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10 Cruise Must-Haves: Items You Won’t Think to Pack, but Should

10 Cruise Must Haves

I’mmmm baaaaack! After 12 glorious days away from everything–yup, even blogging–I’ve returned to real life. Gone are the warm, crystal clear waters and lazy afternoon. Oh man, can someone please send me back there to write an article or something? Anyways, I wanted to put this together before I forgot. Here is my cruise packing list of just the items you won’t think of bringing, but should. These are random items that I’ve found to be particularly useful for your time at sea.

Update: For the latest and additional must-haves from readers, check out this post. Don’t miss out on things like portable battery chargers and more!

1. A Mini Power Strip
I can’t tell you how many times this comes in handy. When you’re trying to charge your Kindle, iPad, camera battery, and blowdry your hair, the two sockets aren’t going to cut it. And oh wait, your boyfriend/hubby/kiddo needs to charge something too? Trust me, it’s a must-have. This

is a great travel one.

2. A Day Bag/ Beach Bag
This is easy to overlook, but don’t forget that you’re going to need something to carry your towels and sunscreen around the ship. That bag should also double as the bag you can take on your shore excursions and to walk about the ports. I’d look for something large enough to hold two beach towels, along with sunscreen, your wallet, and a water bottle. Ideally, it’d have a zipper on top to keep any small items from falling out!

I have a couple of these Dogearred ones and they get my vote for a cute and functional tote–the sayings on them are the best! However, if you’re low on space, I also have this bag, which folds up into a tiny square and still holds a TON of stuff.

3. Dollar Bills
When you order room service at 12am, it’s always nice to give the person who delivers it a little something extra.

4. Bug Spray
On some cruises, I haven’t needed it, but on my last one we spent an hour on a beach and I left with 22 bug bites. I really really really wish I had packed it. If you don’t want the bulk of a spray can, I’ve used Repel’s 30% Deet Wipes. They’re easy to toss into your tote for the day.

5. A Mini Purse/Wristlet
Ladies–this one is a must. Normally, I’m the girl with the fairly large satchel shoulder tote with everything imaginable inside, but no one wants to lug that around a ship. That said, you still need something big enough to carry your ship card aka “SeaPass”, some chapstick, and your folded up daily itinerary.

6. Zip-lock Bags
These things are a lifesaver for wet bathing suits, oily sunscreen bottles, loose papers, and electronics you want to keep sand and water free.

7. Waterproof Camera
Please don’t be one of the people who spends $30 onboard for a disposable camera. I’ve owned both Olympus and Pentax waterproof cameras. They’re less expensive than Go-Pros, but those are amazing too. This one is waterproof up to 27 feet and would be perfect to take snorkeling.

Or if buying a waterproof camera’s out of the question, you might want to think about getting a waterproof case for your phone. I’ve used the Lifeproof line on my iPhone and it’s never failed. I know the iPhones are supposed to be waterproof these days, but I still get a little nervous about it.

8. A Refillable Drink Cup
Of course there are glasses on board, but they’re tiny and who wants to go back to get water every five minutes? Bring a cup of your own and you can fill it up with your beverage of choice. If you haven’t tried one of these Bubba cups, you should! I love how it keeps my drinks cold for hours.

9. A Highlighter
“I’m trying to get away from the office, why would I need a highlighter?” you ask. Well, each day you’ll receive a cruise itinerary with pages of activities, and it’s so easy to forget what you want to do. With a highlighter on hand, you’ll remember all of the activities you want to check out.

10. An Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
I’ve been on cruises with my girlfriends where it’s been four of us to a room and let me tell you, that 1’ x 3’ wide counter is not going to hold everyone’s stuff. With toothbrushes, hair brushes, styling products, and make-up, this organizer is small to pack, but can keep everyone’s stuff separate and at-hand. It’s also great if you’re a family and need to keep your little one’s toys and gadgets off the floor. Update: I’ve heard that some cruise lines will charge you if it damages the door, so bring kitchen towel or use a T-Shirt as a buffer.

BONUS: I think these cruise ship label holders are amazing! I’m always worried that the stickers will fall off and my luggage will get lost, but these will help your labels stay securely attached to your luggage.

Guess what? There’s MORE. I compiled the top suggestions and recos from the comments below and created:

10 MORE Cruise Must-Haves: The Reader Edition

123 comments

  1. Missi · January 27, 2015

    I love the highlighter idea!! So small and yet so genius!

    1. Paula smith · January 30, 2017

      Watch out on the power strip. We always pack in checked luggage. But I find many as i see them in the naughty table as we depart the ship Ladies bring you own dryer as ships dryers you must continually the hokd down the power button Bring small first aid kit with bandaid

    2. anna · March 9, 2017

      Also a Must have are clothes pins in case you need to hand wash something and can hang on the clothes line in your shower and at the dollar tree also big clips to clip your beach towel on to the lounge chair so it doesn’t blow away. A small battery operated mini fan or a towel that you wet for around your neck. I have these things also helpful when on a cruise.

  2. Marlene · July 12, 2015

    We also take Lysol. Over a week or so there’s bound to be a stinky poo poo, not to mention you can quickly sanitize balcony railings, etc. Also, a corkscrew. We were gifted a bottle of wine to our room once but had no corkscrew. The steward will assist you but then you have to wait to get that refreshing glass of wine. And, inflatable snorkel vests even if you don’t snorkel. They take up little room and you will always have your own floaty.

    1. Kristyn · July 13, 2015

      Those are great ideas, Marlene! I’m a huge fan of Lysol too. They sell travel packs of the Lysol wipes at Target and I always pick one up for my trips 🙂 I’m planning a trip to Hawaii and those inflatable snorkel vests sound amazing. I’ll have to hunt those down!

    2. Sara · January 9, 2017

      I also take Lysol a d spray door handles and toilet to help with germs . We also take corkscrew and power strip.

  3. Gina · August 19, 2015

    Post its or sticky notes for quick messages on cabin doors!! I just came back from a big family cruise. We didn’t have walkie talkies so meeting up with different groups was a pain! Sticky notes could’ve saved us a lot of minutes. Oh, and magnets for cabin door for quick identification :))

    1. Kristyn · August 24, 2015

      Ohh! I love the post-it notes idea! I would’ve never thought of that. Yet another use for my beloved post-its 😉

    2. Paula smith · January 30, 2017

      Walkie talkie are a life saver. Well worth the money

  4. Debra · August 26, 2015

    Make photocopies of your port maps and passport. Hi-lite points of interest on your maps and then number them in the order of your walking. This makes things pop and easy to carry also you have an itinerary ready for use so as not to miss those attractions high on your list of go sees. Having a photocopied passport also keeps your real passport safe and secure when off the boat. Hi-lite your name and passport number so if proof of I.D. is required it is very noticeable; money changing becomes easy. These photocopies of maps and passport are easy to carry and can be folded up and stored in just a pocket. This makes you look less like a tourist and is extremely convenient.

    1. Kristyn · August 26, 2015

      Those are great ideas, Debra!

  5. Sandy ferguson · September 14, 2015

    I use large daily pill holders to store jewelry. Rings,earnings and small pins fit in easly. Tops stay closed and it takes up very little space.

    1. Kristyn · September 15, 2015

      That’s a fantastic idea! You could do that on any trip. I’m going to Hawaii this fall and I’m definitely going to try that. Thanks!

  6. Terisa · November 5, 2015

    hi! Just got home from a cruise and wanted to say that the mini power strip (5 outlet I think) and the over -the -door shoe organizer were two of the best things I took!!! Also took a small nightlight and that was great too but wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing your great list! Really helpful!!

    1. Tracy · July 18, 2016

      Last year we cruised to Alaska and they confiscated my power strip.

      1. Bonnie · February 14, 2017

        They don’t allow surge protectors, but a regular power strip with out surge protection is allowed, at least on NCL and RCL.

  7. Hanah · December 8, 2015

    Don’t forget water shoes. We were at a very rocky beach in Cozumel for snorkeling, but didn’t have water shoes… our tootsies were hurting! Also, a necklace for the room key card… a lot cheaper to buy before hand. I love all of these ideas by the way!!

  8. Pam Wolff · January 16, 2016

    Keep an old hotel key (card type) to keep your room cool while your gone. They are the same size as the ship card that you would use. Zip lock bags work great to keep extra cookies from the buffet for snacks in the room. Highlighters are excellent to map out your days schedule as well as important information as you attend classes. Most important thing we discovered we needed to relax more and not try to everything on the daily schedule.

    1. Edi · February 28, 2016

      Hi, just curious about what this means: “Keep an old hotel key (card type) to keep your room cool while your gone. They are the same size as the ship card that you would use.” How does this work?

      1. Caligirl1161 · March 14, 2016

        I’m going to be a first time cruiser in November but it took me a few minutes but I think it means. You would use your room key while in the room to turn on the air, technically remove it when leaving the cabin and therefore turning the air off. Which I’m sure saves the cruise line – but if you use a spare hotel key you can keep it going all the time because you have you room key on you and the spare key accessing the AC. This is my best educated guess 😏

      2. afiya · May 10, 2016

        Edi, from what I have read about cruising with Disney, they have some type of energy saving initiative. You would have to put your room key in a slot to turn on or keep the power on (including AC). So instead of returning to a warm room after a long hot day, keep a spare hotel card inside of the slot or something similar to keep the power running. But don’t forget to turn off the lights. I hope this helps!

      3. Linda · May 17, 2016

        Some ships save electricity by shutting off the room’s power when you are not in the stateroom. When you are in, you put your card in the slot by the door. When you are not in the room, you take your room key and no power. We take a plastic card to keep in the slot when we are away. This means that your devices will charge and that the air conditioning will run as well.

        1. Bea · August 27, 2016

          Great idea!!

      4. Elena · July 20, 2016

        Many cruise lines have A/C thermos that require you to insert your key card for use (energy saving thing so that you only use it when you are in the room). By using another card you can keep the A/C on while you are out and about.

      5. Sara · November 23, 2016

        When you walk into your room there’s a slot where you put your room key and that turns on your light and Ac while your in your room when you leave your room your technically supposed to remove it but many people like to leave a spare key card in to keep the Ac running while there gone

      6. Betty Powers · February 23, 2017

        On a lot of ships you have to have a key (credit card type) in the slot to keep the lights, air, etc on. If everyone has their key on them all electricity goes off. With almost any credit card type key in the slot it will keep the air on.

      7. Judy · February 25, 2017

        You have to use your room key card in a slot that runs lights electric in your room. An old hotel key card, credit card, (don’t recommend this) will also do the job. This is the cruise line attempt to cut back on use of electrical demand on the ship.

      8. Bernard Haywood · August 12, 2018

        A business card works just as well

    2. Patty · April 13, 2016

      Why does the hotel room key card type keep the room cool?

      1. Misty · June 1, 2016

        On some ships you have to insert a key to turn on lights, but your rooms ac doesn’t shut off. It keeps going, but maybe at a power saving mode.

      2. Kandie Cox · March 14, 2017

        What cruise lines have this energy saving devices?

    3. Marie · May 16, 2016

      Any card will work… I always use loyalty type cards in rooms that have power slots!

    4. Jeana · January 9, 2017

      What’s the hotel key/card keep your room cool mean?

      1. Maureen Sullivan · July 28, 2019

        The card interrupts the sensor that shuts off the a/c when you leave the room. If you want the a/c to run while you’re out of the room, you would have to keep your room card in the receptacle. However, a hotel card is the same size and thickness and can be used instead of your actual room key. It’s a hack or workaround for the ship’s efforts to conserve energy.

  9. Cindy Amoroso · January 16, 2016

    We also bring a little battery tealight from the dollar store–it’s perfect for the bathroom at night and eliminates the need to turn on the light and wake up the roommates–or yourself!

    1. Nicole · January 19, 2017

      Brilliant!!! That bright light is awful in the middle of the night!

  10. McKenna · February 20, 2016

    Those are such good ideas. I’ll have to use them for my next cruise in April.😃 It also helps to bring clothes pins to hang up your wet bathing suits around the shower if you have a room without a balcony.☺️

  11. Vickie · March 25, 2016

    Always pack a small strong flashlight for your room! Finding lost items easier, power prob, etc. book light for reading or bathroom night light.

  12. Alyssa · April 3, 2016

    Also the shoe hanger has been rejected by Disney for door damage. Any damage you have to pay to repair too. It scratches the paint off the door.

    1. Jason · July 6, 2016

      You can get around this by hanging it in the closet, at least that’s what we’ve done.

    2. Jason · July 6, 2016

      You could also use suction cup hooks and hook it right on the mirror.

    3. Carol · August 3, 2016

      Put a sock over the hanger before hanging…

    4. Paula smith · January 30, 2017

      I bought a small plastic organizer to put on my makeup table. It hold my brushes.makeup.eyeliner. just everything and keeps things tidy

    5. Judy · February 25, 2017

      Put towel under the hanger. No scratches.

  13. Jasmine · April 30, 2016

    I also bring small bottles even just pill bottles or zip lock bags of shampoo and conditioner it is a life savor especially if you are going to a pool or the ocean, lakes, any beaches, even to hotels! 😜

    1. Jasmine · April 30, 2016

      I am going on a cruise in June and I was wondering if there were any money saving tips on that as well? 👍

  14. Wendy · July 23, 2016

    Bottled water and Soda- on some cruise lines it’s free and others charge. They may or may not have your favorite brand. As of July 2016 none of the major cruise lines allow cases of water or sodas, juices, etc to be brought on board. Homeland Security stuff. What to do? Bring your own empty water bottles on board-contrary to popular belief-the filtered water on board the ships IS safe to drink- it has to be offered free. It’s used to make your coffee, tea, soups, pasta, wash fruits and veggies. You can buy a soda program OR bring some individual powdered drink mixes(Crystal Lite, Koolaid, etc) or the liquid concentrates in tiny squeeze bottles. Bring your own plastic or metal insulated coffee mug/tumbler. The coffee cups are small and can cool off fast in dining rooms or outside on an Alaskan cruise. Bring 1-2 empty water bottles per person, label with names and keep on in cabin for nighttime use or take to pool, etc and the other to keep in back pack to take into the foreign ports. (That’s where you DON’T want to drink the water!) For room smells, I bring those tiny scent cans from the dollar store that are for inside your car. I set on on the floor next to the toilet, one in the closet and maybe another in the main cabin area somewhere out of the way. Are you a foodie? Most cruise lines have specialty restaraunts for an up charge. if you think you would enjoy 3 or more meals during your cruise, check to see if the cruise line offers a dining package-it will give you a discounted average price per venue. Need Internet? Some lines offer an unlimited plan or pay by the minute. Decide how much you think you would use and plan your logged in time to send pictures and emails after you have them written and queued up. Set a budget for souvenirs, for kids and adults and don’t buy the firsts things you see on the ship or in a port. The prices may drop towards the end of the cruise (look for sales in the gift shop and duty free) and the prices are usually more reasonable a bit farther away from the port. Watch the daily newsletter for discounts for laundry (better yet-bring your own laundry soap in sheet form- cut into small strips for small loads in bathroom sink. There will be a clothes line in the shower) package discounts for spa treatments and photos. I hope some of these ideas will be useful to you.

    1. Valerie · October 14, 2016

      I have never heard of laundry soap “sheets” … where do you find those? Major brands make them? Tide, Cheer, other? Thanks!

      1. Char · January 5, 2017

        You can purchase the laundry soap sheets at the link below… http://www.travelsmith.com/2-pack-of-laundry-soap-sheets/566507

      2. Cynthia · February 1, 2017

        I bought a box of laundry sheets at Target (20 for $12). I take a few in a zip top bag and they have saved me a fortune! I believe the brand is Purcell. They contain soap, fabric softener & go into the dryer asset well.

    2. Sarah Edwards · March 1, 2017

      Carnival lets you bring a 12 pack of soda on board – no water because of everyone trying to sneak on alcohol

  15. Niki · August 4, 2016

    You could always hang the shoe organizer in the closet if they won’t allow you to hang it on the door

  16. Bonnie Mc · August 4, 2016

    Going on my first Disney Cruise in Sept! Yay!!! I read today in the Disney Cruise planner FAQs that power strips & over the door organizers are prohibited.

    1. Tracy · September 6, 2016

      Yes, last Sept. we went to Alaska and they took mine away . They confiscated from my suitcase. So when my luggage came there was a note saying I could pick it up before leaving. I just left it, way to hectic the last morning going to Guest Services!

    2. Nicole · January 19, 2017

      Yes, they do restrict extension cords. Which, I believe they would consider a power strip to be. I have taken a USB tower and never had a problem. I was on an Alaskan cruise with Disney in June of 2016.

  17. Anne H · August 8, 2016

    I pack large command strip hooks. They come in handy when you have multiple swimsuits and towels that need to dry. Also, small sample size Tide laundry soap. I can rinse the salt water out of our swimsuits in order to wear another day.

  18. Minn · August 27, 2016

    inflatable snorkel vests even if you don’t snorkel.? What’s for? Just curious 🙂

    1. Valerie · October 14, 2016

      Yes, I’m curious, too… ???

  19. Ph · September 9, 2016

    Please do not use refillable cups. This is how stuff like norovirus is spread.

    1. Nicole · January 19, 2017

      I take a small bottle of dish washing liquid with me to clean mine. Norovirus is spread by people who don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet.

  20. TONY stark · September 17, 2016

    I TAKE AN 4 PIN EXTENSION LEAD WITH ME PLUS MY UNIVERSAL SOCKET GIVES YOU ALL THE EXTRA PLUGS YOU NEED

  21. A Seidler · October 7, 2016

    Another must I’ve added to my travel supplies are a roll of duct tape, small tube of crazy glue, and 3 way outlet adapter and Multi USB adapter. RC confiscated my power strip as well, but the cabin attendant did get me a ship approved extension cord (that I plugged the 3 way adapter into). If the only outlet is opposite wall from the bed , I tape the extension cord to the floor (duct tape)! Also this sounds obvious, but took me 2 cruises to figure out. Luggage all goes under the bed not in the closet. Large garbage bag for dirty laundry.. have fun cruising!

    1. Kaitlyn · January 11, 2017

      We actually purchased a cheap reusable laundry bag. (I think from Walgreens) It won’t rip like a garbage bag and the fabric breathes a little so your clothes don’t get too funky. That goes with us on any trip longer than 1 night now. For our next cruise, we got a tote bag that folds/zips up into a little package about the size of an iPad mini. It is actually sturdy, but it’s so small and convenient. We plan to use it if we need a beach bag or extra room for souvenirs on the way off the ship. Target has a lot of bags/backpacks similar to it in the luggage section.

  22. Judy · October 16, 2016

    The room is made from metal. So bring magnetic hooks to hang up items like towels and things.

  23. henrie · October 25, 2016

    Is the outside of the cabin door metal on the Freedom of the Sea’s??? I would like to decorate the door!!!

    1. MsErnie · February 6, 2017

      Yes, the entry doors to cabins are metal. We used magnets to hang our door decoration (which were promptly stolen so bring extras ).

  24. Beth · October 29, 2016

    We use the zip lock baggies for the remote also. More sanitary.

  25. Carrie · November 14, 2016

    Some of these sound very helpful. I will probably have my daughter use them when her class goes to Washington DC and her band goes to Disney World!!

  26. Ashley · January 30, 2017

    We went with 7 other couples. We all got a simple white board with a marker and stuck them to our doors! When we left the room we said where we were headed, and for how long! It was sooooo much better than the wallow talkies that we quit using those the first day!

    1. Nasha · July 29, 2019

      Hi, I actually decorate my door with a beach scene or others. On our last trip I used lemons and a stand because, our trip to Cuba was banned. It helps the family locate the door easier, and if we have turned on the right hall. I figure it probably helps others too!

      1. Adrienne · March 31, 2022

        Check with cruise line….some don’t allow door signs

  27. Teri Potter · February 13, 2017

    If you are like me and wake up during the night to see what time it is take a small clock radio. also, Downy wrinkle releaser is a must unless you want to wait in line for the laundry room, spray down your items and hang them up when you unpack and you are good to go! Clorox wipes and sanitizer are a must as well

  28. Bonnie Lee · March 1, 2017

    My understanding is power strips are ok as long as the are not a surge protector. It would be best to ask your cruise line what their policy is.

  29. Katie · March 15, 2017

    Cruising w/ Carnival again in May!! 🚢This will be mine and my husbands 2nd cruise together however this will be our first time taking a toddler. Our son will only be 18 months old when we leave. Any ideas/ suggestions that might make the trip a little easier?

    1. Ali · March 25, 2017

      Take an over-the-door organizer to keep small toys in! Also, you can request a crib for your toddler to sleep in if you don’t want him to sleep in the bed with you!

      1. Ali · March 25, 2017

        And take advantage of the small boxes of cereal you can get from the breakfast buffet…they come in very handy when you are off the ship and the little one needs a snack!

    2. Amber · April 29, 2017

      Do pack a couple of toys/balls!!! We did a cruise last May and our son was only22 mths. That age group was only allotted 30 mins/per day and it was the most unusual time. We will be on Paradise on the 22nd , when’s yours???

  30. Ali · March 25, 2017

    We cruise with Carnival and they allow small power strips WITHOUT surge protectors and over-the-door organizers…..this is a must to keep your bathroom counter clutter free esp if you are travelling with more than 2 people!

  31. Brittney Yarrington · May 23, 2017

    Beach towel clips are another must! Keep your towel from blowing away. These ones are great because they are so small to pack! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CliptasticSolutions?ref=shop_sugg

  32. Janis · July 1, 2017

    Don’t forget some Band-Aids. Ginger snap cookies for nausea. Small pack wet wipes/ bacterial soap.

    1. Stephanie · August 6, 2017

      What does the ginger snaps do?

      1. Linds · August 11, 2017

        Ginger helps settle your tummy.

        1. Dana · April 8, 2018

          Try ginger gum. It works great.

  33. Nasha · July 9, 2017

    Glade gel air fresheners or whatever works at home , so that you don’t have to plug in. It’ll be a pleasure to have a scent providing nostalgia later after the trip has ended.

  34. Stephanie · July 23, 2017

    Doesn’t that power cord you posted have a surge protector? I thought they couldn’t have a surge protector?

    1. Christine Ravely · December 29, 2017

      I bought a plug in USB port at Amazon — it’s a little black box you plug into the outlet and it accommodates five devices. I like it so much, it’s a permanent fixture at home and my fitbit charger is always within reach! The brand is Anker. Then, when we travel, I use this little flat zipper bag I bought at Amazon — all the cords as well as the little black box go inside and I can carry it in my carry on. I don’t recall either items costing much.

      1. Christine Carol Ravely · May 15, 2018

        I have that same box, it’s a lifesaver at home and onboard! I have a case that holds all the charger cords, including an extra fitbit charger, and take it with me everywhere we go!

  35. Liz Nafus · July 24, 2017

    Clothes pins, always come in handy

  36. Jessica · July 25, 2017

    Magnetic Bag Clips or Magnetic Hooks (lowes, HD, or bed bath have them)! Since your cabin walls are metal you can stick them to the walls and hang papers throughout your cruise. You can even use them to hang hats,bags, etc. if they are sturdy enough.

  37. Wendy lettvin · August 4, 2017

    Flameless T lights are a must!

    1. Abby · November 1, 2017

      Why? I’m genuinely curious 😊

    2. Christine Ravely · December 29, 2017

      Why flameless tea lights? I take a flashlight that is also a magnet, it can hang right by bathroom door. We also bring a small nightlight we use in the cabin. All because that bathroom is pitch black and it’s not good for your sleep pattern if you have to turn on the light in there in the middle of the night. But the tealights? Their batteries, if you are using them for nightlights, are bound to wear out within a couple of nights.

  38. Carissa Jentzsch · August 14, 2017

    Quick question…what advise can you give regarding passports?? We are cruising next year in the Caribbean with our 2 kids..so 4 total. Lots have said ABSOLUTELY GET THEM…others said it’s not necessary, don’t waste the money. Passports aren’t cheap so I’ve been really torn as to what to do….HELP PLEASE..THANK YOU!

    1. Amanda · August 14, 2017

      Here’s my personal advice: Get them! Birth certificates work, but what if, for some odd reason, you miss the boarding times at one of the ports? You’re on your own to get home. What if there’s a medical emergency that leaves you stuck on one of the islands? There’s a lot of things that can go wrong. So we went ahead and spent the money on passports. It’s total peace of mind for us now. Birth certificates also take 3x as long boarding at each port. Passports are more easily accepted and faster.

      1. Carissa · August 16, 2017

        Thank you so much! You’re exactly right. Its not worth taking a risk.

        1. Joanne S. · December 5, 2017

          There was a cruise ship that lost power a few years back and they had to stay for quite a few miserable days floundering in the Caribbean. We had wondered why they didn’t tow that ship to Mexico and let the passengers off instead of being stuck at sea without air conditioning in miserable conditions. We found out that it was because so many of the passengers didn’t have passports and couldn’t leave from Mexico to get back in the US. We always have our passports with us now.

    2. h · August 25, 2017

      passports also are good for 10 years

      1. Kay · December 18, 2017

        Passports for minors are only good for 5 years.

    3. Karen Isbell · September 4, 2017

      Passports are expensive, but they are good for 10 years, which actually makes them not so expensive over the long haul. It can make going thru Customs coming back much faster. Galveston has 2 lines, for those with & those without Passports. The Passport line goes much faster. It’s almost like, they have a passport, they are good people…go on thru!

    4. Shanda · November 10, 2017

      Look at Passport Cards for your kids, that is what my family did. Parents got passports because they are good for 10 years and the Passport cards work for cruising and they are a little cheaper. Plus by the time the Passport cards were ready to expire, kids were on their own and it made it much easy for them to renew them with and get a full Passport.

      1. Melinda · December 29, 2017

        Is there age restrictions to the passport cards? I was looking at this for my teen who turns 16 just 2 weeks before we leave. I’d rather get him a card then a passport and I know he can get a card but wondering about my 11 year old.

        1. Valerie · December 30, 2017

          Just check the US Gov passport webpage for all the latest info.

      2. Sharon · June 3, 2019

        That’s ok if you are only going out of U.S. ports. I’m not sure about if you are going out of a foreign port or have to fly back from a foreign port. You need to check that out first.

    5. Tracy · April 29, 2018

      If you’re driving to the port and coming back to same port… take birth certificates-in a folder and once on board in your room lock the folder in room safe!!! Only need it getting on the ship and we have also had to show them coming back through customs once. Passport isn’t necessary at all.

  39. cabo fishing half day · September 1, 2017

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  40. Rick Ruback · September 4, 2017

    I bring a nice bath towel as the ones on the ship are like sandpaper & I bring Lysol wipes to sanitize the room.

  41. Christine Ravely · October 26, 2017

    You do not need any cards to carry around the ship — you only need your ‘sea card” or whatever card is used to purchase things and open your cabin door. No need to carry any purse at all, get a lanyard — they have cute ones in the gift shops or you may have one from home — and get your card punched either at the front desk or maybe in the casino — and carry your card like that around the ship. You can’t lose it that way. If you did purchase internet or are using the ship’s app, you might want your phone, that might be the only reason to carry something like a wrist purse or something small, that you won’t leave somewhere, though. For ports, go to Magellans.com and buy either an RFD wallet for your credit cards or a locking RFD over the shoulder bag. That way nobody onshore can electronically steal your card information. Don’t trust anyone there, take precautions such as these. Put your “sea card” in that bag, too. No need to advertise that you are a tourist from the cruise. Those are my suggestions, they’ve worked well for me. I also bought a folding bag for cosmetics, shampoos and the like (including bug spray cloths from Avon — Skin So Soft Bug Guard line — I sell it, so I know lots about them and how well they work), and it will hang from the bathroom door. I’ve found that the shoe bag covers the towel bar, I think this bag will be better — a lot of it will come out when we unpack, but things like lotions and other items will stay handy.

    1. Lynners · November 24, 2017

      I like having a small lightweight crossover purse during cruises! My phone for the time and photos, the itenerary, lip gloss, a comb, a hair tie, individually wrapped hand wipes and glasses wipes, along with the ship card and drink card fit nice inside without weighing it down. Many people choose to go the lanyard way— which is a wonderful solution for them! I prefer having a few items with me! Thank you much for the skin-so-soft wipes suggestion! I know a couple dealers, so will look into ordering some for our cruise in a few weeks!

  42. Christina · December 12, 2017

    Gallon size Zip lock bags! We take one with wash clothes, neck wraps, and fill it half up with Ice. Wrap this bag in a hand towel (to slow the ice melting). We take this on every excursion. It has not only helped us when this get to hot, but we have helped many others in distress!

    1. Leigh Ann · July 22, 2018

      We used them to take some snacks with us while around the boat, or on an excursion. We ordered PB&J with chips on board, and then stuck them in the little bags. It was nice to have a little bite to eat without having to leave our lounge chairs!

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  44. linda · January 29, 2018

    I like to buy 2 cans of air freshener with peel back lids (1 for the bathroom/ 1 for the room) purchase at the Dollar store…keeps air less stale.

  45. Bernard · February 13, 2018

    Wallet? In the safe Debit/credit cards? In the safe Security wallet that fixes on belt and inside trousers for limited amount of cash Sea card on lanyard and tucked away when on shore Magnets for putting cards, invites, daily events on to wall Phone/ tablet chargers Daily tips in envelopes Hope this helps

    1. Bernard Haywood · May 16, 2018

      Couldn’t agree more. only add one thing on holiday phone in safe

      1. Maureen · July 28, 2019

        Good point. On my cruise to Alaska my kindle and a $50 bill were stolen from my stateroom.

        1. Msfreqflyr · February 15, 2022

          I travel a lot, so I always have 2 or more travel locks on my suitcases (all of them). I put my iPad, iPhone, money, extra credit cards, jewelry, etc. locked up in an overnight or airline approved carryon bag, under the bed on a cruise ship, or in the closet in a hotel. Never had anything stolen from hotel or cruise ship. I lock up my bags even when I am lounging by the pool. Better safe than sorry.

  46. Shawna · March 13, 2018

    You can get the towel clips at dollar tree! My hubby and I use them when we cruise. We have 4 small children so it really comes in handy to help hold chairs occupied too while little ones are in and out of the pool.

  47. Dee Touchstone · March 21, 2018

    Having gone on more than 25 cruises the only thing I would bring is a decent coffee cup. The cups on board are small and if you like your coffee, you will appreciate it. Trust me! One more thing…. when you pack before your trip, lay everything on your bed and cut the number of clothes in half…you don’t want to bring back a lot of dirty laundry, besides you’ll be wearing mostly bathing suits and cover ups. Enjoy!

  48. Sandi Hansen · May 15, 2018

    thanks, my husband usually packs the large can in his suitcase.

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  50. Lee G. · March 2, 2019

    These are excellent ideas and I am a seasoned cruiser. (Probably 30 under my belt) Thanks!

    1. Lanaleeb · February 21, 2020

      Haven’t read all comments but that power strip cannot have surge protector, at least not on Carnival. They will confiscate it,

  51. Natasha Walker · October 23, 2019

    I agree, very outdated info in regards to Disney cruises. You cannot pack a power strip because they will confiscate it, you cannot pack an over the door shoe holder because they too are not allowed, and lastly they no longer give the daily navigator pages so no highlighter needed.