Preparing for a cruise with an autistic child involves careful planning and packing. Here are the 10 essentials I’m bringing on my next cruise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
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1. Travel Iron
A compact travel iron to keep clothes wrinkle-free, ensuring everyone looks their best for dinners and outings. The one I have the handle can swivel to make packing it even easier, and it takes up so little space!
Find the travel iron on eBay.
I feature the travel iron in this TikTok video.
2. Travel Kettle
Perfect for making tea, coffee, or warming up water for various needs, a travel kettle is a must-have for convenience. We did this on our last cruise – we like to budget travel and refuse the insane drink package costs so on Costa Cruises that means that hot drinks are only available at certain times of day in certain parts of the ship. We brought out own travel kettle and sachets of coffee and tea bags. The room usually has mugs but you can bring some if you want to. Click here to find the travel kettle on TikTok (this needs to be done via a mobile device).
Find the travel kettle on eBay.
I also feature the travel kettle in this TikTok video.
3. Cordless Hair Straightening Brush
This portable tool helps manage hair easily, especially on busy mornings. It is designed to be portable, so it is small and has a little bag to keep it safe. I have the Tymo porta but there are many cheaper alternatives on Tik Tok shop. I like this one especially because there is a safety clip to put in it, when it is in the straightener won’t turn on.
Find the cordless hair straightener on eBay.
4. Magnet Hooks
Magnet hooks are great for organizing items in the cabin, making the most of the small space available. The cabin walls on cruises are metal, so magnet hooks provide some extra hanging space for cruisers. Learn more about using magnet hooks on a cruise from my caption on this Instagram post.
Find magnet hooks on eBay.
5. Suction Hooks
Useful for hanging towels, swimsuits, or other items, suction hooks stick to smooth surfaces without damaging them. Again, it is another way to add extra storage to the small rooms on a cruise.
Find suction hooks on eBay.
6. Travel Washing Lines
A travel washing line is perfect for drying clothes or swimwear in the cabin or bathroom. If you have a balcony that could also be an option but be careful with that – you don’t want your clothes lost at sea. Click here to find the washing lines on Tik Tok.
Find travel washing lines on eBay.
7. Meoky Tumblers
These insulated tumblers keep drinks hot or cold for hours, ideal for long days of exploring or relaxing by the pool. We have three enormous ones and I will be bringing at least one with me to drink hot drinks in and to fill with safe water in the restaurants to bring to the room.
Here are links to our three Meoky tumblers on Tik Tok:
8. Travel Washing Machine
A portable travel washing machine is a lifesaver for doing laundry quickly and efficiently. Cruise laundry services are very expensive, in my experience, so I will be bringing a portable washer to ensure we have clean clothes throughout our trip. Check out my tutorial on how to use a travel washing machine.
Find a travel washing machine on eBay.
9. Dr. Beckmann’s Travel Wash Gel
This gel is great for handwashing clothes, removing stains, and keeping laundry fresh on the go. I like to add this to the portable washing machine. So far I have had great success with the pairing. Check out this video of how much muck comes out when just hand washing with this gel.
Find Dr. Beckmann’s Travel Wash Gel on eBay.
10. Cooler Food Bag
A cooler food bag is essential for keeping snacks and drinks cool and fresh during excursions. My favourite two are my Passenger cooler and my Kavu snack bag.
Of course, I will also be bringing a set of my own travel PECS cards that have a whole section for cruise travel.
These 10 essentials cruise passengers should consider will ensure that the cruise experience is comfortable, organized, and stress-free, allowing us to focus on creating wonderful memories together.
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