Absolute must to pack

[Future Cruiser]

My packing list for any length cruise includes these documents, in order of importance:

State ID, passport, and copy of passport
Boarding passes for flights if I have to fly
Copies of prescriptions for all medications
Confirmation emails for tours, hotels, etc.
City maps for all ports and ship deck plan

Of course, all of that belongs in my carryon, not the bag I will check. While shopping in February for a new set of luggage bags one criterion was a large front pocket an 8.5x11 sheet of paper can fit in unfolded because I keep all travel documents in a folder except the actual state ID and passport.

The larger bag I check will always contain:

White mesh laundry bag with zipper
Extra walking shoes in case it rains
Lightweight rain jacket (not plastic)
Waterproof sunscreen (over 30 SPF)
Very loud portable travel alarm clock

My younger sister thinks hotel-provided hair dryers are never good enough so she likes to pack hers. But I never use them and see no reason to worry about the wattage. Now packing her curling iron makes a lot more sense because hotels don't offer them, but of course that is only if you look terrible with straight hair.

[bonnyprincecharlie]

Although I have never needed to use them a couple of items that can be helpful: An extra passport picture - supposedly if you lose your passport getting the replacement is easy enough but you have to find a photographer to get the replacement picture. This can be a time consumer and hassle maker. The sewing kit is always good when you lose a button although I can usually just grab another one. I read about a real frugal guy who gave shirt with a missing button to the local Good Will. He kept an eye on the for sale items and bought back his shirt after it had a new button and it had been pressed. The collapsible cup is useful when you forget your water bottle, but I find that it's better to buy local wine or other beverages- more fun too.