In preparation for my first cruise in 2023, I went waaay overboard — no pun intended.
I watched all the videos, read dozens of article and got all the gear they told me I needed.
It was extreme overkill. If you’re traveling with a family, you may find it helpful to have magnet hooks or filtered water bottles — even those over the door hanging organizers. We did not and found ourselves lugging a lot of extra weight because we listened to what others said we need, rather using common sense.
Remember, cruise ships have most self-care items like soap and shampoo – you don’t have to lug them across the country. And sure, it may be cute to bring things to decorate your door – but honestly, between the food, the spa, the swimming, games and excursions, we just didn’t have the time or energy to bother with it.
Here are some top items we DID find useful for our first cruise:
Luggage
Hard shell suitcase is optional, but will make your life easier. Hard shell suitcases may not be convenient for every situation, but is ideal for a cruise. Get one with wheels that rotate 360 degrees like this one we used recently that make it great for the airport and keeps the weight off your back at port. For a set of three, it’s inexpensive, sturdy and even has a combination lock. It also comes in a variety of bold colors, making it easy to find on the luggage carousel;
- Collapsible day bag and small purse. You’re going to want something to tote around small items like lip balm and your cruise card on the ship. On excursions, you’ll want to carry your beach towels, sunglasses, IDs, cash and anything else you might need to get you through 8 hours at port. You’ll want something that’s small and lightweight so you can fold it up and not have to worry about checking more luggage. I like this one because it’s heavy duty, but still super light weight. It also folds up into itself and can be converted into either a backpack or a tote;
Packing cubes – I love these WAY more than I thought I would. If you get compression cubes like these, which we have used when backpacking in Nicaragua. Not only to they make it easy to stay organized, but they can compress your clothing so it takes up less space in the suitcase. Full disclosure — they did cost a little more than I wanted to spend. I like to tell myself I’m frugal and often “cheap out,” but after buying 3 or 4 other sets prior, only to be less than satisfied, I’d like to save you the hassle.
Self Care
Let’s face it, the whole purpose of a cruise is self care, but there are a few items to keep yourself feeling your best.
- Pain killers – anything you would take at home — plus a little more. It’s easy to underestimate the extra movement while you’re in the moment, but you’ll feel it tomorrow. And the last thing you want is to cancel your excursion or miss out on the pool because your bones are achy. This means Tylenol, Ibprophen, Motrin, Naproxen – whatever works for you. These items can sometimes be purchased on the ship, but you’ll pay a premium. Trust me, you’ll be glad you grabbed this one.
- Antacids or anything that will help settle an upset tummy. You’ll be eating new foods and probably drinking a little more than you’re used to. Don’t pass on this one. Any antacid will do. Some people like activated charcoal, as it works in a pinch. We also really like ginger chews like these and even buy them in two-pound bags so we can keep some in our pantry at home, too.
Motion sickness medicine we didn’t end up needing these, but would never fly or go on a boat or ship without something to treat motion sickness. Motion sickness is something you just can’t predict and your journey will be far less enjoyable if you do need them and get caught without them. Again, these Gin Gin, ginger chews serve dual purposes. Not only are they great for stomach issues, but they also work wonders for motion sickness. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s good to have Dramamine on hand, or some generic version. Look for nondrowsy, if you can find it. If you’re sensitive to medicine like I am, it’s likely to knock you out. This is what we’ve used in the past, and it worked just fine. I’ve had varying levels of success with motion sickness bands and patches, so I can’t speak on those.
Hangover prevention a very wise college roommate once told me if you drink a glass of water with every alcoholic drink, you won’t have a hangover. After some experimentation in my younger days, I believe this to be true, but it requires a lot of pre-planning – and likely some bloat. Before you leave on your cruise, ask yourself – how much you plan to drink? Do you normally drink? If you don’t drink more than on special occasions, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared. We found this one to be effective and reasonably priced when compared to others on the market.
Sleep aids: Even if it’s not something you generally use. Leaving home can throw off your sleep schedule. If you’re drinking, it can (and likely will) mess with your body chemistry. While I’m not a huge fan of “the take it just in case” mentality, this is one item that’s worth tiny amount of space it will take up in your suitcase. There are a ton of products on the market. Some people like Melatonin, this this one that we’ve used; some prefer more homeopathic options. There are really no right or wrong answers here. If it works for you, go for it.
Ear plugs: while we’re on the topic of sleep – if you’re a light sleeper or happen to be rooming with…umm…a “loud” sleeper, you’ll want to consider tossing these in your bag.
Sunscreen it took at least two bad sunburns and one emergency room visit for me to realize this is not something to be overlooked. It was then I learned that a medication I’ve been on since I was a teenager made me more prone to burns. Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to sunscreen. If you’re going to certain islands in the Caribbean, it is illegal to use sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. We used this one on our cruise and it worked just fine. I also make a mineral sun screen that has kept be burn-free for many outdoor concerts, festivals and outings. I make one in a stick that can be purchased here. It is convenient for tossing in a beach bag. It applies similar to a lip balm or deodorant. I also offer it in a jar here.
Drink packets are not a necessity by any means, but if you’re used to sugary drinks, you might want to consider taking some. I’ve recently taken a liking to Celsius energy drinks, which would cost a fortune on a cruise ship. Luckily, they are now made in a powder form that you can pour in your water bottle or over, my favorite is over ice. They’re available here. Don’t forget, you’ll likely be spending more time in the sun than usual and if you’re planning on drinking, it’s good to be able to replace electrolytes. Again, Gatorade is going to be pricey on a cruise ship, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. We used these on our trip to Nicaragua and feel they helped keep us sufficiently hydrated.
Bug spray is an absolute MUST if you’re going to the Caribbean or anywhere tropical. We prefer ditch the chemicals here and make our own using essential oils. It can be found here. In a pinch, we’ve also used this one, and it worked just fine. Don’t forget to check with your airline to ensure you’re staying within TSA guidelines;
Shampoo bars I know, I’m breaking my own rule here. I don’t generally like to pack items that I know will be readily available, but these stand out to me. If you’re someone who is particular about your hair products and especially don’t like damaging mass-produced shampoos, Shampoo bars are a great alternative. They’re generally more gentle on the hair, as they include less drying chemicals. I like them because they’re compact, TSA friendly and plastic free — meaning they’re more environmentally friendly. I make a few different variations. Here is a clarifying bar, that I generally recommend for oily to normal hair; and here is a moisturizing bar, which is great for people with normal to dry hair.
Phone charger and battery backups: While the idea of a vacation is to get away from the norm, I guarantee you’re going to pull out your phone from time to time — whether it’s for a quick selfie or to check the ship’s itinerary. Don’t forget your phone charger! IF there are some for sale on your ship, you’ll be sure to pay a premium. Ship cabins are notorious for having a shortage of outlets. So if you’re traveling along, you should prepare to share. Having a battery backup can help prevent some frustration between you and your cabinmate.
Final notes: Clothing when preparing for my first cruise, I didn’t know what to expect. I went all out — as far as ordering a $100+ cocktail dress formal night, thinking that I was expected to dress to impress. The truth is, this cruise was a treat for yourself. If you don’t want to dress up, you don’t have to. As we prepare to set sail to the Bahamas, I’m doing things a little differently. Cruise fair is expensive enough, I don’t intend to break the bank (again) on a new wardrobe. If I buy any clothing – with the exception of a few items – it’s going to be thrifted. The truth is, I don’t need a $100+ dress that I will probably never wear again. I know I can find the equivalent at a thrift store for a fraction of the price. The same goes for bathing suits, sun dresses, sandals and so on. You certainly caaaan go all out, but if you put in a little legwork beforehand, you can use your savings on your next cruise 😊
Leave a Reply