The Perfect Beach Bag: 7 Must-Pack Essentials
If your idea of a shore excursion means taking your lounge act from the pool to the sea, don’t leave the ship without our packing list for your day at the shore:
Photo by Sea Bags
The Tote
Go for a bag that’s roomy — and functional enough to double as your airplane carry-on. With plenty of pockets on the inside and out, this one’s a fine example. Plus, there’s a grommet at the base, so any sand that gets in will slip right through it. We’re particularly fond of this design because it’s made from recycled sails salvaged straight from the waterfront district in Portland, Maine. And how cute are the rope handles? Ogunquit Beach Tote, $195, seabags.com.
Photo by Supergoop!
1. Sunscreen
Fast-absorbing, broad-spectrum, oil-free, sweat-proof … no matter what your personal sunscreen criteria, opt for a formula that’s suitable for both body and face and comes in a TSA-friendly size. Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30, $19, supergoop.com.
Photo by Rowley Eyewear
2. Sunglasses
Our advice? Use the cruise as an excuse to upgrade your current pair. Veteran designer Cynthia Rowley’s reliably chic eyewear collection is produced by a prestigious, family-owned, New York-based manufacturer. You can even customize the lenses with your prescription — a quick step during checkout — for around $30. No. 07, $109, rowleyeyewear.com.
Photo by Thomas Paul
3. Zippered Pouch
Don’t let your belongings get soggy or soiled: Keep your phone, room key, and other small valuables in a sand-proof, secure, and easily accessible spot. Ship Seersucker Pouch, $16, thomaspaul.com.
Photo by Helen Kaminski
4. Hat
The most stylish women on the ship know this raffia visor well. The classic design is adjustable, rolls up easily, and doesn’t mess with your hair. Best of all, the fabric has UPF 50 sun shield, a rare but welcome feature. Mita, $120, Helen Kaminski, shop.helenkaminski.com.
Photo by Lands' End
5. Water
Staying hydrated on the beach is key — that much you know. But a reusable water bottle comes in really handy on a cruise even when you’re not on the shoreline. Fill it up with your beverage of choice for a sea day by the pool or before setting off on a shore excursion. We like the fact that this one can be monogrammed, and it comes in six colors. Water bottle, $12.50, landsend.com.
Photo by Proporta
6. Reading Material
A must for any vacationing bookworm, a tablet or e-reader device is the ultimate beach companion — as long as it’s housed in a protective case. Regular old print magazines have their merits, too: They’re disposable, no one will steal them, and it’s no biggie if they get wet. Joules Case — Anchor Print (compatible with iPad® 2, 3, and 4), $65, proporta.com.
Photo by L'Occitane
7. Wipes
Premoistened towelettes, with an invigorating lemony scent, are a convenient way to freshen up on the fly, especially after a day of sun, sweat, and salt. Verbena refreshing towelettes, $12 for a pack of 15, usa.loccitane.com.
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