Whether you are packing for a short 3 day cruise or a nice 9 day, we hope you remember to bring your socks, swimsuit and the sunscreen on your next Royal Caribbean Cruise. But there may be a few items that you didn’t think of packing that just might make your cruise a little bit more comfortable no matter the length.
We’ve poked through all the forums and groups to see what everyone was saying that they just have to pack on their vacation. Here are the top 23 items that you might not think of packing on your next cruise (in no particular order).
Air Freshener
On a cruise where most staterooms average at 140 sq. ft., sometimes there is no running from the stick. For the times that you can’t, consider spraying a little poo-pourri before you go. That why you and your cabin-mates won’t be fighting by the end of your vacation.
SeaPass Lanyard
Your SeaPass is one of the most important things on your cruise, so why not keep it close and protected with a lanyard.
Laundry Detergent
Most Royal Caribbean ships offer laundry services but sometimes you just want to wash that swimsuit or those comfy shorts you have been wearing all week long. Let’s face it, we all over pack and think we are going to have at least 3 costume changes a day but the reality is we just want to wear that same pair of shorts and run over to the pool most days. This travel sink packets are the perfect alternative to pouring detergent in a small water bottle and risking it opening up and spilling all over your things.
Shower Organizer
From the cruises we’ve been on and the many photos and videos we’ve seen, there is no hooks for your loofah and a dispenser of just a shampoo or a 2 in one stuck to the wall. Also, the bathroom storage isn’t enough most of the time. A shower organizer is the perfect place to hang over the shower head and keep the things you need most in your shower.
Magnetic Hooks
Magnets are your friend on a cruise, from decorating your stateroom door to hanging things on the wall, also because you can’t use tape. These heavy duty magnetic hooks are lifesaver for hanging wet swim suits, towels, room key lanyards etc.
Highlighter
Great for highlighting what you want to do in the cruise compass.
Folding Cubes
With the limited storage space in your average stateroom, and our tendencies to over back, bringing along a couple folding cubes really come in handy to keep your belongings organized and not all over the couch. They definitely come in handy when you’re traveling with kids.
Pop up hamper
Over the door Organizer
First-aid kit
Going to medical on the ships are expensive so unless you need care for something serious, then its probably better to bring a little first aid kit. You will be eating food you don’t regularly as well as being more active so don’t forget the over the counter meds like tums or IBProfin!
Daily pill container
This handy and cheap item has many functions when traveling. Aside from the obvious, to separate your daily medication, it also comes in handy for things like bringing your over the counter medicine and jewelry, especially so your necklaces don’t get tangled.
Pain relief cream
If you strain something during an excursion, rock wall climbing or just being more active than normal, you might want to have a small bottle or pain relief cream such as Biofreeze.
Towel Clips
To keep your towels from blowing away while your taking a dip in the pool.
Luggage Tag Sleeves
Keep your luggage tag protected from the elements so the crew knows where your luggage are going on embarkation day and when you disembark the ship!
Travel Bottles
No need to use up all your luggage space for big bottles of conditioner, body wash and lotions. Save that room for souvenirs and those cute strappy sandals. Note: Most ships only provide shampoo or a shampoo and conditioner in one as well as small bars of soap.
Nausea Relief
Chaffing Cream
I’m not sure if there is anything worse to ruin a vacation like chaffing. On top of packing the right shorts, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Especially on excursions when you are walking with wet shorts. Anything to help reduce that friction and water proof is probably a plus.
Reusable Straws
Royal Caribbean, as well as many others in the hospitality business have switched to paper straws which…to put it frank, stink. It is great they are doing their part to save the environment but after 2 sips, the straw general turns to mush. Because of that, reusable straws have become popular for obvious reasons.
Thermal Cups
This is one you may not want to forget, especially if you don’t buy a beverage package. There are 2 important reasons for bringing a thermal cup such as a yeti or tervis. The first is so you can bring up water to your cabin when you’re ready to go to bed. The second: since the Royal Caribbean allows you to pack 2 bottles of wine, a cup is convenient to bring up to your room and come back down with a full cup to resume your vacation festivities.
Chapstick
If you remembered your sunscreen then you are ahead of the game (because buying any of the basics on board is very expensive) however don’t forget the small things like lipbalm, especially one with spf protection. Yes, your lips can get burned by the sun too and that’s not fun for photos on formal night.
Selfie stick
So you can get those amazing scenic selfies without asking people to take your picture.
Dry erase boards
When traveling with a large group and you are split up in multiple staterooms, dry erase boards really come in handy to keep outside your stateroom door and let the other know where you are, what’s going on and to leave messages for each other.
Hangers
Only once out of the few cruises we’ve been on have their been extra hangers left in the closet of our stateroom. I always bring a few extras with me because the closets generally only have a few.
Don’t forget to not over stuff your luggage so you can have some room for souvenirs!
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