How to cruise comfortably and confidently: A girl’s packing guide & FREE ombré cruise checklist

 If you're cruising for the very first-time, you're most likely filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. You don't really know what to expect because it's an adventure like no other. I specifically remember feeling completely clueless about what to pack. I was cruising with my grandmother (a very experienced cruiser), so I had the pleasure of getting a couple of tips from her. She didn't give me many ideas, but made certain that I didn't leave home without motion sickness medicine and the her favorite headache relief medication: Excedrin® Extra Strength. Let's just say that she didn't give great advice in terms of cruise fashion, but that cruise emergency kit was a lifesaver! 

 My mind always falls back to the moments when Excedrin® Extra Strength saved the day. It was (and still is) a key must-have to cruising comfortably and confidently. Being the adventurer that I am, cruising comes with really early mornings and incredibly late nights. I tend to do more physical activity on a cruise than I do at home, which sometimes leaves me a little pained. I need fast headache relief that will get me back to the fun in no time! So, when packing your cruise bag, be sure you have a bottle of Excedrin® Extra Strength and you might want to keep a bottle of Excedrin® Tension Headache in your bag if traveling stresses you out! I take one every time I travel to keep those tension headaches at bay. Please be sure to use all Excedrin® products as directed. 

How to pack a cruise bag – a girl's guide

Basic Essentials

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush 
• Bath Sponge
• Razor & Blades
• Body Wash
• Ear Swabs
• Tweezers
• Passports & other Picture ID
• Facial Cleanser

Emergency Kit

You can grab Excedrin® Extra Strength and Excedrin® Migraine for your emergency kit at a Walmart near you in the Pain Relief aisle. 

• Excedrin® Extra Strength
• Excedrin® Tension Headache
• Motion Sickness Medicine
• Bandages – Small & Large
• Tampons/Pads
• Eye Drops
• Sunblock
• Bug Repellent
• Hair Ties
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Aloe Vera Lotion/cream

Cruise Fashion

It's important to keep in mind that you will most likely be changing your clothes a couple of times per day, hence the excess amount of clothes (plus women need options).

• Tank Tops – 1 per day
• Dresses/Skirts – 1 per day
• Undies & Bras
• PJs
• Sun Hats
• Sunglasses
• Bathing Suits – bring a few!
• Sandals/Flip-flops
• Heels
• Formal Dress – 1 or 2 (or more if you want to dress up for dinner every night)
• Jewelry

Activity Preparation

This is for ship activities and excursion that you may have booked off the ship – at your port of calls. Pack according to your plans, but these are the basics that you can use just about anywhere. 

• Tote Bag – for ship adventures. 
• Backpack – for exploring the islands
• Snorkel Gear – for the beach! 
• Waterproof Camera 
• Beach Blanket (if you plan on lounging)

Beauty Supplies

• SPF Foundation
• Moisturizer
• Waterproof Mascara
• Bronzer
• Body Shipper
• Flat Iron & Curling Iron
• Perfume
• Beach Waves Hair Spray
• Bright Lip Colors
• Nail Polish & Remover
• Nail Clippers

Entertainment 

These are all optional, but are great while you're waiting to embark and disembark. These are also great if you enjoy relaxing on the beach or by the pool. 

• Reading Books
• Puzzle Books
• Tablet (with movies or books)
• MP3 Player
• Card Games – great for groups! 
• Beach Ball
• Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Tell me about a time when Excedrin could have saved the day!