Helpful Things to Bring on Your Next Cruise
By Alara Shannon, Marketing | July 01, 2013 ( Comments)
We recently posted 13 Helpful Things to Bring on Your Next Cruise, discussing items you might not have considered useful on a cruise, but can make a huge impact on your vacation.
We received so many great responses with additional packing tips from our community on our iCruise.com Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages that we wanted to compile a secondary list of things you might not think to bring on a cruise!
1. Duct Tape. A universally handy tool, you can use to childproof electrical outlets, fix or mark luggage, actually tape items shut or as a lint/sand roller.
2. Air Freshener or ‘Plug-ins’. Can be beneficial in the bathroom or by simply brightening up your stateroom with the scent of spring, flowers or whatever tickles your nose’s fancy.
3. Baby Powder. Another all around useful item, you can use baby powder to absorb accidental grease stains on clothing, reduce friction in hot weather, as dry shampoo and to soak up excess moisture making sand incredibly easy to brush off.
4. Wrinkle Release Spray. This spray will smooth out wrinkles in seconds. Your ship will most likely have a pressing service, or possibly even a self-serve launderette, however, a spray is an inexpensive, quick way to get wrinkle free clothing.
5. Antiseptic and Disinfectant Wipes. Cleansing wipes can be used in many situations on a vacation; use for removing germs onboard and ashore, and for the cleansing and disinfecting of cuts and scrapes.
6. Cable Ties. We had a few cruisers mention that they would use zip ties to secure luggage or valuables when they left their stateroom to ensure that their possessions were not tampered with. Upon their return, they cut the cable tie with a pair of scissors.
7. Mosquito Repellant Bracelets/Bug Spray. If you’re taking a cruise, you will at some point be surrounded by lush natural beauty. But insects also think the same areas are quite nice. So if you’re going to be hiking, biking or really any outdoor activity, bringing bug spray will save you lots of bites. Most mosquito repellant bracelets are all natural, making them environmentally safe and great for children.
8. Clothesline and Pins. If you have the pleasure of cruising in a balcony, and you have wet clothes, bringing a clothesline and pins can be a functional use of space. Instead of leaving them to dry slowly in the small bathroom, hang up a line (low down on the balcony so it isn’t bothersome to others or obstructing your view) and let the wind go to work drying your clothes! Pinning towels and bathing suits onto the balcony chairs is another idea.
9. Door Signs. While not necessarily helpful, door signs sure are fun. Doors are metal so magnets will work, or your handy duct tape. Placing a sign or magnet on your door can help celebrate special occasions, make your cabin easier to locate and/or just be a fun way to express yourself!
10. Mesh Laundry Basket. Pop up laundry bags are not only fun to open, they’re useful for keeping dirty clothes in a contained space. At the end of the cruise, put your garments in a trash bag so they don’t rub elbows with your clean clothes and then you can throw them right into the washer once at home.
11. Candies for Onboard Crew. This was a great suggestion! Bring chocolate bars or hard candy and give to the crew on the ship with their tip. The staff works extremely hard to ensure your vacation is a memorable one, so a sweet treat is an unexpected surprise and will brighten up their day.
12. Rubber Door Wedge. Another way to childproof your stateroom for those with curious little investigators is to bring a rubber door wedge to curb any potential hallway explorers.
13. Waterproof Backpack. This is a versatile item and can be used for trips to the beach and other outdoor activities like hiking, biking, snorkeling, etc. Don’t forget a waterproof disposable camera to go with it!
14. Dollar Store Sunglasses. It’s always nice to have an extra pair plus it is probably best to wear in port to reduce the risk of losing your favorite shades.
15. Plastic Watch. Again, you should try not to bring your favorite accessories onshore, but a watch is necessary to make sure you’re back on the ship on time. A cheap, plastic one is going to be your best bet.
16. Positive Attitude! Undoubtedly the most important thing to bring with you on a cruise. There is so much to explore and experience on a cruise vacation - there is no room for negativity. The staff works hard to make your vacation a great one, try to remember that. Take everything in. Let the little things go, they don’t matter. This is your vacation and you deserve it!
What other helpful items do you bring with you on a cruise?
