This is a short list of a few odd or less-known items for you to consider when cruising:
I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating; cruise packing is different from most other types of travel. The “rule” is “if you can carry it, you can take it” on a cruise with some exceptions like no clothing steamers, irons, drones, or weapons (check your individual cruise line for other items too).
If you travel Carnival Cruise Lines, they have these BIG printable luggage tags. I’ve gone on enough cruises that I like to use protective covers which attach to my luggage even if I don’t check my bags:
I have to note the tags and clips are not the exact ones I use but are similar. I bought mine several years ago and they are no longer available. The link in the image are highly reviewed though and similar. The covers are nice for keeping the paper tags from getting munched while traveling but some people use clear packing tape which works fine too.
The straps and towel clips are a MUST-have for beach-going, not just cruising. I started with the clips originally but they take up valuable space in your luggage. Now I just use them when I’m going for a quick beach day to Corpus where I’m throwing everything in my car. The straps are a great option though and I like them even better! There are different versions but the above ones are the brand I like. The straps are strong elastic that can be fitted to almost any sized chair. When you’re on the beach, it can get really windy! Wind loves to use beach towels as kites.
I’m including the Universal Travel Power Adapter – EPICKA All in One Worldwide Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor in my list of items you might not consider packing. You may be thinking “but I’m on the ship, there are US plug-ins. You’re right but on all of my Carnival cruises, there has been ONE US plug in the cabin and one in the bathroom. However, there were TWO more European plugs in the cabin… Ohhh ho, now you get me!
These are awesome for cruising! The walls in your cabin are metal so you can hang things like hats, scarves, jewelry, etc.
I recently purchased this suitcase for three days in Baja followed by a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise. It’s lightweight, carry-on approved and the pockets are amazing! This is my new favorite piece of luggage!
It also comes in three other colors but I went with the blue because I love the color and it stands out compared to other pieces of luggage if you have to check it.
I love this little waterproof backpack! I’ve taken it snorkeling and not had a drop get inside. Recently, I took it with me to the beach in Maztazlon where a wave engulfed it. My phone was unprotected in the front pocket (AHHH! OH NOES) and was dry as a bone. It also collapses into its own little baggy and weighs next to nothing when not in use.
When traveling, I like to use backpacks as my carry-on or for quick trips because duffel or tote bags are heavy on one arm. I can drape one strap over my shoulder or lug a backpack with both straps.
This backpack is great because the pockets expand without feeling too huge. You should see how much crap I can get in this sucker!
**Note: There is an anti-theft pocket but the straps are NOT anti-theft.
Surge protectors on cruises (and other banned items)
You may want to consider a surge-free power strip or multi-plug adaptor. I picked up a surge-free power strip for about $5 at Target. I leave it in my cruise supplies so I don’t get it mixed in with the household ones.
The biggest issue regarding why no surge protectors on cruise ships are because of safety issues. The shortest answer is electrical circuits in a house and a cruise ship are very different. In your home, electricity are grounded; only one prong on a plug is “live.” On a cruise ship, both prongs are “live.”
Because typical surge protectors only disrupt one of the live currents, in a ship scenario, the second current continues to run. This can create an imbalance of voltage between various power conductors supplying power throughout, which can cause overheating and eventually fires.
The Family Cruise Companion
Fire-related issues are one of the biggest concerns on cruise ships. This is also why your cabin walls are metal, you can’t bring your personal iron or steamer onboard, and smoking is a huge no-no except in designated areas.
A normal surge protector only breaks the circuit on the “live” electrical wire, whereas both the “live” and “neutral” wires carry current on a cruise ship. A ship’s wiring is different. Cruise ships (and other large ships) use an UNGROUNDED system to work around this. Instead of only one prong being live, cruise both the (live and neutral on land) wires.
Both prongs carry a live current, and unlike a land-based circuit where only the live prong would give you a shock, both prongs can shock you on a cruise ship.
The outlets are three prongs, but the ship uses a “floating” ground, where the wiring ground is connected but not really “grounded” to the earth. Because typical surge protectors only disrupt one of the live currents, in a ship scenario, the second current continues to run. This can create an imbalance of voltage between various power conductors supplying power throughout the ship, which can cause overheating and eventually fires.
Other banned items on a cruise ship
I mentioned personal irons and clothing steamers but there are several other “no-no” items when cruising. This is NOT a conclusive list. Be sure and check your cruise line’s list.
- NO:
- firearms
- weapons including pocket knives. This one is tricky- you used to be able to carry a small Swiss Army knife as long as the blade was shorter than 4 inches. After losing mine at check-in a few years ago, I found out this changed. Poop!
- Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors- this does NOT include knitting needles but CAN include sewing/ toiletry scissors so make sure and double-check before taking them
- Illegal Drugs & Substances.
- Hoverboards/ Skateboards/ Heelies
- Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Travel Steamers & Hot Plates.
- Handcuffs or restraints (sorry, no fun for you)!
- CBC Products and Marijuana. I did take some awesome CBC lotion with no trouble but don’t push your luck.
- Drones
- Homemade goodies. Prepackaged snacks are fine though
- Liquor or Beer. Wine is acceptable and most cruise lines allow one person per bottle. Watch your cruise lines though- Carnival recently made some changes to this rule
- Pool Noodles and Inflatable Pool Toys
- Kayaks and Surfboards
There’s more but you get the idea! Again, check with your cruise line before you start packing. Carnival says you can only use fireproof room decor but no one has ever checked mine. Also, make sure if you are using decorations like for your door, that you take some of that sticky tack stuff and NOT tape.