Table Of Content

Here's our list of 26 cruise cabin essentials that you need to pack. While many cruise lines offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner in stateroom bathrooms, they aren’t likely to be the products you use at home. I always bring my own shampoo, conditioner and of course, my hair care products. Here are 5 of the most useful cruise packing posts so you’ll be sure to have all the essential things you need for your cruise. It’s a good idea to bring disinfecting wipes for your travels – in the airplane or even for the car ride if you’re driving to the cruise ship.
Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
Cruise lines have apps where you can your daily schedule. However, if you like a paper cruise planner (as I do), then bring a highlighter to mark the activities you want to check out. However, if you prefer to bring your own, you can bring some lightweight foldable hangers so that you can unpack quickly. Put your dirty clothes in a scented kitchen garbage bag before you put them into your luggage at the end of your cruise.
Cruise Cabin Night Light
Just be sure that your power strip doesn't include a surge protector; those are banned from most cruise ships, as are extension cords. Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin. However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent. Don't forget to pack outfits for cruise ship theme nights. Popular themes include white night, pirate night and Halloween — and, yes, cruisers do go all-out with costumes.
Water Bottle Tote Pouch
It's also advisable to bring a European power adapter, as many ships have at least one European plug in the stateroom. When I went on my solo cruise around the Mediterranean, I was weary of my phone dying while alone in a foreign country. Since most don't come with seasickness medication, throw in a small pack of Dramamine or Bonine. Those prone to heartburn will want to bring some antacids, such as Tums, while those who use contacts won't want to travel far from home without some eyedrops and contact solution.
Discounted Tickets on Popular Cruise Destination Shore Excursions
Sunscreen and bug spray are especially important if you are cruising to the Caribbean. While the ship’s stores will often offer these items, they are usually more expensive and options will be limited. Don’t forget to pack other sun items, like a sun hat, cover-up, and flip-flops. It helps me keep everything organized and ensures that all of my necessities are readily accessible throughout my cruise. Plus, I don't have to waste time unpacking and repacking my toiletries.
Other Items to Remember for a Cruise

For some, that can result in stomach aches and frequent trips to the restroom. Though leaving the bathroom light on is an option, it often emits more brightness than most would prefer when sleeping. Night lights, specifically those that are motion-sensored and battery-operated, will help you navigate around the cabin with ease. If they do, it's may some sort of hybrid product, such as Royal Caribbean's 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash. While lines like Carnival and Celebrity do provide separate body wash and shampoo, the quality is mediocre at best, so I prefer to bring my own products.
How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips - Royal Caribbean Blog
How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:23:24 GMT [source]
Think it’s all sun and warm weather if you’re sailing to the Caribbean? With the ship moving, the wind onboard can be chilly, especially at night. This is to say nothing of the air-conditioned places on the ship — like the theater — can be downright cold. It’s a completely different world under there, and the beauty of snorkeling in tropical waters shouldn’t be missed (especially if you have kids or teens!).
What You Should Never Buy on a Cruise, According to Frequent Cruiser - Business Insider
What You Should Never Buy on a Cruise, According to Frequent Cruiser.
Posted: Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Ladies Carry-on Bag
I am, of course, too cool to ever put a key card lanyard around my neck, which means I lose my card once or twice on every trip. My cruise team colleague Ashley Kosciolek also escews landyard-wearing on ships, but that didn't stop her from writing this wonderful guide to the coolest cruise lanyards around. Cool and damp is common in Alaska, even during the summer. And while you should pack a jacket, it’s also a good idea to bring along a rain slicker. This jacket is light enough to wear on warmer days, but also keeps you dry while you’re out and about.
Toiletry Bag

This is one of the most useful cruise accessories for anyone cruising in a windowless inside cabin. Water shoes will be useful if you’re going to a rocky beach or an excursion where water shoes are recommended. We made the mistake several years ago of going to Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica and needing to buy the shoes on site. Poo-Pourri bathroom spray is a cruising essential that may not be talked about much, but it works.
Make sure to be prepared for possible motion sickness on a cruise. While we all hope not to get seasick, seasickness medication or prevention should be on your cruise packing list just in case. These days cruise lines have relaxed the suggested dress codes, but many people do enjoy occasion to dress up a little.
Similar to water and soda carry your own snacks such as popcorn, candy bars, crackers or healthier alternatives for kids. Skip the overly priced and limited variety of snacks that are available at the shops on the ship. Carry a change of clothes in your carry on, for it might be hours till you receive your luggage. Dry and cracked lips are what you will end up with if you forget to carry a lip balm or a chapstick.
Get you an extra pair for your trip and put them in your luggage immediately so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting them later. Lanyards come in handy for putting your cruise keycard at easy reach. Considering that you use this card for everything — opening your room, playing in the casino, ordering drinks — you’re always having to fish it out of your pocket or purse. With a lanyard like this one, it’s right around your neck, making it easy to reach. You’ll also see them for sale around the ship if you forget to pack your own from home.