Packing regret is real, and cruisers have all sorts of things they regretted not bringing on a cruise ship.
I've had my fair share of realizations onboard that I wish I had brought something to improve my cruise, as well as simply forgotten an essential.
While remembering to pack pants should be an easy item for your cruise packing checklist, there are other things that may not be as obvious to bring but really do make a difference.
I asked our readers to share one thing they really wish they had packed for a cruise, and a few them truly surprised me.
Less clothes
A number of our readers started off by saying they wish they had packed less clothes.
Overpacking for a cruise is an easy mistake to make, although I tend to overpack many times.
The issue with overpacking is you're lugging around clothes you never actually use. With so many theme nights, shore excursions, and plans for around the ship, it seems like you will need more clothes than you actually need.
I understand why some people feel "less is more" when it comes to packing for a cruise. The experience is far less elegant than you might think. A lot of new cruisers assume the dress code is more enforced and people dress up more than they actually do.
Ultimately, overpacking is only an issue in the sense it contributes to the heft of carrying luggage around, as well as airline luggage fees.
A pillow
I never thought to bring my own pillow, but some readers say they wish they had brought one along.
Just like a hotel room on land, you never know how comfortable or compatible a pillow will be with your head. But in most cases, pillows are just never going to measure up to your favorite pillow from home.
There's certainly no rule against bringing your own pillow, and if that's what it takes to get a great night sleep, it might be a good idea.
I brought my own pillow on a cruise for a few years until I accidently left it behind at a hotel in Newark Airport and never got it back. As long as you're less forgetful than me, this might be a great tip.
Medicine
When we cruise, my wife travels with what seems like a portable pharmacy with her, and it's actually quite helpful when we need something.
Readers mentioned wishing they had brough various medications with them to use during the cruise, such as Motrin, Miralax, or even Covid tests.
Bringing your own meds means it's quite convenient and you don't have to leave your cabin when you need it. If you've ever had a hangover, you know how much just getting out of bed is a trek.
While there are some medications you can buy on the ship at the convenience store, there's a limited supply of what's available and the prices will be much higher than you can get at home.
I remember a woman last year that had an allergic reaction but balked when the ship's medical facility wanted to charge her $390 for Benadryl.
Many people commented she should have been traveling with some basic medicine for common situations, and it's great advice.
Comfortable shoes
I read Melissa Inzerillo's comment that she wish she had packed sandals that didn't give her feet blisters, and I think it's a good reminder for us all.
It's tempting to go buy new shoes for your cruise, whether to match your new outfit or more purpose based for an excursion.
Of course, you should go ahead and buy those shoes, but first break them in before your trip!
Wear them around the house, on errands to the store, or generally in short bursts so you can avoid trying to break them in on long days around the ship or in port.
If you're looking for a recommendation for comfy shoes, the Skechers Women's Summits Torre Trainers are highly rated and should blend well with most outfits. (This link contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use)
Jeans and socks to ice skate
If you want to participate in the ice skating onboard, you'll want to pack pants and socks.
It's easy to overlook packing these things if you're headed to a warm destination, but you can't ice skate without them.
Cruise ships with an ice skating rink allow open skating for passengers at certain times, but you absolutely need to have long pants and socks.
Ships with an ice rink include: Icon Class, Oasis Class, Voyager Class, and Freedom Class ships.
A pair of jeans and regular socks should do the trick.
Snacks
I used to question why anyone would bring food on a cruise ship, but snacks are actually a genius hack.
While there is plenty of food onboard, there is a compelling need to have snacks in your stateroom. I'm talking pretzels, chips, or crackers, and these items aren't generally available around the ship.
Our family will pack Goldfish crackers or Pringles potato chips to have in the room for my kids to nosh on at random times. If you're a fan of protein bars, nuts, or other healthy snacks, these are other good ideas to bring.
It's really a matter of convenience, as well as ensuring you have the kind of quick snack you prefer the most.
The only rule is it has to be prepackaged, so you can't bring mom's meatloaf with you.
Bathing suit
If your cruise is headed to Alaska or Norway, you might think it's crazy to pack a bathing suit.
Believe it or not, it can get quite warm in both destinations, and there will be people swimming.
Even if it's not warm enough for the main pool, the hot tubs are always the perfect temperature.
It's a good idea to pack a bathing suit, just in case. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for an expensive new one, or simply fold your arms in disgust that you didn't think to bring it.
Considering how you can shove bathing suits into any corner of your suitcase easily, they are worth bringing no matter how little chance you think there is to use them.
