10 Surprise Items to Pack for a Cruise

Last Updated on 2023-02-02 by Linda

It is totally that time of the year.  Everyone is planning their trips down south, booking cruises and overall in vacation planning mode.  We have been traveling down South to All-Inclusives and/or Cruising in February for fifteen years now.  It’s a great time to get away from winter and then when you return you hope the snow and cold is almost over. 

Over the years we have discovered a few amazing hacks that will serve you well on your travels.  A few years ago I did publish  15 must have items that you can pick up cheaply and leave behind without regret if you buy too much. Today I am sharing an updated list based on our most recent cruise.  Sharing 10 key items you should bring with you.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. What this means is that if you click over to one of the provided links and purchase something, I get a small commission at no added cost to you. I have linked the exact or very similar items of what I pack for a cruise. Thanks for supporting A Labour of Life!

What to Pack for a Cruise

After a few cruises and all-inclusive vacations I like to think I am a bit of a packing expert.  It has been a lot of hits and misses.  A real trial and error and a few costly mistakes.  I mean honestly who wants to get hit with silly expenses while on vacation.  Bringing what you may need for the unexpected just makes the trip better.

  In addition to my travel hack tips I want to share one non purchase secret.  Make a photocopy of your passports and tickets and keep them in a separate location and take a picture   This piece of added security that hopefully you will never ever need. ( a picture of your passport, drivers license and even room card key is always smart)

10 Cruise Must Haves

 1)Towel clips-cruise ships are windy.  Grab a few fun towel clips and toss them in your bag.  Clothes pins would work too but they are nowhere near as fun nor as noticeable.  Towel clips allow you to leave your towel on your chair and not worry it will end up overboard. (FYI I did lose a hat once to the wind, its probably still sailing in the Caribbean)

2)Beach Towel– Although ships do provide beach towels they all look the same.  Packing a few fun towels in your bag ensures you will always know where your loungers are.

3)portable speaker– the party music on deck can be great but not always to everyone’s taste.  Find a spot away from the main fray and listen to the tunes you pick on a portable speaker.  Plus a day at the beach is always better when you create your own play list.  We love the Boom and even managed to camouflage it on out last vacation.

4)Cruise Key Card Holder– I have read in the past that people think this is too cutesy or “first timer” cruise thing but its not true.  Unless you have a pocket in every dress and/or swimsuit you may want to bring a lanyard or wrist band for your key.  Plus hello fashion statement, get one with rhinestones or maybe a neon statement.

5)Portable lock box– this is a cool addition if you have room in your luggage.  Allows you to store a few valuables like wallet or money while you go off for a walk.  Plus it holds your lounger as “yours”.

6)small binoculars– we have forgotten ours the last two trips so now they are on my pre packing list.  There is nothing cooler then being able to check out the various landmarks from afar.

7)portable charger– no matter how great our cell phone battery they still need recharging.  Why be on deck or on an excursion without a charge?  carry a portable charger and never worry you will miss a “gram” moment

8)  Water proof cell phone case– why take a chance on dropping your phone in the ocean or pool.  Beach walks with your phone to capture all the fun moments are so much easier with a phone case. OK not easier but it takes a bit of worry away.

bn ,

9)beach tote–  I have watched people walk off the ship with only a towel and then walk back on hours later burnt, dehydrated or chilled.  A fun beach tote allows you to carry (reef friendly) sunscreen, some water, a change of clothes (or long sleeve coverup).  Why not ensure you have what you need every where you go.

10)Reuseable water bottle– water is free but not always  readily available on shore.  Fill your bottle before leaving the ship and you will always be prepared.  Plus while on the ship drinking extra water is always a good thing. Or fun fact if you go to the Brewery in Freeport they will fill your water bottle for you.

Other Must Pack Items on a Cruise

Also don’t forget a hat, flip flops, cover up, swimsuit and a few fun pieces to dress up for the dinners.  For a complete list of Must Have essentials for cruising I may have already covered off the 15 dollarama items  you will need or maybe 10 Travel Hacks for Weekend trips is more your style