Let me take you back to the moment I realized I’d messed up—big time.
I was two days into my dream cruise, sailing through the glistening turquoise waters of the Bahamas, sipping what should have been a celebratory piña colada. But instead of feeling relaxed, I was frustrated, sunburned, and silently kicking myself for forgetting three little things that nearly ruined the whole vacation.
I had read blogs, watched packing videos, and even made a checklist. But in the end, I still forgot some essential items that aren’t obvious until you’re stuck in the middle of the ocean realizing there’s no corner store to bail you out.
If you’re a first-time cruiser (or even a seasoned one), let me share my story and spare you the stress. Here’s what I forgot and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
1. Sunscreen – The Price of Forgetting Protection
I know what you’re thinking: “Who forgets sunscreen on a cruise to the Caribbean?”
Apparently, me. In my frenzy of packing outfits, gadgets, and accessories, I completely left it behind. And by Day 2—after just a few hours lounging by the pool and walking around Nassau—I was roasted.
I’m not talking about a little pink. I was tomato-red, sore, and miserable. I couldn’t enjoy the sun, and every outfit rubbed against my skin. The worst part? The only sunscreen available in the ship’s gift shop was overpriced and underwhelming.
Why This Matters:
- Sun exposure is intense at sea—even under cloud cover.
- A bad burn can lead to headaches, chills, and ruined excursions.
- Most onboard or port shops charge 3–5x the normal price
Pack reef-safe, high SPF sunscreen (preferably waterproof) and reapply often. Also consider aloe vera gel just in case.
I missed half of a beach day hiding under a towel, miserable. I’ll never forget sunscreen again.
2. A Cruise-Approved Power Strip – The Cabin Nightmare
Cruise cabins are cozy—and that’s a kind way of saying small. What I didn’t realize was how few power outlets they have. My cabin had two. That’s it.
Now imagine two people trying to charge:
- Two phones
- A smartwatch
- A camera
- A hair straightener
- And a portable fan
It turned into a chaotic game of unplug-something-to-plug-something. And to make things worse, the power strip I brought got confiscated at check-in because it had surge protection—a big no-no on cruise ships.
Why This Matters:
- Cabins usually have limited outlets, and most are oddly placed.
- Cruise lines prohibit surge-protected power strips.
- You’ll need multiple devices charged daily (especially for excursions, photos, or CPAP machines).
Bring a cruise-approved non-surge power strip or USB hub. Also, check your cruise line’s website for their exact policy—each one is slightly different.
Not being able to charge my camera on the night of formal dinner? That stung.
3. A Mini First-Aid Kit – The Small Ouches That Became Big Deals
On Day 4, I cut my toe walking barefoot on the pool deck (yes, I know). It wasn’t a serious wound, but it bled—and I had nothing on hand. I had to walk all the way back to my cabin, dripping water, and then call for first-aid because I had no bandages, no disinfectant, and no idea how much the ship’s medical center would charge me.
Later that same trip, I got a mild headache and realized I didn’t pack any painkillers either. Rookie move.
Why This Matters:
- Cruise medical services are available—but expensive.
- Even basic items like ibuprofen or band-aids are pricey at the onboard shop.
- Aches, scrapes, or seasickness can ruin your day if you don’t have your go-to meds.
Lessons learnt
- Pack a mini first-aid kit that includes:
- Blister pads
- Adhesive bandages
- Pain relievers
- Seasickness tablets
- Antacids
- Cold meds
A cruise should be carefree. But when small problems turn into stressful ones, it chips away at the joy.
4. I Didn’t Bring Enough Cash (And Got Stranded)
I assumed credit cards would work everywhere. Then my excursion van broke down in Cozumel, and the tiny beach bar only took cash pesos. I had $20—not enough for food, a taxi, or emergencies.
Why This Almost Ruined My Trip:
- ATMs on islands charge insane fees (I paid $12 in fees for $40!)
- Some local markets & taxis only take cash
- Tipping (porters, guides, crew) is easier with small bills
How to Avoid This:
- Bring at least $100 in small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s)
- Get foreign currency before boarding (ship exchange rates are terrible)
- Keep emergency cash separate (in a money belt or shoe)
“I had to beg my tour guide to spot me lunch—so embarrassing!”
5. I Forgot Medicine (And Spent a Day in Bed)
I never get seasick… until rough waters hit on Day 2. I also got a migraine from dehydration and sun. The ship’s medical center charged $150 for Dramamine and Advil.
Why This Almost Ruined My Trip:
- Motion sickness pills onboard are expensive
- Basic meds sell out fast (especially on rocky sailings)
- Wasting a day sick = missing excursions & activities
How to Avoid This:
- Seasickness remedy (Dramamine, Seabands, ginger chews)
- Small pharmacy kit (Advil, Tums, bandaids, allergy meds)
- Electrolyte packets (dehydration hits hard in the sun!)
“I spent 12 hours hugging the toilet instead of swimming with dolphins
Quick Checklist: Must-Pack Cruise Items
✅ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
✅ Cruise-Approved Power Strip
✅ First-Aid Kit
✅ Painkillers / Seasickness Tablets
✅ Lanyard for Cruise Card
✅ Waterproof Phone Case
✅ Ziplock Bags
✅ Refillable Water Bottle
✅ Lightweight Day Bag
Don’t Let the Little Things Derail Your Big Trip
Looking back, my cruise wasn’t ruined—but those few forgotten items definitely took a toll. They caused stress, discomfort, and added expenses that could’ve easily been avoided.
So, if you’re prepping for your first cruise, here’s my advice:
Don’t overpack the fancy stuff and forget the basics. Cruise vacations are meant to be fun, not frustrating.