Everyone cruising needs a little inspiration of what to pack and what you might not have thought to pack for a cruise. This Must-Have list might just help.
Whether you start packing for a cruise three weeks before your embarkation date, or you’re the type who throws together a bag a few hours before heading to the airport, don’t leave home without these essentials.
1. POWER STRIP WITHOUT A SURGE PROTECTOR
Even if you booked one of the smallest cabin’s on the ship, you’ll still be happy that you brought an extra power strip with you. These days we all travel with a ton of electronic devices. We want to plug in our smart phones that double as alarm clocks while we’re charging our tablets and digital cameras. For more information about Power Strips Consider reading This Article I wrote. My favourite Power Strip is This One
2. SUN PROTECTION
You’re probably thinking this item is a no-brainer. Of course you’d bring along sunscreen on your warm-weather cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico. But, doctors suggest bringing along some sun protection—at least SPF 15—even when travelling to places like Alaska. Active cruise itineraries mean you’ll be outdoors for most of your cruise and it’s best to have some protection on your face and arms, at the very least. For me, SPF 50 is the only way to travel. Other wise you might be needing some Aloe Vera.
3. EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT
If you get sick onboard, you should be able to find most common over-the-counter medications at either the ship’s on-board shops or medical center. However, you might have to pay a little higher prices for it!
MORE READING: How to pack a travel first-aid KIT
Before you leave home, create an emergency medicine kit that includes basics like aspirin and other pain relievers, diarrhea medicines like loperamide (found in Imodium among other products), seasickness protection (meclizine works well for most and is found in products like Bonine). Of course, you should also be sure to bring plenty of your own prescription medications you might require.
4. NIGHT LIGHT
Before going on your next cruise, pick up a cheap nightlight at your local grocery or shop online for one. Cabins—with blackout curtains and tight fitting doorways—are often pitch-black when the lights go out. It’s helpful to place the nightlight in, or near, the bathroom so you and your travel companions can make your way around the cabin at night without turning on the overhead lights. My recommend one is a Battery operated one, so you can use with out needing to plug it in a socket.
5. DRY BAG
You’ve probably seen professional photographers carrying around “dry bags” to keep their equipment safe and dry, but you should consider acquiring one as well. Dry bags are made out of waterproof material and seal so that they are watertight. Most people use them when kayaking or canoeing but you can also use one as your shore excursion day pack. A variety of dry bags in all price ranges are available online.
6. ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES
You’ve no doubt heard of norovirus. It’s a contagious virus that you can pick up from contaminated food or water or by touching tainted surfaces. Office buildings, hospitals, and cruise ships can be a breeding ground for the norovirus. The cruise industry is vigilant in following best practices to make sure the virus doesn’t take hold of a ship. All cruise ships are outfitted with dispensers of alcohol or antibacterial gel. Use them whenever you get on or off the ship and before entering the dining room. Don’t rely on the ship though. Bring your own stash of easy-to-pack antibacterial wipes. You can buy a pack at any drugstore or grocery store as well.
7. CORKSCREW/BOTTLE OPENER
We’ve saved the best bit of advice for last. Trust us: don’t forget to pack a corkscrew/bottle opener. You may choose to bring a bottle of wine or two on board to enjoy in your cabin. Most cruises line charge upwards of $15.00 for corkage. Remember cabins don’t come outfitting with such an item, so it’s best to bring your own. Just be sure to pack this in your checked luggage. Otherwise, airport security will confiscate it if it’s found in your carry-on bag. By for the best one I’ve used it this one.
Finally
I hope this list has given you some inspiration on what your going to need, or what you might have forgotten to pack. These lists seem endless, but even if just one item on this list jogs your memory on something to pack that’s defiantly a good thing.
