I’ve Been on 30 Cruises. There are 6 Things I NEVER Sail Without

After taking 30 cruises, you learn a thing or two about what to leave an home… and what you can’t leave home without. 
As a veteran of 30 cruises, there are some things I never leave home without, including the lightweight backpack you see on my arm here.
Truth is that packing for a cruise is a bit different than any other vacation. Where else do you have to pack for all sorts of situations — including everything from hanging by the pool to having dinner on formal night — all while being in the middle of the ocean?
That means if you forget something, you are either out of luck until you reach port, or hope that the ship’s store has what you need!
The good news is that cruise ships are in the hospitality business, so many small things that you might forget like a toothbrush or deodorant are easily available on the ship (albeit expensive). But there are a number of things that you have to pack yourself or risk going without.
I’ve put together a full packing list here, as well as a number of unique things you don’t want to forget. As a veteran of cruising time and time again, however, there are a few things we can suggest that I hate to cruise without. From things that make my trip easier and more comfortable to must-have items you cannot forget, these items should be part of your next cruise…
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Outlet Adapter
Packing an outlet adapter is a good idea. Normally older ships only have one or two plugs. This simple device offers three plugs (one on each face) where only one is available.
Sailing a new ship? They are much better about having more outlets to accommodate all the electronics that we carry today. If you’re sailing on an older ship (say, built before 2010), then the odds are high you will have only one or two plugs in the cabin.
That means if you want to charge a camera, or use a curling iron, or charge your phone, tablet, computer, or plug in a nightlight, it’s a scramble of plugging unplugging. A simple $5 outlet adapter like this one can make life much simpler.
These adapters plug into the outlet and give you more places to plug. One tip is to not bring an adapter with a surge protector. Those aren’t allowed on ships. As for me, I never cruise without it.
The Cruise Line App
Cruise line apps have a lot of useful tools, including schedules, ship maps, and your spending onboard.
Normally, I can’t stand when I have to download a new app. I have enough on my phone. I don’t need another one.
One exception are the cruise line apps. These days all the major cruise lines have apps. They are extremely helpful on the ship and are free to download.
With these apps you can get your schedule of activities for the day, have deck plans for the entire ship, even a chat feature where you can keep in touch with others on the ship (this feature is usually an extra charge). I also like that you can check your onboard spending account from the app to see what you’ve spent.
Best of all, you don’t have to pay for wi-fi on the ship to use them. 
A Passport (Not a Birth Certificate)
Without a passport, be prepared to stand in line when returning to port. Passport holders take a quick photo and then head out immediately.
First things first, on most cruises you can sail with a birth certificate and a photo ID. If a sailing departs a U.S. port and returns to the same port, it usually falls under the label of a closed-loop cruise. The government allows you to sail on these without a passport.
That said, I will never sail without a passport. Yes, a passport is nice to have if something goes wrong during your cruise and you need to leave early to come home. Frankly, that’s pretty rare.
Instead, I like it simply because it’s more convenient to sail with a passport. Ports have implemented facial recognition processing. If you have a passport, you walk up, take a quick photo, and then you are on your way when you return from your cruise.
Those with a birth certificate and photo ID still need to stand in line and meet with an agent. It’s a much slower process when you’re ready to get home or have a flight to catch.
Sandals with Tread
Head on a cruise and you’re no doubt going to bring some flip-flips. But too many people get those cheap foam ones that cost about five bucks. They may be comfy, but the tread on them wears out quickly, leaving bald spots where you step.
No imagine a slick sandal on a pool deck where kids have splashed around or the crew has recently cleaned. It can be like walking on ice.
That’s why I always wear a decent sandal that has real tread on it. Not only do they hold up better than cheap flip-flops, but they also make it much safer in case you run across a slick spot on the deck.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Most OTC medicines are available on the ship, but it’s expensive and the shops aren’t always open. I try to pack a full medicine cabinet just in case.
If you go anywhere, you know to bring your prescription medicines. But what about things like pain relievers, medicines for an upset stomach, or cold medicine? You might forget these items, but being at sea and having to get through a headache because you forgot to pack ibuprofen is a pain (literally!).
The good news is that these items are commonly for sale on the ship. The bad news is that they can cost a fortune. I’ve seen a bottle of cold medicine selling for $17!
That’s why I always bring a wide assortment of anything you might need. Most trips I don’t use any of it. But it’s better to have it an not need it than to need it and not have it.
A Lightweight Backpack
I like to use a lightweight backpack like this one. It makes it easy to carry everything without taking up a lot of space.
If you are packing for your cruise, then chances are that you are putting everything into a suitcase. I always like to have one of those lightweight packable backpacks to put into my luggage.
These bags are ideal for port days when you have your towel, a change of clothes, sandals, and anything else you might need for the day. Instead of having to carry them in a large bag that you have to hold with your hands, a backpack makes it simple to bring everything you need with you into port.
What Other Things Should You Pack?
You need a lot more for your cruise than just the seven items listed above. Of course, you know to pack a swimsuit and underwear. But what about those handy items that you might not think about like a nightlight (for dark cabins), a dry pouch, and even towel clips for windy days.
Be sure to see our article on helpful things to pack here: 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 You’d Never Think Of).
Is There a Checklist for Packing?
Want even more detail on what to pack for your cruise? We have an entire 85-item checklist of everything you need to bring. It covers all the bases, from hanging out by the pool to formal night. Get the printable checklist here.The post I’ve Been on 30 Cruises. There are 6 Things I NEVER Sail Without first appeared on Cruzely.com.
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