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 ten years now. And I have a list of Cruise must haves, that I always pack.
And now that Covid seems to be easing up, or at least the restirctions are lessening, I thought I would review my list again for 2023. I mean I originally posted in 2018 so has anything changed?
February is always 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. 15 must have items that you can pick up cheaply and leave behind without regret if you buy too much.
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What to Pack or Cruise Must Haves
After a few cruises and all-inclusive vacations I 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. Check my cruise must haves and save money on your vacay ( more for treats that way).
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. This piece of added security that hopefully you will never ever need. And updated for 2023 and the fact we all seem to have mobile phones, take a picture of your passport(s), drivers license and vaccine certificates and store them on your phone and in the cloud.
15 Cruise Must Haves
1) Shoe Bag-number one item is to bring an old fashion shoe bag. You know the ones I am talking about. They had 12 pairs of shoes ( or 6) . This is perfect to hang over the door to store all of your items in. Let’s face it Cruise Cabins are not spacious. I prefer the hang over door not off a hook, but either actually works
2)Power Bar normally there is only one plug in a cabin. bringing a small power bar allows you to keep charging that phone and laptop while fixing your hair. Yes folks you still want to fix your hair on vacation, or at least I do. Update for 2023, get one that also has USB ports just in case. But big tip many of the newer ships do have USB plugs why take a chance.
3)Night Light– ever book an inside cabin? Well it’s pretty dark. So rather then stumble around and stub your toe bring a small light that can be plugged in to your power bar. Or better yet get a USB rechargeable one.
4)Mesh Laundry Bag– perfect for keeping your dirty clothes together and separated from everything else when heading home. Plus in an emergency can be used to hang hold your wet suits and dirty shoes when needed.
Shop what you need
Precationary Purchases of Cruise Must Haves:
5)Ziplock baggies– perfect when packing to keep all your liquids safe ( or all your other items safe from the liquids). Also great for keeping your phone/camera dry at the pool and beach. ( and great to carry back that little bit of sand or a seashell
6)Pill Container– store various Over the Counter medications( and prescription) in each days compartment. Saves you luggage space plus you are prepared for anything. Advil, tylenol, imodium, all those things you may not need but are great to have just in case.
7)Mini First Aid Kit- why scramble for bandaids or anything else. You can pick up a mini first aid kit to just have on hand
8)Mini Sewing Kit for a buck why not be prepared.
9)Insulated Mug Perfect for coffee/tea in the morning and perfect for pouring your drink into to keep cold
10)Floaties from the dollar store- pool time and beach time are made even more fun, plus they are flat and take up no room in your suitcase. Plus if you buy an inexpensive one, you can leave it behind to make room for your souvenirs.
And the List Continues
11)Koozies or Kozzies- keep your cans cold always. WE actually bring a few for cans and for bottles just in case.
12)Rain Poncho– because it will keep not only you dry but your bags/camera’s etc in case of an unexpected storm.
13)Magnets-everything is metal so magnets allow you to store the daily newsletter somewhere you can see it, plus a great place to put the Cruise pictures you know you are going to buy. Bonus allows you to leave message on the door for each other. Post it notes work well or a mini white board
14)Air Freshner– because candles are a No-No, but having a fresh smelling room is always appreciated.
15)Suction cup hangers– similar to the magnets but why not have an extra place to hang jackets or your laundry bag
A koozy keeps your can cold always
and a travel mug with straw is always appreciated while strolling on the beach
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 10 Essential Pieces you will need or maybe 10 Travel Hacks for Weekend trips is more your style
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