Are you getting ready for your upcoming cruise? It’s easy to forget things when packing for a cruise, especially when it comes to toiletries. I’ve been on a few cruises myself and have forgotten some important items, like a comb. I ended up having to buy it at the gift shop, which cost me way more than it should have. So, to help you out, I’ve created a cruise toiletry and cruise first aid kit packing list that you can download for free and use to make sure you don’t forget anything!
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First, the Toiletry Bag
One great tip that I have is to bring a toiletry bag with a hook so that you can hang it up in the bathroom. This is really helpful since bathroom counter space on a cruise ship is usually quite limited. I like this toiletry bag with a hanging hook.
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What to Pack in Your Cruise Toiletry Bag
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The cruise does not provide toothbrushes and toothpaste so you should bring your own. If you are like me and use an electric toothbrush, don’t forget to bring the charger!
Shampoo & Conditioner
While the cruise ship does provide shampoo and conditioner, if you’re particular about the products you use, it’s always a good idea to bring your own. Personally, I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner, especially on longer cruises.
Nail Cutter and Nail File
Nail cutter and nail files are something I always forget to bring on a cruise. I always end up either having to go for a manicure in the spa or buying one in the gift shop. I’ve learned from my past mistakes, so now I always have a nail cutter and nail file permanently in my toiletry bag and never unpack it so it’s ready for my next cruise!
Soap or Body Wash
The cruise does provide body wash in the shower dispenser. However, if you are like me and prefer a bar soap, make sure to pack one. I also like to pack it in this travel bar soap case that is leakproof. Also, don’t forget your loofah or bath sponge if you’re normally use it.
Comb/ Hairbrush
The same goes for your comb and hairbrush, bring your own, or else you will have to buy one on the ship.
Moisturizers and Face soap
Pack moisturizers, face cream and face soap. You don’t want to break your daily routine just because you are traveling.
Lotion
Depending on the cruise ship, sometimes they provide body lotion. But I’d bring my own just to be safe.
Razor and Shaving Cream
Don’t forget to bring your razor and shaving cream. If you’re going on a long cruise, pack an extra razor.
Feminine Products
Forgetting my pads and tampons is a major annoyance, especially when I end up paying a small fortune for them at the gift shop. The worst part? Sometimes they don’t even have the brand I prefer! To avoid this, I’ve learned to pack extra feminine products. Not only do I stash them in my toiletry bag, but I also tuck some away in my cruise carry-on bag and purse.
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Makeup
Don’t forget to pack your makeup for day and night.
Tweezers
If you’re going on a long cruise, you’ll probably need tweezers. I suggest packing it and leaving it permanently in your toiletry bag so that you always have one handy for future cruises.
Hair Elastics
I have a tendency to lose hair elastics so I always pack extra. There’s nothing worse than wanting to take a dip in the pool and realizing you’re without your hair elastics. And while we’re at it, don’t forget to pack any hair pins, clips, and hair bands that you absolutely can’t be without.
Hair Styling Products
Don’t forget to pack hair styling products that you normally use such as mousse and gels. As for hair spray, some cruise lines will prohibit aerosols so you should check to find out before bringing it onboard the ship.
Q-Tips and Cotton Buds
If you usually use Q-tips and cotton buds, then you should bring your own since most cruise ships don’t provide this.
Aloe Vera Gel
I always pack aloe vera gel when I know I will be going on a cruise where I’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach or the pool. Sometimes you still get sunburned, no matter how vigilant you are with reapplying sunblock. Aloe Vera gel will soothe sunburned skin and prevent your skin from flaking and itching.
Lip Balm with SPF
Pack a lip balm with SPF that can moisturize your lips and prevent sunburned lips.
Sunblock
Pack some sunblock that can protect your skin and that can fit in your bag. I like to pack at least a 50 SPF sunblock. I usually bring a sunblock stick for the face and cream for the body.
Bug Spray
Bring some bug spray that can fit in your bag and keep insects away. You don’t want to get bitten there! Again, check your cruise ship’s aerosol policy, you may want to pack a bug repellent cream instead.
Sewing Kit
I always bring a travel sewing kit just in case. It’s permanently in my toiletry bag for future cruises.
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Eye Glass Repair Kit
If you wear glasses, consider bringing an eye glass repair kit. During a recent cruise, my glasses broke and I ended up wasting time wandering around the port, attempting to get my glasses fixed. Save yourself the trouble by packing a repair kit—it’s compact and won’t take up much space. Trust me, you’ll be thankful you did. I like this small eye glass repair kit with a magnifying glass.
Laundry detergent
If you are going on a long cruise and think you will be washing in the sink or shower, bring some laundry detergent to make it easier. I like these travel detergent packs.
Wrinkle Remover
I always bring a small wrinkle releaser spray to smooth out the wrinkles in my clothes. It always comes in handy.
Stain Remover
Stains should be treated immediately, otherwise, it will set in the fabric. So I always bring these portable stain removers that work instantly without water.
Lysol Wipes
I always pack lysol wipes so I can sanitize my cabin. I like to wipe down the remote control, cabin phone, door knobs and more!
What to Pack in Your Cruise First Aid Kit
Prescription Medicine
Don’t forget to bring your prescription medicine. Always pack extra because you never know if you will experience a delay. Also, make sure you keep your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage, don’t leave it in your checked luggage.
Antihistamine
If you’re prone to seasonal allergies, bring some antihistamines such as Cetricizine.
Mosquito Bite Ointment
Pack some mosquito bite ointment; it will come in handy if you get bitten by mosquitoes. I’m prone to mosquito bites so I will always have it in my bag. I like these mosquito bite ointments that come in a roller so you can easily apply it on your bug bite!
Seasick Medicine
Years ago, cruise ships used to give out seasick medicine freely. Now, I find that is not the case. It’s best to bring your own seasick medicine (unless you want to pay Cruise ship gift shop pricing!) If you are cruising with kids, you should bring seasick medicine for kids– they are chewable and the dosage is meant for children.
Antibiotic Cream and Band Aid
I always bring an antibiotic cream and band-aid just in case. Sure you can get band aids from guest services but waiting in the long line is a hassle. Save yourself the trouble and bring your own band-aids!
Pain Relief
Pack your go-to pain relief medication in case you need it.
Heartburn Remedy
You’ll be eating a lot on the cruise! If you’re prone to heartburn, bring your heartburn medication just in case.
Cold Medication
I always pack cold relief medications and cough suppressants.
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Throw in a few anti-diarrhea medications in your cruise first aid kit, especially if you are traveling to a place where diarrhea is common.
Face Masks
Having just experienced a pandemic, I’m paranoid and pack extra face masks just in case I need them.
Thermometer
A small digital thermometer is a must-have item in my travel first aid kit. It’s much more convenient than relying on the cruise ship’s medical center to check your temperature. You might have to wait in a long line, especially during holidays, and sometimes the staff is not even available.
I learned this the hard way when my son got sick on Christmas Eve and we wasted hours in the waiting room. Don’t let that happen to you! A thermometer is easy to pack and handy to use- you’ll be glad you brought it!
Travel Blood Pressure Monitor
If you need to monitor your blood pressure, I suggest bringing your own instead of relying on the cruise ship medical center. I like this small, portable blood pressure monitor.
Oximeter
One thing I always bring with me on a cruise is a finger oximeter. It’s a little device that checks how much oxygen is in your blood. It was really useful for detecting covid pneumonia back when the pandemic was still going on. Even though we’re past that now, I still pack it just in case. It doesn’t take up much space anyway.
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Cruise Toiletry Bag and Cruise First Aid Kit Packing List: Free Printable
Get your free cruise toiletry bag and first aid kit packing list. Download our free PDF printable to help you with your cruise packing!
Note: Printables are for personal use only and may not be sold, posted or distributed.
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