What to pack in your sea day bag

More often than not, sea days will feature on a cruise itinerary, most commonly no-fly cruise itineraries. A sea day is simply a day on a cruise where the ship does not stop at a port. Sea days offer a great opportunity to really get to know your chosen ship, spend time with friends and family or simply relax by the pool. While doing so, we recommend keeping a bag close by with all the items you might need.

First of all, we chatted to Jennie Bond, Cruise Miles® Ambassador, who takes a few things for a day lounging about, “My binoculars to look for whales and birds and wildlife (or just be nosey when other ships/boats pass by) and also to get the best early view of the next port of call, obviously, sun cream, a little mirror to make sure I haven’t smeared it all over my face, my lipstick (I can’t live without it), a hairbrush for after swimming, a hair bobble, my book or kindle, my iPad and earphones to listen to podcasts, a bottle of water, sunglasses, my phone in case work or family need me, definitely the entertainment programme, a lanyard… and that’s about it, I think. (I need a suitcase for this lot!)”

Although Jennie has it covered, there are a few other accessories you might need. We spoke to several cruise bloggers who told us what you should pack in your sea day bag:

“A book is a must for me for any time I’m chilling out,” Katy from The Lilac Scrapbook told us. While Joanne from Byrne Voyage recommends a Kindle, “I always take my kindle, cruising is the only time I ever get the chance to read ‘for fun.’”

Switch from poolside casual to restaurant chic with a change of clothes handily packed in your at sea bag.

“For the kids, I always put in an activity book and pens as well as armbands for swimming,” Jenni from Cruise Mummy explained. “I can be sure that they’re always either in the pool or drawing and colouring while we wait for food.”

Cruise lanyards are invaluable for keeping key cards safe while on board. Make sure you can access your cabin and show proof of ID in bars and restaurants by keeping your cruise lanyard close.

Face masks have become a part of everyday life and are often required in public spaces on cruise ships. Keep one of these cruise-themed face masks from our cruise-related gift ideas post handy in your bag for when you’re moving around the ship.

Flip-flops (especially foldable flip-flops) are a really handy accessory to keep in your at sea bag. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading to the buffet, they’re easy to slip on and off and go with almost every outfit. Just make sure they’re anti-slip!

Like face masks, hand sanitiser has become a necessity for everyday life. And although found at various points around the ship, it’s always good to keep a small bottle close by in case of emergencies.

Lips need protection from the sun too! Keep your pout nourished and protected with a sunscreen lip balm. There are lots on the market (some are even tinted) to suit every want and need.

Lois from No Cruise Control always packs a battery pack in her sea day bag so that she can vlog every moment for her YouTube channel and take lots of photographs.

Not only is a reusable water bottle better for the environment, but it will also keep you hydrated throughout the day. Opting for a personalised one will mean it will never go missing.

Sometimes, days at sea coincide with choppy waters. Make sure you’re prepared for every situation with some seasickness medication. We recommend Stugeron, it’s great for preventing travel sickness.

Joanne also carries the cruise ship’s daily guide in her bag so that she can see what’s going on and where.

Lois makes sure to pack sun cream in her bag to stay safe and avoid any ouchies.

There is nothing more annoying than getting your sun lounger just right only for a gust of wind to violently blow your towel away. Combat this by using handy towel clips to keep everything in place.