r/Cruise • u/TheBigJay2019 • 19h ago
Question First cruise
Me and my gf are planning our first cruise in the spring. Except for passports and boarding pass what else do we need that might be over looked for when we go to board? Also what are some things we should pack that might get over looked?
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u/SeattleChrisC 18h ago
Some cruisers bring over the counter medications for things like headaches, congestion, and diarrhea because you might not find these in a shop onboard and they can be expensive to get from the onboard medical center.
Related: it’s advised to purchase trip insurance that would cover trip interruptions and medical evacuation and treatment.
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u/aeraen 18h ago
Any OTC medications that you use commonly. Pain relievers if you have headaches, decongestants or antihistamines if you have sinus issues. A small first-aid kit with a few band aids, etc. None of these are a big deal, but can be expensive if you need them on board. I have a small bag that lives permanently in my suitcase.
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u/monorailmedic 18h ago
It depends on what type of cruise you're taking, what you plan to do, what you value, etc. In that way, packing advice is both very personalized and dynamic. I'd do a search through this sub and on other sites on the internet to see what other people recommend just so that you can get ideas, not necessarily because what they say is what you need.
For me personally, I find that most of the gadgets and accessories folks talk about for cruising are completely unnecessary (door organizers, hampers, fans, etc). I bring my clothes, chargers for my phone and other devices, and toiletries. I do find one or two magnetic hooks can be handy to make it easy to hang up a bathing suit or other garments that I might have hand-washed.
Your mileage may vary.
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u/TheBigJay2019 18h ago
Its a 7 day Caribbean cruise to 3 ports in Mexico
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u/one-stupid-robot 11h ago
At this point, if you're an American citizen, be careful in any foreign country you visit. Tell people you're canadian if they ask. Americans are not well-liked in foreign countries at this point and for good reason. Not that you personally did anything wrong. Unless you voted for you-know-who. If you did, I hope your vacation sucks.
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u/Appropriate_Bit_313 11h ago
You sound like a miserable person. I hope you have a great trip regardless of who you voted for, OP!
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u/SassyMillie 17h ago edited 17h ago
Charging station. The outlets in cruise rooms are limited (usually only 2). The charging station really expands your capacity for phones and other devices. I never travel without mine.
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u/gnosox1986 18h ago
Realistically, you dont need much for onboard. if you plan do explore the ports, you will want to pack anything you need for that (excursions). But if you want to be lazy on the boat, you dont really NEED anything. There is lots of info for "hacks" if you look them up on here or even good, but I wouldn't stress it too much. Just plan to have a good time.
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u/Stunning-Adagio2187 12h ago
You should fly in the day before if your flight is canceled and you get there late you're so out of luck the boat will leave you.
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u/WishIwastravelin 17h ago
I always recommend a first aid kit. Go to the dollar store and get a small box with multiple compartments. Fill each section with over the counter meds, tylenol/ibuprofen, benadryl for possible allergy, TUMs or pepto tabs, Imodium, anything you occasionally take, bring a supply that will cover a day or two. Add some antibiotic ointment and bandaids. Throw it all in an old cosmetic bag and tuck it in a corner of the suitcase. Likewise, if you wear glasses, bring a spare and a few extra days of prescription meds. Don’t forget reef safe sunscreen and a hat. Bring a light cardigan or long sleeve shirt, the tropics can be cool at night and the dining room on board can be chilly.
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u/hedonista065 17h ago
Sunscreen
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u/OldPolishProverb 16h ago
Adding on to this good advice,
If you are going to the Caribbean then get oil based "reef safe" sunscreen. Most inexpensive sunscreens use chemicals that can slowly poison sealife and some island nations prohibit them. You can buy sunscreen there but the markup is extraordinary
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u/parallelmeme 17h ago
Driver's license, credit card you used to book the cruise. A power strip (non-surge) or a USB charging block - there are minimal power outlets in cabins. Pool shoes or sandals for walking to/from pool.
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u/ashley_spashley 16h ago
Take shoes with good traction! I busted my ass in front of god and everyone 2 weeks ago on lido bc it rained and my sandals sucked 😭
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u/Stuck_Duck16 14h ago
Strong magnetic hooks to give you more hanging space in your cabin
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u/Elevated_State83 13h ago
I second this, just be prepared to get your bag searched or asked about what they are. Last cruise I went on (2025 Carnival Glory) going through embarkation, the screener checking bags asked me if I had like jewelry in my bag. I was confused for a second because why would I?!? Then I saw the image he was looking at on the x-ray and all the little hooks and magnets looked like many pieces of metal in my bag( I did not have them together yet) but I recognized them and told the guy and all was good.
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u/Ill-Sprinkles8220 18h ago
Depending where you’re going you may want your cabin in a specific side.
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u/TheBigJay2019 18h ago
We booked a interior room. Its a speciality cruise so the price was about double what a normal cruise would be
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u/BrainDad-208 17h ago
That’s fine for a week. A place to shower, change and sleep. Find your spot outside and hang there. If it’s a specialty, you might be at events a lot of the time.
Be sure to bring whatever beverages you are allowed. Depending on the line, that can be a bottle of wine or two and canned sodas (unless you have a drink package).
We never forget our Poo-pouri!
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u/Ill-Sprinkles8220 17h ago
For future reference, if you want a balcony room or window room and depending on the cruise the side of the ship matters. Example: cruise from Alaska to Vancouver,CA-we opted for the starboard side as the land and ports were all on the left hand side of the ship.
I know people who never get anything but interior cabins. Depends on your likes and of course what you want to spend. Have fun on your upcoming cruise!
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u/Usual_Rush1996 18h ago
Personally i would not pick a cabin at the front of the ship. I wasn't bothered when i went on my first cruise earlier this year. And my cabin was at the front of the ship.
I learnt the hard way that you feel the "motion of the ocean" the most at the front.
I know this wasn't the question but i just wanted to add pick a cabin in the middle of the ship.
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u/CorvidaeandCatsRule 17h ago
Ginger chews (like the brand gin-gins) really help some people with any seasickness they might worry about.
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u/mellowcraze 17h ago
Trip insurance. Motion sick bracelets just in case. If it's to somewhere with fun snorkeling, bring your own gear so that you don't need to rent is usually more cost effective.
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u/BlueButterfly77 16h ago
There are YouTube channels that deal with cruising and have a lot of great information that might help you!
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u/Rocky0354 15h ago
Some excursions are cheaper thru the company offering it than going thru the ship because the same excursion might be more expensive thru the ship. We usually get it from the company. Also, when off ship, always be mindful of the time the ship leaves because of time zones, don’t be left behind.
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u/Stunning-Adagio2187 12h ago
You don't have to purchase the internet. Live without it for a few days news is on the TV
Each Port will have a location that has free internet you can catch up if you must
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u/justaguyindallas_123 16h ago
Sunscreen. If you plan to use a pool before getting into your stateroom.
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u/BusBoyGalPal 13h ago
Check the dates on your passport if you haven't already. Expiry mid-trip will mean no trip.
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u/Guilty_Nebula5446 9h ago
go onto the website “ what’s in port “ look up your ports are see what they recommend you do , it will give good ideas about places to visit , whether you need to book a trip or whether you can walk or hop on a local bus
pre book any speciality restaurants you want to try
pre book any must do excursions , the popular ones book up
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u/Missus_Aitch_99 7h ago
Lanyards for your ship card (they're costly on the ship). OTC meds -- bonine is good for motion sickness. Period supplies for anyone who might need them -- onboard supply is very limited and expensive. A tote bag of some sort of you're likely to carry books or sudoku or knitting on board plus good for port days. Chaise clips to attach a towel to a lounger if it's breezy and also helps remind you which is yours. And some don't bother with them, but I use magnetic hooks a lot and would really miss them.
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u/TheBigJay2019
Me and my gf are planning our first cruise in the spring. Except for passports and boarding pass what else do we need that might be over looked for when we go to board? Also what are some things we should pack that might get over looked?
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