5 Must Pack Items for a Cruise Vacation – Jennifer A

Preparing for a cruise requires thought and planning due to the stateroom space and the limited opportunity to purchase items once onboard. Here are 5 essential items to take on a cruise.

1. 1. Carry-on Bag: Pack a carry-on bag for your embarkation day. Include all the essentials you’ll need before your luggage arrives at your stateroom, including swimsuits and sunscreen if you plan to enjoy the fun around the pool deck. Ensure medication is packed in your carry-on, plus important documents required to board. Some cruise lines allow guests to bring alcohol onboard, but it must be within a carry-on bag.
   2. Packing Cubes: They are a must for all vacations! Packing cubes are essential to staying organized, which is important on a cruise due to the limited space. Each member of our family has a dedicated color and multiple sized cubes. It’s a time saver to remove the cubes from the suitcase and place them in drawers. Then the empty suitcases can be stored out of the way, under the bed.
   3. Towel Bands: These bands resemble large rubber bands and are a favorite item for many vacations. The bands hold your town in place on a pool or beach chair and are helpful when it’s windy on the upper decks of a cruise ship. Towel clips are also an option, but the bands take up less space and don’t break like plastic clips.
   4. Laundry Bag: Toss all of the dirty clothes in a laundry bag to keep the room tidy. Use a bag that is washable or disposable after you return home. Laundry bags make packing to go home easier. Once at home, all the dirty clothes are together and can be taken directly to the laundry room.
   5. USB Charging Station/Power Strip: Using a charging station will ensure there are plenty of outlets so your family’s electronics are fully charged.

It is important to be aware of the cruise line’s requirements and know of items that are not allowed on cruise ships, such as surge protectors.

Ready to start planning your next adventure?