What I Pack in My Medicine Bag for a Cruise (medication, first-aid, self-care)

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

[@paulavinci6158]

WOW, excellent !!!

[@paulavinci6158]

You should say your name at the end, I hope these tips make your cruise more enjoyable, once again my name is........

[@MaryOudin-t7y]

If you can get the product with nasal decongestants from the pharmacists. The products with phenylephrine have been proved by the FDA to be ineffective. Also you can get extra rx labels for your rx items and use snack bag and those rx labels so you don’t have to take a bunch of bulky bottles. By the way I’m a pharmacist. 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this!

[@ToriE1073]

Yes! I use the baggie and label method a lot. So much better.

[@scorpiolady1]

SO smart, thank you for sharing.

[@mea3665]

Ya I will listen to my son the Chemist before you the pill counter

[@annhenriques3520]

@@mea3665how rude.

[@danielbringman8924]

We also take Covid test kits in case we get sniffles on board. And Hand Sanitizer since ships are not as good about having sanitizers.

[@pammortensen8225]

I came to the comments section to say this.

[@elenasimon1270]

SIL came down with Covid just last week mid cruise. They (RCL) put him in his own cabin with room service for the rest of the cruise. They were also the last to disembark. He felt better by then. Daughter and grandson came down with Covid the day after they returned home!

[@yvonnemcnaughton455]

I always pack cold medicine, Imodium, tums, tylenol, sinus tylenol, bandaids, blister bandaids, neosporin, motion sickness meds and emesis bags. The bags are better than hanging over a cruise toilet.

[@lindabaker667]

I also carry an ice bag.

[@barryrankin587]

My wife and I and our two daughters all wear eye glasses, so I carry an eye glass kit that has replacement screws and screw drivers. If you have ever lost a screw in your glasses, you know it can be a pain in the butt. Super glue can be a great fix for many things also.

[@christynixmn6040]

A paper clip or twist tie can hold the hinge together if you don’t have the right screw or screwdriver! People can get very creative when they loose their screws! I’m an optician.😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

smart

[@MJinFlorida]

I also take my last pair of glasses before my current glasses just in case

[@MelissaPhillips-nj5sb]

I had my miniature screw driver from the eye glass kit taken away from me in the airport in Corfu, Greece. It was about my 7th flight that European trip. TSA in USA didn't find/take it. Since I really need my glasses I always carry a spare.

[@barryrankin587]

Yep, MacGyver Ingenuity.

[@jackredmond6023]

Tissues! On our last cruise my wife got a stuck sneeze from allergies - even in the Caribbean. The tissues on the cruise ships are terrible and will wear your nose slam out using frequently. Luckily, we found a CVS in Puerto Rico near the cruise port so we could procure Puff Plus with Lotion. These were way better than the cruise ship tissues. We just finished packing for our cruise leaving from Port Everglades on Saturday and almost forgot them! 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

true, must add this to my list

[@R32R38]

I was at work when I got a wicked headache, and the only painkiller in the first aid kit was ... Midol. As the expression goes, any port in a storm. Oh, and it worked, and I'm a man.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha i wonder what the ingredients are. Maybe a good anti inflammatory, which would be great for a headache 😂

[@deborahtucker5885]

Actually it probably worked better!

[@SilverDraco]

They're Tylenol, caffeine and sometimes a diuretic. ​@@LifeWellCruised

[@brendaprice3713]

It’s a secret we women have kept forever. Midol complete is the best for everything, even allergies!

[@scrappy00001]

It’s Tylenol, caffeine, and a diacritic. No reason it wouldn’t work on anyone

[@NancyWeaver-w6t]

I love your videos they are s informative. I am addicted to them. Great job.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching

[@wondrafuladventures]

Ever since we got food illness on a ship we always bring Imodium and plenty of Tums.

[@shirleylong3981]

Clear aloe gel can double as hair gel if you're looking to pack a bit lighter. It's also a moisturizer, not just for sunburn😊

[@foursheetswind1]

other than being canadian, i appreciate how well and clearly you speak

[@victoriasview325]

What does that mean?

[@iammedusa2600]

@@victoriasview325 right? Rude.

[@TravelwithTravelarii]

Essential Tips! Don't forget your meds & first aid on a cruise! Elana's thorough guide covers everything you need. Super helpful!

[@ducky1776]

When I'm traveling internationally, I pack my prescriptions (and I have a lot) in a plastic container, but I also bring my pill organizer and just refill it from the bottles once a week.

[@wonderrandy]

I wear contacts, so I make sure to bring an extra pair, and a small bottle of saline. And don't forget a lens case like I did!

[@j.m.7056]

Extra eye glasses and sunglasses just in case!

[@LifeWellCruised]

good ones

[@junenelligan1729]

I also have the pillbox you have and love it - I added little labels on each since I don't always remember which is which😃

[@norinechang2564]

Benadryl can also help with motion sickness, so you have 2 functions in 1. And, ginger-based motion sickness pills are also anti-diarrheal.

[@brendaliscorrea1834]

Hi thanks for your amazing videos. I wanted to see if you can make an updated video on what type of coverage you get if you purchase insurance from the cruise line with your fair. Thank you

[@LifeWellCruised]

Since all our needs are different for a variety of reasons & actual rules of what we need are different depending where we live, I don't talk about specific insurance

[@HummerGirl88]

I get motion sickness very easily. I carry powered Ginger Capsules everywhere. I take one every 12 - 24 hours. I also wear the reliefband for motion sickness. It shocks you and its works wonders, I keep it in my purse at all times.

[@leslieberwick7315]

That’s what I’ve always done! Works great for me also! 😊

[@reniedavisson8532]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! We went on one cruise 15 years ago when we were younger and much more resilient. We made every mistake. This month we embark on our second cruise ever and I am thankful for all of the information on your channel.

[@chanej2651]

I always pack most of these things. Cold medication, Advil, Sudafed, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Excedrin, halls cough drops, Neosporin, Bandaid, anti itch cream, allergy pills, sunscreen, aloe vera gel, Benadryl, off bug repellent, vaseline for lips, and Emergen-C as well. I bring pretty much everything on your list. I pack it in a pouch.

[@BeefromSC]

The Vaseline trick works!!! Been using forever, a tip from my mom 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

its like I forgot about it. Now my go too lol

[@ConnieAlexander-p1i]

Thanks for another excellent video. One thing I would add is to remember to check the expiration dates and general condition of your items and replace when needed. Safe Cruising!

[@LifeWellCruised]

true

[@mariamoore7031]

I take ginger chews. They help for bad stomachs and migraines.

[@richardgenerazio5280]

Yes, pepto bismuth, dulcolax, day and night quills- You’re right- bring just in case!! A little bit of a lot is good! Bandaids!! lol *we bring 2 sets of meds. 1 “set” in my carry on AND 1 set in hers! Our thought is what if you lost or stolen your meds! We have back up!!! Lol

[@RBXChas]

If you have eczema or generally dry skin, don't rely on the lotions on the ship if they provide it! We stayed in NCL's Haven and had L'Occitane products, including lotions, but by the time I got home, I had dry patches on my elbows. I had forgotten to pack the heavy skin cream I put on my hands and elbows before bed to keep eczema at bay. Also, San Juan has a Walgreens right by the Old San Juan port. The lines do tend to be long, but they move quickly. I have heard that there is a CVS in somewhat close proximity to the port that has shorter lines, but I did not see it personally. It's good in case you forget something or if you need a pharmacy.

[@terriz7791]

I pack hand soap and an air freshener for the bathroom. I also pack Clorox wipes for the airplane. I downloaded your cruise planner and I love it. I was so worried about overpacking so I used the outfit planner. I added the theme of the night. The his way I packed exactly what I needed. And then I added more lol. I can’t seem to cut back on everything.

[@apheenaroebuck-webb3385]

We just audited our first aid bag and updated it to include cold medicine, Imodium, tums, Tylenol, Bandaids, Neosporin, Benadryl, Ozonol ointment, Polysporin, a small pair of tweezers and some antiseptic wipes etc. We decant small amounts in clear bottles we got from $ store and labelled them with the expiry dates. We also changed the first aid bag to a clear zippered pouch and made a list of the items in the pouch. We carry the first aid bag in our checked luggage and our prescription medication in their original containers is kept on our personal items carryon. We take the original prescription labels and make sure that the supply is enough to carry us through for an extra two weeks. It is not a bad idea to include a copy of your prescription with your documentation. On our Canada New England cruise a friend of ours from Scotland forgot her prescription medication at home and had to go through some hoops at the medical centre on the ship to obtain medication. P.S. If you have an extra (or older pair) of glasses - you may want to pack those.

[@shortcake7200]

My husband got a cold on day 2 of our las cruise, and we had a supply of cold medicines, but I didn’t pack enough for both of us for the entire cruise, so when I got sick on day 4, we had to ration. Lesson learned. We do pack a very extensive supply of medications, first aid supplies, and things to manage headaches, neck pains and blisters.

[@angelamarden9684]

Great ideas. Another thing I always bring is Orajel. In case of a toothache.

[@loricoen3857]

FYI- Sun Bum isn’t actually reef safe/friendly. The ingredients are on the list of what not to buy. 😕 I figured this out after I bought 2 of them.

[@cynthiamyers5740]

I have been taking Elderberry gummies for the past few years- they really seem to help, I haven't had a really bad cold for many years. I bring a copy of my prescription medications and use a weekly/monthly container for my meds

[@LifeWellCruised]

thanks for sharing

[@jennifergieszl7139]

Instead of Vaseline I use Aquaphor. My dermatologist recommended this product over vaseline.

[@MiaHessMusic]

I really recommend the sugar free Liquid IV. Great stuff! i use it every day anyway! You can NEVER have enough bandaids!

[@LifeWellCruised]

thanks for sharing this recommendation

[@montyroc]

Thanks!

[@betsydoc3628]

stool softener. My family often gets constipation when traveling.

[@LifeWellCruised]

good one

[@betzy7514]

I just got off NCL Escape. A little oatmeal with raisins from the buffet each morning and helped that issue.

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

Fiber. Benefiber has little packet that is easy to travel with, has no taste or gritty texture so it can be added into any drink.

[@anakemple5698]

I always pack a coldsore medicine when I travel too. You never know when those nasty things will pop up. 😩

[@natashalanni1719]

I also always bring a small pair of scissors and mini sewing kit… handy for cutting off tags , often cutting off loose string off clothing or shoes and any minor clothing mishaps e.g fixing lost buttons

[@lindabuchele6093]

I love, love, love the mini medicine cabinet. I have mine in my purse at all times! Best thing ever.

[@Lisa-zt3oj]

I always have a pack of baby wipes when I cruise but had never used them until I was on a lighthouse tour in Bar Harbor a couple of years ago. The ocean was rocky and there were multiple people getting sick so I was passing them out to everyone so they could clean up a bit. I also carry little packs of tissues.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good ideas!

[@deborahworpell9516]

I keep the over the counter meds in their original bottles too, just in case,

[@theresabernal-wg9gh]

I have over the years enjoyed and very much have appreciated your videos!! Especially packing suggestions!!!!

[@betsy6046]

I bring some alcohol wipes everywhere for cleaning or injury. Someone from our day trip in Norway slipped on some rocks and their knee was scraped. I gave them a couple of my wipes and they were so thankful.

[@cathyoc54]

I put Neosporin on a Q-tip and put inside my nose. So far it works amazing to keep germs at bay. Just make sure to check the mirror for excess showing. LOL

[@sharonmcmickens9853]

For stomach issues peppermint works for me. Nothing else works.

[@harborspringsgirl]

I really like your suggestions for medication’s. You never know what you might need but if you don’t have it,you’ll , really wish you’d thrown it in your bag.

[@desleycasey7412]

Excellent video. I'm going on my first cruise in November and have found your videos to be highly informative and practical. I've been putting together small items and have started my first aid kit. One thing I would add is ensure you bring a Dr's letter with the list of your prescription medications either with your travel documents or even place a copy in your first aid kit. (Based on years of travel - air/land travel).

[@LifeWellCruised]

good idea

[@laughingmyao3350]

Vicks. It helps if your are congested but you can also but a thin layer under your nose if there is a very offensive smell that they can’t clear out of your cabin.

[@wjrsb58]

If I could make one suggestion...I would replace the petroleum product aka Vasaline, with an organic castor oil. You can use that in all the ways you use the Vasaline, only healthier.

[@jamesjoy8866]

Castor Oil is naturally antibacterial and anti fungal. Great skin conditioner. Jamaican castor oil is made using the bean and hull for stronger benefits. Amazon has it.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I have to check out castor oil

[@cristinapena3838]

Yes!!!! Castor oil is great for everything

[@catieorth7686]

My husband and I unfortunately have to take a lot of prescription medications and to pack that many individual bottles would just about require a whole other carry-on, lol! So to save space but still have adequate documentation, we put our Rx into travel cases, but we also bring the pharmacy paperwork that comes stapled to the Rx bags- it has all the medicine’s information, prescriber information, etc. In addition, we have our doctor print out an official prescription list for us on her letterhead in case anyone has any questions. NOTE: we drive to port, so we do not pack this way for any flights or anything…. Just thought I’d share from our perspective. :)

[@shaungregory1789]

After us and lots of friends disembarking different ships with Covid, were taking face masks again. And everything in the list our fellow cruisers recommended. Thank you for the great videos.

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

I carry different pain relievers as they work differently - Tylenol for headaches & fevers, Advil for muscle & inflammation, Excedrin for migraines. After having a cold on a cruise and paying $15 (at the time, 2007) for 3 days worth, I have been carry cold medicine since. I also carry Benadryl cream for allergic reactions to bug bites, coming into contact with something that cause rashes.

[@JulieDykxhoorn]

I pack Cold FX for cold prevention and shortens duration if you catch a cold. For me prescription medication, mine come in bulky boxes so I had my pharmacist print the prescription labels and put it onto small bottles. Takes up less space. Thank you for sharing your helpful videos!

[@silviaeaston]

I search Ilana's entries for the best entertainment as a cruise-a-holic..... BEST show in town! (as someone said: "take everything but the kitchen sink") Taking "Cold Eeze" as a "PREVENTION" says it all.

[@notinterested6343]

Thank you for another excellent video with lots of valuable information. I keep at home and travel with fennel seed. With all the different food it sometimes causes digestive issues. Fennel is great for gas and bloating. It's better than taking pills.

[@LifeWellCruised]

very interesting. Thanks for sharing this

[@denisewarren1739]

I’m planning on getting your ultimate planner is all of this on your planner that you’re talking about today … very good ideas and tips thank you

[@jeffdinter600]

Moisturizers can be found on a cruise ship, granted they will be very pricey as they will be found in the spa

[@monamason1341]

Your videos are very informative! I attempted to link to the carry-on, but Amazon didn’t recognize it. Thanks so much!

[@LaurieHoward-f1e]

I love your content! One thing about the Neutrogena lip balm with SPF, according to dermatologist Dr. Dray, it only protects from UVB/burning rays, not the deeper-penetrating UVA/aging-burning-cancer rays. Best to wear a broad spectrum lip SPF underneath the Neutrogena balm. Please keep your awesome content coming!

[@marianjeffrey8684]

For us travelling from long away places, remember to bring a doctors letter with all your prescription medication listed. Helps going through customs.

[@elisaastorino2881]

I got that pill case for my last cruise. It's a great design and really does hold a lot. I think that some pharmacies will put medications in blister packages or something handier than pill jars upon request. We used to get that for my elderly mother - it would have all the medication organized for morning and evening, and it was really convenient

[@Emmyb-l3h]

I bought the 'First Aid Only 442 All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit for Home, Work, and Travel' from Amazon. I only needed to add a few things I thought should be in it. I put it in my big suitcase and haven't' had any problems.

[@LifeWellCruised]

that's fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@gailbenes]

I definitely agree to hand cream the air on the ship is very dry

[@JulieDykxhoorn]

I pack Cold FX for cold prevention and shortens duration if you catch a cold. For prescription medication, mine come in bulky boxes so I had my pharmacist print the prescription labels and put it onto small bottles. Takes up less space. Thank you for sharing your helpful videos!

[@micheleouellette6363]

I love your tip videos. They have been super helpful even though we are not new cruisers. You think of everything! :) Thank you

[@donnapee8402]

I don't know if it's my age or what. Lol I like to pack a journal or a notepad. To make notes of the things, places, and excursions . What I liked about my vacation and things I want to share with family when I get home. Sometimes after I get home I forget the details.

[@laurenschenck5355]

I pack extra fruit C vitamins drops for extra it helps so much and I love it ❤️💕🛳️🛳️🛳️💕❤️✨❤️💕🛳️🛳️❤️🌹🌹🌹✨💕🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️❤️❤️💕🛳️🛳️🛳️💕✨✨🌹🌹❤️💕🛳️🛳️🛳️💕❤️❤️💕🛳️🛳️💕❤️❤️✨❤️❤️💕🛳️🛳️💕💕❤️✨❤️💕🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️💕✨🌹🌹🌹🌹✨❤️❤❤❤❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

Smart idea to bring that!

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised Thanks you can get them in any store you need to do that just an idea 🥰🥰

[@jackieonthemove]

I love your videos, and we went on a cruise last year. we forgot many things, but after watching your videos, we are prepared for our next cruise 🙂

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I carry all that and more in a bright red first aid bag in checked luggage, and I carry all my meds with their associated prescription in a black pouch with a first aid badge in my carry on. Sun block, insect repellant, aloe products etc. are in a dedicated ziplock bag. Life is so much easier with a modular approach. We even use a repurposed hard glasses case for little things like jewelry, cufflinks etc. If you need glasses, bring a spare pair.

[@HariSeldon913]

The sunscreen and bug repellent you'll probably want to get at your embarkation port before boarding the ship, because you aren't going to get a container large enough to be worthwhile past the TSA. If you're checking a bag, I guess it can go in there. Not recommending, but I've put all of my prescription meds in one prescription bottle and never had any problems.

[@cynthiaschaeffer650]

Best cold preventative or support in healing from a cold quicker is Source Naturals Wellness Formula. You can order it or purchase at Whole Foods. Take it exactly as instructed on the bottle. Dosage is smaller for preventative than for healing an existing cold. It’s garlicky and smells awful but it really does work if you take it as directed.

[@debs2380]

I pack a small bag of betonite clay. It has multiple purposes, and on my last trip I used a small amount mixed with juice to stop diarrhea. It worked within minutes. It can help with burns, too (topical with some water to makea paste).

[@debrafricano1486]

I was prepared recently on the NCL Bliss!

[@sallymorin543]

I use Airborne up to 10 days prior to traveling. Then continue the whole cruise 😊

[@francesgill8621]

You can also use generic petroleum jelly

[@StamperWendy]

Q tips, cotton balls, clear nail polish, dental floss, tonic water, coconut oil, prunes, sewing kit, vitamins, AVON SSS

[@phyllislowry6265]

I forgot to pack bandaids once on a cruise, & I needed them. I did find some in a small container in a ship store, but it was unbelievably expensive. My late hubby used to make fun of me bringing all of the medical supplies, but they have always come in handy!

[@ronmeloon9847]

Your tips are always so positive so positive and helpful! Yuo are the best!!

[@pinknbling9532]

Excellent videos, I love emergency C (the powder) I also love the ginger gravol but has to be the chewable style it works way better than the pill form!! Helps so fast too Cheers and love from western canada 🇨🇦

[@jodydavie923]

We always travel with covid tests. On our NCL cruise last week, there was an outbreak of both covid and the flu. We were told there was a $300 fee just to walk into the medical clinic on top of whatever diagnostics they performed.

[@mygetawayonabudget]

Just returned from Ncl Encore. We stayed night before at yotel near port of miami, we did some shopping at Bayside market place. Stopped in at bath & body works there picked up pineapple mango hand soap for our cabin as you previously suggested to bring your own kind of soap...this was a great suggestion and we loved having a little kind of specusl hand soap other than cruuse ship provided kind. Also i asked for a robe and comfy blanket which i brought to observation lounge with me...also i have stsrted bringing comfy plush soaks to wear in my cabin and up in the observation lounge. It added just another levrl of coziness and comfort.

[@heatherstauffer353]

Benadryl was a lifesaver on my last cruise after I had a reaction to my sunscreen.

[@estherwoods971]

Buy the Vaseline that comes in tubes…less messy

[@rM-xk9ob]

My friend used to complain about me carrying stuff like medicine. She was going to go buy some tummy stuff on the cruise because I only I them in tablet form. She changed her mind when she saw I much a little bottle of the pink stuff was when in a town I also ask the pharmacy for label or just remove them from the bottle to put on zip lock bags. I also take pictures of the script on the bottle just in case.

[@annesimpson8375]

I take EMERGEN-C added to my daily waters before a trip.

[@peggy2429]

God idea

[@alinelachance9800]

I love your videos! Thank you for all the good ideas. 😊

[@CruisingWithChooChoo]

Great list!!! I usually take high doses of Vit C before I travel and I also bring with me tubes of Redoxon 1000mg Vit C. If the cruise ship provides good quality body lotion, I bring empty travel size containers to place the lotion into so that I can have them with me everywhere, including my backpack. As for insect repellent, I bring Ben’s travel size satchets. They’re so handy to take anywhere. Also bring a small tube of polysporine. For sunscreen that is reef safe, I brought Blue Lizard sunscreen stick. It’s very small though so it’s only good for one person and if you’re going to use it everyday you’ll go through a few of these. But it’s handy in your travel bag. I always bring a bottle of Aleve as I have back and foot pain. For candy, I bring ginger chews and turmeric chews. I got those from Amazon. I have not gotten seasick but on the last cruise I felt a little giddy and the ginger chews were very helpful. Thanks for the great list!! I’ll go through it again soon.

[@annelouise99]

Bandaids for blisters com off too easily. I bring pre-cut moleskin or a sheet of moleskin and very small scissors. This product is a lifesaver for me. It sticks forever!

[@georgemoore-wg5jj]

Hi Anne🌹🌹 How are you doing?

[@Ahhhhhhh6165]

Vaseline works great to temporarily re-set a crown that comes off .

[@pinkey6141]

Sinus rinse, pulse ox, thermometer, Tylenol and ibuprofen, bag that can be used as an ice pack and a heating pad!along with everything mentioned

[@elisaastorino2881]

Probiotic capsules have become a "must" for me. Normally I have a good brand of yogurt with all the active cultures but you can't always find that when traveling. It's very true that much or even most of our immunity starts in the gut.

[@laurar3937]

My grandmother lived to be 101, and she would always keep Vaseline. I burned myself bad a couple years ago. A few days after the burn, she kept telling me to use Vaseline. I wanted to see the wound care specialist first. He told me to keep the area moist with Vaseline after the huge scab fell off

[@cindyellis765]

So many great tips! You are a gem.

[@heatherqualy9143]

I got that pill holder for my cruise on your suggestion from a previous video. Love it! I now carry it in my purse and have had a few people comment on it and ask where I got it. 😊 Mine carries: aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, Imodium, and decongestant. That covers most easily remedied ailments.

[@LifeWellCruised]

thanks for sharing

[@SandraKirby-s8q]

Not a medicine but, for a cruise, I bring a rechargeable motion sensor light and stick it in the bathroom. Mine has a bright and dim setting. Set it on dim and when I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom I don’t have to turn on the really bright bathroom lights. It turns on as soon as I step into the bathroom.

[@ginnyanderson4892]

I don't know if you mentioned triple antibiotic cream

[@LifeWellCruised]

good one

[@prettygeorgialady1249]

Chewable Pepto bismol tablets, super helpful for sour stomach or diarrhea, also bring anti gas pills.

[@heidisiamon3265]

I take covid tests. Sudafed and benadryl pills are a must.

[@jenniferhessler2964]

Benadryl, immodium are also packed with all my medicines

[@catherineklein1808]

Last cruise we took, my brother wound up with a cold. We went to a pharmacy in Bermuda and bought NyQuil for twice the amount we would have paid at home and it didn’t really do much!