Planning Your Next Cruise? I Just Got Back from the Bahamas—Here’s What I Always Pack After Nearly 10 Sailings

Top Cruise Packing List Essentials from a Frequent Cruiser

Begley’s 3-in-1 Fragrance-Free Wrinkle Remover Spray, $7 (was $8)
Cruise On Cruise-Approved Power Strip, $18
Trubetter 24-Piece Travel Hangers, $14 (was $19)
Roe Wellness SPF 50 Mineral Power Sunscreen, $25
Canbox Compression Laundry Bag, $20 (was $21)
FeFu 8-Pack Extra-Large Beach Towel Clips, $9 (was $12)
Gemz Hydration Lock Solid Shampoo Tabs, $8
Tymo Cordless Mini Flat Iron, $64 (was $80)
Bite 2-Pack Toothpaste Tablets, $25
Diymag 20-Piece Magnetic Hooks, $10
Bagsmart Large Toiletry Travel Bag, $20

This Summer’s Hottest Souvenir? Your Hotel’s Decor

Begley’s 3-in-1 Fragrance-Free Wrinkle Remover Spray

Credit: Amazon

In my earlier cruising days, I made the mistake of bringing a portable steamer. Being a fire safety hazard, it was swiftly confiscated before embarkation, and being the rookie I was, I didn’t know what to do. So, I paid $7 per item for the cruise ship’s professional pressing services, and let me tell you, that bill added up. Not to mention, any rush or same-day fees can add a 50% surcharge, depending on the cruise line.

I’ll never make that novice mistake again, and nor should you! Because wrinkle remover spray works just as well. And one 3-ounce bottle of fragrance-free Begley’s is the same price as professionally steaming one item.

I mean, it’s a no-brainer.

Cruise On Cruise-Approved Power Strip

Credit: Amazon

$18 at Amazon

Think you can plug your regular phone or laptop charger into the wall? Think again. Most cruise ships only have one North American 110-Volt and one European 220-Volt socket, which means charging real estate is limited. They’re often in weird, inconvenient spots, too, like near a vanity—not bedside.

Surge protectors are also banned, so cruise-approved plugs, like the non-surge-protected USB multi-charger above, are an absolute necessity. This model is cruise-compliant, and its six sockets allow you to charge multiple devices at once. Thank goodness!

Trubetter 24-Piece Travel Hangers

Credit: Amazon

$19

$14 at Amazon

I’ve never been in a cruise cabin with enough closet hangers for two people. Most standard staterooms offer at least 10, but again, in tiny cabins, closet real estate is tough to come by. (Especially if you’re sharing with a roomie.)

But then I found these plastic, 1-ounce travel hangers. Each hanger in this 24-pack collapses to the size of a smartphone when folded (taking up very little room in a suitcase), and can hold up to 10 pounds. Once they’re out of your luggage and in the closet, though, their impact is indisputable.

The hangers can be used three ways: flat for T-shirts and jackets, in side-hook form for tanks and strappy garments, and folded for belts, hats, and other small accessories. You can even take these hangers on-the-go; hang them on the back of your lounger to air-dry wet bathing suits without leaving the pool.

Roe Wellness SPF 50 Mineral Power Sunscreen

Credit: Amazon

$25 at Amazon

My favorite sunscreen protects skin from sea day UV rays, but it has also become quite the conversation starter. Every time I apply this SPF-50 mineral powder sunscreen (to either myself or my daughter), someone approaches me and asks me if it works and where I bought it.

The answer is always: Yes, and on Amazon.

Roe Wellness’s mineral powder sunscreen is the mess-free alternative to liquid sunscreens and aerosol sprays. It has very soft bristles that make brushing a breeze (especially with unruly toddlers!), and it can be applied everywhere—even your face and scalp. It’s also made with non-toxic, cruelty-free ingredients, and a bottle containing 0.21 fluid ounces takes up little-to-no suitcase space.

Canbox Compression Laundry Bag

Credit: Amazon

$21

$20 at Amazon

I used to mix dirty and clean clothes in the same compression packing cubes, and upon returning home, sorting through the laundry was nightmarish. In my veteran cruiser era, I now rely on compression laundry bags and vacuum bags (see below). Both are space-saving game changers.

This 24-liter laundry bag is waterproof (as all cruise essentials should be, in my opinion), leakproof, and when completely compressed, shrinks down to the size of a regular packing cube. Close the air valve, fasten the buckle, and the laundry bag easily fits in your luggage.

Soiled clothes are now separated from clean clothes, and your post-cruise life will be so much easier.

I’ve compiled more cruise essentials from my go-to cruise packing list below. Starting at $7.

FeFu 8-Pack Extra-Large Beach Towel Clips