What You Should and Shouldn’t Bring on a Cruise, According to Employee

• I’ve worked on ships for seven years, so I know what travelers should and shouldn’t pack. 
• Bring sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun.
• On the other hand, don’t bother bringing beach towels or uncomfortable high heels. 

Even though seven days of cruising may sound like a dream, many people don’t know what to bring for the unique traveling experience.

I’ve worked on cruise ships for seven years, so I’ve become quite good at packing for my time on board.

Whether you’re bringing a 70-pound luggage or a backpack, here are the things you should and shouldn’t pack:

Always make sure to pack sunscreen

Bringing UV protection may seem obvious, but the sun in most cruise-friendly places can be very harsh and may have you burning in no time.

If you forget sunscreen, you’ll have to buy it on board or in a port, where it’ll likely be a lot more expensive.

Sea-sickness pills can help with nausea 

Cruises usually have sea-sickness pills available on board, but after too much partying and some swaying seas at 2 a.m., you’ll be happy to have your own stash in your stateroom.

Many cruises have a formal night, so make sure you pack appropriate attire if you want to participate

Although participating in formal night is optional, many cruisers aren’t even aware that it’s on the itinerary.

Whether you choose a gown, a tux, or a simple dress, it’s always nice to hit the town all dressed up.

Lanyards with a cardholder make it easy to keep your key on you

When you step onto the ship, your room key becomes an important companion. It’s how you pay for everything on board, it opens your door, and it’s required to get on and off the boat in port.

They are small and easy to lose, so make your life…