Everything I pack
I pack extremely heavy, so you don't have to guess. Almost everything here is something I actually bought and use. Start with the four I'd never leave without, then go section by section.
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My top 4
VRURC power bank with built-in cables
10,000mAh with its own USB-C, Lightning and USB cables attached. No hunting for a cord on a port day.
See it on AmazonDRIFWIN magnetic travel fan
Sticks to the metal cabin wall, runs all night on a charge, and it's cruise-approved.
See it on AmazonVacbird vacuum bags with pump
I pack heavy. These shrink a week of clothes to half the space, and the pump is rechargeable.
See it on AmazonHeavy-duty magnetic hooks
Cruise cabin walls are metal. Hats, lanyards, bags and the daily planner all go up on the wall.
See it on AmazonPower and charging
- VRURC power bank, built-in cablesI own thisAmazon
Slim 10,000mAh with every cable attached. The one I grab for full days out.
- INIU 20,000mAh power bankI own thisAmazon
The big one: about four phone charges. For travel days and long excursions.
- Anker PowerCore 10000I own thisAmazon
Tiny backup that lives in my bag.
- Anker Nano 30W chargerI own thisAmazon
Foldable prongs, charges a phone or iPad fast. Smallest block I own.
- 4-port USB-C wall charger (2-pack)I own thisAmazon
One outlet, four devices. Cabins and hotels never have enough plugs.
- 3-outlet splitter (no surge protector)I own thisAmazon
Turns one outlet into three. Cruise lines ban surge protectors; this doesn't have one.
- TESSAN European plug adapter (2-pack)I own thisAmazon
For Italy, Spain, France and most of Europe. Not for the UK.
- 3-in-1 travel charging cableI own thisAmazon
Apple Watch, iPhone and USB-C on one cord.
- USB-C to USB-A adapters (2-pack)I own thisAmazon
Old plug, new cable. Weighs nothing.
- FYY cable organizer pouchI own thisAmazon
Cables, power banks and memory cards in one pouch I can grab.
Beating the heat
- DRIFWIN magnetic travel fanI own thisAmazon
Cruise-approved, sticks to the wall, 5,000mAh. Best cabin purchase I've made.
- Warmco D3 travel fanI own thisAmazon
7-inch wide with a 10,000mAh battery: lasts all night or all day.
- JISULIFE bladeless neck fanI own thisAmazon
Hands-free cooling while you walk.
- JISULIFE 3-in-1 handheld fanI own thisAmazon
Hand fan, desk fan or neck fan. Lines in the sun, hot trains.
- Bearwind turbo handheld fanI own thisAmazon
Small but strong. Five speeds.
- AMACOOL clip-on fanI own thisAmazon
Clips to a chair, a stroller or a bag strap.
- Instant cooling towelAmazon
Wet it, wring it, neck. Stays cool for hours.
Meds and first aid
Buying this stuff on a ship or in a tourist town costs double.
- Advil Liqui-Gels minisI own thisAmazon
Headaches, sore feet, too much sun. Small enough to toss in the pill case.
- Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid ReleaseI own thisAmazon
For anyone who doesn't take ibuprofen.
- Dramamine Less DrowsyI own thisAmazon
Ships, ferries and winding coast roads. Take it before you feel it.
- Benadryl travel packetsI own thisAmazon
Allergies and bug bites, already individually packed.
- Megababe Thigh RescueI own thisAmazon
20,000-step days in the heat. You'll thank me.
- Pill organizer (2x a day)I own thisAmazon
Daily meds in one compact case instead of loose bottles.
- Blister bandagesAmazon
Cobblestones will find your heels.
- Small first-aid kitAmazon
Fits a side pocket. The ship's shop marks everything up.
For the cruise cabin
- Neosmuk magnetic hooksI own thisAmazon
Cruise cabin walls are metal. Hold up to 27 lbs each.
- Waterproof phone pouch (2-pack)I own thisAmazon
Pool deck, beach, and the splash zone at the aqua show.
- Apple AirTagsI own thisAmazon
One in every checked bag. Watch your luggage make it to the ship.
- Lanyard with card holderAmazon
Your SeaPass card opens the room and pays for everything.
- Over-the-door organizerAmazon
Cruise closets are tiny. Toiletries and sunscreen go on the bathroom door.
Packing and the flight
- Vacbird vacuum bags + pumpI own thisAmazon
How a heavy packer fits it all in one suitcase.
- YAMIU packing cubes (7-piece)I own thisAmazon
Comes with a shoe bag and laundry bag.
- BAGSMART toiletry bagI own thisAmazon
Hangs on a hook, water-resistant, holds a lot.
- TSA travel bottlesI own thisAmazon
Bring your own shampoo in carry-on sizes.
- Portable water flosserI own thisAmazon
Cordless and travel-sized.
- Passport walletI own thisAmazon
Passport, boarding passes and cards together.
- Hanging luggage scaleI own thisAmazon
Weigh the bags before the airport does. (Mine is technically a fish scale. It works.)
- Duffel backpack with shoe pocketI own thisAmazon
Carry-on that holds way more than it looks.
What I film with
The gear behind the videos.
- DJI Mic MiniI own thisAmazon
The wireless mics I film with. Clean audio even on a windy deck.
- UBeesize 62" tripod selfie stickI own thisAmazon
Tripod and selfie stick with a remote. For shots where everyone's in it.
- SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDI own thisAmazon
Enough for a whole trip of 4K.
- USB-C SD card readerI own thisAmazon
Offload footage straight to the phone or laptop.
- AirPods 4 with noise cancellingI own thisAmazon
Flights, loud pool decks, and reviewing footage.
Don't pack these for a cruise
Royal Caribbean doesn't allow these on board. Other lines are similar, but check your line's list before you go.
- Surge protectors and power strips with surge protection. They get taken at security. Bring a non-surge cube instead.
- Clothing irons and steamers. Use wrinkle release spray or the ship's laundry service.
- Candles and anything with an open flame.
- Extra alcohol. Wine is limited, usually two bottles per cabin at boarding. Check the rules for your sailing.
Let me plan the trip
Sailing Legend of the Seas? My cheat sheet covers what to book, order and skip.