Packing Tips for a Post COVID-19 Cruise
With the successful return to sailing, now is the time to consider what you will need to prepare for your upcoming cruise. Each cruise line will have different requirements when they welcome passengers on board, but here are a few things to consider packing in your suitcase (or carry-on) to take on your cruise.
1. Disinfecting Wipes
These come in handy not only on a plane or car ride but also in the cabin, during shore excursions, or when you need a quick clean for your hands, table, or other surfaces.
Our recommendation: Clorox disinfecting bleach-free wipes
2. Hand Sanitizer
While the cruise lines will have sanitizing stations throughout the ships, it’s a good idea to keep your own personal supply for times when you either can’t find a station or just need a quick squirt before eating or drinking. Several small sizes are available, many of which you can easily attach to a lanyard or fit in a pocket or purse.
Our recommendation: Travel-size hand sanitizer with keychain holder
3. Face Mask
While most cruise lines, airlines, and countries have lifted the face mask requirement, there may be times when you would feel more comfortable dawning one. Be sure to check the travel requirements for your trip well before departure. Also, those with certain medical conditions may seek extra protection in crowded situations.
Our recommendation: Protective mask that is washable and reusable
4. UV Sanitizing Light
These are great for sanitizing an area without harsh chemicals in your cabin or personal space. The travel size fits nicely in a bag or purse for quick and easy use on the go.
Our recommendation: Portable UV-C Germicidal Wand for Home and Travel
5. Night Light
A portable night light can be a lifesaver for middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom. Not only does it help prevent tripping over furniture, but it may also alleviate stubbing a toe on a wall, bed, or chair. A motion sensor night light is a must-have for hotels and cruise cabins and fits easily into a carry-on or checked bag.
Our recommendation: Cruise cabin night light with motion sensor
6. Sunscreen & Aloe Vera
A day at the beach or lounging by the pool can be ruined by sunburn. Be sure to protect yourself with a high-SPF sunscreen before heading out and reapply often, especially if you are in the water. To keep your sun-kissed glow, be sure to moisturize with good after-sun aloe lotion.
Our recommendations: Sunscreen - Coppertone Sport SPF50 Travel Size multi-pack
Aloe - Bert’s Bees After Sun Aloe and Coconut Oil Lotion
7. Lanyard
Keeping track of your cruise card is easy with a lanyard. The clear pouch also has room for casino money, a few business cards, or anything else card-sized you need to carry with you. The hand sanitizer (mentioned above) easily clips right onto the lanyard.
Our recommendation: Cruise lanyard and key card holder (2 pack)
8. Power outlet expander
Many cabins only come equipped with one or two outlets, yet you have several devices that need to be used or charged at any given time. Inevitably someone needs to use a hair dryer, flat or curling iron while someone else is trying to charge up a phone or other devices simultaneously. Now several devices can be used with a cruise line-approved non-surge outlet expander.
Our recommendation: Cruise power strip with USB outlets (cruise line approved)
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What else are you packing for your cruise?
1 Comment
Posted by radiationman
Keep it minimal! We pack for seven day Caribbean cruises with just carry on. Just need bathing suits, few t shirts, pants, shirts, skirts for dinner, one sweatshirt and done. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are irrelevant for COVID (respiratory spread) though they are useful to help stop spread of flu, rhinovirus , and enteroviruses. We grab several packets of disinfectant wipes as we board the plane and put in our backpacks. Most important WASH hands frequently especially before meals, don't touch railings elevator buttons etc. if you must wash again! Sanatizing light is overkill. Sunscreen etc., can't be bothered with plastic bags at TSA etc. we just but a tube on the ship and discard any leftover if we don't finish it. A lanyard is for dorks! Put your card in your pocket, there is enough hand sanitizer to go around you do not have to carry a bottle all day. 9 Power expander is a good idea we have a cube version with multiple usb ports, and a standard outlet. It adapts to US, UK, and EU outlets. Masks still a great idea, we are still wearing N 95 masks in crowded or enclosed spaces including but not limited to airports, airplanes, taxis/ground transport, tenders with poor air cirulation, theatres etc. We also carry a complete "med" kit which now includes Paxlovid, Xoflusa, Antibiotics, Steroids, benadryl, motrin etc. Band aids, Dermabond and other bandaging supplies. One never knows. On longer trips we check one bag for two of us and include boots, heavy coats, sweaters, extra clothes etc. based on location of trip.