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Taking your first cruise can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.
Learning the ropes can be tedious. Questions start to arise about luggage requirements, activities, sleeping arrangements, and most importantly, what you should pack.
When I took my first cruise this past February, I had no idea what to expect.
There were tons of posts online that had a 50+ item packing list of “must haves” that better be in your suitcase “or else”. And being an amateur it was easy to start panic buying everything on the list.
But the truth is, you don’t need to bring a long laundry list of extra items on a cruise, especially not on your first cruise.
Of course you’ll need the essentials (think of anything you’d bring on a normal trip) like clothing, toiletries, an I.D. – you get it.
When it comes to packing additional items, pack light and only bring stuff you’re going to need and use. Nobody wants to lug around a sack of useless junk all vacation long.
Practicality is best when it comes to cruising. So if you don’t bring anything else, bring these 7 items.
Here are the things you actually need for your first cruise.
Standard Size Luggage
This one seems a little obvious but yes, you’ll need luggage. Like any other form of travel, most cruises have luggage requirements and a list of what is or is not allowed on board.
Generally, a normal sized suitcase (16in high x 24in wide) that weighs a maximum of 50 pounds is standard for most cruise lines, but not all.
Always make sure to check the cruise’s specific baggage guidelines on their website.
Waterproof Fanny Pack
One great thing about cruising is that you get to visit various beaches all around the world. How exciting!
But what are you supposed to do with all your important belongings while swimming with the dolphins? Leaving them unattended on shore and hoping for the best doesn’t seem like the smartest option.
This waterproof fanny pack is a lifesaver. The perfect tool for the occasion.
It can hold your phone, wallet, passport, and any other important items that you can’t risk losing. It’s completely hands free, has an adjustable strap, and is touch screen friendly. There are even three zip-lock seals that provide triple protection to ensure no water gets into the bag.
It is by far the best way to keep your valuables safe and dry if you plan on doing any water activities on or off of the ship.
First Aid Kit
Nobody plans on getting hurting during their first cruise but things happen!
On the off chance that a minor injury occurs, having this on hand is a quick, easy, and affordable option. This is not something you want to spend money at the nurse for.
Even with cruise insurance, the smallest visit to the nurse will costs way more then it does on land.
Just check out the horror stories people have left on my TikTok about having to pay hundreds of dollars for a Band-Aid. Yikes!
Dramamine
Speaking from personal experience, seasickness can make the whole trip miserable. Don’t risk it. Plain and simple.
It’s better to have it and not use it than to need it and not have it.
My boyfriend has never gotten motion sick at all, but we had an unexpected storm on our first cruise and it. was. rocky.
I was fine since I had already taken a pill before the shaking started but I can’t say the same for my man.
He got sick at around 4 PM and was stuck in the bed for the rest of that night. Bummer!
Vacation only lasts a couple of days. Don’t waste it being sick!
Sea Bands
Another seasickness remedy that most experienced cruisers swear by.
These little bracelets work by using a pressure point on the wrist that is scientifically proven to reduce nausea. They can be used together with medication or as an alternative option to medicine.
Remember: The best way to avoid seasickness is to prevent it before it starts. Once symptoms start kicking in, it’s already too late.
Personally, I paired the Sea Bands with the Dramamine and it worked wonders. I’m the type of person that gets motion sick in the car, so I recommend this method if you need that extra protection.
Lanyard w/ Card Holder
On a cruise, your cruise card is your lifeline. It is your room key, your credit card, and your ticket back on the boat when you get off in port.
With that being said, you DO NOT want to lose it.
Having it on a lanyard is the perfect hands-free way to make sure it is secured and in sight at all times.
A cruise is not a place where you want to carry around a bag all day. There are so many activities on board- swimming, shows, clubs, games, etc...
Leave that bag in the room and have some fun!
Advil/Tylenol
An over the counter pain med is essential to keep in your safety kit.
Why you ask? It’s for the same reason as the Band-Aid situation mentioned on number 3.
You don’t want to be stuck between the choice of keeping your headache or paying $30+ for one Tylenol to make it go away.
Just bring it. If it doesn’t get used- great! Take it home and save it for next time.
Happy sailing! 😉
How was your first cruise experience? What are some items you wish you would’ve brought? How about left at home? Did you use any of the items listed above? Let me know in the comments down below!
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