This is a list of things that I can’t cruise without! I wish I had it when I first started cruising, because every one of them makes my life easier! As a bonus, most of them can be left in your suitcase to make sure that you don’t forget them.
Just click on the picture or the link, to find out more about an item.
1. Solar Powered Mobile Charger
Days at sea, at the beach, and in port can be long. Very long. You could spend hours using your devices with no power outlet in site. Thankfully, you will be over prepared when you find the coveted free WiFi hotspot ashore! This mobile charger packs a punch, and it recharges itself in sunlight. There’s also a bonus handy dandy flashlight for those twilight restroom trips in your pitch black cabin.
2. Small Fan
If you have to have air circulating in your cabin to sleep, you are in luck because this small battery powered wind machine will give you a nice cool breeze all cruise long. You can also use it out in the lido when it’s as hot as hades on deck, or in the bathroom as there is no fan in there.
O2COOL 5-Inch Portable Fan, Gray
3. Air freshener
Cabins are small, stuffy, and they can be stinky. In the event that your breakfast burrito pays you another visit later in the day, your cabin mates will be happy that you were equipped to neutralize that unpleasant aroma with this sweet smelling spray and/or the fan above!
Poo-Pourri Ship Happens Spray, 4 oz
4. Power Strip
Most cruise ship cabins on Carnival have only 1 outlet. Yep, that means you can only charge 1 device at a time, or you could charge multiples when you purchase this little life saver. You may even be called a hero amongst your cabin mates when you whip this baby out! Just make sure to get one without a surge protector as those are not acceptable on the ship.
5. Magnetic Clips
Cruise ship cabin walls are made if metal, so these little clips are perfect for hanging up excursion tickets, the daily activities lists, swimsuits, beach bags, and many other things that you want to keep out of “the pile”.
Large Yellow Magnetic Clips With Neodymium Magnet, 3-1/2″ Length (Pack of 2)
6. Sticky Notes
Even with all of the technology that we lug with us on vacation, sometimes the quickest, easiest way to let someone know something, is to leave them a note.
Highland Notes, 3 x 3-Inches, Yellow, 12-Pads/Pack
7. Beach Bag
Sitting out on the lido or hanging out at the beach all day will require packing a bag and hauling your essentials with you. Taking a small, foldable beach bag will help you get your necessities from the ship to shore with no problem.
Large Coastal Beach Theme Tote Bag For Women, Blue Back
8. Waterproof Cell Phone Case
Newsflash: Cruise and beach vacations involve water. Lots of water. You won’t have to worry about water damaging your device when you protect it with this.
9. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders
Forget about spending time taping, stapling, and folding your cruise tags onto your luggage! These tag holders are convenient, reusable, durable, and lightweight. They will also protect the tags in the very likely event of a rain shower.
Shiptags, Cruise Luggage Tags w/ Zip Seal & Steel Loops, Baggage Document Holder (8 Pack)
10. Large Travel Cup with Lid
The cups on the lido are very tiny baby cups, and they don’t travel well. I have spilled more coffee and lemonade on my toes than I care to admit. Sometimes I spill more than I drink! Don’t be like me. Bring your own cup. These tumblers also keep your drinks cold or hot for hours.
Aladdin Stainless Steel Vacuum Tumbler, Waves
11. Nausea Relief
You don’t have to suffer through sea sickness. At all. Ever. There are tons of remedies available to those who are “sea leg challenged”. You won’t sleep through your first cruise, like I did, from taking drowsy drugs. Use these Sea Bands instead, and enjoy every minute of the journey.
Sea-band the Original Wristband Adults – 1 Pair, colors may vary
12. A Foldable Floppy Hat
The Caribbean sun can be unrelenting and unforgiving. Bring a big cute hat that travels well. This way you will be fashionable as well as sunburn free. Your forehead and face will thank you!
Women Floppy Sun Beach Straw Hats Wide Brim Packable Summer Cap (Khaki) by Janrely
13. Towel Clips
Keep your towel securely fastened to your deck chair with these Towel Clips. Don’t leave them there unattended too long tho, or the chair hog police may come for them.
14. Lanyard
Keep your card handy, safe, and available with a lanyard. This really is useful for people who hate digging in their bags and pockets to find the card. It also helps kids (me) keep their card on their person and not lose it.
Cruise Lanyard & Card Holder by CRUISE ON – Anchor Design [2 Pack]
15. Wrinkle Release
Irons are not allowed in your luggage, and the iron stations supplied onboard are often occupied. For quick no heat ironing, bring along some spray wrinkle release. That way, you won’t look like you slept in your suit.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Travel Size Light Fresh Scent 3 fl oz – 3 Pack
16. Pop Up Hamper
Clothes get dirty and stinky on cruises, and everywhere else. Taking a small pop up hamper will allow you to keep the foul separated from the fresh.
Foldable Pop-Up Mesh Hamper, Laundry Hamper with Reinforced Carry Handles (Rectangle, Navy)
17. Laundry Pods
For those overachievers who like to do chores on vacation, there are launderettes on the ship with irons, washers, and dryers. Instead of paying a fortune for the vending machine detergents and softeners, pack a few of these Pods. Then get back to the fun! You are on a cruise for goodness sakes!!
Tide Pods Laundry Detergent Pacs, Original, 35 Count
18. Wine Protectors
As of today, Carnival allows guests to bring aboard one 750ml bottle of wine per adult in the cabin. Save every sip by protecting it with one of these bottle bubble wraps. These are also useful when bringing your purchased alcohol from the ports.
Wine Skin Wineskin Bag, 8-Pack
19. Packing Cubes
After you have assembled your essentials, next comes the daunting task of packing those nifty necessities. Packing Cubes were invented so that we can shop more and still fit everything into our suitcases! Now we won’t have to choose between shoes. Over packers rejoice, we can bring them all!
Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes – Medium/Small – Luggage Packing Travel Organizers (Black / Blue)
20. DSLR Camera
If you are interested in a good beginner camera, this is it! I have researched many cameras and camera kits, and so far none come close to this for quality and value. If you are finding it hard to choose, just take a few minutes to read the reviews.
21. Luggage
You need a sturdy bag to transport your treasures. Since bringing a plastic grocery bag is tasteless and tacky, I highly recommend purchasing a good set of luggage. This is the set that I use personally and so far it has served me very well!
22. Compact Camera– This Camera packs a huge punch in a little package. It won’t weigh you down, and you can take it anywhere. Except the water. Don’t take it in the water without a protective cover!
Let me know if you’ve tried these and if you’ve found something else to add to the list. Happy Cruising!
Soul on the Seas! 