Patty Vognild Packing for a cruise can be both exciting and overwhelming. While the basics like tropical outfits and swimsuits are obvious, there are several items that can make your cruise experience significantly more comfortable and hassle-free.
Some of these essentials might not even cross your mind until you’re already onboard wishing you had them. To help you pack smarter for your cruise, here’s a list of items you might not think to bring but will be glad you did!
Lanyard and ID holder
My zip ID lanyard is a must-have for keeping track of my cruise cabin key. The zip portion is big enough to hold small bills for tipping and lip balm too. If I forget this item, I constantly find myself wondering where my key is every time I leave the cabin.
Ziploc bags
A variety of Ziploc bags come in handy for so many things.
Large bags are great for wet swimsuits or dirty laundry. Medium bags keep electronics and valuables dry and sand-free. Small bags are perfect for storing snacks (cookies, muffins, Danish, fruit) for a late afternoon bite or a long day excursion.
Ziploc bags are also useful for preventing liquid cosmetic spills in your suitcase or keeping shoes from dirtying your clothes. They weigh next to nothing, making them a no-brainer to pack.
Liquid hand soap
Staying healthy while cruising is a top priority—no one wants to be sick on vacation!
I believe frequent handwashing is key, so I always bring a small liquid soap for our cruise cabin bathroom. Having it by the sink reminds me to wash my hands often, helping to keep germs at bay.
Hand wipes
Buffets on a cruise ship can be a hot spot for germs. While handwashing stations are available at the entrances, not everyone uses them. Plus, after serving yourself and touching various surfaces, your hands aren’t exactly germ-free.
I always bring travel-size antibacterial hand wipes to sanitize before eating. It’s a simple step that helps prevent illness and keeps everyone healthier.
Mini Pharmacy
Even with extra handwashing, someone in my family always ends up needing medication.
Stores on a cruise ship charge a premium for common pharmacy items, and availability can be limited. So, I bring a “mini pharmacy” stocked with essentials like Band-Aids, Tums, Benadryl, Cold-EEZE, a COVID test, Tylenol, acetaminophen, cough drops, and day/night cold medicine. Better safe than sorry!
Hanging cosmetics bag
Storage in cruise ship bathrooms is notoriously limited. My hanging cosmetics bag is a lifesaver—it keeps all my toiletries organized and easily accessible without cluttering the small counter space.
There’s always a hook on the bathroom door where I can hang it for convenience.
Clothes pins
If we have a cabin with a window, we bring clothes pins to clip the curtains shut. This prevents the early morning sunshine from waking us up before we’re ready to start the day.
Water enhancer packets
As a diabetic, I need sugar-free drink options. While the buffet onboard a cruise offers flavored waters, the only sugar-free choice is usually iced tea.
Bringing sugar-free water enhancer packets gives me more variety without having to purchase diet sodas or stick to plain water.
Duct tape
A small roll of duct tape can be a lifesaver in case of damaged luggage. It’s a simple, lightweight item that can make all the difference if a bag or your luggage gets ripped. I’ve had to use it more than once, and it has saved the day every time.
Poo-Pourri
A travel-sized Poo-Pourri air freshener is a game-changer when you’re sharing a bathroom. Since cruise ship cabins are small with limited ventilation, this little luxury keeps things smelling fresh and makes the space more pleasant.
Magnetic hooks
Most cruise ship walls are metal, so bringing a few strong magnetic hooks can help you organize hats, lanyards, bags, or even wet swimsuits. This saves counter space and keeps items easily accessible.
Jacket or sweater
Even if you’re cruising during the hottest time of the year, a lightweight sweater or jacket is a must.
Many indoor areas on the ship are kept quite cold due to air conditioning. I hate being chilly while enjoying the entertainment or dining, so I always make sure to pack an extra layer.
Water bottle
Having a reusable water bottle, thermos, or tumbler is incredibly useful for staying hydrated. You can fill these with water, coffee, or iced tea and carry it around the ship or on excursions.
Many cruise ships now have water refill stations (in the gym or buffet), making this an eco-friendly and convenient item to bring.
Games and cards
Cruises offer tons of entertainment, but sometimes you just want a quiet evening with family or friends. Bringing along a deck of cards or a small travel game can be a fun way to unwind in your cabin or a lounge.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen on the ship or in port can be ridiculously expensive, so I always grab a few bottles of sunscreen from the Dollar Tree before my trip.
It’s a budget-friendly way to stay protected from the sun without overpaying. Plus, I don’t feel bad if I need to leave an extra bottle behind to make room for souvenirs in my luggage!
Small bills
Bringing cash in small bills is crucial for tipping! Even though I get Diamond Plus free drinks each day on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I like to tip a couple of dollars to bartenders and waiters.
I also tip the porters who handle our luggage on embarkation day and always leave something extra for our room stewards who keep our cabin spotless.
Tipping hack: If you need extra cash for tipping but don’t want to use the ship’s pricey ATM, here’s a trick. Use your room key to charge money to gamble in the casino. Enter the amount you want, spin the slot machine a few times, and then cash out! The casino will give you your money in cash, helping you avoid ATM fees.
Thank you cards
I always bring thank-you cards to leave for the staff in the Main Dining Room who work hard to make our dining experience wonderful. A personal note of appreciation goes a long way and can make someone’s day.
I also use them to thank crew members who go above and beyond to make our vacation special.
Don’t forget to pack these items for your next cruise vacation
A little extra planning and packing can make your cruise even more enjoyable. While some of these items might not seem necessary at first, they can enhance your experience and help you avoid minor inconveniences along the way.
Whether it’s staying healthy, keeping your cabin fresh, or making sure you have snacks for long excursions, these small additions can make a big difference. Bon voyage and happy cruising!
