Cruise Question....

After the last Princess cruise, You guys know they lost all the luggage at the port. We pack essentials, Meds, cords, toiletries, copies of inoculation records, couple of quick clothing changes and jewelry. Phones, as they are essential now,

These all go into two carry-ons. Never out of our sight.

That being said. After the loss of luggage and the ability to make do, we have greatly reduced the amount of clothing we bring. Somehow the by product of the loss, re-aligned our priorities.

While pondering your question I was prepared to state something along the lines of "my wallet with cash & credit cards" but that's not something one "packs", but rather "carries". The same thing applies to travel documents, phones, medications etc.... I'm hesitant to say something like toothbrush, razor, or hair brush because if those items were forgotten they could easily and cheaply be replaced (even on board)

So I was considering what the one thing is that goes into the suitcase or carry-on every single time I pack for a cruise no matter the itinerary or duration, and would directly impact my time during the cruise. It wouldn't be any clothing item because that would change depending on the cruise itinerary. I mean, I wouldn't pack Hawaiian shirts for an Alaskan or Antarctic cruise etc....

My answer: I have a plastic clamshell container that goes into the suitcase EVERY SINGLE TIME. It contains the following: lanyards & waterproof card holders, magnetic hooks, cruiseline approved travel power strip w/USB charging ports, spare phone charging cables, nightlight, beach towel chair bands and floating waterproof phone cases.

i agree charging cords are a MUST!

Passport, meds, tookthbrush/paste, hair brush/comb & change of underwear are the necessary items. After that I have to say that now days it's charging cords. When we started cruising that wasn't the case. Now you need a phone to interface with the ship activities, sooooo. But if you mean an optional item, pajamas.