14 essential items to take on a cruise


Are you packing for a cruise? 14 essential items to bring with you recommended by Lisa Magloff for Cruising Journal.

Whether you are a cruise novice or a seasoned pro, we all need to give some serious thought to what essential items to bring on a cruise to make it as seamless as possible. In addition to the usual bathing suits, sunscreen, travel tote, and portable charger, we have highlighted a few extras that will help make your cruise even more enjoyable.

Outlet adapter

Outlet space can be at a premium in a small cabin. That’s why an outlet adapter is an essential item, especially if you are travelling with more than one electrical device (which, let’s face it, we all are). It can also be helpful to bring one with USB ports, so you can charge your curling iron and phone at the same time. In most ships, the outlets are mounted close to the top of the counter, so you will probably want an adapter that is long and narrow. Just make sure the adapter you bring does not have a surge protector, as these aren’t allowed on ships.

Many cabins lack enough outlets – make up for that by bringing your own.

Wine

While cruise lines do not generally allow you to bring hard alcohol and beer, most will allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine or champagne. Given the high prices often charged by cruise lines, it makes sense to bring as much wine as the cruise line will allow. Aside from the cost savings, bringing a bottle or two of your favourite wine can help make those evenings on the balcony more romantic. Don’t forget the (TSA compliant) corkscrew, but make sure to check if your cruise charges a corkage fee for bringing your own wine to meals.

Over the door shoe organiser

This is not for your shoes, or at least, not just for your shoes. Hang one of these over the bathroom or closet door and you will have the perfect place to store all of your bits and pieces – sunscreen bottles, hairdryer, hats, shampoo, snorkel gear. It will keep your cabin tidy and save valuable counter or table space.

Towel clips

Unlike a beach, cruise ships are usually in motion. These creates a cooling breeze, but it also means that your towels are likely to start flying around the deck. Stop chasing your towels around and bring a pack of towel clips with you.

Keep your towel from flying around the deck with these clips.

Wrinkle release spray

Fire is a major hazard at sea, which is why cruise ships do not allow guests to bring irons or kettles with them. Some cruise lines have self-service launderettes with irons available, and others offer pressing services. But one thing people do not look forward to on holiday is either having to iron their clothes or having to pay a lot of money for someone else to do it for them. Save yourself some time and money by bringing along a (TSA-compliant) bottle of wrinkle release spray. Spray the wrinkled item of clothing, hang it up, and let the spray do the work.

Ear plugs

Because you don’t know who will be in the cabin next door. Your neighbours may be as quiet as church mice, or they may be on their honeymoon. If you need peace and quiet to sleep, earplugs are an essential item.

Poo Pourri

This one is a bit delicate. Those cabins can be pretty cosy. You can make life easier for your cabin mate with this clever product. You spray it into the toilet and natural oils trap the odours and prevent them from filtering out into the cabin.

Keep your cabin mate, and your cabin, sweet with an anti-odor spray.

Refillable bottle

Most of us now carry one of these wherever we go, and a cruise is no exception. Instead of buying expensive plastic bottles of water, go green fill up your own water bottle. And while you are at it, you should also consider purchasing your own reusable straw, so you don’t have to use the plastic ones (although many ships are beginning to switch to paper now).

Aqua shoes

Snorkelling is fun. Stepping on sharp objects or jellyfish is not. If you are planning to do any swimming in the ocean while on your cruise, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of aqua shoes. Now, we know what you’re thinking – a shoe that is both uncomfortably sweaty and ugly. But it is possible to find aqua shoes that look good and are comfortable, like the ones here.

Aqua shoes come in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Mini fan

Cruise cabins can get warm. If you have trouble sleeping in still, warm air, consider bringing a mini travel fan. The gentle whir of the fan also acts like white noise to drown out late night noise. And it also comes in handy if you have opted not to bring any Poo Pourri.

Cabin nightlight

Picture the scene. You and your partner asleep in the pitch black. Suddenly, you realise you need to use the bathroom. You get up and step on the starfish souvenir you picked up on the beach, stumble into the dresser and bark your shin. You turn on the light, waking your partner, who curses you. Bring a night light and avoid all of this.

Cruise staff thank you cards

These pre-printed, cruise-themed thank you cards will not only make the staff feel great, they could also help ensure you get great service. Hand them out with a bit of cash tucked inside, and the staff will be sure to remember you fondly.

Lanyard

Some cruises supply these, but if yours does not, one of these will save you a lot of time and hassle. Instead of digging through your tote bag or trying to remember to transfer your keycard to a new pocket every time you change, just put it in a lanyard and have it at the ready.

Waterproof case

Cruising involves a lot of time around water – in port, on the beach, by the pool. If you want to return home with a dry wallet and a phone that works, consider buying a waterproof case for those items you would rather not get wet. This one even allows you to take photos underwater.

Happy cruising, and don’t forget to share your cruising experience by writing a review for Cruising Journal!

 

Lisa Magloff

 

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