Cruise Essentials: What not to forget when packing for a cruise.
Hey there, cruisers! 🚢✨
Are you gearing up for your next amazing cruise adventure? I bet you’re dreaming of exploring the ports, enjoying delicious food (no cooking! Woot woot!), and unforgettable memories. But hold up! Before you zip up that suitcase, let’s talk about something super important: the stuff you absolutely can’t forget to pack.
Trust me, I’ve been there. Picture this: I was all set for a magical evening on board, only to realize I’d forgotten my dress shoes. Doh! Talk about a fashion emergency! 😱
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ve compiled a list of the 20 worst things to forget on a cruise, so you can avoid those “oh no!” moments and focus on having the time of your life. We also consulted with our awesome Facebook Community on these commonly forgotten cruise items, and they had a lot to say about what cruise essentials NOT to leave behind!
P.S. – At the bottom of this article, you’ll find printable packing checklists galore and LOTS of links to our favorite Amazon Cruise Essentials!
DISCLOSURES: As a heads-up, this article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. However, don’t worry—this doesn’t affect the price you pay for these Amazon travel essentials! Prices are subject to change, so be sure to check our Amazon storefront daily for the latest Prime Day lead-up deals!
Be sure to shop our Amazon Store for:
- Luggage
- All Alaska Essentials
- Toiletries and Beauty
- Shore Day Bags
- Clothing for men and women
- Plus-Size Clothing
- Shoes
- Motion Sickness Remedies
- Stateroom Essentials
- Deck Party and Theme Night Ideas
Let’s get packing! What not to forget when packing for a cruise:
- Passport: The Golden Ticket
Okay, this one’s a biggie. Your passport is arguably the MOST essential item to pack for a cruise vacation. Without it, you’re not going anywhere, period. UNLESS you’re embarking on a cruise that allows alternate forms of ID (like a birth certificate and photo ID). The moral of the story is to always, always, ALWAYS double-check that you’ve got this little blue book safely tucked away in your carry-on.
Pro tips: Take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself. It can be helpful if the worst happens! Also, store your passport in a spot where you’ll see it often (don’t tuck it away in a travel bag!). I keep mine right on my desk, so it’s easy to grab when making travel arrangements, and I’m unlikely to lose it!
- Chargers: Power Up Your Fun!
Picture this: You’re about to snap that perfect sunset selfie, and… your phone dies. 😠Don’t let a dead battery put a damper on your memories. Remember to pack chargers for your phone, smartwatch, camera, and any other gadgets you’re bringing along. Here’s a few of our favorite chargers, for just about every cruise need!
Fun fact: Some newer cruise ships have USB ports in the cabins, but it’s always better to be prepared!
- Razor: Smooth Sailing (and Legs!)
Whether you’re rocking a beard or prefer the smooth look, forgetting your razor can be a real bummer. Sure, you might find one in the ship’s store, but do you really want to spend your souvenir money on overpriced toiletries? Ladies, this one’s for you too- buying razors on the ship is no bueno – not a lot of selection, and you’ll pay too much. Here’s a TINY, high-quality razor for women that you can leave in your travel bag so you never forget! And a travel razor for the guys! In fact, here’s a whole list of toiletries for a cruise on Amazon.
- Small Bills for Tipping: Spread the Love
Tipping is a big part of cruise culture, and having a stash of small bills makes it so much easier. From room stewards to bartenders, a little extra appreciation goes a long way in making your trip even more special. Don’t forget to pack lots of $1, $5, and $10 bills. Doing so can help you not pay hefty ATM fees on the ship, and ensure you don’t overspend by having an exact change. It’s also really handy onshore for buying souvenirs, paying for a taxi, and grabbing snacks and drinks.
- Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: See the World Clearly
Imagine squinting your way through a breathtaking Caribbean sunset or missing out on spotting a whale because you forgot your specs. Not fun! If you wear glasses or contacts, pack extras. Your eyes (and your memories) will thank you.
- Swimsuit: Make a Splash!
Forgetting your swimsuit on a cruise can be a costly mistake. In my experience, finding a swimsuit in the first place is a pain- you try on 27 different sizes, styles, and (gulp) fits, and you’re lucky if ONE fits! Try finding a replacement swimsuit on a cruise ship. Sometimes, you may have to wait until you arrive in port to buy one, and you’ll probably pay a lot more than necessary. Even if you’re cruising to a cool-weather destination like Alaska – pack that swimsuit! Nothing beats an embarkation day dip in the pool or a glacier-day soak in a hot tub!
Here’s some of our favorite swimwear, cover-ups and sun protective wear!
- Belt: Hold It Together
This might seem small, but trust me, it can be a big deal. A formal night without a belt? Awkward. Trying to keep your shorts up during a shore excursion? Even more awkward. Toss a belt in your suitcase and thank me later. You’ll find some nice men’s belts in our formal wear idea list.
- Socks: Happy Feet, Happy Cruiser
According to our amazing Facebook community, this is one of the most commonly forgotten cruise essentials! Whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring a chilly port, or want cozy feet in your cabin, socks are a must. Plus, they take up practically no space in your luggage. No excuses!
- Underwear: The Unmentionable Essential
I mean, do I really need to explain this one? Double-check your packing list, and be sure to grab those undies! We’ve heard story after story about cruisers trekking to Walmart in their first cruise port to buy a pack of underpants.😅 Oh, and pack more than you think you’ll need. Trust me on this!
- Hairbrush: Cruise Hair, I DO CARE!
Sea breezes are lovely, but they can wreak havoc on your hair. Don’t forget your brush or comb – your selfies will thank you!
- Sunglasses: Shade Your Peepers
Squinting in the Caribbean sun? No thanks! Protect your eyes and look cool doing it. Plus, sunglasses are perfect for people-watching on the Lido deck. 😎 Here’s a list of our faves, all from Amazon.
- Nail Clippers & File: The Tiny Lifesavers
Ever snagged a nail and didn’t have a way to fix it? It’s surprisingly annoying. These take up barely any space and can save you from unexpected discomfort. They can also double as makeshift mini-scisssors from time to time.
- Dress Shoes: Stepping Out in Style
Formal night is a cruise tradition, and you don’t want to be the one in flip-flops at a fancy dinner (not speaking from experience – hah!). To save space, pack a pair of dress shoes that go with multiple outfits. Here’s some formal night inspo (clothes and shoes for men and women) to get you started!
- Towel Clips or Bands: Secure That Sunbathing Spot
Windy day by the pool? Towel clips and towel bands are your best friend. They keep your towel from flying away while you’re taking a dip or grabbing a drink. Game-changer! Add these little gems to your cruise essentials packing list!
- Pajamas: Sweet Dreams at Sea
After a day of fun, you want to relax in comfort. Don’t forget your favorite PJs – they’ll make your cabin feel like a cozy home away from home. They may not SEEM like cruise essentials, but forget them once, and you’ll realize they are!
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Be Prepared
Headaches, seasickness, or an upset tummy can put a damper on your vacation. Pack a small kit with basics like pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness meds. Better safe than sorry!
- Deodorant: Stay Fresh, My Friends
Hot sun, lots of activities—you get the picture. Remember this essential item to keep yourself (and your fellow cruisers) happy.
- Hair Conditioner: Tame the Mane
Most cruise lines provide shampoo, but conditioner? Not always. If you’ve got longer hair or are prone to tangles, don’t skip this one. Here’s a list of some Amazon travel-size products, including shampoo and conditioner sets.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Smile, You’re on Vacation!
Seems obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget these in the last-minute packing frenzy. Throw them in your bag now! if you forget your toothbrush, it will be easy to replace, but it’ll cost ya! Shopping for toiletries on a cruise ship is akin to buying toothpaste at 7-Eleven. You just don’t want to be in that position.
- Makeup Items: Put Your Best Face Forward
For those who wear makeup, forgetting a key item like mascara can be a real bummer. I once bought mascara from a vending machine in an airport on the way to a cruise (can you believe they have those!?). Make a list of your must-have makeup cruise essentials and check it twice before you leave.
You’re cruise-ready!
Whew! We made it through the list. How many of these cruise essentials were already on your packing radar? If you’re thinking, “Uh-oh, I totally would have forgotten that!” don’t worry. We’ve all been there, and that’s why I’m sharing these tips with you.
Remember, cruising is all about relaxation and fun. By making sure you’ve got these cruise essentials packed, you’re setting yourself up for smooth sailing (pun totally intended 😉).
Free Downloadable Cruise Packing Lists!
Before I let you go, here’s a bonus tip: Make a packing list! I know, I know, it sounds super basic, but trust me, it works. I’ve lots of printable checklists on my website that you can use. Here are my favorites:
- Carnival Cruise Warm Weather Packing List
- Princess Cruise Packing List
- Alaska Cruise Packing List
- Caribbean Cruise Packing List
- Mediterranean Cruise Packing List
- Plus Size Cruise Wear from Amazon
Be sure to shop our Amazon Store for:
- Luggage
- Swimwear, cover-ups and UPF protective wear
- All Alaska Essentials
- Toiletries and Beauty
- Shore Day Bags
- Clothing for men and women
- Plus-Size Clothing
- Shoes
- Motion Sickness Remedies
- Stateroom Essentials
- Deck Party and Theme Night Ideas
So, cruise lovers, what do you think? Did I miss any must-pack items? Have you ever forgotten something crucial on a cruise? Share your stories in the comments when you see this post on Facebook – I love hearing from you!
And hey, if you found this helpful, why not share it with your cruise-loving friends? You might save someone from a vacation mishap!
Until next time, we’ll see you on the high seas! 🚢💕
Read more CruiseTipsTV Articles here.
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