Must haves for a cruise!
This month, my husband and I got to sail aboard the Norwegian Dawn from New Orleans to some amazing ports in the Western Caribbean. These include Cozumel, Mexico, Harvest Caye, Belize (Norwegians private island, not a fan), Roatan, Honduras and Costa Maya, Mexico! Having learned from our first experience on a cruise ship, I decided to put together a packing checklist of all the essentials and necessities needed when taking a trip aboard a cruise ship!
Passport and boarding pass
Copies of passport and medical insurance
Swimsuits (2-3) depending on number of excursions
swim shirt when planing to snorkel since sunscreen only goes so far
Casual/semi formal wear (most men wear long pants every night)
Running shoes, sandals/flip-flops and dress shoes
Beach cover up
Hat/bandana(this is also great when doing any type of ATV to not inhale dust)
Back pack (great for excursions or even on board when going by the pool for snacks and to hold sun screen etc)
Sun screen (2 per person at least, for a 7 day cruise)
Bug spray
Hanging organizer (great to keep socks and underwear organized)
Laundry bag (I like to hang mine in the closet, remember space is limited)
Ziplock bags/water proof bags
Waterproof money and credit card pouch on a lanyard
Prescription medications
Antacids and pain killers
Motion sickness meds
First aid kit (bandages, polysporin, liquid bandage-good for when going into water)
Hand sanitizer
Wipes (I like to wipe the inside of drawers and shelves before putting my clothes into it)
Gum (which is not sold on cruise ships)
Lanyard with plastic sleeve to put room key in
Hanging organizer for toiletries
Travel shampoo and conditionner (I like LUSH that i put into a mesh laundry bag; wet, rub and use)
Night light
Flash light
Multi plug in/surge protecter (since outlets are limited in your cabin)
Extension cord (so your not sitting on top of each other)
Camera/water camera (awesome for snorkeling or any water activities)
Chargers
Portable water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid the extremely inflated cost or water package on board
Travel coffee bug since cups provided on board are literally one cup :( (to small)
Other optional items!
Formal wear
Water shoes depending on excursions
Snorkeling gear
Binoculars
Big bubba to keep drink cold
For your info; many cruises have a white hot party, where people wear white!
Also there are usually photographers on board and they set up in the evening for people to get their photos done professionally when dressed up!
Little reminder: even if u have the free drink package, you still have to pay the taxes on your drinks until you make it out to international waters which can take 5 hours.
Hope this helps, and bon voyage!
