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My readers always ask about my travels: where are the best places to eat? What attractions are worth seeing? Those questions always come with quick and easy answers. It wasn't until I was asked how to cruise comfortably, that I found myself really thinking of all my dreaded “middle of the ocean” moments of realizing I forgot something crucial. I didn't have a good cruise checklist to follow, I just winged it (with my grandmother's help). I still wish someone had given me their tips for cruising comfortably and confidently. Now, I've got about 5 cruises under my belt and can cruise without an ounce of anxiety. In fact, I just stepped off a cruise ship about a week ago. It's about time that I pass along my tips for cruising comfortably and confidently… because we all deserve a vacation of a lifetime!
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
Throughout my travels, I've learned how to pack a cruise bag like a pro! There are the basic (more obvious) essentials, like toothpaste and deodorant. Then there are the more complicated cruise essentials that not every girl would think of (especially a first-time cruiser). I like to keep my cruise packing separated into a few easy to remember categories, to keep myself sane: basic travel essentials, emergency kits, fashion, entertainment, activities, and beauty. This is a girl's guide on how to cruise comfortably & how to pack for a cruise. If you're packing for a spouse or children, the list would greatly expand. So, I'll keep it simple for all you pretties out there!
Grab your FREE Cruise Checklist PDF
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!
AGREED 🙂
That would take a really large suitcase! For motion sickness, the wristbands work well. We took my mother on a cruise and she got seasick, I put the bands on under her long sleeved sweater so she would not remove them and she was eating dinner twenty minutes after being sick. She had Dementia. I found cruises very cold with way too much air conditioning, so a heavy sweatshirt jacket or coat is needed for many of us. Dress up clothes need a nice matching jacket.
Yes! The sooner, the better! & thanks so much! The cruise list gives me so much nostalgia.
Thanks for the great cruise packing list! It’s so comprehensive. I love cruising. It’s been way too long since I’ve been able to go on one. Hopefully soon! {client}