I often get asked "What should I take on my cruise?" Obviously, there are givens; You must take your travel documents, clothes, toiletries, etc. Then there are the things you might not think to take that will definitely make your vacation SO MUCH BETTER. Some of these things help with organization, some of these things will help if you end up with less than stellar circumstances, and some of these things just add to your enjoyment! Here's my list! (this post contains affiliate links and I receive a small commission if you order through my link)

1. Over the Door Shoe Organizer: This is my number one for cabin organization. The clear pockets allow me to see what's where and I can store small things as well as some bigger items. It's easy to grab and go, and nobody has to ask me "Where's (insert random item here)??" because they know I'll probably just tell them to look in the shoe organizer anyway.

   
   

2. Magnetic Hooks: These are amazing for keeping up with your Sign and Sail (Sea Pass, etc) card if you keep it on a lanyard. Pop a magnetic hook on the ceiling and hang your lanyard on it as soon as you walk in the door. They can also hold anything else you need them to - drying bathing suits, hats, fairy lights... One weird bonus we've found is that when in an interior room, the motion we can see with the lanyard hanging from the ceiling kind of helps with any seasickness we might be experiencing.

3. Number three is actually two items, but they go hand-in-hand. A non-surge-protector power strip and a portable charger. There aren't many outlets in a cruise cabin, so it's nice to have a few extra. This power strip gives the advantage of a little extra cord as well as built in USB ports. This portable charger is lightweight and easy to use.

4. Poo-Pourri: Do I really need to explain?

5. Refillable Perfume Atomizer: I like a different perfume during the day than I do during the evening. Surely I'm not the only one...? These are great - they work really well if you're trying to fly with only a carry-on also!

6. Multi-Compartment Pill Organizer: This is great for taking all the ibuprofen, Benadryl, Dayquil, and any other Over-the-Counter medications you may need. These medicines are hard to find on the ship and (maybe not) surprisingly expensive! Rather than loading down your luggage with multiple bottles, just pop your choices into one or two of these and you'll have what you need at your fingertips!

7. Makeup-Removing Cloth: This plush microfiber cloth easily removes makeup WITHOUT you having to pack all that micellar water. Bonus - it can dry quickly on one of those magnetic hooks you're using.

8. Wrinkle Release Spray: There are no longer laundry rooms on most ships, so you'd have to send out anything you need pressed. If you have some of this goodness, you can just spray, hang in the bathroom while you shower, and you'll be good to go. As a bonus, if some of your garments are smelling a little less than fresh, this will freshen it up as well!

9. Kindle: I'm a book lover. A true bibliophile. I love libraries, the smell of books, the feel of books, the heft of a good hard back in my hands... but I don't love lugging a whole extra piece of luggage around just because I need to take 5 books with me on vacation in order to feed my literary appetite. This where the Kindle comes into play. My first cruise with a Kindle was a game-changer. I finished the book I was reading, then finished the electronic book I was reading...and then I COULD DOWNLOAD ANOTHER. I broke out into song "A whole new WOOOOORRRLLLDDDDD...." Not really, but I did download another 3 books on that trip. GAME. CHANGER. I also recommend a cute cover.

10. Refillable Water Bottle: It gets hot on the deck, you're going to get thirsty.

Remember - cocktail, water, rinse, repeat. Speaking of cocktails, ice melts quickly in the Caribbean, so you'll want to take a quality travel tumbler as well. I like this one from Owala because it is spill resistant. Depending on how many cocktails you've had, that can be a big deal.

11. A backpack or beach bag to take to the pool or ashore. This can be something you carryon with you, or a small bag you pack away and only use for towels, sunscreen, and whatever else you may need. There are so many choices here - you can make a fashion statement, or be a pack mule! It's all about your vibe.