What are the cruise packing list Essentials?

Cruise travel is a culture for many, but when you aren’t a seasoned cruiser, you may just want to know what to pack on your cruise. After a bit of research, asking pro-cruiser friends, and taking my first cruise, these are the things I am so glad I packed, or wish I had remembered to add to my cruise packing list.

Clorox wipes

Nora virus is no joke. No matter how clean the crew claims the ship is, packing a small pack of Clorox or antibacterial wipes is not a bad idea. As soon as you enter your room, wipe down the TV remote, door handles, bathroom surfaces, and anything else that may carry germs. And always, always wash your hands and use the antibacterial soap offered on the ship.

Small plug-in air freshener

Cruise cabins can get stuffy and start to smell, especially if you are headed to a tropical climate. Buy a small, plug-in air freshener (or better yet, a clip on one like this) with a simple scent when you are packing for a cruise. Even if you have a balcony and leave the door open, your air freshener can make a huge difference to your cruise experience.

Air freshener for the bathroom

Cruise ship bathrooms are small. This is an understatement. I don’t care what size your room is, you will want to buy a small bottle of air freshener (like this) to pack for a cruise. The last thing you want is bathroom smells to leak into your room, or for your family and friends to have to hold their breath when they use the restroom after you. It’s not fun to talk about, but trust me. Pack an air freshener spray for your cruise.

Power Strip

Cruise ships are not outlet-friendly. Pack a power strip to use in one outlet, which will leave one more outlet for the plug-in air freshener you added to your cruise packing list.

NOTE: many cruise ships do not allow power strips, so check with your cruise company before you pack one.

Snacks

Not all cruise food is created equal. Your cruise packing list should include a few healthy snacks, as well as a bit of junk food, like M&Ms and a soda or two if you have a sweet tooth. Some people even pack an extra suitcase full of soda, water, and snacks so they don’t have to spend the extra money on the boat snacks that aren’t included in the cruise dining plan.

Water bottle

Water is essential on a cruise ship. Make sure you put your favorite water bottle on your cruise packing list, as well as picking up a few bottles of water at a shop near the port before you board. The water on board doesn’t always taste great, so ask your waiters for lemons, or grab a few from the buffet dining hall.

Hydroflask and Hydrojug are my favorite water bottles to pack, mainly because they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. When you are traveling to warm destinations, cold drinks can be a lifesaver.

Tide Pen and Tide Pods

Some cruise ships have a small laundry room where you can do your own laundry. Tide Pods and dryer sheets are small and easy to pack. Wash your swimsuit every few days, and those sweaty clothes that are stinking up your room. If your cruise ship doesn’t have a laundry room, and you don’t want to pay for the ship’s laundry service, make sure you add a Tide Pen to your cruise packing list to prevent any accidental stains from setting in before you get home.

Cruises can be a fun way to spend a vacation, but keep in mind that once you board, you’ll be on water for days before you reach port again. In addition to these seven things I always take with me, I also like to include a little medical kit with ibuprofen, antacid, and Pepto Bismol. What are some things you like to take with you on a cruise?