Advice & Tips

The cruise industry is constantly evolving, with brand-new ships, private destinations, and exciting onboard experiences debuting each year. In 2025, for example, many cruise lines made headlines with new ship launches, private destinations, and expanded itineraries.

While there are those things that you should always bring with you on vacation — think toothbrush and toothpaste, underwear, etc. — there are also "good to have" items that are not as obvious. 

Before you leave for your vacation, make sure that you pack these 20 things that will make your cruise better. 

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One of the most confusing parts about planning a cruise vacation is figuring out how much cash to bring. Because your fare and add-ons, including drink packages, shore excursions, and specialty restaurants, are often prepaid, you don't need to worry about carrying a wad of cash in your pocket to pay for incidentals onboard. 

Still, there are certain instances where having cash is handy. For example, you will want to tip your shore excursion tour guides. You may also want to try your luck in the casino. 

Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. What's the best cruise line? What's the difference between an interior and an ocean-view stateroom? Should I book early or wait for last-minute deals? 

Today's cruise ships are like floating cities with non-stop entertainment, restaurants, and activities all available under one roof. 

I started cruising with my family when I was just 3 years old on the Big Red Boat by Premier Cruise Lines. Each year, my family would embark on a cruise together, typically over school holidays like spring break or Christmas. Years of cruising with my family slowly turned into a passionate love of international travel. Now, I’ve sailed on 53 cruises across six continents and visited more than 60 countries.

Regardless of whether you're exploring a new city in Europe, whale watching in Alaska, or sunbathing in the Bahamas, you need to keep your cruise card, phone, and cash secure when you are off your cruise ship. 

No matter how many cruises you’ve been on, there’s always a chance something could go drastically wrong.

With over 30 sailings under my belt, I'd consider myself a veteran cruiser. Even still, I made a rookie mistake on my recent Royal Caribbean cruise that could have cost me my dream vacation altogether.

As a year-round cruiser, I'm no stranger to summer heat. When prepping for a voyage in June, July, or August, I take precautions to ensure I don't overheat while on my long-awaited vacation, regardless of whether it's to the Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mediterranean. 

It is official! You have just booked your cruise vacation and now you are considering add-ons like excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and more! One of the most popular add-ons is alcoholic beverage packages, but you may not like the cost, as packages can range from $50 to over $100 per person, per day.

This price may seem intimidating. As such, it's common for cruisers to want to sneak alcohol on a cruise. More passengers are inclined to get crafty in their methods of sneaking alcohol onboard the ship, rather than paying for pricey packages.