There should be at least one cruise in every lifetime. They are perfect for relaxation and luxury at a fixed cost. Once you have decided on your destinations, cruise line, and dates and have made your booking, it’s time to start thinking about packing. You will, without a doubt, remember most of the basics, but what about the things you don’t know you need until you get there?
- Lightweight bag or pouch As you move about the ship and on the shore, there are a few things you’ll want to have on your person. Fanny packs, crossbody purses, and clip-on pouches can all do the job. Make sure your room key card, credit card, cash, and ID fit in it.
- Disinfectant wipes The rooms look fantastic, but what did the stewards neglect to clean? Be sure to wipe the remote, all surfaces, and door knobs to protect yourself from lingering germs.
- Two swimsuits Everyone remembers to pack a swimsuit, but most people don’t know they’ll need two. While one is drying in the bathroom, you won’t have to stay away from the pools, hot tubs, and beaches. It’s a good idea to put one of your swimsuits in your carry-on bag. While everyone else is waiting around for luggage to make its way to the rooms, you can be enjoying your first dip in the pool.
- Nausea relief products Tablets, patches, and pills are readily available to prevent and/or provide relief for from nausea. Most cruise lines have solutions available in the area of the doctor’s office, but when you’re feeling ill, you don’t want to stand in long lines or be around crowds. Even if you don’t think you’ll get seasick, be prepared!
- Toiletries A lot of websites will tell you to leave them behind because they’re available on the ship, but there’s nothing like the products you love. There’s no telling when a cruise line will change the standard issues for each room, or which items will be available free of charge. You definitely don’t want to pay ship or port prices for things you have at home. Pack your shampoo, lotion, and hair products.
- Formal clothing. It may seem like a bother, but you really don’t want to miss out on formal night. Some people attend formal nights in casual attire, but you’ve got that amazing dress or fantastic suit you’ve been waiting to wear. Remember that bridesmaid dress that cost you $300? Here’s your chance to wear it again, and get fantastic photos!
- Highlighter The daily newsletters are great, and full of onboard activity information. As you read it, choose the events you’d like to attend, and don’t risk forgetting about them. Highlight them to make it easier to see them at a glance. As you go through your fun days, dashing from one thing to the next, or lounging peacefully, you won’t want to read through the entire newsletter again, and why should you have to?
- Mailing addresses You’re sure to find cool postcards featuring beautiful beaches, quaint houses, historical sites, and unusual recipes. Share your experience with the people you love for less than US$1.
- Business cards Whether at tea time, dinner, or poolside, you’ll meet people from all over the world you’ll want to keep in touch with. It’s not uncommon to meet new best friend, business partners, or penpals onboard a cruise.
- Journal You think you’ll remember every moment, and the order in which they occurred, but by the fourth day, you’ll be asking your tablemates which day you had the amazing steak. People will want to know all about your vacation, and chronology will be your goal in telling the story. Writing in a journal every night will help you keep the facts straight, and trust your account of the experience in the weeks, months, and years that follow.
- $5’s and $1’s Services on cruise ships is amazing. You’ll wonder if little fairies are hiding in your cabin, waiting for you to leave so they make everything look the way it did on the first day. Dining room staff cater to your every whim. The entire ship is always clean, and everywhere you turn, someone is ready and willing to do as you ask. You’ll be desperate to thank them, and $20 may be a bit more than you’d like to give.
- Hand sanitizer This seems like a no-brainer, but you don’t want to go to shore without it. There’ll be food vendors in the ports, and you will want to sample some of their offerings. You will, at some point, wonder about the cleanliness of your hands. Keeping hand sanitizer in your pouch means you can sample native treats even when they are not offered with utensils.
- Manilla envelope, cardboard, and a resealable bag You’ll want to keep the photos you purchase in perfect condition. Sliding them into an envelope with stiff cardboard will keep them from bending, and the bag will protect them from moisture.
- Jewelry pouch In many ports, especially in the Caribbean, jewelry stores offer free gifts. They are often pendants and earrings, and make great gifts. They usually give them out in small resealable plastic bags. You’ll need a place to put your collection of tiny free gifts so they don’t get lost among the shot glasses, hats, and articles of clothing.
- Nightlight The interior rooms are pitch black when all the lights are off. You’ll want a little glow somewhere in the room, just in case.
- Digital clock There are no clocks or alarms in the rooms. If you’re not in a room with a window, you have no way of telling what time it is unless you turn on the television. Whether it’s a small alarm clock or cell phone, you will be glad to have something to tell you the time in the dark.
- Tumbler with a lid The refreshing juices you enjoy at breakfast aren’t usually available in the afternoon or evening. Take a tumbler with you to breakfast, fill it, and keep it in your room fridge. You can also take it along with you when you get to port.
