Top 10 Cruise essentials you must pack

Packing for any holiday can be a challenge, remembering to pick and pack everything you need. More than once I have left for my cruise only to discover I have left behind something I really would be needing.

So today’s blog post is a quick check reminder of the “must pack” items you cannot leave for your cruise holiday without

1: Travel sickness remedies – although you probably won’t experience sea sickness it always pays to be prepared as you never know what weather you may encounter on your cruise. Always pack travel sickness bands or pills. Failing this you can obtain these whilst on board.

2: Sun cream – may seem like the obvious thing to pack but many people do forget. The sun at sea is far stronger than it is when on land so always take a high factor cream and never go out into the sun without applying it first.

3: Plug adapters – Some cruise ships like P&O for example actually have UK sockets so there is no need for a travel plug but many have European fittings or American ones. Not a great start to your holiday ladies if the hair dryer can’t be plugged in.

4: Hand Sanitizer – Now all cruise lines have hand sanitizer dispensers across their ships, simply to combat infections that can lead to outbreaks. Although already on your ship it is still worth packing a travel size bottle so you can apply throughout the day and whilst on land based excursions.

5: Personal Medications – If you take specific medicines that you can’t miss and must follow a strict routine with then always pack enough for your trip and maybe a little extra. It is often possible to obtain emergency supplies whilst on land at local pharmacies but you are not always guaranteed they will stock what you need, always be prepared.

6: Guide books – Although your cruise line will offer various pocket maps and so forth for your ports of call it always pays to have a pocket travel guide to take with you. This will allow you time to plan your shore visit should you decide to opt out of a planned excursion and go it alone

7: Varied clothing – Most people will pack for a summer cruise and exclude a light weight rain coat. As we well know weather is unpredictable and although it may take up valued space in your case it always pays to pack a jacket of some sort just in case liquid sunshine rears its ugly head.

8: Camera – Cruising will offer you the chance to see some amazing sights both on land and whilst at sea. Always remember to pack your camera along with any batteries or memory cards you may need. The last thing you want is to see a school of Dolphins and then realise you have left your camera at home.

9: Travel insurance and I.D. documents – Always remember to take with you all travel insurance documents along with possible photocopies of your passport and any medical cards you carry. If you were to lose your passport then having copies will speed up the replacement process.

10: Sunglasses – Another potentially obvious thing to take on your holiday but again one of the things many people forget about. The sun at sea is strong and the glare from the ocean can be blinding. The last thing you need is to be uncomfortable and unable to see the splendid scenery as you cruise the world’s oceans.