Packing for your first cruise can be a little stressful. It’s hard to tell from the pictures of the ship and the cabins exactly what will and will not be provided for you. And unless you have been on a cruise before there could be a few items that you would not think to pack but will certainly need to make your vacation perfect.
Outlets are at a Premium on Cruise Ships
Most people travel with several electronics including a cell phone, laptop and tablet. But it can be challenging to locate appropriate places to charge these items in your cabin. The solution is to toss a power strip into your luggage. This will allow you to plug in multiple items and to take advantage of the longer cord to charge your electronics in a safe place. It is also wise to choose a power strip with a built-in surge protector. This is a simple and inexpensive way to protect your expensive electronics from surges and other types of dirty power from the ship’s electrical plant.
The Hazards of Dirty Clothes
Most of the cabins are smaller than a normal bedroom and dirty clothes can easily become a tripping hazard in the tight quarters. Some travelers choose to stow dirty clothes in their luggage and place the suitcase under the bed. If this is your choice, then be sure to bring a scented trash bag. It will eliminate the odor and prevent ruining your luggage with the odor of dirty clothes. Another option is to purchase a collapsible clothes hamper. Most department stores or even dollar stores sell these pop-up laundry hampers that collapse flat for easy packing in luggage. Also be sure to line the hamper with the odor fighting trash bag to keep your cabin smelling fresh even on a long cruise.
Avoiding Broken Toes
The cabins are very dark at night and then add in the compact size and you are asking for a stubbed or broken toe if you get up at night. But a compact LED night light offers just enough light to navigate to the bathroom and avoid a broken toe which would certainly put a damper on your vacation activities. The night light is also a welcome feature when you return from dinner to a dark cabin and are trying to find the light switch.
Tiny Cabins Have Even Tinier Bathrooms
You might be noticing the theme here that things on a cruise ship tend to be smaller than what most people are used to at home and the bathroom is no exception. Vanity space is certainly at a premium, but that doesn’t mean that you should surrender your personal necessities. Purchasing a quality toiletry bag that unfolds and hangs from the top of the bathroom door is a game changer. Now you have easy access to everything that you need. Most bags are offered in an assortment of sizes so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
Investing just a few dollars in these must have items before your cruise will certainly help you to adjust and enjoy your life aboard a cruise ship.
