13 Genius Tips For The Ultimate Cruise Packing List To Save You Time And Money

This post is all about 13 Genius Tips For The Ultimate Cruise Packing List To Save You Time And Money

Whether it’s your first time solo traveling or you’ve done it before, it can be challenging to figure out what to best cruise essentials are for your cruise packing list.

I remember my first cruise, I was so nervous, I packed all the wrong things and ended up paying so much to buy things I could’ve bought at home.

Well, have no fear, I’ve put together the ultimate cruise packing list. From the best sea sickness wrist bands to bringing your favorite snacks on board, here are the cruise essentials you need to add to your cruise packing list.

This post is all about 13 Genius Tips For The Ultimate Cruise Packing List To Save You Time And Money

Sea Sick Wristbands

These are the #1 things I bring and something I never ever forget in my cruise packing list. They’re the type of thing that can really cost you if you forget them!

I’ve taken these exact ones on four different cruises already and they are LIFE CHANGING. Make sure to grab some especially if you think you’ll get seasick!

2. Travel Sized Toiletries

This is one of the most expensive costs I see people spending on a cruise. Add travel-size toiletries to your cruise packing list.

Don’t forget the essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and even contact fluid (I’ve forgotten this SO many times).

If you forget these once on board, prepare to pay 3-4x the actual cost. Grab a refillable travel size container to fill your favorites or just get a 10-piece kit to take the work out of it!

3. Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is an essential for your ultimate cruise packing list. Chances are you’re going to be visiting multiple islands and doing multiple excursions.

To get the best pictures, make sure you grab a waterproof phone case before your trip. Sure, you can buy them there but chances are they’re going to be much more expensive- Add it to your cruise packing list to save time and money.

4. Apple Airtag

Airtags are such cruise essentials and something you need to add to your ultimate cruise packing list for your flight, and your suitcase on board. I had a friend who lost his luggage right before his cruise and it was an absolute nightmare. He had to grab new clothes at the mall and was on a time crunch.

When you get on board, if you bring a check-in suitcase, the staff will take it until after departing, so it’s always good to make sure your suitcase is on the boat.

5. Sunscreen & Aloe Vera

Sunscreen stays one of the most expensive things you can buy on board with a generic one costing around $30. And it’s something you absolutely need. Make sure to add face and body sunscreen to your cruise essentials and cruise packing list! I love bringing aloe vera on board as well, especially if you’re going to multiple islands because the sun is STRONG.

I love this one from Supergoop because it’s so easy to throw in a purse, works on your face and body, and since it’s a stick, it’s so easy to apply without needing to wash your hands.

6. Tums

Having stomach issues when traveling is extremely common, and when your stomach already hurts, it’s even harder to find a solution.

Eating on a cruise is one of my favorite things to do so I always bring tums or antacids in case you have an upset stomach.

These are essential things to pack when traveling, so make sure to add it to your cruise packing list.

7. Your Favorite Snacks

You are allowed to bring snacks as long as they are shelf-stable, unopened, and prepackaged so add your favorite snacks to your ultimate cruise packing list! This includes things like cookies, chocolate bars, chips, and granola bars. Plus you can snack on the plane.

If you are vegan or have dietary restrictions, make sure to pack some of your favorites like ramen, nuts, or even dried fruit.

8. Watershoes

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gone on a cruise, done an excursion, and had to buy a brand-new pair of water shoes. They can be so expensive once you get there, and quite frankly - kind of ugly.

I love this pair because it doubles as a hiking shoe as well, so it’s a perfect 2 in 1 and is so affordable ($30). Add water shoes to your cruise packing list if you’re doing any type of water activity, you won’t regret it.

9. Feminine Hygiene Products

Plan ahead for this one! Last time I was on a cruise, it was my time of the month, I ended up paying about $40 that week just for pads and tampons and they weren’t even the kind I liked (hello we’re still using cardboard?!)

Make sure to plan ahead of time and grab some feminine hygiene products as cruise essentials just in case! I love these ones because they come in a huge variety pack and are really affordable on Amazon!

10. Good Durable Suitcase

A good, reliable, and sturdy suitcase is a cruise essentials. I love this one because I’ve dropped this exact Bei’s suitcase down an escalator in Japan and it completely survived the fall. Not a zipper or wheel missing! Plus it’s one of the cutest suitcases out there, make sure to add it to your ultimate cruise packing list.

11. Compression Packing Cubes

From formal nights to white parties, and all of the cutest beach outfits you own, packing cubes are not only cruise essentials but essentials for traveling in general. I love this one because it’s also a compression packing cube allowing you to pack even more.

Add it to your cruise packing list - plus you can have separate bags for laundry and dirty shoes.

12. Your Own Snorkel Gear

I love bringing my own snorkel gear and always add it to my cruise packing list because most of the time, snorkels are reused and never washed.

Having my snorkel also allows me to go to the beach and snorkel myself, instead of having to pay for an excursion or borrow one! Add this to your cruise essentials and bring one instead!

I love this one in particular because it covers your entire face, is really easy to clean, is ant- fog and anti- leak, and you can attach a GoPro on top if you want some amazing videos.

13. Ear Plugs

Especially if you're going on a family-friendly cruise, I highly highly recommend bringing your own ear plugs.

I always add ear plugs to my cruise packing list because people get drunk, the people upstairs could be really loud, or you can hear people moving in the mornings.