In this guide
  1. Wound care
  2. Skin
  3. Everyday medicines
  4. Your prescriptions
  5. Instruments
  6. Documents
  7. Prevention
  8. Why bother on a ship with a medical center?
  9. Sources
General information, not medical advice. This guide explains common options and official guidance. It can't account for your health, medicines or itinerary. Talk to your own doctor or pharmacist before your cruise. Medical disclaimer.

The CDC says all travelers should bring a personal first-aid kit, tailored to their health history and trip. Its goal is to handle common minor illnesses and injuries, recurring problems and ongoing conditions (CDC Yellow Book: Travel Health Kits). Here’s a cruise-sized version based on the CDC’s list.

Ask your pharmacist which medicines suit you, and follow the label.

Wound care

  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes, including waterproof
  • Blister pads (felt or gel)
  • Gauze pads, non-stick dressings and medical tape
  • Elastic bandage for sprains
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Small scissors (TSA allows blades under 4 inches from the pivot point in carry-ons)

Skin

  • Antimicrobial ointment
  • Hydrocortisone cream for rashes
  • Anti-itch lotion
  • Aloe vera gel for sunburn
  • Sunscreen (the CDC kit list says SPF 30 or higher) and SPF lip balm

Everyday medicines

The CDC’s list includes products for these common problems:

  • Pain and fever relief
  • Antihistamine for allergies
  • Antacid or acid reducer if you’re prone to reflux
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine and oral rehydration salts
  • Motion sickness remedy (see seasickness options compared)
  • Mild laxative if you’re prone to constipation
  • Throat lozenges and a decongestant

Your prescriptions

  • All regular prescription medicines, plus extra for delays
  • Prescribed emergency items, such as an epinephrine auto-injector or inhaler
  • Spare glasses or contact lenses

Instruments

  • Digital thermometer
  • Tweezers

Documents

The CDC suggests carrying (paper or digital):

  • A medical summary: conditions, medicines (generic names), allergies
  • A copy of your EKG if previously abnormal, you have heart or lung disease, or you’re over 50
  • Emergency contact card
  • Insurance details
  • Vaccination certificate if required

Prevention

  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer, but remember soap and water work better against norovirus (CDC)
  • Face masks
  • COVID-19 and flu test kits (suggested in the CDC cruise chapter)

Why bother on a ship with a medical center?

Because onboard care and medicines cost extra, and the CDC notes that over-the-counter medicines bought on the ship tend to cost more (CDC). For anything more than minor, though, go to the medical center; your kit isn’t a substitute for care.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure.

  • Compact first aid kit: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-first-aid-kit}}
  • Digital thermometer: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-digital-thermometer}}
  • Oral rehydration salts: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-ors}}

Store everything in a durable, water-resistant container and keep it easy to reach, as the CDC suggests.

Sources