There’s always a few things experienced travelers like to pack for their cruise. When we first started cruising I packed everything the “experts” insisted were necessary essentials.  After a few cruises I started to narrow down my packing list and found I never used some items. So those were left behind. But, there are a few things I wouldn’t cruise without.  

ROOM FRESHENERS

Sometimes your cabins can get stuffy and smelly! Especially an interior cabin. Because of this, I pack a small room freshener spray. Some cruisers take a lighted plug-in freshener. I find plug-in fresheners more awkward because of the lack of outlets in the cabin. Candles of any kind are not allowed. You can purchase 2 oz sprays from Walmart or Amazon. NOTE: Some cruise lines are not allowing aerosol sprays except for personal hygiene products. However you can use non-aerosol sprays.

PLASTIC TRASH BAGS

Pack a few white plastic trash bags to hold your dirty clothes. Some cruisers take a pop-up hamper but they take up extra space. I sort my clothes into a couple of different bags as we take them off. When we get home, I just empty them in the washer!

WET WIPES

I always take a small pack, or a baggie, filled with wet wipes with me. They are handy for all of our traveling. I pack them in the backpack I take on the islands. Sometimes the bathrooms aren’t very clean and they don’t always have toilet paper. I also like to keep them handy on the airplane. If you use them on the ship, DO NOT FLUSH THEM. They cause a lot of clogged toilet problems. 

OVER-THE-DOOR SHOE BAG

When we cruise I always take an over-the-door shoe bag! I hate a messy cabin and so this keeps everything in place. I usually hang it over a closet door. If you take strong magnets you can hang it on a wall.

There are some items I always leave in the pockets when I pack up from our cruise. These include post it’s, zip ties, lanyards, bungees, etc.

I roll or fold it up and pack it in the bottom of my suitcase. I took it on our very first cruise and have used it every cruise since!

If you decide to try this hack, look for a narrow bag with three hooks. The closet and bathroom doors are narrower. You can cut a row off too. Your cabin has a lot of storage. However, I prefer one place for things like hairbrushes, lanyards, first aid stuff, and sunglasses.

MAGNETS

What the heck does magnets have to do with cruising? Well, the cabin walls are metal! It’s handy to have some magnetic hooks for a lot of things. I like to hang my lanyards, visors, caps, jackets, bags, etc on them. 

I have seen where passengers have put them on the ceiling to keep electric cords out of the way. They are also handy to use on the balcony to hang wet suits or towels. Just don’t leave them out once you set sail. They will blow off! 

The main cabin door is also metal so it’s easy to use fridge-type magnets if you are into door decorating! 

TRAVEL MUG

When we cruise I take my favorite mug with me! I also take the individual packets of flavored drink mixes, like Crystal Light, instead of drinking so much soda. I mix the packets with a little lemonade from the lido. Just like water? Fill ‘er up with ice and water! The water on the ship is all filtered. They have ice and water dispensers on the lido deck along with complimentary ice tea and lemonade. You are allowed to take your mug off the ship at the ports. I fill a slim insulated one with ice and take it in my backpack with me. As the day goes on I always have cold water to sip!

STRAWS

Take your own straws because they are “plastic straw free” on cruise ships. They use “edible” straws, which I don’t care for. I pack several reusable or plastic straws.

COFFEE CREAMER

Most cruise ships have cream or half and half but only a few provide flavored creamers for your coffee.  If you like flavored creamer you need to plan ahead for each cruise. 

You can take the non-refrigerated or powdered type. Pack the single serve pods in a big mug or a plastic container to prevent them from getting squished. If you want to take the refrigerated type, wrap an unopened bottle and place in your checked luggage.

Cruise Packing Essentials

When preparing for a cruise, experienced travelers recommend a refined list of essentials based on personal experience. Here are the key items you shouldn’t forget:

1. Room Fresheners: A small spray helps combat stuffy cabin air. Avoid plug-ins due to limited outlets, as candles are not allowed.
2. Plastic Trash Bags: Useful for keeping dirty clothes organized during the trip. These take up less space than a pop-up hamper.
3. Wet Wipes: Handy for on-the-go cleanliness, especially in less sanitary bathrooms. Remember not to flush them on the ship.
4. Over-the-Door Shoe Bag: Keeps your cabin tidy and organized. Hang it on a closet door to store various small items.
5. Magnets: Ideal for utilizing the metal walls of the cabin for hanging items like lanyards and jackets. Another way to keep your cabin tidy.
6. Travel Mug: Bring your favorite mug and flavored drink mixes to enhance your beverage options without relying solely on soda.
7. Straws: Pack reusable straws, as most cruise ships are phasing out plastic ones.
8. Coffee Creamer: Bring flavored or powdered coffee creamers, as ships often have limited options.

These essentials enhance comfort and convenience while cruising, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. There are many other recommended and popular items but I have narrowed my favorites down to these to reduce packing!

If you have other personal favorite items, please suggest them in the comment section!

CRUISE TIP: Top 7 Items Every First Time Cruiser Needs

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers