Folks I have to tell you, I like to cruise! A lot. Some people find land vacations the only ones that they’re interested and they are wonderful I go on those two, but from someone who has been on 25 cruises, let me say the below are things that (depending on location) I bring with me or make sure my husbands packs, each time I go away.

This is geared toward summer, beachy, sun-filled cruises. Needless to say if you’re taking a ‘Canadian Wonders’ cruise in October, many things here will not be of use, and I’ll be creating a list of Fall/Winter cruise needs in the up-coming months.

Now it’s possible you already have all 10 things on this list, and if so, that is great! You’re prepared, however I find myself stocking up on at least some of the below before every trip.

10. Hair Accessories – Bobby/Roller Pins/Headbands
There’s a good chance that especially if you’re a woman you have some of these in your bag already, no matter the season, no matter the way. Bring them on your trip. If you need to put your hair up or out of the way quickly you can’t go wrong with these, and no need to spend money on something you already carry. Use that for buying local goods in post.

9. Hand lotion – Because when doing your best to stay healthy on a ship by washing your hands repeated it’s easy for them to dry out. A little lotion can keep them nice and smooth.

8. Pain killer. – Sometimes the onslaught of sights and sounds and sunshine can lead to a bit of a headache, so can stubbing your toe on a door you forgot was there in the middle of the night. Whether it’s Peppermint oil or Aleve, make sure you have the pain killer of choice for you.

7. Wallet and Keys – While you don’t need to bring your home keys out on port, don’t forget to bring them with you on vacation! Also remember to carry your stateroom key when you’re outside of it, because they lock when properly shut. Whether you take a travel wallet or the one you usually use at home, remember to bring your money and ID with you when getting off at port (though not essential when wandering around the cruise ship. Remember that bring at least one additional photo-ID with you is often a good idea if not required at many ports. e.g. In Bermuda you’ll need your stateroom key and a picture identification like a driver license.

6. Phone – This goes without saying for some, but I know that others want to disconnect and unwind while they’re away. Whether it’s for taking photos of the scenery or of the Port contact in case for some reason you miss the ship, having you slim smart phone with camera and the information you can take with you can be immeasurable. Just remember to go-on airplane mode if you don’t have an international plan and want to avoid roaming charges. Also use it to keep photos or notes of essential travel details.

5. Sunscreen – Make sure your cruise vacation stays happy in the sun by wearing sunscreen. Some people might think that due to having melanin they do not need sun block or sun screen. Not true my lovely “born with a tan” folks. We need to protect our skin as well. The SPF number refers to the amount of time it will help to protect your skin.

I like Neutrogena – Ultrasheer 100+ SPF, but as someone with smooth brown skin it still doesn’t blend in as well as I’d like it to, leaving me to add a sheer layer of foundation on top if I don’t have time to let it all settle in. YMMV
Note: I know that there are companies like Black Girl Sunscreen, but as I haven’t tried them yet, I can’t personally say how they blend. I do plan on giving them a go this summer.

4. Flip Flops – Man, Woman, Child. Whether you use it to walk around your stateroom/cabin, the ship or outside and to the beach. I find flip-flops to be indispensable. For comfort I like to wear Clarks, but I also like having a pair that I use for everything from ‘Room to Riviera’ and I don’t mind if I happen to lose.

3. Sunglasses – .this is probably a given for more people, however for the longest time I wouldn’t use sunglasses, in fact they’re not something that I use consistently. The sun rarely bothers my eyes unless I’m laying out in it, however for eye protection it can be vital. UV rays aren’t what they used to be folks! For prescription sunglasses, I have a limit of about $25.

2. Hand sanitizer. This is something that I bring everywhere, be it in wipe or spray form. Especially when going out of the U.S. finding a bathroom with hot water isn’t always easy to find. My personal favorite is EO Peppermint that is Alcohol free, but I’ll also pick up a pack of wipes from the dollar store as well. They’re good for wiping down airline trays and headrests as well as cleaning other flat surfaces without having to find a tissue in order to wipe after spraying.

1. Over-the-door shoe organizer. – Now this is one that you don’t carry in your bag (I hope) but is almost vital when traveling with another person, and depending on how much you carry, even when traveling solo or sola. The best part is that they go over the towel bar on the back of the bathroom door and don’t get in the way with the function of the door. Alternately use magnets that can take heavy weights and attach it to the back of your stateroom door. And yes, you can even use them for those flip-flops mentioned above!

What are some things on your list of “must-bring” items on a summer/beach filled cruise?

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