Embarking on a cruise promises a blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. However, packing the wrong items—or overlooking the right ones—can dampen the experience. Seasoned cruisers, well-versed in life at sea, often share valuable advice to help first-timers avoid common pitfalls.
Even on luxury liners, cabin storage is limited, making a thoughtfully curated packing list essential. Packing wisely isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s about preparing for varying climates, onboard activities and unexpected situations.
Striking the right balance means including everything from formal evening wear for special dinners to practical items like power adapters and remedies for motion sickness. A little forethought can make all the difference to your cruise experience.
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Forget something important and you might miss out, take too much and your cabin could feel cramped and crowded.
According to the cruise-loving experts on Reddit one item you should never overlook is medication. While ships often have onboard pharmacies, the prices can be eye-watering.
In the r/cruise channel, one user said: “Pack all the travel essentials you’ll need, like Tums, Pepto, aspirin, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Anything they sell onboard is going to be expensive.”
A second added: “Pack a Ziploc bag of over the counter medicine for colds, diarrhea, other common possible ailments. It’s a lot more inconvenient and expensive onboard for things like that.”
Another simply added: “Bring Alka seltzer and cold medicine, sea sickness pills, extra meds, whatever you think you might need.”
Ilana Schattauer, owner of cruise website Life Well Cruised agrees that medication is one of the most important things to bring with you on the ship. She said: “If you take prescription medications, make sure to keep them on you either in your hand bag or cruise day bag. I also like to make a mini cruise first-aid kit and keep a few things we may need for the day, like pain reliever (Advil or Tylenol) as well as some Tums or Rolaids.”
Another popular recommendation for first time cruisers, was the addition of extra power. One cruise regular said: “Staterooms are notorious for having just two plugs and one in the bathroom. Bring USB hubs, socket outlet hubs, and/or adapter hubs. A power strip is fine, as long it has no built-in surge protector.”
Other top must-haves that may not immediately spring to mind include:
- Magnetic Hooks Cruise ship cabins are notorious for their lack of storage space. Since most walls are metal, magnetic hooks can provide extra spots to hang hats, jackets, or lanyards.
- Nightlight: Cabins without windows can get pitch black at night. A small, portable nightlight helps you navigate without disturbing your cabin mates.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially on shore excursions. Bring a collapsible or insulated water bottle to fill up onboard and take with you on the go.
- Portable Fan: Some cabins can feel stuffy, and air circulation isn’t always the best. A compact, battery-operated fan can make a big difference.
- Laundry Bag or Collapsible Hamper: Keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones is crucial in tight spaces. A lightweight laundry solution keeps your cabin organised
- Duct Tape: From fixing a suitcase to patching up small cabin issues, a small roll of duct tape is a versatile lifesaver.
- Highlighter: Use it to mark daily activities or events on your cruise schedule, ensuring you don’t miss anything exciting.
- Foldable Beach Bag: Great for excursions, a compact beach bag can hold towels, sunscreen, and souvenirs without taking up extra space in your luggage.