My mom and I did a ton of research on what to bring prior to our cruise at the beginning of the year (see my recap of the trip here!). It was her first ever cruise and my second, so we didn’t really know what exactly to expect. Even though we did lots of preparing and read up on everything, there’s only so much you can know until you’ve actually lived it. That’s why I decided to make a list of my own recommendations on what to bring! Check out our round up of what we wish we had brought plus what we were thankful we did bring below!
WHAT WE WISH WE HAD BROUGHT
– Tape: I know this one seems a bit random, but every night we received a schedule of all the activities for the next day. We often said how nice it would’ve been to be able to tape this up to the wall in addition to all of the other information we needed to reference like our wifi password and more.
– Extension Cords: While we did bring a power strip because there’s only one outlet in the entire room, we missed the part about extension cords. The only plug is across from your bed by the desk, so there was no laying in bed with your phone while it was charging. It also would’ve been nice for both of us to be able to get ready with our hair dryers, straighteners, etc. at the same time, and not be crowded in front of the same mirror.
– Command Hooks: It’s no secret that rooms on cruises are very small. Since we were on the boat for a week, we packed a lot of clothes, bathing suits, etc. We also didn’t have a patio, so, unfortunately, we couldn’t hang our bathing suits to dry outside. I often thought “I wish I had a hook right here so I can hang my purse and bathing suits”. By hanging things on the wall, you’ll have more room in your closet and on the one table you have.
– Additional Hangers: This is totally something I should’ve thought about. Like I said, we brought a lot of stuff on this trip and I’m the kind of person who likes to see everything at once. I had three to four dresses hung on each hanger which was a little annoying for this girl who is all about organization.
THE BEST THINGS WE BROUGHT
– Over the Door Shoe Organizer (but not for your shoes): This was a lifesaver y’all and all the credit goes to my mom! We brought one of these for over our closet door and put things like snacks, hair brushes, sunscreen, literally anything and everything in it so we could have everything out of the way. If you take away anything from this blog post, bring one of these.
– Power Strip: As I said, there’s only one outlet in your entire room. So in addition to your extension cords, a power strip is crucial!
– Water Bottles: Seems like a no brainer but sometimes you can forget! The best part about mine is that it has a little hook so I was able to hook it on to the outside of my backpack and not have to worry about taking off the backpack to get to my water bottle (something that will slow you down). Buy the exact one I brought here!
– Towel Clips: It can get pretttttyyy windy on those days at sea! We borrowed some towel clips from a friend so we didn’t have to worry about our towels flying away.
SHOP THE LIST
Madison says
I would never have thought to bring some of these! This is so helpful!
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Hillary Conheady says
Yay! Thanks, Madison!
xo, Hillary
Cathy says
What great tips! This sounds like such a fun vacation. Love your dress too!!
XOXO
Cathy
Hillary Conheady says
Thanks, Cathy!
xo, Hillary
Renee || Getting Fit Fab says
Great list! I don’t bring a power strip but I cruise with my husband so we don’t have to do our hair at the same time LOL. The over the door shoe holder is truly the best thing for cruises, it keeps everything organized!
Hillary Conheady says
Yes!! Such a life saver!
xo, Hillary
Tanvi Rastogi says
Shoe organizer makes SO much sense. I have never been on a cruise but when I do go, I will surely come back to your post.
❥ tanvii.com
Hillary Conheady says
Yay! Love hearing that!
xo, Hillary
Stephanie says
I’ve never been on a cruise, so I guess some of these do sound a tiny bit odd to me, but it’s good to know for the future – since I really DO want to go on a cruise one day!
Greta says
Definitely saving this. I’ve never been on a cruise so it’ll be good to have this handy if I ever go!
Kileen says
Love this post! I love how small these little details are, but they can make such a big difference! They are easy to overlook, so thanks for listing these!
Kileen
cute & little
Liz says
This definitely comes in handy as I’m leaving for my first cruise on Thursday! Would’ve never thought of these!
Lee says
Ahh the over the door shoe organizer idea is brilliant! Definitely going to steal that idea!
Torey says
This is such a helpful post! Saving this for when I go on a cruise!
Alyssa says
This makes me want to go on a cruise, so I can be overly prepared! Loved it!
Laura Leigh says
Okay y’all are genius for what you brought and what you have thought about for future cruises!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Ada says
Oh wow, these are things I wouldn’t have ever thought of! Definitely keeping in mind for my next cruise.