I travel a lot, and I cruise as much as vacation days will allow. Even though I pack light and efficiently, there are a few items I have to make room for when I cruise. Some items are considered common sense necessities, some are considered cruise/stateroom hacks, and some are just plain ridiculous (but so worth the trouble for the fun of it)! So I’m sharing 10 practical items that I won’t cruise without and 5 ridiculous items that find their way into my bags (and into some funny stories/pictures).
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The Practical
With multiple cruises to Alaska, Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, and British Isles under my belt, I’ve added items over the years to a small kit that I’ll grab whenever packing for a cruise. These aren’t usually items that I take on regular trips, so these items stay in a bag next to my toiletry kit ready to go without needing to even think about it. They just make life on board easier, more efficient, and they don’t take up too much space.
- Bonine (non-drousy) [Bonide for Motion Sickness Chewable Tablets, Raspberry Flavored, 8 Each
] or Dramamine for motion sickness
- Cruise Luggage Tags (large enough for pre-printed tags from the cruise line) [Cruise Tags Luggage Etag Holders Zip Seal & Steel Loops Thick PVC (8 Pack – Clear)
]
- Cruise Bracelet for Sail & Sign/key cards (my DIY can be found here)
- Tide Pods for ships with laundry rooms [Tide Pods Laundry Detergent Pacs, Original, 35 Count
]
- Laundry Bag (with shoulder strap) for dirty clothes [ChicoBag Vita Compactable Reusable Shopping Tote/Grocery Bag with Pouch, Aqua
]
- Shower Hooks for hanging bath poofs and swimwear [ShineMe Clear Plastic Suction Cup Hook (2pcs)
]
- Power Strip Cruise Power Strip with 3 USB 3 Outlets – NTONPOWER Travel USB Charging Station with Phone Stand, Cube Tap Power Outlet Extender Adapter, Non Surge Protection – White
- Nightlight for interior staterooms [OBiDi – Ball Bulb Shaped USB Powered Mini LED Night Light
]
- Ziploc Bags for souvenir sand collection, taking snacks (not fruit) on excursions, etc. [Ziploc Freezer Quart Bags, 75 Count
]
- Water Bottle or other lidded drinking vessel (get a set if you’re going on a girl’s cruise) [Cupture Classic Candy Insulated Tumbler Cup with Lid, Reusable Straw & Hello Name Tags – 16 oz, 12 Pack (Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, Purple, and Green)
]
] or Dramamine for motion sickness
]
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]
The Ridiculous
Because who doesn’t enjoy shenanigans?! I’d almost consider a second bag for these items because most are bulky, but I pack well enough that I can squeeze them in or just pack a slightly larger suitcase. They just make cruises more fun, more ridiculous, and they’re absolutely worth the trouble.
- Wine Sippy Cup [Vino2Go Double Wall Acrylic Tumbler with Black Lids, 10 oz, Pack of 2
]
- Tropical Drink Floaties (they don’t work well but they’re still fun af) [12 Pack Inflatable Drink Holder (Unicorn, Fruit, Donuts, Flamingo, Swan, Duck)
]
- A Costume (read about my T. Rex shenanigans here, and yes, I’ve worn it on a cruise)
- Inflatable Flamingo, unicorn, or other mythical creature [Giant Luxury Flamingo Inflatable Pool Floatie
]
- Souvenir for the Dogs (read about how we show our dogs we love and miss them here)
]
]
]
Flamingo/Mythical Creature Do’s and Don’ts
- DO bring a battery operated pump, otherwise you’ll be manually blowing or foot pumping for over an hour (trust me) [Pool Central Battery Operated Indoor/Outdoor Air Pump for Large Volume Inflatables
]
- DON’T be a pool hog, so I’d advise only using these at the beach or pools at port (I’ve never actually seen someone attempt a large inflatable on board and I’m not even sure it’s allowed, to be honest)
- DO deflate it BEFORE you try to board the ship (it needs to fit through the scanner…again, trust me)
- DON’T try to stand on it
- DO dance on the pier with it and DON’T post video (looking at you crazy ladies that I cruised with last year)
]
Happy cruising!!
-Sheila
More Cruise Tips, Packing Lists, and Past Cruise Adventures:
First 24 Hours on a Cruise Ship: Do’s and Don’ts
Cruise Tips: Planning and Packing
A Cruise Must: Chef’s Table on Carnival Cruises
Cruise Packing Lists: Backpack & Rolling Suitcase Packing Checklists
Carry-On Suitcase Packing List (Packing Checklist for the Overhead Bin)
Carry-On Bag Packing List (Packing Checklist for Under the Seat)
Read about our Mediterranean cruise here and British Isles cruise here and Alaskan Cruise here.
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Videos of cruise shenanigans stay between those starring in said videos.
AGREED!
Please don’t tell people to take a power cord with surge protector. They are prohibited on every cruise line (problem with their wiring) and will be taken away! Without surge protector, some lines will allow it. If you’ve actually been using one, you’ve been fortunate (?) but not advisable. Other tips are very good. I also take the fold-out fabric bins for grouping smalls since most cabins have shelves instead of drawers. Dollar stores, of course. Happy cruising!
Hi Lory. We cruise about twice a year and bring one of each on cruises (for hotel use before/after) as well. We have been fortunate to not have anything confiscated, but it’s a risk we have taken. I’d advise checking the particular cruise line’s policy that you’re cruising, as regulations are different. Some newer ships have more usb plugs as well. I’m seeing more and more surge protector bans and can edit this post to reflect cruise friendly multi-plugs rather than what I bring. Thanks for letting me know!