Cruises are currently one of the most sought-after and in-demand forms of travel. Reports from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that 52% of American adults are eager to take a cruise vacation this year.
Cruise vacations are appealing to Americans because of their all-inclusive nature, which includes personalized itineraries and port excursions.
While cruise lines make traveling easier since they schedule and prepare everything for guests beforehand, vacationers still need to prepare their own travel accessories and necessities to complete their experience.
We've listed out a few in this article, but if you've forgotten to pack a couple of them, don't worry!
As we discuss below, some cruise lines offer shopping experiences that can help you complete your accessories while you're already onboard.
Travel Hat
While you’re enjoying the amenities on the deck or lounging around on your private balcony, you can actually be exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This can cause UV damage to your skin, leading to sunburn, irritation, and wrinkling.
Wearing enough SPF can help with this, but packing a travel hat is a great way to ensure you’re blocking sunlight from your face.
Our previous post on ‘The Ideal Gift for the Traveling Jet Setter’ notes that hats with wide brims that shade the face and neck will provide sufficient sun protection.
Additionally, you can look for one with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric that blocks harmful UV rays. It’s also good to choose a hat that is lightweight and can be folded into your luggage for ultimate convenience.
Sunglasses
In addition to skin, UV damage also raises your risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. The harsh sunlight also reflects off the water, leading to glare.
This is when a reflection of light can create eye strain and damage to vision due to scattered light waves. As such, it’s important to keep your eyes protected.
Sunglasses are a packing list must-have, but travelers who forgot to pack a pair of sunnies in their rush to prepare for the cruise need not worry — some luxury cruise ships allow you to shop for sunnies onboard!
Case in point, Explora Luxury Cruises, which is known for extraordinary ocean journeys that offer wellness and luxury experiences, also offers onboard shopping experiences.
They carry eyewear brands such as Pink Maharani, Borsalino, and Maui Jim, among others.
Besides stylish frames, it’s important to find sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare and block off harmful UV rays.
This also ensures that your eyes are not strained, and you can see your surroundings clearly to appreciate any picturesque views. So, when you're doing your onboard shopping, make sure to check the UV rating labels.
Quality Watch
When you’re enjoying time out at sea, it can be difficult to keep track of time. Most smartphones are used to check the time, but it’s still good to have a quality watch on you.
Beyond its functionality, a watch enhances your overall look, allowing you to express your individuality and elevated taste.
Whether you go for a classic leather design or a contemporary steel look, watches are versatile accessories that can complement your outfits.
If you forgot to pack a watch or you’re looking to update your look with a new one, onboard shopping experiences like the one on Carnival Cruise Line can help with that.
Their luxury boutiques have renowned watch brands, including Bulgari, TAG Heuer, and Philip Stein.
The accessibility of having high-end brands all in one place can narrow down the options for the timepiece that’s meant for you.
Packing Cubes and Garment Bags
When preparing for a trip, one of the most important accessories you'll need is a way to organize your clothes.
Packing cubes are rectangular pouches made of fabric used to arrange the contents of one's luggage.
These come in different sizes to help categorize the clothes you’ve brought. For example, underwear goes into one cube, while shirts, pants, and swimwear have their designated bags.
If you need to pack your clothes without wrinkles or creasing, opt for a garment bag instead.
Some companies like MSC Cruises still adhere to formal dress codes and sometimes hold “gala nights” where guests can dress up in their finest. Garment bags can help retain the shape of any expensive garments like gowns, cocktail dresses, suit jackets, and tuxedos.
This can keep your outfits gala night-ready without the need for extra dry cleaning onboard.
Cruise travel can be different for everyone. However, having the right accessories can make your trip feel more convenient and luxurious, so it’s good to remember the essentials.
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