It’s something that you’ve been waiting for for ages. That first ocean-liner cruise. You’ve heard all the amazing things about cruising from your cruise-seasoned family and friends and now your ready to dip your foot into the water. You’ve bought the tickets and reserved your cabin, you’ve packed your bathing suit and flip-flops and other boat-worthy shoes and you’ve packed all the essentials. You’ve even reserved your port of Miami cruise parking spot with Safe Cruise Parking (hint, hint). But you are hardly prepared. And how could you be? It’s difficult to know just what you’ll need on a cruise if you’ve never been on a cruise. By packing along these helpful items, you’ll avoid feeling like a cruise rookie. Learn from veteran cruisers and pack what they pack:

  • An alarm clock. Start every cruise day off right by knowing what time it is. Cruise cabins often do not have an alarm clock, leaving guests to fend for themselves in regards to time management. You can arrange for a wake-up call but it is helpful to have your own clock should you wake not knowing what time it is and your phone has run out of battery.
  • Protection from the sun. Though sunscreen is a gimmee for any vacation-goer, sometimes lotions are not enough on a ship where sun is coming from both the sky and the sea. Make sure you have sunglasses, hats, long-sleeves and a good lip balm with you for added protection against sunburn.
  • Personal storage options. Cruise cabins are notoriously void of storage components. Bring your own shower hooks, over-the-door shoe organizers or collapsible closet organizers to store all the personal items you don’t want rolling around and cluttering up the cabin.
  • A collapsible cooler. Drinks can be very expensive on board. Bring your favorite sodas or drinks along with you as checked luggage. Pack a cooler with your preferred drink to keep poolside and avoid having to always buy them.
  • Ear plugs. From reveling light-night partyers to early-morning vacuuming maids, a cruise ship can be a noisy place. When trying to get some shut-eye, ear plugs can be a lifesaver.