5+ Must-Pack Cruise Accessories that You Need During Your Trip

Experiencing a cruise trip is overwhelming, no matter how much you enjoy it. There is always something essential that you forget to pack at the last moment. Well, you don’t have to worry now, as I have learned what cruise accessories to pack on your trip.

Everyone plans a vacation with family and friends, which is quite conventional, but after I went on a cruise, it completely changed my perspective and made me fall in love with water waves and sandy beaches.

Now, I have been on a cruise many times, and I have it all on my tips about what to do, what cruise accessories to bring, and how everything would work. That is exactly what I am about to share in this blog.

Here is a key: Whatever cruise accessories you pack, you need to ensure that you pack according to the duration, destination, and weather conditions because packing for cold and hot weather is different.

So, let’s get started with the basic cruise accessories.

Cruise Accessories that you must pack for your cruise trip

There is not a single but many cruise accessories you want to carry. However, the best way is to pack necessities first. The list includes

Medicines for motion sickness and skincare items

This is one of the most important things to carry, so I have included it as my first pick for cruise accessories.

Don’t forget to pack your medicines, as the cruise usually has a limited stock of medication. Hence, you need to carry your medicines if you take any. Other than that, you need to pack band-aids and medication for your stomach as well as for motion sickness.

Other than that, essential skincare items like sunscreen are a must for your beach stops. I personally prefer a sunscreen with a SPF 40. However, you can buy any sunblock according to your skin type.

A carry-on luggage bag

Carry-on bags are delivered to your assigned room directly before you board the cruise, and you have to pack them and send them a night before you leave. That is why you need to place a carry-on luggage tags holder.

Most popular cruise lines utilise this system, employing plastic luggage tags that protect and preserve your tags from getting wet or falling off, ensuring readability.

A backpack, preferably waterproof or a tote bag

You will not be on the cruise all the time. A waterproof backpack/sling bag o un tote bag for a beach are good choices. These are perfect for beach days and excursions to carry your belongings with you securely.

Ziplock bags

For me, ziplock bags are another one of the important cruise accessories that you need to keep your small items and personal stuff together. They help me organise my essential toiletries, which you can also use to keep your things dry.

A power strip with USB ports

A compact power strip is needed as your cruise accessory to power your gadgets. Preferably, a power strip with a USB port is a good option since the cruise itself has limited outlets to power multiple devices at a time.

Reusable water bottles

No matter if you are on a trip on a cruise or anywhere else, do not compromise your health. Hence, as I am listing the cruise accessories, a reusable water bottle is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Plus, they are environment-friendly so you can use them repeatedly.

Magnetic hooks/clips

You probably ignored the fact that the cruise walls are magnetic. Hence, you can hang your accessories, lanyards, clothes, hats, etc. You need magnetic hooks as they are space-saving and can hold your stuff for as long as you want.

Travel Plug Adapter

Most of the time, the cruise has plug sockets according to the North American and European plugs. If you are travelling from another part of the globe, then you need a travel plug adapter; this is one of your must-have cruise accessories

Padlocks

My travel essential, which I forgot to mention before, is the Padlock. These locks are designed specifically to ensure ultimate security. It is better to take care of your stuff yourself than blame someone in case of any mishap.

Easy-to-walk shoes

You need sturdy yet comfortable shoes to walk on a cruise and when you are on the shore. They are essential wear when you are walking and exploring the cruise or participating in the excursions.

Laundry Bag

Last but not least, the final product of my cruise accessories is a laundry bag. I like to keep my used laundry separate. Plus, they help me keep my wet towels in it when I return from the beach.

Things you should know before your first cruise trip

The best way to prepare for a trip is to plan ahead of time so you don’t miss any essentials, making your trip worry. When planning your cruise trip for the first time, these are the most common queries that come to mind.

Organise your important documents

Carry your important travel documents along no matter where your cruise is sailing. You will need to carry your ID card and your passport along.

What to wear on a cruise?

No matter what you wear, you need to carry at least one or two formal dresses for the night. Women can wear a dress or even a bowl gown; however, men can wear a Tuxedo or any dress coat.

How many outfits should I pack for a 7-day cruise?

You need to have two outfits per day, one for the day and one for the evening. However, repeating your outfit is not harmful unless it gets dirty. Plus, this way, you will save a lot of packing space and have more space for cruise accessories. This is what I believe, but you can wear a different outfit every night if you like. It is all about personal preference.

What facilities will I get when I board the cruise?

When you board a cruise ship, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities that are designed to make your experience comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable.

Here are some typical facilities you can find

• Alojamiento: Cruise ships offer various types of cabins or staterooms, ranging from economical interior rooms to luxurious suites. These rooms are equipped with amenities such as beds, bathrooms, storage space, and often a view either through a window or a balcony.
• Comida: Cruise ships are known for their diverse dining options. You’ll typically find main dining rooms offering a variety of cuisines, buffet-style restaurants for casual dining, and speciality restaurants with themed menus. Many ships also offer room service for meals delivered directly to your cabin.
• Entretenimiento: Entertainment options abound on cruise ships. You can enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music performances, comedy acts, movies under the stars, and themed parties. Some ships even have casinos, nightclubs, and bars for evening entertainment.
• Recreation: Cruise ships cater to both relaxation and recreation. They often feature pools and hot tubs, sometimes with water slides or other aquatic attractions. Fitness centres, jogging tracks, sports courts (like basketball or volleyball), and spa facilities offering massages and beauty treatments are also common.

• Actividades: Throughout the day, cruise ships offer a variety of activities to suit different interests. These may include cooking classes, dance lessons, art auctions, trivia contests, wine tastings, and educational lectures or workshops.
• Kids and Teens Clubs: Many cruise lines provide supervised activities and play areas for children and teenagers, allowing parents to relax knowing their kids are entertained and safe.
• Shopping and Services: Onboard shops offer duty-free goods, clothing, souvenirs, and essentials you may need during the cruise. Services like internet cafes, libraries, medical centres, and laundry facilities are also available for convenience.
• Excursions: While in port, you can participate in shore excursions organised by the cruise line. These range from guided city tours and cultural experiences to adventurous activities like snorkelling, zip-lining, or hiking.

What should I do in case of emergency (medical or family) to get to my home quickly?

Usually, the cruise allows you to get off at the nearest port to help you catch the flight as soon as possible, and for that, as I mentioned, you need to bring your passport and a photo ID along with you. You cannot go along with this if you only have a birth certificate.

Note: When packing outfits for your cruise trip, don’t forget to check the weather conditions and the locality of your trip. This will help you to pack accordingly.

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I hope you find it informative and helpful. Have a safe cruising trip.