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I've worked on cruise ships for 7 years. Here are 9 things passengers should pack and 9 they shouldn't.
On the left, Erica and others standing in front of cruise ship. On the right, two blue-and-white beach towels
There's no need to pack your own beach towels.Erica DePascale; eyfoto/Getty Images
  • I have worked on ships for seven years and know what travelers should pack.

  • You can protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and hats.

  • Don't bring uncomfortable high heels or beach towels.

Many people don't know what to bring for a unique traveling experience, even though seven days of cruising may sound like a dream.

I have worked on cruise ships for seven years and have become good at packing.

Here are the things you should and shouldn't pack.

Always make sure to pack sunscreen

The sun in most cruise-friendly places can be very harsh and can burn you in no time.

If you forget sunscreen, you will have to buy it at a port where it will be more expensive.

Sea-sickness pills can help with nausea

After a lot of partying and some swaying seas at 2 a.m., you will be happy to have your own sea-sickness pills in your stateroom.

Many cruises have a formal night, so make sure you pack appropriate attire if you want to participate

someone putting nude-colored pointed high heels on their feet
Make sure you pack any formal shoes and accessories you may need.Ladanifer/Shutterstock

Although participating in formal night is optional, a lot of travelers don't know that it's on the itinerary.

Whether you choose a gown, a tux, or a simple dress, hitting the town all dressed up is always nice.

Lanyards with a cardholder make it easy to keep your key on you

The room key is an important companion when you step onto the ship. It is how you pay for everything on board, it opens your door, and it is required to get on and off the boat in port.

They are small and easy to misplace, so make your life easier by bringing a lanyard with a holder for the key.

Walking shoes are important on land and at sea

Woman wearing jeans and red sneakers on rocky beach
You'll likely have to do a lot of walking on the ship.ICHAUVEL/Getty Images

People think of sandals when they think of cruise footwear. Walking back and forth between ships can add up to a lot of steps. Make sure you have a pair of shoes that are comfortable.

Depending on the type of adventure, many shore excursions require sneakers.

Make sure you have enough clean underwear

Most cruise ships don't have self-service laundromats, so you have to send your clothes for dry cleaning, which is an additional charge.

To save money, make sure you pack undergarments that will last you throughout your stay.

You can pack your own wine, but don't forget to bring a corkscrew

It is possible to bring a certain amount of wine on board. Once on the ship, you will be charged a corkage fee to open it.

Bring a corkscrew to open it on your own.

Protect yourself from the sun with headgear

Brown sun hat on handle of white suitcase
The sun can be very strong in some destinations.Nakayama Toshio/EyeEm/Getty Images

The sun is stronger than most people are used to. The tops of many heads get red an hour into a tour or beach day.

Make a conscious decision to wear a hat or scarf.

Bring some sweaters to stay cozy on the ship

It may seem odd to pack sweaters on a Caribbean adventure, but the ship is very cold and air-conditioned.

You can watch an ice show without a sweater on some cruise ships.

On the other hand, super high heels aren't worth the risk

person wearing green high heels with red bottoms
High heels can be tricky on a swaying ship.Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

I want you to look fabulous, but excessive high shoes on a swaying ship can lead to injury. I speak from experience.

Don't bother trying to pack alcohol in shampoo bottles

It is a common ruse that cruisers attempt to sneak on alcohol in containers.

Security is trained to look out for these tricks and will take the liquor.

Irons are prohibited on board

Since they are a fire hazard, clothing irons are not allowed on most cruises.

If you pack one, your bag is likely to be flagged by security until you leave the cruise.

Although they may be romantic, real candles are also a massive fire hazard

lit, white candles arranged on corner of tub
Candles are too much of a hazard.Tatiana Soares/EyeEm/Getty Images

Candles are a huge fire risk, so they are not allowed.

If you want to set the mood for your jacuzzi date, bring battery-operated candles.

Even if they're legal in certain places, drugs aren't allowed on board

There is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs on cruise ships.

It also includes prohibited substances that may be found in the port.

Trying to bring a gun may land you in legal trouble

I have seen passengers try to bring firearms with them multiple times.

The gun will be taken away and you and your party will be denied boarding. You may face legal issues after that.

Skip packing beach towels and use the ones provided to you

Two yellow beach towels laid out on the sand
You can get free beach towels on the ship.Michael Edwards/Getty Images

If you don't pack your own beach towels, you'll save room and weight in your luggage.

You can get towels on the ship for your pool or beach day.

You most likely won't be allowed to fly your drone on the ship

A million-dollar drone shot of the ship with a beautiful backdrop isn't allowed on board, but many cruisers are looking to get one.

Most ports don't allow flying without permits, so you can't bring your drone off of the ship. Leave the space at home.

Cruisers aren't allowed to bring their own fresh produce

Clear, reusable bag with fresh lemons and limes
You'll have to toss any fresh produce you try to bring.Space_Cat/Shutterstock

Leave your fresh fruit at home and you won't have to worry about headaches.

Guests are not allowed to bring produce on or off the ship at any point. Fruits and veggies will be available on the cruise.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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