Welcome back to Byte Size Cruising! We are a small travel agency outside of Philadelphia, PA and today we are going to take a deep dive into a few must haves to bring with you on your next cruise. These items are affordable and will add value to your cruising experience. Let’s get into it!
1: Travel Charger
This device is clutch. You'll want to bring a charging device with you on your cruise that can charge multiple devices at once. Remember, you won’t have many outlets in your cabin and there often aren’t USB ports in the wall on the ships. This device simplifies the hassle of cords and plugs.
2: Luggage Tag Holders
These are a lifesaver! In today’s world, most of the time you print out your own luggage tags and that paper winds up ripping or taking your time and energy finding plastic tape to cover all of it. If you have tag holders, you can simply put your printed luggage tag in and you’ll know it’s protected and secure.
3: Reusable Toiletry Bottles
If you've been on a cruise in the past 20 years, you know that the toiletries offered on the ships are not the best. You’ll want to bring your own with you, and the most cost effective way to do that is to purchase empty travel-friendly bottles and then fill them up from whatever it is you use at home. You’ll feel great knowing you’re using a quality product and also not break the bank buying better quality toiletries on the ship.
4: Tylenol or Advil
Always bring your own with you! If you need this while you’re on the ship, it will be very expensive to purchase. Do yourself a favor and purchase a small bottle or travel packs ahead of time to bring with you.
5: Dry Bag
Bring this with you! Remember, you’re going to be all around pools, the ocean, etc. and having a bag that you can put your essentials and electronics in is key. The last thing you want is to be too close to a splash and suddenly your new camera is ruined or your phone is drenched. A dry bag will keep all your things safe and dry so you can enjoy your time in the water.
6: Air Tags
These aren’t super expensive (you can get three or four of them for under $100) and they are incredibly useful while on a cruise. You can put Air Tags in your backpack, luggage, purse, or even your kid’s pocket! It’s a great way to keep track of everything and everyone while away, reduce stress, and of course find something if needed.
7: Water Bottle
BYOWB! We like to bring the ones that are collapsable to save space in your luggage. A lot of times, bottled water is extra and this allows you to fill your bottle at the buffet and then take water with you for the day.
8: Air Freshener
You’ll want to bring some kind of air freshener with you on your cruise, especially if you are sharing a cabin. Remember, the cabins are small and they don’t get a lot of airflow and being able to freshen the air is a game changer.
9: Downy Spray
For any dress clothes you’re bringing, you’ll want to find a way to get the wrinkles out and you aren’t allowed to bring an iron on board. This spray is great, easy to use, and far more cost effective than laundry service on the ship.
10: Zip Lock Bags
There are TONS of great uses for these on a ship. Small baggies can be used to pack snacks for later while larger bags can be used to hold wet clothes or swimsuits if you want to change while off the ship at port. They can also be used as pseudo drybags to keep electronics dry.
11: Magnetic Hooks or Clips
This is one that everyone talks about and it is great for creating extra storage space in your cabin. Remember, your rooms are metal, so these clips will cling to the wall and create space for you to hang clothes, hats, towels, etc.
12: Kindle or Nook
E-Readers are so much cheaper now than they were a few years ago and this is a huge time and space saver. If you enjoy reading while away, this is a great way to have access to lots of books without physically packing them. Just make sure to download them before you leave! Depending on the wi-fi package you choose, you might not have the best service while at sea.
13: Towel Clips
These are super cheap and a great way to keep your towel in place while at the pool. Use them to hold your towel to your deck or pool chair and you won’t need to worry about the wind blowing them away while you are going down the water slide!
14: Nightlight
Cruising cabins are very dark, even if you have a balcony. Having a nightlight is great to provide soft light, especially if you’re often up in the night or rooming with someone who doesn’t go to sleep at the same time as you.
15: Sea Bands
These are affordable and definitely worth having in case you need them! These are acupressure based bands that you can wear that help with nausea and sea sickness. Of course, if you know you get motion sickness it is recommended you talk to your doctor about a prescription medication before you leave.
16: Last but not least! Backpack / Tote Bag
You’ll want this for when you go off the ship to carry your things with you and so you have something to put souvenirs, etc. into. Remember, you may be wearing a wet bathing suit, so putting your wallet in your pocket might not be an option.
Those are our cheap cruising must haves to help you have a better cruise experience! Anything you would add? Comment below!