When you are planning your cruise vacation there are inevitably many things on the to-do list; book your shore excursions, order your drink package, decide if you should buy internet service or go off the grid.
You know your vacation is near once you get to the packing! Of course, swimsuits and flip flops are on your radar. Here are a few unusual items you probably haven’t thought of, but should definitely toss in the suitcase.
Night light or flashlight
Cruise ship staterooms can be pitch black and you can’t leave the bathroom door ajar (they have closers on them), so a little bit of light helps you to navigate that trip to bathroom without a stubbed toe.
Pop Up Hamper
Leave this in the closet and put all dirty clothes here eliminating the need to keep pulling the suitcases out from the tight space under the bed.
Clothes Pins
These are helpful in many ways; hang wet bathing suits on the balcony chairs, keep your towel from blowing off a pool chair, hold blackout curtains closed tight and organize charging cables & headphones!
Reef safe Sunscreen
Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing common chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect marine ecosystems and sea life. Key West, FL is set to follow suit. If you will be swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving in eco-sensitive areas, choose the appropriate sun protection.
Lip Balm with SPF
Yes, your lips CAN get sunburned.
Waterproof phone pouch
Keeps your cell dry, sand free, allows you to take clear pictures and video (including underwater).
Large & small plastic ziptop bags
Wet swimsuits, sandy flip flops, leaky sunscreen. Just because they take up zero room and you will find a use for them.
Passport Book
Even if your cruise itinerary doesn’t require it, it’s ALWAYS a good idea to carry a passport book when traveling out of the country (google various articles of people missing their ship at a port of call, or having a medical emergency at sea). Plus, having a passport book opens the world to you!