I am often asked by clients what should they pack for going on a cruise. Some of the most important items should be transported in your carry-ons, such as travel documents (passports, insurance details, etc), medical prescriptions and needs, eyeglasses, and other things you simply cannot do without. If you are wondering about clothes and shoes and whatnot, sometimes you can find packing lists for various itineraries on the cruise line's website. Disney Cruise Line, for example, posts some helpful online packing lists.
When it comes to the "little things" that you might place in your luggage, listed below are my top ten suggestions. While you might be able to buy some of these items on board in the shops or at a port of call, I bring them to save money, and also for peace of mind.
1. First Aid items. I like to use the travel packet sizes when available. The sorts of things I bring include Motrin, Immodium, Neosporin, Dramamine, Benadryl, and a small thermometer. In this day and age, I also bring a couple of covid-19 tests just in case!
2. Gum - you can't buy it onboard, so if you are into chewing gum, definitely pack your own.
3. Dollar bills. I usually bring some dollar bills to tip for room service. Room service is mostly free (except for a few items on the menu), but it is always nice to tip for room service.
4. A Ziploc bag with some "might need, who knows?" items, including scissors, tape, a sharpie, super glue (for my twins' manicure emergencies), and a few cable ties in case you are securing a Fish Extender (more about that in another blog!) outside your stateroom.
5. Small nightlight or glow sticks, or battery-operated tea lights to leave in the bathroom, or on the floor near where someone might trip in the night while taking a bathroom break.
6. A small bag with charging cables, chargers, earphones, battery packs, and all the stuff you need to live a "smart" life. I'll admit it - my family finds it next to impossible to unplug on the High Seas.
7. While you can buy laundry supplies onboard, I like to bring my own. I pack a small Ziploc bag with some laundry pods, wrinkle-release spray, and fabric softener sheets. I also bring a few clothespins too in case I need to clip the curtains together at night to shield out the light, or if I want to hang something up in the shower to drip dry.
8. A Ziploc bag containing a miniature bottle of dawn dishwashing liquid and some sponges to wipe things down, and also to wash our reusable bottles and straws.
9. Packing Cubes. My family uses them to organize our clothes. Each family member has a different color of packing cubes, making it convenient to pull them out of our luggage and place them into drawers.
10. In my carry-on, I always pack an extra set of clothes in case something goes wrong with our travel plans and luggage goes missing at the airport. You might also consider packing a collapsible duffle to fit at the bottom of your suitcase for souvenirs from your travels.
Happy packing!
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