Cruise Essentials Packing List Must-Haves

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If you’re gearing up for a cruise, you’re probably worried about packing. After all the clothing, you may be wondering what all the cruise essentials or the “must-have” items are to pack. Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. In this post, you’ll find some of the best items to add to your cruise packing list to make certain that you don’t forget a thing.

Trying to figure out what you’re going to need on a cruise ship when you’re going to be stuck in the middle of the ocean can be a difficult task, The last thing that you want is to be stranded without something that you’re in DIRE need of, right? Even though you do need to be as prepared as possible just know that all cruise ships have a small shop where they offer certain necessities just in case something is left behind. And even though you’ll pay a massive premium for it, at least you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be completely up the creek without a paddle.

But I think we can all agree that the more you’re prepared before you set sail, the better off you’ll be. Here are some of the top items to add to your cruise packing list!

Cruise Essentials – Packing List Must-Haves

While this list isn’t all-inclusive, these are just some of the items that need to be on your radar.

Motion Sickness Sea-Bands

I have personally used Sea-Bands and found that they are absolutely amazing. I purchased a set for each of my family members before we went on our first cruise. However, I was the only one who needed them. These stretchy bands have a little plastic acupressure point that needs to be placed on the inside of your wrist.

I have been on several cruises and have used these successfully. The moment I take them off, I start to feel woozy. However, if you don’t want goofy bands on your wrist, there are alternatives to Sea-Bands.

Motion Sickness Medicine

I can’t stress this enough. If you get car sick, you’re more than likely going to get seasick as well. Just buy these Dramamine motion sickness pills and pack them just in case. Keep in mind that they can take up to 24 hours to kick in though, so you might want to take one ahead of your launch.

Toilet Spray

Seriously, this is a crucial cruise essential. Not to get too much into detail, but the cruise ship bathrooms are small as is your room. Anyone who uses the bathroom will want to have this Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray handy to take care of any smells. (and everyone in the room will be thankful as well).

Power Strip Charging Station

Even though you might tell yourself that you’re going to be off your electronics during the cruise, let’s be real. You’ll still want to have your phones charged to take pictures and your e-readers charged to sit upon the Lido deck and read. This Power Strip allows you to charge multiple devices all at once.

Cruise Lanyard

When you board the ship, you’re given your keycard. This keycard is like gold and is to be treated that way. You have to have it everywhere you go and when you get off the ship at ports and back on, you have to have your keycard with you at all times. Having a cruise lanyard just takes away any worry and keeps it neatly around your neck and on you at all times.

Passport Holder

Besides your cruise keycard, your passport is also something crucial that you’ll need to keep track of. This is also the other piece of the pie and you’ll have to show it quite often on your cruise ship as well. It’s your photo ID and proof that you’re able to get on and off the ship. If you want to visit the ports, you will definitely need to have this handy. Having a passport holder keeps it safe from the elements.

Travel Packing Cubes

Since it’s obvious that clothes, shoes, and bathroom items need to be packed for everyone, they aren’t listed individually on this list. However, in saying that, these travel packing cubes are really quite handy. They allow you to separate out clothes or have items altogether in one nice neat little place.

There is also a place for shoes and other items that you want to keep separate from touching other items in your suitcase. These are great as well to use if you have to stay overnight at a hotel before actually launching for your cruise. You can easily pack an overnight outfit in one of the cubes and take it into the hotel rather than have to lug in the whole suitcase that you’ve already carefully packed.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

This hanging toiletry bag is perfect for a cruise because it allows you to keep all your toiletry items off the counter and in one neat place. Plus, if your boat happens to hit some rocky waves you then don’t have to worry about items like your toothbrush or toothpaste being thrown all over the bathroom floor. (Gross, right?!)

Hopefully, this cruise packing list helps you think about some of the little things that might not be on your radar. Above all, be prepared to have one of the best and most relaxing vacations, ever.

Travel-Size Everything

Space is at a premium inside the cabins and especially your bathroom. You don’t want to take up precious space. Plus if you are traveling through the airport, you will need travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and more.

Medicines, Supplements and Essential Oils

I remember the first time cruising. I had taken my entire travel kit of essential oils. Going through security at the port was comical. There was a new security guard who thought my oils were some sinister. Apparently, the guard???? Who was a veteran kept telling him that it was bottles of smelly oils, but he needed to see for himself. LOL

Beach Blanket/Towel

While you are able to use the ship towel, if you go to a beach, you may want to have a fast-dry towel of your own, especially if you are going to be shopping after the beach.

Ziploc Bags and Garbage Bag

I personally use a garbage bag to put my dirty clothes in. I store them in my luggage and as I remove clothes, I place them in the garbage bag. If I have any clean clothes, they are kept separate from the dirty clothes. If there are any wet clothes, they also aren’t getting anything wet in your luggage. And the Ziploc bags – they always come in handy.

Phone Dry Pouch

When traveling, this is such a great item to have. Keep your cell phone dry at the beach. Additionally, a phone dry pouch can hold your room key and money you wish to carry with you.

More Cruise Essentials:

Jacket, Sunscreen and Cover-Up

Going on a cruise is certain to give you wonderful memories that you and your family can enjoy for a lifetime! Just make sure to pack the essentials.

Do you have any items that you’d add to this cruise essential packing list?

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn from qualifying purchases.