I’m a longtime cruise ship worker, here’s what a pack on my vacations

What do collapsible hats, long electronic cords, and magnetic hooks have in common?

They’re all items you need to pack for a cruise, according to a longtime cruise worker.

Keri Noble currently works as Cruise Director on the 5,714-passenger ship MSC Meraviglia for MSC Cruises and has nine years of experience in the industry.

During her time at sea, she has traveled the world to dozens of destinations, from Mexico to the Mediterranean.

Scroll down to soak up some of the best packing tips from a cruise expert for a restful vacation.

A lifesaver! Packing cubes will change the way you pack

Keri says they are key to efficient packaging.

‘A few years ago, packing cubes became a sensation among travelers. As someone who essentially packs a suitcase to go to work, packing cubes not only help with packing, but also allow you to fit a lot more in your bags,” he told DailyMail.com.

“Whether you put the cubes in a backpack or a suitcase, packing cubes can help you stay organized and allow you to bring more clothes to prepare for all the themed parties on board.”

Be smart with your electronic devices and their respective cables

To make sure your phone doesn’t run out of power, Keri advises investing in a power bank.

“Some people like to throw their phones in their rooms during a cruise vacation, but for those who want to stay connected, it’s key to bring a power bank to charge your phone on port days,” he said.

‘Another tip is to buy an extra long cord for your cell phone. Plugs are often a long way from the bed, and if you like to surf social media like I do before bed, an extra-long cord will come in handy.

‘Last tip, don’t forget a plug converter depending on where you travel to. MSC Cruises offers two power outlet options in cabins for electronic devices – bringing a converter gives you access to more power outlets.”

A good suitcase will last you for years and will make your trips easier

“If you travel for a living like I do, or just travel occasionally, investing in a sustainable piece of luggage will make all the difference,” says Keri.

‘No one wants to travel with a squeaky wheel (literally and figuratively).

“In terms of storing your luggage, space is a commodity on cruise ships, however most of the time your suitcase will fit under the bed of your stateroom. Many people forget that this storage space exists.

Keep all the essentials together – a lanyard is key to a carefree trip

Don’t want to lose any of your important or essential items?

Keri recommends travelers pack a lanyard to keep them in one place.

“While sailing, all you really need is your cruise card, a government-issued ID, and sunscreen,” the cruise director said.

‘For this reason, I recommend carrying a lanyard to wear the cards around your neck. This way, it goes where you go, and you never have to worry about leaving them anywhere or losing them inside a bag.

Don’t pack too much! Leave some space for gifts.

Keep in mind the extra knick-knacks you’ll pick up along the way for loved ones, so make sure there’s room in your suitcase.

“While it’s tempting to pack all your favorite clothes, remember to leave some room for gifts,” Keri advised.

“Whether it’s gifts for yourself or for family and friends, the ship and destinations have unique souvenirs to choose from.”

Don’t get caught! Bring cash for port days and tips

“Although you won’t need it on the ship, you never know when the cash in a day in port will come in handy,” added the cruise director.

‘Depending on where you’re going, it can be easier to buy things with cash than with a card.

“It’s also nice to have a little extra to give to those who help clean your room, pour your favorite drink, or carry your luggage.”

Pack extra laundry bags for dirty clothes and shoes

Keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones by packing laundry bags.

“The last thing I want to think about as I’m packing for a trip is the dirty clothes waiting for me when I get back, but I never forget to pack a few extra laundry bags to store my dirty clothes for the duration of the trip, so I don’t it blends in with my clean clothes,’ Keri said.

Another option is to have your clothes washed on the boat. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly an option the ship offers.”

Get collapsible hats and magnetic hooks to save space

Remember to get those space savers, like a collapsible hat or collapsible drink bottle.

“Often the biggest difference comes from swapping out the things we want to bring for more travel-friendly options,” Keri said.

“I like to wear a hat when I travel, especially when spending time in the sun, but instead of wearing a regular hat, I opt for a collapsible travel hat and even carry a collapsible water bottle.” that dwarfs when empty as a lightweight, easy-to-carry option.

“I also like to carry magnetic hooks to attach to the walls for extra space for my clothes.”

Ration out the items you need and leave bulky boxes at home

Don’t pack your bulky bottles of vitamins or prescription drugs.

“If you take vitamins or medications every day, ration into smaller packets and leave the bulky bottles at home,” Keri advised.

‘Also take a look at what your cruise offers in terms of toiletries and soaps.

They often provide shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. And just like a hotel room, there’s no need to bring your bulky hair dryer from home.’

Finally, do some research on ports of call before you set sail!

Lastly, Keri says the best way to know what to pack is to do some research on the destinations you’ll be traveling to.

“Although cruise ships offer guests the opportunity to sit back and relax, be sure to do some research before boarding the ship to see typical weather.” [at] ports of call to make sure we pack properly,’ he explained.

‘Make sure you also look at the excursions you sign up for, as some of them require you to wear slippers or bring a towel from the ship.’