The Top 10 Cruise Essentials – What to pack

The great thing about a cruise is that you only have to unpack once. As soon as you’re on board there’s no living out of a suitcase, you can make your stateroom your own. However, you still need to be sensible about what you bring so here are our Top 10 items that you shouldn’t leave home without…

1. Guide Books

Cruise ships are very good at providing information on what there is to do in each port, including shore excursions, but if you want to go it alone make sure you take a look at our port guides or pack a good guide book that fits easily into your day pack.
Our pick: Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides, £Prices vary, DK Travel http://traveldk.com

2. iPad

As the fastest selling gadget ever, the iPad’s popularity is without question. Light and perfectly-sized for travel, load it up with apps, games, music and films and you’ll be able to keep the whole family entertained on board.
Our pick: Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi, £632.64, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/377qmv9

3. Travel Wallet

There are a lot of important documents to remember: your passport, flight details, tickets, currency, so keep them in one convenient place and make sure the wallet is with you at all times in your hand luggage.
Our pick: Leather Travel Wallet, from £205, Smythson www.smythson.com

4. Sunglasses

Easy to leave at home but essential whether you’re off to sunny climes or the Arctic Circle. It’s worth spending to ensure you have good UV lenses and you’ll never be spotted squinting in photos again.
Our pick: Ray-Ban CATS 5000 Shiny Black 601/32 Ray-Ban Sunglasses, £92.99, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/39c7uby

5. Sun Cream

Remain safe in the sun with high protection sun factor. A spray is often more convenient and a clear product avoids the unpleasant chalky skin appearance. Make sure you apply 30 minutes before you go out into the sun and reapply every couple of hours.
Our pick: Garnier Ambre Solaire Suntan Clear Protect Transparent Body Protection Spray High SPF 30 200ml – Zero White Marks, £8.99, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/344a4gx

6. Torch

Always a good item to carry when you’re travelling, a torch comes in handy for getting around your stateroom at night, or simply if you fancy a late-night read and don’t want to disturb your companion.
Our pick: Mag-Lite LED Torch – 3D Cell size – Black, £25.46, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/38nw3em

7. Hand Sanitizer

At most places on a ship you’ll find hand-sanitizer, and for safety’s sake you should use it whenever it’s offered, however it’s always a good idea to take your own pocket sized version for when you’re out and about, particularly just before and after eating.
Our pick: HAND SANITIZER GEL 3 PACK POCKET SIZE-ANTI BACTERIAL – 3 X 60ML, £1.49, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/38qexuo

8. Plug Adapter

Most ships have two-pin plugs so make sure you take a UK adapter for your camera charger, laptop or shaver.
Our pick: UK to US America Travel Adaptor, £0.98, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/3xadlvr

9. Travel Sickness Bands

Motion sickness is a common worry but in reality (especially on big ships) is rare experienced. Take some travel bands just in case though, failing that try ginger tablets. If you do suffer badly once at sea the on board doctor will be able to help.
Our pick: Sea-Band Wrist Band Drug Free Nausea Relief, £6.37, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/3xpxzha

10. Cabin Case

It’s the worse case scenario but if your suitcases get lost make sure that all your valuables and essentials are in your hand luggage. A hard-shelled, wheely case will make sure that nothing gets damaged and is the perfect size for the overhead cabin storage.
Our pick: Antler Flyweight Cabin Case – Graphite, £59, Amazon http://tinyurl.com/248wtge