Cruise Like a Pro: 11 Must-Pack Items for Smooth Sailing
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Packing for a cruise is a fine art—bring too little, and you’ll find yourself paying outrageous onboard prices for basics. Bring too much, and you’ll be tripping over your suitcase in a tiny cabin. After plenty of trial and error (and a few “oops” moments at sea), we’ve nailed down the must-have items we never cruise without.
These essentials keep us comfy, entertained, and prepared for whatever adventures—or mishaps—come our way. Before setting sail, ensure these 10 game-changing items are in your suitcase!
1. Magnetic Hooks & Clips
Cruise ship cabins are notoriously short on storage space. Since most walls are metal, magnetic hooks, and clips are a game-changer for hanging hats, lanyards, wet swimsuits, light jackets, or even organizing daily itineraries.
2. Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is key when exploring new ports or lounging on deck. We always bring water bottles—they’re easy to pack and perfect for refilling at drink stations. Bringing a water bottle will also prevent you from paying a fortune for water during the cruise.
3. Waterproof Phone Pouch
From beach days to poolside lounging, a waterproof phone pouch protects your device from damaging salt water while allowing you to take photos, check messages, and use your phone’s touchscreen. This pouch also floats, which is a nice bonus feature!
4. Motion Sickness Remedies
Even if you think you have an iron stomach, rough seas can surprise you! We always bring something for motion sickness, just in case. You can choose from patches, pills, band,s and more.
5. Power cord (Cruise-Approved)
Most cabins have limited outlets, so a cruise-approved power strip is essential for charging phones, cameras, and other electronics. To comply with cruise line regulations, make sure it’s non-surge protected. Also, check with your cruise line before bringing one on board.
6. Lanyard for Key Card
Your key card is your VIP pass to everything onboard—it’s your room key, credit card, and ID all rolled into one! 💳 We swear by a lanyard with a plastic pouch to keep it safe and easy to grab. Plus, with so many fun designs, you can rep your favorite team or go for something stylish and fun.
7. Lightweight Jacket or sweater
Even if you're heading to a tropical paradise, nights on the ship can surprise you with cool breezes and gusty winds. A light jacket or cozy sweater is a game-changer—perfect for staying warm while you soak in the ocean views and stargaze from the deck. Don’t let a chilly night cut your fun short—pack that extra layer and cruise comfortably!
8. Dry Bags
If your cruise adventures include snorkeling, kayaking, or boat tours, a dry bag is a total game-changer! 🌊💦 It keeps your essentials—like cameras, phones, and wallets—safe from unexpected splashes (or full-on dunks!). We never travel without ours—it’s lightweight, budget-friendly, and barely takes up any space in your luggage. Bonus hack: It doubles as a dirty laundry bag for the trip home! Talk about a multitasker!
9. Small First Aid Kit
While cruise ships have medical centers, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to have your own basic first aid kit. This bag is perfect because it doesn’t give you a lot of supplies you will never use. Plus, you can also bring it along on your next camping trip or hike! Suggested items: Tums, Benadryl, Cortisone Cream, Cold medications, Motrin, Imodium, etc.
10. Packable Day Bag
A lightweight, packable backpack or tote is an absolute must for exploring ports! 🎒✨ It’s perfect for carrying water bottles, sunscreen, souvenirs, and all the little extras you pick up along the way. Plus, it folds down small, so it won’t take up valuable suitcase space—because, let’s be honest, you’ll need that room for all the goodies you bring back!
11. Sanitizer wipes
Don’t forget the sanitizer wipes! 🧼✨ The first thing we do when we step into our cabin is give everything a quick wipe-down—light switches, door handles, remote controls, and any high-touch surfaces. Cruise ships might do a great job with cleanliness, but with thousands of people coming and going, a little extra peace of mind never hurts! Stay healthy, cruise happy! 🚢
Anchors Aweigh! ⚓
Packing smart can make your cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. Are there any cruise essentials you never travel without? Let us know in the comments!
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 7 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.