SURPRISE ME!
A cruise is unlike any other vacation you have ever taken. Even after carrying out all your research, if you are still wondering what to pack in, you are not alone. To make it easier for you, we have put together this exhaustive list of things that will come in handy on your first (or any) cruise vacation.
Speaking of the scorching sun, you’ll definitely need to slather on a generous amount of sunscreen during your time on a cruise. It is a good idea to pack a bottle or two extra.

Yes, even if it is summer. Evenings and late nights can get pretty nippy on a ship deck and you do not want to cut your revelry short or be left shivering in the cold. Packing in a light jacket or a trendy stole will hold you in good stead.
It is common for cruise cabins to come equipped with a single charging point. If you are travelling with a partner – or multiple gadgets, for that matter – it makes sense to pack in a power strip.
Read more: Worth Every Penny: Top 5 Cruises Around The World
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While the evenings are cold, days can be scorching hot, especially if you are going to be outdoors most of the time. A sunhat will come in handy when you are lounging by the pool or exploring tourist locales en route.
If you are a shopaholic (who isn’t on a holiday, yes?), carrying an empty bag will save you the trouble of struggling to zip up an overflowing suitcase at the end of your trip. And even if you don’t end up buying a lot of things, it can come in handy to segregate your clean and dirty laundry.

Carrying your own water bottles or sippers proves extremely helpful when you are out exploring the length and breadth of your cruise ship, or are out on a port. You can also fill it up with your favorite fresh juice to stay hydrated.
Stuffing a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, wallet, passport, books, travel itinerary and more inside a tote or satchel can get a tad chaotic. Pack a comfortable backpack to lug around these essentials, and explore your surroundings with a free mind (and hands).
Read More: 5 Best Places To Go On a Cruise
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Medical supplies available onboard can often be overpriced and limited. If you have any chronic ailments such as migraine or asthma, you must always carry a generous supply of your prescribed medicines. In addition to these, pack some cotton balls, swabs, gauze pieces, band aids, pain-killers and ointments along with some over-the-counter meds for stomach infections, fever and flu.
Dealing with your dirty undies is the last thing you want to be worried about on a vacation. Invest in a few packs of disposable underwear so you don’t have to fret about not having enough clean underwear on your cruise trip.

Imagine the sky painted in a bright orange, with the sun all set to take dip in the mighty ocean waters, and there you are fussing over a discharged phone battery. Psst! Just carry a power bank or external charger, and top it up before you head out for the day.
You do not want to be woken up at an ungodly hour in the morning by the sound of vacuuming in the hallway, or be up at night because the guests in the neighboring stateroom decided to have a party. Ear plugs can prove to be quite the lifesaver in such situations.
Read More: A Cruise from Mumbai to the Maldives, No We're Not Kidding!
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To get an up-close look at all those amazing views during your time on the deck or off the ship, a binocular can come really handy. It isn’t really as essential as, say, sunscreen, but you’d be glad to have brought a pair.
In all likelihood, there won’t be an iron in your room thanks to fire safety precautions. Keeping an anti-wrinkle spray will ensure that you look dapper in every attire, even if it has been pulled straight out of the suitcase.
With this comprehensive list of essentials to pack in for your cruise, you’re all set to sail. Have a fun trip!
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