You’ve packed your bag. You’ve thought of everything. There’s no way that you’ll forget anything you’ll need.
Yeah, right.
No matter how many times we cruise, we always find something else that we wish we had brought. That’s why we compiled a list of things that are often needed, but easy to forget. From the cheap and easy items that you can get at a drug store on your way to the cruise to items that you’ll want to order well ahead of time, they all have one things in common — you’ll be happy you brought them along.
If you want to spend anytime on the beach, then you have to get this beach blanket. It’s micofiber cloth means that it packs up small and light — saving valuable space. What we like most is the size. It’s so much larger than simply laying down a couple of pool towels to keep you off the sand. $25 on Amazon
Whether you are hanging by the pool or don’t want to leave your valuables on the beach while taking a dip, a waterproof case is a must-have. Use it to keep your phone, wallet, keys, and anything else dry as a bone so you don’t have to worry just because you want to go swimming. You can get two bags for $20 on Amazon.
These days most people have pretty nice cameras on their phones, but there is still no beating the picture quality of a real camera. We have a Canon PowerShot SX260 model personally and love the zoom and the compact form. We can pull it out and snap a photo in just a few seconds, without having to fumble through our phone’s camera. It’s a little expensive — about $400 — but the memories are worth every penny.
Ok, most people know to pack a pair of flip-flops on their trip. We just couldn’t pass up sharing these Reef sandals with the quilted top. They look like they would be the most comfortable flip-flops ever and the textured bottoms are perfect for walking around on slippery poolside decks. Best of all, the reviews for them are outstanding.
Worried about carrying your passport and cash? Anywhere there are loads of tourists is going to be prime territory for pickpockets. This belt tucks everything discreetly under your clothes so you don’t have to worry about anyone taking your valuables without your knowledge. We own the one shown here, which cost us just $10 on Amazon. That’s cheap for peace of mind.
Also known as “Rum Runners” or “Cocktail Caddy” these collapsible flasks are ideal for… well, use your imagination. They can discreetly hide alcohol in luggage and save you from having to go all the way to the bar when you want something to drink. Best of all, they are pretty cheap ($20 for a heap of them) so they pay for themselves after just one use.
One of the things no one tells you about the Caribbean is that the sun is much stronger. While 30 minutes outside in the sun at northern latitudes might make you a little pink, it will absolutely roast you in the tropics. We recommend bringing sunscreen… and then bringing a little more. You can never be too sure. The last thing you want is to get roasted on day one and not be able to enjoy the rest of your trip. The big bottle above costs just $6.50.
With the fears spreading about the Zika virus, you should definitely take the precaution to bring mosquito repellant. You won’t need it while the ship is sailing (there aren’t mosquitos in the middle of the ocean), but when you are in port, be sure to apply it as often as sunscreen to keep from getting the virus. The good stuff is a bit pricey. You can usually find it for about $9 a bottle on Amazon.
Any hat is better than no hat, but we’d suggest something with more coverage than just a baseball cap. A cap with a nice wide brim can keep you cooler and also provide more sun protection. Best of all, if you are someone worried about how your hair looks while it’s getting whipped around by the breeze and salt air, then a nice hat covers things up. For $12, the one above is our favorite style for men. You can also shop women’s styles here.
It took us a long time to warm up to e-readers. We much prefer real books. But the convenience of a e-reader is huge on a cruise. Not only do pages not fly around in the wind, but being able to adjust the brightness of the screen is nice. (You’d be surprised at how bright a white page is in direct sunlight.) We like the Amazon Kindle because its screen doesn’t glare in bright sun like an iPad or other glossy e-readers.
When you’re by the pool or on an excursion in port, it’s nice to have a little something to drink. Unless you want to constantly buy bottles of water, however, then you’ll want to bring your own bottle to fill up. We like this one because the space between your water and the outside of the bottle keeps your drink colder for longer. $13 on Amazon
Have a couple of towels, a change of clothes, your hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, and a book? Whew! You’re going to need somewhere to put all that stuff as you head to the beach or the pool. This oversized mesh bag is perfect. It’s lightweight and will dry fast even if it gets a little wet. $30 on Amazon
They’re easy, they’re cheap, and they take up almost no room. Still, most people don’t think to bring some earplugs. Whether your partner snores or the cabin next to you is just a little too loud, these little guys are worth their weight in gold. They cost about $6 for 20 pairs.
One of our pastimes on the ship is to watch people struggle with laying their towel on their beach chair. With the ship constantly in motion, there is always a breeze on deck. Bringing a few clips like these can help keep your towel secure to your lounge chair and save you some stress. $12 for a pack of 4.
Please note that the links above are affiliate links. Should you decide to purchase anything through them, we get part of the proceeds. Still, these are all items we recommend, whether or not we receive any compensation.
