🌴 Things People ALWAYS Forget to Pack for a Cruise (Don’t Be That Person!) 🌊
- staceydoby
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
As we sail into a new month, I wanted to share a handy list of items people often forget to pack for a cruise. 🚢 While many of these essentials are useful for any vacation, they’re especially helpful for life on the open seas. 🌊
Check out the link for the full list—bonus: it’s editable, so you can personalize it to fit your needs! 😊
🤢 Seasickness Remedies. Even if you’ve got an iron stomach, the ocean might humble you. Winter cruises can get a little rocky—come prepared with patches, wristbands, or meds. Better safe than green!
🔌 Power Strip. Cruise cabins are notorious for having maybe two outlets. Charging multiple devices? You’ll be playing outlet musical chairs unless you bring a power strip. Especially important for families—because kids + dead devices = chaos.
🧲 Magnetic Hooks. The walls are metal, so bring these handy hooks to hang wet swimsuits, hats, or the 23 tote bags you didn’t need to pack but did anyway.
🖍 Highlighter. If you’re old-school (like me), highlight the daily schedule so you don’t miss out on bingo or salsa lessons. Digital types—enjoy your apps, but don’t come crying when your phone dies.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or frolicking on a beach, water and phones don’t mix. Unless you enjoy shopping for a new phone on vacation, bring a case!
🔋 Portable Phone Charger. For those of us who take a million photos of sunsets, selfies, and buffet plates, a portable charger is a lifesaver. Tuck it into your bag and snap away!
🛍 Ziploc Bags. These are the Swiss Army knives of packing. Use them for wet swimsuits, sand-free phones, or sneaking extra cookies from the buffet (we won’t judge).
🚪 Over-the-Door Organizer. If your cabin feels like a shoebox with a bed, this organizer will keep your stuff tidy. Bonus: You’ll look like a genius when your travel companions are tripping over their clutter.
🛡 Travel Insurance Documents. Because life happens. Print copies of your insurance, passport, and travel confirmations. Lost luggage or missed connections won’t feel as catastrophic.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle. Hydration is key, especially when sipping margaritas all day. Bring an insulated one to keep your drinks ice-cold.
🧴 Sunscreen. Don’t pay gift shop prices! Trust me, that overpriced sunscreen will haunt your dreams (and your wallet).
🕶 Sunglasses & HatBecause no one enjoys squinting through shore excursions or dealing with sunburned scalps.
🔭 Binoculars. Love nature? Pack binoculars to spy on dolphins, whales, or even your neighbors on the balcony next door.
🎒 Backpack/Beach Bag. A backpack is great for carry-ons, while a beach bag handles the sand and surf. Pro tip: Use one as a “souvenir smuggler” for the trip home.
💊 Medications. Do NOT forget these. Missing meds = an unplanned scavenger hunt at port. Also, pack painkillers for post-shore-excursion soreness.
👂 Earplugs & 🛌 Eye Mask. Cruise cabins can be noisy, and pitch-dark cabins can feel like sleeping in a cave. Bring these for sweet, uninterrupted dreams.
🧼 Hand Sanitizer & Wipes. Cruise ships are a germ paradise. Wipe down everything (remote controls, door handles, your overly friendly neighbor—kidding... mostly).
👗 Themed Clothing. Check for theme nights and pack accordingly. Nobody wants to be the only one NOT dressed up for 80s night.
🍿 Snacks. Yes, cruises have food. Lots of it. But sometimes you just need your favorite dry snack for excursions or midnight cravings.
🚑 Small First Aid Kit. Because scrapes, blisters, and headaches don’t care that you’re on vacation.
🧥 Light Jacket or Sweater. Even in tropical climates, evenings can get chilly. Plus, the air-conditioning on ships could rival the Arctic tundra.
🥵 After-Sun Lotion. Got sunburned? This is your new best friend. Your skin will thank you for the cool, soothing relief.
🌀 Portable Fan. If you’re heading to a warm destination, this little gadget is worth its suitcase space. Plus, it doubles as your personal paparazzi wind machine.
📚 Reading Material. Cruises are perfect for catching up on books. Just don’t bring War and Peace unless you’re okay lugging around a brick.
📸 Underwater Camera. Capture your snorkeling and diving adventures! Bonus: You’ll also have a legitimate reason to post 57 pictures of fish.
🍷 Corkscrew. If your cruise allows you to bring wine, you’ll need this to avoid that awkward moment. Check the policy first, and happy sipping!
🔦 Flashlight. Great for late-night deck strolls or finding things that mysteriously disappear under the bed.
👟 Water Shoes. For rocky beaches, mysterious ocean floors, or excursions where you don’t want to be that person slipping everywhere.
💼 Waterproof Dry Bag. A game-changer for excursions. Trust me—nothing ruins the vibe like soaked cash, passports, or snacks.
🪪 Lanyard for Your Room Key. Keep your cabin card handy—it’s your key, wallet, and ID all in one. A lanyard saves you from rummaging through pockets or bags.
🔌 International Adapter. If you’re cruising internationally, bring an adapter. Otherwise, your devices will be as powerless as you feel without coffee.
🌙 Nightlight. Cruise cabins can be really dark. A small nightlight ensures you don’t stub your toe when navigating to the bathroom.
📝 Travel Journal. Document your adventures and hilariously misjudged karaoke performances. Future-you will appreciate the memories.
🎧 Headphones. Don’t be like me, buying overpriced headphones in the airport because you forgot yours. Keep a spare set in your travel bag.
👓 Reading Glasses. If you need them, bring them. Losing your readers on vacation means squinting at menus and mistaking “duck” for something… less appetizing.
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