As we get ready to depart on the NCL Escape, I went back to my trusty cruise list for those things that I simply can’t do without on a cruise. For a family of 5, we have a lot of “must haves” that cost a lot more if we don’t prepare. Preparing is key. We usually drive to Florida, so room is not the issue.

Here are my must haves!

• Tide pen
• small blue tooth speaker for music in room
• Bonine for kids and adults
• Downey wrinkle release  (smells great and no more wrinkles!)
• nail clippers
• ear plugs (in case the cabin is noisy!)
• wet ones (small children, plus melting ice cream es no bueno!)
• camera and extra sd cards and extra batteries
• headphones
• Power strip (Make sure your power strip DOES NOT have the surge protector. They’ll confiscate it. )
• multi usb charger for charging devices
• Highlighters for the Daily Schedule
• First aid and over the counter drugs (we bring kids cold medicine, pain relievers and tummy medicine)
• bandaids and antibacterial cream
• waterproof bag for phone
• magnet hooks (can hang wet stuff up or hats or jackets — walls are all magnetic)
• sunblock (bring enough for the whole time, it’s expensive in port and on the ship!)
• spf lip balm
• aloe for after sun in case get burnt
• bug spray
• garbage bags (for dirty laundry)
• dryer sheets (just a few to put in dirty laundry bag so don’t smell)
• nightlight
• copy of passports and driver’s licenses (keep separate from actual passports and licenses — bring copies of passports into port with you)
• blister feet rub stick (if your excursions will take you far)
• powder gatorade (in case of tummy trouble or hangovers)
• kids snorkel stuff
• large towel clips (so you know which chairs are yours)
• lanyards for kids room cards (so they don’t lose them)
• special stuffed animals or blankets for little ones
• beach bags
• water shoes
• hats and sunglasses for all
• goggles
• air spray for bathroom
• anti-itch cream
• cards
• snacks (only take ones that don’t melt and remember you can bring small cereal boxes with you off the ship for snacks in port)
• ziploc bags (for receipts, snacks, small items)
• small umbrella
• glow sticks from dollar store and white clothing for glow party (if on NCL)
• 80s costume if want to dress up for 80s night (if on NCL)
• hanging up bathroom organizer to hang on back of bathroom door
• One set of something with sleeves/pants in case cool
• back up eye glasses/contacts
• sanitizing towelettes for room (door handles, remote control — anything you touch)

After that, Bon Voyage!

Can’t wait to share our experience on board the NCL Escape!