Do: Invest in a small blow-up pool

Do: Invest in a small blow-up pool
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“One complaint that we hear a lot from those travelling with young kids,” says McDaniel, “is that many cruise cabin bathrooms don’t have bathtubs. A simple solution is to bring a small blow-up pool to place in the shower stall and use as a makeshift tub for the little ones.”

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Do: Bring your own hot sauce

Do: Bring your own hot sauce
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“Cruise lines do a lot of things right on ships, but for the most part, stocking condiments is not one of them,” says Sloan. (The exception is ketchup on kid-friendly ships, where it’s ubiquitous.) “You’ll find the occasional bottle of Tabasco on the buffet line of many ships, but little else with a punch.”

Do: Pack some spare change

Do: Pack some spare change
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Irons are a no-no at sea (too much of a fire hazard), but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck wearing just-pulled-out-of-a-suitcase clothing. Instead of showing up for dinner looking like an unmade bed, consider one of these tips. “Many cruise ships have self-service laundrettes that offer irons (and ironing boards) as well as pressing services (for a fee),” says McDaniel.

Or some wrinkle-release spray

Or some wrinkle-release spray
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Worried about wrinkles, but not into the idea of ironing on vacation? Try bringing along some wrinkle-release spray for a fast fix. It’s not a perfect solution, but it will certainly do in a pinch – and leave you more time for the pool or the spa.

Do: Grab a bathroom-door organiser

Do: Grab a bathroom-door organiser
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Bathroom counters are small on many ships, so Jirout suggests packing one of these compartmentalised organisers so you have a place to put your loose items. Best of all, it keeps them clean and prevents them from rolling around when the seas get rough.

Don’t: Overpack

Don’t: Overpack
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Just because you don’t have to pack and unpack at every destination doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to overpack when it comes to clothing and shoes. “It’s liberating to travel light,” says Sloan, adding that (as we previously mentioned) many cruise ships have self-serve laundry machines.

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Don’t: Waste space on bottled water

Don’t: Waste space on bottled water
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“Yes, bottled water can be expensive on ships, and yes, some lines let you carry on water in your bags so you can avoid buying it on board,” explains Sloan. “But why bother? There is all the water you could ever want for free out of the tap in your ship cabin. Contrary to what many people think, the water on cruise ships is perfectly potable. Bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up from the tap for off-the-ship excursions.”

Don’t: Bring your own alcohol

Don’t: Bring your own alcohol
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“Many cruise lines will confiscate any alcohol they find in your luggage,” says Sloan. “They want you to pay for their own, overpriced on-board alcohol.” That said, some cruise lines do let you bring on limited amounts of your own wine and alcohol; check the rules before embarking.

Do: Think twice before you default to packing formal wear

Do: Think twice before you default to packing formal wear
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Gone are the days when every cruise had formal nights. Some have them – and they’re mostly optional – but many cruises are less dressy than ever before. So check the line’s dress code while considering what to pack for a cruise, and remember, it really depends on what type of cruise you’re taking whether you’ll need that gown. Expedition ships tend not to have formal nights, and they’re not the only ones. “River ships never have formal nights,” explains Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises Vice President and Managing Director. Chances are you won’t find them on kid-centric cruises, either.

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Do: Leave your drone at home

Do: Leave your drone at home
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Sure, they take great photos, but they’re not something you should try to stuff into your suitcase for your next cruise. “Only a handful of cruise lines allow drones on board, and restrictions run rampant,” says McDaniel. “Keep your drone at home.”

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