The Kingdom Konsultant Agents are avid cruisers and we have compiled our must-haves for your cruise packing list. Everyone's cruise needs are different, of course, but this is a general list of items to make your cruise more comfortable!
1. Collapsible laundry hamper and a trash bag - Keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes, and off the floor. I love the pop up kind of hamper because they are cheap, and easy to pack flat in your suitcase. I empty all my dirty clothes into a trash bag before repacking my suitcase to debark the cruise. Then, when I arrive at home, I take that right to the laundry room. It also keeps the rest of my stuff smelling good. You can have your laundry done on the ship if you'd like, for a fee.
.webp)
2. Luggage tag holder - You'll look like a cruise pro with a luggage tag sleeve. I used to laminate my tags with packing tape and attach them to the bag handle. This looks much neater and they are reusable too. You won't have to worry if your tape is going to hold up. Always take a photo of your bag and what's inside as well in case I need to file an insurance claim for damage or loss.
 |
| Luggage tag holder |
 |
| Waterproof phone lanyard |
4. Card lanyard - You'll need your room key card on you at all times. Unless you're cruising on a ship that has wristbands (Disney Magicband+, Princess Medallions, etc.) it's easiest to wear your card on a lanyard, or retractable clip. Some people like the retractable clips, but my family uses the neck lanyards. I ordered a pack of 6 on Amazon, but you can get them on board with the cruise line logo or favorite characters. Some cruise lines like Carnival automatically punch a hole in the card for you, but others like Royal Caribbean do not. If you don't want to take it to Guest Services to get it hole punched, bring a lanyard with a clear sleeve.
5. Comfy bag for port days - When you get off the ship at a port, having a comfortable bag for towels and whatever else you want to bring is important. I have a big tote bag that I can fit a couple towels in, a water bottle, snorkel and mask, sunscreen, portable phone charger, and swimsuit cover up. A backpack works well, or even a waist bag if you're just going shopping. You may have to carry the bag a far distance from ship to island, so comfort is key.
 |
| Card lanyard, shades, and a tote bag - all ready for a day in port! |
6. Powers Strip or multi-device charger cord - The staterooms have minimal outlets! Some rooms only have one (newer ships are adding USB ports!) If you have multiple devices to charge you will need a power strip, or multi-outlet plug. On my most recent cruise I brought one charger that split into 3 different ends. The other outlet was open for something else like a curling iron or external charger. Do not bring a surge protector, they aren't allowed on ships.
7. Battery powered LED nightlight or flameless tea lights - staterooms are pretty dark at night being at sea with no light pollution, especially if you're in an interior stateroom. A nightlight is essential, unless you want to use your phone flashlight. I like a dimmable LED nightlight. A flameless LED candle puts off a soft glow for the bathroom at night as well.
8. Hanging travel organizer - A toiletries organizer keeps your bathroom counter clear, and saves you time digging through suitcases to find a Band Aid. Use the towel hooks on the back of the bathroom door, or hangers in the closet to put them up. I like to put Q-Tips, Band-Aids, eye drops, hair ties, tweezers, razors, and travel sized toiletries in mine. When you arrive, just hang it, unzip, and your bathroom's ready.
9. Insulated refillable mug/water bottle - These are great for taking a cold drink to your pool lounger or having a cold drink with you to walking around the island. You can buy these on board as well. I like to bring a travel sized bottle of dish soap and a sponge (or one of those dish scrubbers you can fill with soap) to wash the mugs in the room.
10. Goes without saying but... sun protection! (hat, shades, cover-up, aloe, rash guards) - Caribbean sun is STRONG. You may not realize how strong the sun is even in January. Let me tell you from experience, it's deceiving! My family wears the UV blocking rash guards while snorkeling or swimming in the ocean, and uses hats and reef-safe sunscreen walking around on board. Aloe is sold onboard, but it's expensive. Don't let your trip be ruined by sun poisoning or painful burns. A wide brimmed hat looks cute on the beach and offers useful protection. The island locals and excursion operators appreciate (and sometimes require) reef-safe sunblock and/or no aerosols to protect the coral and sea life.
 |
| Wearing rash guard shirts - you don't have to worry if you missed a spot with your sunblock |
11. Portable charger - I keep one with me when I leave the boat, because I take a lot of videos to share on social media! If you're good at conserving your battery all day, this may not be for you, but it's always come in handy for me while traveling. There are many types available to choose from.
13. Hair Conditioner - Some cruise lines do not provide hair conditioner. They typically provide shampoo and body wash, or a 2-in-1. If you have favorite hair care products, definitely bring them in travel-sized bottles. Ask your Kingdom Konsultant agent if your cruise line provides toiletries if you aren't sure.
14. Door Décor - Hanging décor on your stateroom door is a fun way to celebrate your cruise occasion. If it's someone's birthday, anniversary, graduation or first cruise, you can let everyone know with some magnetic signs. You can hang a sign or decorations with magnets only. Most cruise lines don't like guests using tape. Even if you're not celebrating, it's a good way to mark your room so you can easily find it. I don't recommend putting children's names on your door for safety reasons.
15. Apple Air Tags or Tile Mate - Track your luggage, your children, or even your husband! 😁 If your tracker is within about 400 feet of your phone, it will be able to identify if it is near you. Devices need to connect to the internet to register where the Bluetooth tracker is. So unless someone has an iPhone or phone with the Tile app installed AND is actively connected to the internet, it won’t register its location. We highly recommend getting an internet plan on your cruise too! Family and friends at home can easily reach you in case of an emergency via Facebook or other social media apps, you can watch the weather, or your favorite streaming shows on your cruise! (WiFi plans and inclusions vary).
What else should we add to the list?? Drop us a comment here or on our Facebook page and let us know!
Remember, this list doesn't cover the obvious necessities like travel documents, medication, clothes, or toiletries. Just ask your Kingdom Konsultant Agent and they will supply you with a complete list of what you'll need for your cruise.
Ready to sail?? Just submit a request form for a free quote for your next cruise!
Bon Voyage!
Comments
Post a Comment