6 Things I Always Bring on a Cruise That No One Else Will Tell You About

Your cruise card will most likely be your lifeline on board. It will cover all your purchases and it’s crucial in identifying who you are on and off the ship. I recommend buying a badge holder to prevent you from losing it. Aside from slipping in your cruise card, you can also use this as a wallet to pop in any cash (for when you’re browsing through the ports) and your actual ID just in case. The lanyard allows you to wear it around your neck or you can secure it tightly around your wrist.

I’m extremely allergic to mosquito bites (no seriously, my bites turn into huge swollen bumps), so insect repellant is essential product in my travel bag. I’ve used this lotion for years and 6,000 other five-star reviews can attest to its claims. It’s non-greasy, absorbs quickly and overall protects my skin against these annoying pests. Formulated with 20 percent of picaridin, the brand claims it can protect the skin for up to 12 hours (and eight hours against flies and gnats). I don’t want to jinx myself, but applying this bad boy before I head to on an excursion has been a lifesaver thus far. 

I thought these contraptions were silly until I realized how helpful they were to keeping windy towels in place. Whether you’re enjoying the island’s beach or the ship’s pool, these towel clips can secure your towel (and be a great indicator where you left your things). They are durable, lightweight and vibrant enough to spot them from a mile away. Hot tip: If you have a balcony, and want to dry your wet swimsuit, use these clips to prevent them sliding off your lounge chair. 

If you don’t have the luxury of booking a suite, chances are your bathroom is going to be a bit tight with limited counter space. I suggest investing in a hanging toiletry bag. This one from Calpak has a collapsible hanging hook, so you hang it anywhere and see everything at once. It has multiple interior pockets to put all your beauty necessities and an exterior toothbrush stand to elevate your routine. It also is made of recycled ripstop polyester and is water-resistant, which is great for sea traveling.

Cruises don’t allow power strips, but you can bring this foldable power cube to your travels. Most ships have plenty of outlets and USB ports, but for older ships, consider bringing this along with you to charge all your devices. This specific one is compatible with most cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, to name a few. It has one traditional outlet, 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C port so you can plug your phone, camera and any other tech gadget in your room.