After cruising all over the world, my packing strategy is set in stone.
With some trial and error, I’ve learned that there are some items I’ll always pack for a cruise, but there are also some things that you’ll never see me put in my suitcase.
Regardless of my cruise itinerary, items like Teva sandals and USB hubs are must-packs. Other items, though, such as outfits for theme nights, are better left at home.
These are the 9 things I always pack for a cruise and the 3 things I never bring onboard.
Blister Band-Aids
Several years ago I made the mistake of wearing brand new sneakers on a cruise. My ankles were almost immediately covered in painful blisters.
Fortunately, my cabinmate saved the day with the blister-healing Band-Aids she packed in her bag. These provided cushioning between my shoes and my blisters, allowing me to explore the ship and our ports of call without pain.
After that experience, I always put a few sizes of blister Band-Aids in my toiletry bag. I try not to wear new shoes on cruises anymore, but you never know when a pesky blister might pop up.
Buy it here: Blister Healing Band-Aids
Anti-Theft Backpack
My go-to day bag for port days is an anti-theft backpack which is not only stylish, but very functional. The bag opens via a zipper against your back, so it feels secure in busy areas where pickpockets might be present.
I like the water-resistant material of the backpack, as I can bring it to the beach or to rainy climates without worrying about damaging the items inside. The stylish design doesn't scream 'tourist' either, which is helpful when traveling to ports in big cities in Europe.
My anti-theft backpack is definitely one of the most useful cruise purchases I’ve ever made.
Buy it here: Anti-theft Casual Shoulder Bag
USB Hub/Power Adapter
Charging electronic devices on cruises can be a hassle. Last year, for example, I shared a cabin with my parents on a cruise to Greece, and there were limited outlets for the three of us in our 25-year-old cruise cabin.
I was glad I packed my USB hub. This allowed me to turn one power outlet into four charging ports, maximizing charging capacity for all of us in the room.
A USB hub takes up little room in your suitcase, but it makes your cabin function much better.
Buy it here: Royal Caribbean-approved Power Adapter
Premium Travel Credit Card
I don’t live within driving distance of a cruise port, which means I’m always flying to my embarkation city. Long travel days can be exhausting, so one thing I always pack when flying to a cruise is a premium travel credit card.
These cards come with annual fees, but include great perks like lounge access, TSA PreCheck credits, and high mileage earning potential on purchases.
My favorite card at the moment is the Capital One Venture X. I find that the card’s benefits far outweigh the $395 annual fee.
For starters, I can use the card’s $300 travel credit on flights to my cruises or on pre-cruise hotel stays. The travel portal also lets me book flights and hotels with miles, and the lounge access is a lifesaver when traveling through busy airports en route to my cruise.
The card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees either, which is convenient when making purchases in port.
Thule Packing Cubes
Speaking of flying, I hate paying for checked bag fees. More often than not, I cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack.
You might think this means I pack light, but the truth is that my bags are filled to the brim with compressed packing cubes. All I can say is it’s a good thing the airlines don’t weigh carry-on bags!
I never cruise without my two sets of Thule compression packing cubes. These packing cubes are pricier than other brands, but they are extremely durable and the compression feature works extremely well.
Buy it here: Thule Compression Packing Cubes
My Own Toiletries
When I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise back in 2021, I neglected to pack my own toiletries like shampoo and conditioner. I had never been on a cruise before, and I thought cruise ships would provide mid-range hair products similar to hotels on land.
Once I got onboard, I quickly regretted my decision not to pack my own toiletries. The all-in-one shampoo and body wash provided in the shower was lackluster for my curly, frizzy hair. By the end of the cruise, I was dreaming of my conditioner from home.
Now I never forget to pack my preferred products in a set of refillable travel-sized containers.
Passport inside a protective case
If there’s one thing you absolutely need to remember for your cruise, it’s your passport or other form of acceptable identification.
I’m always paranoid that my passport is going to get damaged while traveling, so I protect it inside a passport case. This way my passport has extra protection in my backpack when I’m traveling from place to place.
Most cases are also somewhat water-resistant, although I sometimes place the passport itself in a Ziploc bag for added protection.
Buy it here: Passport Holder Case
Teva Sandals
I purchased a pair of Teva Universal Slim sandals before a trip to Asia last year, and they’ve been my go-to shoes ever since.
Tevas are considered sport sandals, as they have a strapping system to wrap around your foot for secure wear. They’re also waterproof and lightweight, making them perfect travel shoes.
I used to pack flip-flops for my cruises, but I’ve since transitioned to bringing sandals with better support. I find my Tevas to be ideal for exploring all types of ports, whether I’m enjoying a beach day in the Caribbean or exploring a city in Europe.
Buy it here: Teva Women's Universal Slim Sandals
Cheap sunglasses
Sunglasses are an obvious must-pack for a cruise, but I never bring an expensive pair.
Simply put, I don’t trust myself enough to bring (or even buy) a premium pair of sunglasses. More than likely, they’ll get scratched, damaged, or even lost on my trip.
Because of this, I always pack a cheap (under $30) pair of sunglasses for my cruises. Many budget-friendly sunglasses still provide UV protection, and I don’t have to worry about keeping a $300 pair of sunglasses safe during the cruise.
One thing I never bring is a cruise lanyard
Cruise lanyards are an easy way to store your SeaPass card around your neck during a cruise, but I personally never pack them.
While I’ll admit they’re useful, a cruise lanyard is just not my favorite outfit accessory. I prefer Royal Caribbean's WOW Bands, but in general, I just keep my SeaPass card in a small purse or handbag as I go about the ship.
I should note, however, that I’ve been known to lose my SeaPass card several times on every cruise, so perhaps a lanyard is an item I should consider packing for my next trip.
I rarely pack short dresses
On my first few cruises, I was excited to wear cute sundresses around the ship. I packed all of my favorites, but soon realized that the wind was a problem.
It can be surprisingly windy on a cruise. If your dress is even a little bit flowy, you'll risk flashing your fellow passengers if you happen to step outside.
After a few close encounters, I’ve all but stopped packing short dresses for my cruises. Instead, I prefer rompers or longer dresses that are less likely to blow around in the wind.
Finally, I don’t pack outfits for theme nights, either
Call me lame, but you won’t catch me packing for theme nights onboard. Whether it’s White Night or 70s Night, I’ll be watching the party from the sidelines.
Part of the reason I don’t pack for these nights is because I simply can’t fit a 70s afro wig and disco bodysuit into my bag. Aside from that, though, I don’t get much value from dressing up for these events that happen on nearly every cruise.
Read more: What to expect with Royal Caribbean's Theme Nights
I’ll participate in Caribbean Night if I happen to pack an outfit with a tropical pattern, but these theme nights are not events I actively plan for.
