Packing for a cruise sounds easy, right? Swimsuits, sunscreen, comfy clothes, and you’re good to go. But after sailing on dozens of ships, I can confidently tell youโforgetting the right essentials can lead to frustration… or worse, a $12 bottle of conditioner from the gift shop (ask me how I know ๐ ).
Hereโs the thing: While cruise ships do a lot of things incredibly well, theyโre not exactly stocked like a Target. If you leave behind something small but important, you may be stuck with limited choicesโor a higher-than-youโd-like price tag.
Letโs talk about a few of the most commonly forgotten but necessary itemsโand how different cruise lines stack up:
๐จ Hairdryers
Always a hot topic. Will you get a full-size blow dryer like you often find on Norwegian? Or a wall-mounted, push-button version like the one on Virgin Voyages? Spoiler alert: It’s not always salon-quality. If youโre picky about your hair tools, pack your own travel-friendly dryer (just check the cruise lineโs rules on heat tools first!).
๐งด Shower Amenities
This varies a lot. Royal Caribbean and Carnival typically offer a combo shampoo/body washโand thatโs just not going to cut it for me. Princess and Virgin Voyages do a better job with separate shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in dispensers, which I really appreciate.
Still, I once forgot my conditioner on Royal Caribbean and paid $12 for a basic bottle onboard. Lesson learned!
๐งผ Hand Soap: Bar vs. Bottle
Hereโs a sneaky oneโhand soap. Most cruise lines still provide bar soap at the sink, which just doesnโt cut it for everyone (Iโm in the liquid soap fan club myself ๐โโ๏ธ). Some lines, like Virgin Voyages or Celebrity, offer liquid hand soapโbut itโs not guaranteed.
So if youโre like me and prefer a pump bottle, toss a small one into your checked bag. Your hands (and your sanity) will thank you later.
๐๏ธ Forgot Something?
Royal Caribbean has started to make things easier. On Oasis of the Seas, thereโs a vending machine stocked with travel-size sundries, snacks, and even tech items. Handyโbut you still canโt count on everything being available. If itโs something you need, bring it with you.
The bottom line? Save space in your suitcase, but not at the expense of your sanity. A little pre-cruise prep can go a long way toward making your vacation smoother and less stressful.
Now itโs your turnโwhatโs something youโve forgotten on a trip and wished you hadnโt?
Drop it in the commentsโIโd love to hear your travel oops moments (and maybe help you avoid a repeat!).
Let’s chat about your next adventure!
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Betsy
