emergency, and snap pictures and videos of your destination. Carry a powerful battery bank with you like the Anker Portable Charger so your phone doesn’t die and you’re prepared for long adventures, or fun overnights, in ports of call.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
You’re never far from water on a cruise ship, which means that you’ll want to protect your tech with waterproof gear. Great for island cruise itineraries, this phone bag is watertight and retains touchscreen operations through its polyvinyl shell. It comes with a detachable lanyard should you want to take it into the waves and capture underwater adventures. Even if you’re not going in the water, this pouch will protect your phone from snow and rain, too. Beach-bound cruisers will also find it useful for keeping their phone sand- and salt-free too.
Collapsible Umbrella
Weather on a cruise can be tough to predict, particularly for various ports of call. Even if the forecast is fair, weather can change in an instant particularly if you’re cruising near shoulder seasons. You’ll be grateful to come prepared with an umbrella so you aren’t forced to buy the marked-up ones in port or onboard. Even if there’s no sign of rain, a good umbrella doubles as a sun protectant for harsh midday sun.
Formal Night Attire
Almost every cruise has a formal night where guests are encouraged to dress in elegant wear. This event usually occurs on a sea day at the beginning of your itinerary. Formal nights are fun and evoke the old-world, slow-travel glamor of cruising. Even the officers dress up and don their formal ship whites. When everyone onboard participates in the formal night dress code, it makes the event all the more special and luxurious, so remember to bring a few upscale resort looks onboard. This stunning Tadashi Shoji Off-Shoulder A-Line Crepe and Taffeta Gown will do the trick, but if you’re shopping on a budget, there are plenty of swanky co*cktail dress options at Amazon; start your search with the Anrabess Pleated Maxi Dress or PrettyGarden One-Shoulder Slit Maxi Dress — starting at $43.
Sand-Free Beach Towel
Most cruise guests bring the ship’s pool towels shoreside for lounging. But, the terry cloth towels cling to the sand, bringing it back in your bag to be dumped on your stateroom floor. If you want a tidier beach trip, bring along a sand-free beach blanket like this Turkish Beach Towel. It's made with cotton and folds up slim so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. What's more, it dries quickly to prevent your bag and its contents from getting soggy.
Packing Cubes
When I reached out to a crew member friend to discuss packing tips, his first thought was emphatically packing cubes. Organization is key to enjoying your cruise, particularly on the day that you embark as it’s the most hectic day for all staff onboard. By the time that you’re able to check into your room, it’s almost time to sail away, and you’ll probably want to be on deck with a daiquiri and sweet treat in hand, not organizing your wardrobe — which is why I recommend traveling with packing cubes. They're not only great for condensing your suitcase contents but also keeping them organized and easy-to-spot, so you can spend less time searching for the things you need and make unpacking and getting ready a breeze.
Collapsible Duffel Bag
One of the perks of cruise ship travel is that, unlike airlines, most cruise lines don’t have strict luggage policies. For travelers who like to shop or collect souvenirs, this is a huge perk. On itineraries with excellent shopping, cruising can be a great way to source neat gifts. Onboard shopping is also a fun way to pick up items to remember your trip. If you’re worried that you won’t have room in your case for your purchases, bring a collapsible duffel bag like this handy 40-liter version from REI for your treasures. Amazon reviewers also love the Gonex Foldable Travel Duffle Bag and the Vomgomfom Travel Duffle Bag for the same reason.
Reusable Collapsible Bag
If you’re cruising around islands, you can make this collapsible tote bag your designated beach bag. Its nylon fabric makes it easy to brush off sand and it dries quickly should you need to wash it (or accidentally get it wet while you're at the beach). If you’re cruising around Europe, you’ll quickly learn that single-use plastic bags are often banned. Many markets, shops, and stores expect everyone to come with their own bag to take away their products. This reusable bag folds to a pocket-size when you’re not using it, so you can keep it in your purse or backpack until you need it.
Ear Plugs
If you’re a light sleeper, the noises of a ship may come as a shock. Whether it’s the sounds of the anchor dropping at 5 a.m. or your raucous neighbors enjoying late-night revelry, earplugs will help you get restful sleep at sea — no matter the time of day. Make sure you pick up this on-sale pack of 60 at Amazon; they're made with soft foam for a comfortable and adjustable fit and deliver impressive noise-canceling capabilities.
Non-Drowsy Seasick Patches
If your itinerary is taking you through rough waters, like the Drake Passage or the Tasmanian Sea, be prepared with remedies to fight motion sickness. More than 11,200 reviewers swear by these seasick patches that use a holistic herbal blend to fight nausea. The onboard medical center offers Dramamine to seasick guests, which will make you sleepy and groggy. If you want to stay alert while fighting the nausea, these non-drowsy patches are the way to go. A few crew tips for fighting sea stomach: stay on the upper levels of the ship, munch on green apples, and keep your eyes on the horizon.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or the ability to sail on cruise ships. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's what I found:
Packing Tips for a Cruise:
When preparing for a cruise, it's important to pack items that will make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some essential travel accessories that can enhance your time on the water:
1. Travel Voltage Converter: Most ship staterooms are equipped with both 110-volt (North America-grounded) and 220-volt (Europe) outlets. To ensure your devices are protected from electric irregularities, it's recommended to carry an international adapter and surge protector. This is especially useful if your cruise itinerary includes multiple countries [[1]].
2. Liquid I.V. Packets: Cruises are known for indulgence, including alcoholic beverages and savory foods. To combat the effects of overindulgence, you may consider bringing along Liquid I.V. powder. This electrolyte mix can help with hydration and recovery, especially if you experience a hangover while on the ship [[2]].
3. Portable First Aid Kit: While cruise ships have medical centers, it's a good idea to bring your own first aid kit to attend to minor injuries or illnesses. This kit should include essential prescription medications, bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relief medication, cold medicine, antacids, sunscreen, aloe vera gel, bug repellent, and after-bite lotion. If you have any allergies, make sure to include an EpiPen or your chosen allergy medication [[3]].
4. Portable Charger: Exploring new destinations is one of the highlights of a cruise. To ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day, consider carrying a powerful battery bank or portable charger. This will allow you to navigate your way back to the ship, capture photos and videos, and stay connected in case of emergencies [[4]].
5. Waterproof Phone Pouch: Since you're never far from water on a cruise ship, it's important to protect your phone from potential damage. A waterproof phone pouch can keep your device safe from water, sand, and other elements. Some pouches even allow for touchscreen operations, making it easy to capture underwater adventures [[5]].
6. Collapsible Umbrella: Weather on a cruise can be unpredictable, especially in different ports of call. Bringing an umbrella can protect you from rain or provide shade from the sun. It's always better to be prepared and avoid purchasing marked-up umbrellas in port or onboard [[6]].
7. Formal Night Attire: Many cruises have formal nights where guests are encouraged to dress elegantly. These events add a touch of glamour to the cruise experience. Remember to pack a few upscale resort looks or formal attire to participate in these special occasions [[7]].
8. Sand-Free Beach Towel: If you plan to spend time at the beach or by the pool, consider bringing a sand-free beach towel. These towels are designed to repel sand, ensuring a cleaner and more enjoyable beach experience. They are also quick-drying, preventing your bag and its contents from getting wet [[8]].
9. Packing Cubes: To stay organized during your cruise, packing cubes can be incredibly helpful. They allow you to condense your suitcase contents and keep them organized, making it easier to find what you need. This can save you time and make unpacking and getting ready a breeze [[9]].
10. Collapsible Duffel Bag: If you anticipate shopping or collecting souvenirs during your cruise, a collapsible duffel bag can come in handy. This bag provides extra space for your purchases and can be easily folded and stored when not in use. It's a great solution for travelers who want to bring back treasures without worrying about luggage space [[10]].
11. Reusable Collapsible Bag: Depending on your cruise destination, a reusable collapsible tote bag can be useful. It can serve as a beach bag, allowing you to brush off sand easily and dry quickly. In some regions, single-use plastic bags may be banned, so having your own reusable bag is convenient for shopping and carrying items [[11]].
12. Ear Plugs: If you're a light sleeper, the noises on a ship can sometimes disrupt your sleep. Earplugs can help block out unwanted sounds, whether it's the anchor dropping or noisy neighbors. Look for soft foam earplugs that provide a comfortable fit and effective noise-canceling capabilities [[12]].
13. Non-Drowsy Seasick Patches: If your cruise itinerary includes rough waters, it's wise to be prepared for motion sickness. Non-drowsy seasick patches, which use a holistic herbal blend, can help alleviate nausea without causing drowsiness. Staying on the upper levels of the ship, munching on green apples, and keeping your eyes on the horizon can also help combat seasickness [[13]].
Remember, these are just suggestions based on the information provided in the article. Your specific packing needs may vary depending on the cruise destination, duration, and personal preferences.