Cruise Packing 101 – what not to forget!

Many of these items highlighted below can be purchased through my Amazon store….amazon.com/shop/travelswithmickey *As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

PASSPORT! and other important travel documents, such as your vaccination card and Covid test, if one is needed.  I keep mine in a clear vinyl sleeve that I purchased on Amazon. https://amzn.to/427dZZ7

Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier.  I find a travel wallet to be very useful. https://amzn.to/3cr1ceB

Luggage tag holders. Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! The ones shown are for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. https://amzn.to/3QvoHlt

This is the link for Holland America. https://amzn.to/3G713sT

A lanyard to keep your sea pass handy. https://amzn.to/3XJvWtc

I have used a bathroom organizer from LLBean for years. It is well made and has plenty of storage. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! https://brandcycle.shop/g4nue

Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool. https://amzn.to/3kkBAnU

This backpack would also be great for onshore excursions. https://amzn.to/3pq56Id

A small crossbody bag is very helpful onboard to keep your phone, sea card and any other items you might want while onboard. https://amzn.to/3Nwv5e9

Bags of this type have become very popular. Wear around your waist or as a crossbody. Several colors available. https://amzn.to/3nAFESS

Packing cubes – keep your clothing organized and protected while traveling.  Also makes unpacking in your cabin super easy and fast. https://amzn.to/3p4juWn

Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags. https://amzn.to/409nx3x

Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. https://amzn.to/3VOoNZD

Highliter – mark the activities on the daily planner you want to do onboard. However, with the new ship’s apps that are being developed, you may find that easier to use instead of the paper ones. It is also helpful to highlight important information on other papers that are left on your bed each evening.

Cabins can get warm. Keep the air moving with a portable fan. https://amzn.to/42k4t3I

I find these very useful to organize papers in the cabin…nothing worse than losing something! https://amzn.to/3QbFTg5

We use these hooks for hats, jackets, etc .https://amzn.to/3K9OWOL

Ziplock bags – good for dirty laundry, wet suits, keeping phones sand and water free. Or a waterproof case is also useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your belongings on the beach while you are in the water. https://amzn.to/3RIBumq

Want to snorkel with your phone? This waterproof case works perfectly. https://amzn.to/3HpOJon

Speaking of clothes, travel irons and steamers are not allowed. We have found that a wrinkle release spray works well. https://amzn.to/3UFVyqs

Many ships do not have self-service laundry facilities. Packets of laundry detergent are very handy for doing a quick wash in the sink. https://amzn.to/427QcaM

Just need to do a quick clothing clean up? I carry one of these with me everyday and in my carry-on luggage. https://amzn.to/3oPJuI0

Hat – protect your head and face from the sun. I have a few I like to wear.

https://amzn.to/3SB5LDV

And this one:

https://amzn.to/3JFhkWF

Sunscreen – cheaper than buying on the ship! It’s important to use sunscreen that also protects our reefs and oceans. https://amzn.to/3JJvwhh

If you are prone to seasickness, these have proven very effective. They come in different colors too! https://amzn.to/3IacNMP

Bonine is also very effective. https://amzn.to/3k6I9dT

Most cruise ship cabins do not have a magnifying mirror, which I find very helpful when doing hair and makeup. This is the one I have been using. There are 3 different magnifying levels available to purchase…5X, 10X or 15X. I use 10X. https://amzn.to/3ezKyL9

Sunglasses – glare off the water can be very strong. I use readers and recently found these. So nice to not have to switch glasses if I want to read something. They are NOT bifocals either! https://amzn.to/3yqb2Ft

Chargers for phones, computers, notepads, etc. To keep my chargers organized, I use this. https://amzn.to/3ZG3wCw

Charging device with extra plugs. Be sure to choose one that is not surge protected….ships do not allow them. https://amzn.to/3QyiipE

If you are traveling overseas prior to sailing, you need an adapter for your hotel. This one works in Europe. https://amzn.to/41RegPk

This link is for Australia adapters: https://amzn.to/3ntttHj

Towel clips – keep your towel on the chair, either on the ship or at the beach. Pick some that are fun and unusual….that way you can easily find your chair after enjoying the pool or beach https://amzn.to/3IUG2BZ

Also useful is an anti-theft bag for beach chairs, such as AquaVault. I bought mine on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3A8S8V3

Over the door hanger – helps to organize smaller items in the cabin. https://amzn.to/3YxVLxs

A travel first-aid kit is a necessity. Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) and a few bandaids…easier than going to the ship’s doctor. This is a great first aid kit for traveling. https://amzn.to/3l2evXJ

Keep your shoes smelling fresh with these odor eliminators. You don’t want your cabin smelling like stinky feet! https://amzn.to/440gFZx

Protect your clothes from dirty shoes with shoe bags! https://amzn.to/3MqIEcG

Bottle bags for packing wine and liquor – protect your belongings when traveling home. https://amzn.to/3dfNf3G

And of course…..CLOTHES! Bathing suits are a must, especially if you are planning a beach day. No need to bring beach towels….the ship will provide them for you. Comfortable clothes to wear around the ship during the day. For evenings, dressy outfits for “formal” nights….evening gowns and tuxedos are not mandatory, but some people will still wear them. Wear what makes you happy, as long as you follow the ships requirements. Most do not allow shorts or gym clothes in the dining room for dinner. The ships can be chilly in the evenings, so a light sweater is always good idea.

I hope this helps make packing a little easier. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions! Remember….visit amazon.com/shop/travelswithmickey to find the products shown above….along with other cruising and travel essentials!

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