Are you planning to go on a cruise vacation soon? If so, you may be wondering what to pack and what to leave behind. Cruising is a fantastic way to see the world, have fun, and relax. But it also requires some preparation and smart packing to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your cruise without any problems.
That’s why we have created this cruise essentials list for you. This is a list of the top 8 items that we always pack for our cruise vacations, and that we think you should pack too. These items are not only useful and helpful, but also fun and stylish. They will make your cruise experience more smooth, comfortable, and memorable.
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a veteran one, we hope you will find this cruise essentials list helpful and informative. So, without further ado, let’s get started with our cruise essentials list.
Table of Contents
Cruise Essentials List Item 1: Power Strip
The first item on our cruise essentials list is a power strip. A power strip is a device that allows you to plug in multiple electrical appliances or gadgets at once. It can have several outlets and USB ports, and it can be portable and compact.
A power strip is a must-have item on our cruise essentials list because most cruise cabins have very few outlets, and we have many devices that need power. For example, we have our phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, e-readers, hair dryers, curling irons, etc. How can we charge them all with only one or two outlets?
That’s where a power strip comes in handy. It lets us plug in several devices at the same time, without having to worry about running out of power or fighting over outlets with our cabin mates. A power strip also helps us avoid using adapters or converters, as most cruise ships have both US and European outlets.
However, not all power strips are allowed on cruise ships. Some cruise lines ban power strips that have surge protectors or extension cords, as they can cause fire hazards. So, make sure your power strip is approved by cruise line before you pack it. Also, look for a power strip that has USB ports, as they can save you space and hassle.
Cruise Essentials List Item 2: Packing Cubes
The second item on our cruise essentials list is packing cubes. Packing cubes are small fabric containers that help you organize your clothes and other items in your luggage. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials, and they can make packing and unpacking much easier and faster.
Packing cubes are a great item on our cruise essentials list because they help us save space and time in our luggage. They compress our clothes and prevent them from wrinkling. They also sort our clothes by category, such as tops, bottoms, underwear, swimwear, etc. This way, we can easily find what we need without digging through our suitcase. Packing cubes also help us separate our dirty clothes from our clean ones, or our wet clothes from our dry ones.
Packing cubes also help us pack more efficiently for our cruise. We can pack different cubes for different occasions, such as formal nights, casual days, shore excursions, etc. We can also pack different cubes for different destinations, such as tropical, cold, or rainy ones. This way, we can easily switch our cubes depending on our itinerary and mood.
Cruise Essentials List Item 3: Travel Insurance
The third item on our cruise essentials list is travel insurance. Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers you for various risks and expenses that may occur during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, etc.
Travel insurance is a vital item on our cruise essentials list because cruising involves many uncertainties and potential problems. For example, we may get sick or injured on board or on shore and need medical attention or evacuation. We may miss our flight or our cruise departure and need to rebook or reschedule. We may lose our passport or our luggage and need assistance or compensation. We may encounter bad weather or mechanical issues, and face delays or disruptions.
Travel insurance can help us cover these costs and inconveniences and give us peace of mind and protection. However, not all travel insurance plans are the same. Some may have exclusions or limitations that may not suit our needs or preferences. So, make sure we compare and choose a travel insurance plan that covers us for cruising and the specific risks and activities we are planning to do.
Cruise Essentials List Item 4: Waterproof Phone Case
The fourth item on our cruise essentials list is a waterproof phone case. A waterproof phone case is a type of phone case that protects our phone from water damage and allows us to use it in wet environments. It can also protect our phone from dust, dirt, sand, and scratches.
A waterproof phone case is a useful item on our cruise essentials list because cruising involves a lot of water activities and exposure. For example, we may want to use our phone to take photos or videos of the beautiful scenery, the amazing wildlife, or the fun moments with our friends and family. We may also want to use our phone to check our emails, messages, social media, or news. We may also want to use our phone to play games, listen to music, watch movies, or read books.
However, using our phone near water can be risky and stressful. We may accidentally drop our phone in the pool, the ocean, or the toilet. We may splash water on our phone while showering, washing our hands, or drinking. We may expose our phone to rain, snow, or humidity.
That’s why a waterproof phone case can help us enjoy using our phone without worrying about damaging it. A waterproof phone case can also help us enhance our phone’s capabilities and features. For example, some waterproof phone cases have built-in lenses that can improve our phone’s camera quality and performance. Some waterproof phone cases have built-in batteries that can extend our phone’s battery life and usage.
Cruise Essentials List Item 5: Reusable Water Bottle
The fifth item on our cruise essentials list is a reusable water bottle. A reusable water bottle is a type of bottle that we can fill with water and use multiple times. It can be made of plastic, metal, glass, or silicone, and it can have different designs, sizes, shapes, and colors.
A reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly and convenient item on our cruise essentials list because it helps us reduce waste and save money. Think about it: how many plastic water bottles do we use and throw away during a cruise? How much do they cost and how much do they pollute? By bringing our own reusable water bottle, we can avoid using single-use plastic bottles that harm the environment and add up to our expenses.
We can fill our reusable water bottle with tap water from our cabin or from the buffet area. Most cruise ships have safe and drinkable tap water that we can use for free. We can also fill our reusable water bottle with filtered water from the gym or the spa area. Some cruise ships have water stations that provide filtered water for a small fee.
We can also bring our own water filter or purifier if we are concerned about the quality or taste of the water on board. There are many types of water filters or purifiers that we can attach to our reusable water bottle or use separately. They can remove impurities, contaminants, bacteria, viruses, etc., from the water and make it safer and better for drinking.
Cruise Essentials List Item 6: Motion Sickness Remedies
The sixth item on our cruise essentials list is motion sickness remedies. Motion sickness remedies are products that help prevent or treat motion sickness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache etc., caused by the movement of the ship.
Motion sickness can affect some cruisers more than others depending on their sensitivity level, the size of the ship, the weather, the sea conditions, and the duration of the cruise. Motion sickness can also vary depending on the location of our cabin, the time of the day, and the activities we do on board or on shore.
That’s why motion sickness remedies are a common item on our cruise essentials list. They help us enjoy our cruise without feeling sick or uncomfortable. There are many types of motion sickness remedies that we can bring and use for our cruise, such as:
- Medications: These are drugs that we can take orally or apply on our skin to prevent or treat motion sickness. Some common medications are Dramamine, Bonine, Scopolamine, and Meclizine. They work by blocking the signals from our inner ear to our brain that cause motion sickness. However, they may also have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, etc. So, make sure we consult our doctor before taking any medications and follow the instructions carefully.
- Natural remedies: These are products that use natural ingredients or methods to prevent or treat motion sickness. Some common natural remedies are ginger, peppermint, acupressure, aromatherapy, and biofeedback. They work by soothing our stomach, stimulating our nerves, relaxing our mind, or controlling our breathing. They may have fewer, or no side effects compared to medications, but they may also have less or no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. So, make sure we do our research and try it out before relying on it.
- Lifestyle changes: These are things that we can do to avoid or reduce motion sickness symptoms. Some common lifestyle changes are choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship or on a lower deck, avoiding reading or watching screens while moving, eating light and bland meals, drinking plenty of water, getting fresh air, focusing on the horizon, and distracting ourselves with music or games. They work by minimizing the motion we feel, preventing nausea and vomiting, hydrating our body, and calming our nerves. They may not work for everyone or every situation, but they can help us cope with motion sickness better.
Cruise Essentials List Item 7: Sun Protection Items
The seventh item on our cruise essentials list is sun protection items. Sun protection items are products that protect our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. They include sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, clothing, etc.
Sun protection items are essential for cruising because cruising exposes us to a lot of sun exposure and reflection. For example, we may spend a lot of time on the pool deck, on the beach, or on the balcony. We may also visit sunny or tropical destinations that have high UV levels. We may also travel during summer or peak seasons when the sun is stronger and longer.
Sun exposure and reflection can cause sunburns, wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, eye damage, etc. These can ruin our cruise experience and our health in the long run.
That’s why sun protection items are necessary for cruising. They work by blocking or absorbing the UV rays and preventing them from reaching our skin and eyes. However, not all sun protection items are created equal. Some may have various levels of protection, quality, durability, comfort, etc. So, make sure we check and choose sun protection items that suit our needs and preferences.
Some tips on how to use sun protection items are:
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously and evenly on all exposed areas of our skin for at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if we sweat, swim, or towel off. Choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and that is water-resistant and broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays). Avoid using sunscreen that has expired or that contains ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or irritation.
- Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses whenever we are outside or near reflective surfaces such as water, sand, or snow. Choose sunglasses that have 100% UV protection and that fit well and comfortably on our face. Avoid using sunglasses that are scratched, broken, or that have poor quality lenses or frames.
- Hats: Wear a hat that covers our head, face, ears, and neck whenever we are outside or near reflective surfaces. Choose a hat that has a wide brim (at least 3 inches) and that is made of a breathable and lightweight material. Avoid using hats that are too tight, too loose, or that have holes or gaps that let the sun through.
- Clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much of our body as possible whenever we are outside or near reflective surfaces. Choose clothing that has a tight weave (you can’t see through it when held up to the light) and that is made of a breathable and lightweight material. Avoid wearing clothing that is too thin, too dark, or that has holes or gaps that let the sun through.
Cruise Essentials List Item 8: Cruise Lanyard
The eighth and final item on our cruise essentials list is a cruise lanyard. A cruise lanyard is a type of necklace that holds our cruise card in a plastic pouch or clip. It can be made of fabric, metal, plastic, or silicone, and it can have different designs, colors, logos, etc.
A cruise lanyard is a handy item on our cruise essentials list because it helps us keep our cruise card handy and secure. Our cruise card is our key to everything on board the ship. We use it to open our cabin door, pay for our purchases, check in and out of the ship, access certain areas and facilities, etc. We also need it to show our identity and boarding status when we visit different ports.
However, keeping our cruise card in our pocket or wallet can be inconvenient and risky. We may forget it, lose it, damage it, or have it stolen. We may also have trouble finding it or taking it out when we need it.
That’s why a cruise lanyard can help us carry our cruise card around our neck without worrying about losing it or damaging it. A cruise lanyard can also help us personalize our cruise card and express our style and personality. We can choose a cruise lanyard that matches our outfit, mood, theme, or interest. We can also customize our cruise lanyard with charms, beads, stickers, pins, etc.
Conclusion
Cruising is a wonderful way to travel and have fun. However, it also requires some preparation and smart packing to make sure we have everything we need to enjoy our cruise without any problems.
That’s why we have shared with you this cruise essentials list. This is a list of the top 8 items that we always pack for our cruise vacations, and that we think you should pack too. These items are not only useful and helpful, but also fun and stylish. They will make your cruise experience more smooth, comfortable,
and memorable.
We hope you will find this cruise essentials list helpful and informative. Remember to pack smartly, plan ahead, and enjoy your cruise with these items. We are sure you will have a wonderful time and create unforgettable memories.
FAQs
- Q: How can I get these items for my cruise?
- A: You can buy these items online or in stores before your cruise. You can also check if your cruise line offers these items for sale or rent on board or at the ports.
- Q: How can I pack these items for my cruise?
- A: You can pack these items in your carry-on or checked luggage depending on their size, weight, and value. You can also use packing cubes, ziplock bags, or pouches to organize and protect these items.
- Q: How can I use these items for my cruise?
- A: You can use these items according to their instructions and purposes. You can also follow the tips we have given you in this article to make the most of these items.
- Q: How can I take care of these items for my cruise?
- A: You can take care of these items by cleaning, charging, storing, and securing them properly. You can also label or mark these items with your name and contact information in case you lose them or mix them up with others.
- Q: How can I dispose of these items after my cruise?
- A: You can dispose of these items by recycling, donating, or selling them if they are still in good condition. You can also keep them for your next cruise or other trips if you like them.
Reference Websites
Here is a list of reference websites to the other sources for this article:
