Cruise Essentials: Must-Have Items for an Unforgettable Family Adventure
Hey there, it’s Erica Marie, and I’m excited to share the simple game-changer items that made our recent family cruise a stress free blast. Get ready to take notes because I’ve got the lowdown on the essentials that will transform your cruise experience. Let’s jump right in!
1. Magnetic Hooks: Let’s talk about maximizing space! Magnetic hooks were our secret weapon in our cozy cabin. We hung lanyards, hats, and swimsuits, keeping everything tidy and organized. No more frantic searches for misplaced items! These strong hooks even held up my hefty toiletry bag, packed with all my essentials.
2. Speaking of hanging toiletry bags here they are! : These travel bags are a must have for any vacation! Plenty of space for full-size shampoo bottles, sunscreen, and all your essential toiletries, this bag is the best. Mine are the large size. I brought 2 because I’m an over packer and was packing for 6!
3. Water Bottles with Lids: Hydration is important, but finding water, especially cold water at port can be a challenge! With our energetic crew, we needed water bottles with secure lids to keep up. We filled our bottles with ice water from the ship and stayed hydrated like champs. I love these water bottles because you can toss them in your bag without any spills!
4. Sunscreen: Safety first, friends! Soaking up the sun is fun, but protecting your skin is crucial. Coola & Sun Bum are my favorite sunscreens! From poolside lounging to ziplining, we protected our skin while enjoying the sun. No sunburns, just that gorgeous glow! The face stick is my boy’s favorite, no burning their eyes! Here are our favorite sunscreens!
5. Towel Clips: Windy days on deck? No worries! Our towel clips saved the day. These clips kept our towels secure, whether we were relaxing by the pool or enjoying a beach day during shore excursions. The wind couldn’t mess with our relaxation game! Bonus: They held our clothes on the balcony, allowing them to dry without flying away while the ship was sailing.
6. Day Bags: Ready for adventure? Exploring the ports of call was the highlight of our cruise. Each family member carried their own lightweight day bag, making our lives so much easier! With compartments for sunscreen, phones, and snacks, we could explore hands-free without worrying about anything being lost or stolen. We had two favorite styles! Left one has side pockets for sunscreen and water. Right one was smaller for my youngest.
7. Lanyards for Room Key/Sign Card: When you’re cruising with a squad of six, keeping track of room keys and sign cards can feel like herding cats. That’s where lanyards come in! Everyone wore their key cards around their necks, saving us from any headaches. Plus, it’s a great money-saving hack to grab these instead of pricey lanyards on board!
***Tip don’t use the plastic pouch, clipping like this makes it easier for the cruise staff when you get drinks!
8. Non-Surge Protecting Power Strip: There are not a lot of outlets in a cruise cabin! We stayed fully charged with these power strips. Remember, surge protectors are not allowed, so be sure to grab these! Say goodbye to outlet battles and hello to smooth sailing.
9. Cordless Neck Fans (Also see: kids version): Ready to beat the heat like a pro? We certainly were! Cordless neck fans were our secret weapon against the heat and humidity. These portable lifesavers provided a refreshing breeze, keeping us cool during outdoor activities and poolside lounging!
10. Non-Denim Shorts and Chafe Stick: Planning on zip-lining or parasailing? Take note! Denim shorts and heat don’t mix well, especially with harnesses involved. Trust me, THESE and THESE types of shorts are a game-changer, helping you avoid uncomfortable chafing. And don’t forget the chafe stick, your ultimate weapon against discomfort!
11. Waterproof Bags: We brought two types of waterproof bags on our cruise. One was perfect for holding just our cash and phones while enjoying the ocean. We used blue for small bills and black for larger ones, staying organized and worry-free. The other bag, a larger 10-liter size, served as a day bag that could even go underwater while keeping our belongings dry.
Now, here are a couple of items we wished we had brought along to make our lives even easier:
- Walkie Talkies: Communication is key! Walkie talkies keep your crew connected no matter where you are on the ship. We used the ship’s communication app, but seeing others with walkie talkies made us realize how much easier it could have been!
- Travel Towels: Lightening our load would have been fantastic, our big beach bag got heavy with regular pool towels and there wasn’t much room for anything else! Travel towels would have been awesome. These are quick-drying, lightweight, and compact!
There you have it, my fellow cruisers! Our family of six conquered the high seas, now it’s your turn. We covered a lot so I made cruise section in my Amazon storefront so you can shop with ease. I hope this helps take stress from your cruise packing so you can relax and have fun. Set sail confidently, knowing you have everything you need to create unforgettable memories.
Stay tuned for the next installments in our five-part series. Discover our port experiences, including our activities and expenses at each stop. And in the final part, we’ll share cruise tips, covering everything from cruise ducks to drink packages and what’s included.
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