Stateroom decks had long hallways lined with identical blue doors, so my magnet made it easier to find my cabin.

The cruise ship’s WiFi wasn’t strong enough for me to stream videos.

I enjoyed a few beach days during my cruise, so sunscreen was essential. 

Aloe vera typically soothes and cools my burns, so I should have packed it for the day I forgot to apply sunscreen. 

An excursion guide told me that some beaches in the Caribbean, like Tulum, Mexico, don’t allow sunscreen in the ocean to protect wildlife.

As other cruisers snorkeled with phones in hand, I realized I was missing an opportunity to capture ocean life. 

I don’t typically wear my sunhat, so the cruise was the perfect occasion to pull it out of my closet.

Mornings and evenings on the top decks of the ship were so windy that I had to leave my hat in my room. 

I ended up wearing my sweater every day during the Caribbean cruise. 

In hindsight, I should have packed a couple more pairs of pants.

A windbreaker would have been more helpful than my sweater alone.

On my cruise, Royal Caribbean’s laundry service charged for each article of clothing — $4 a shirt, $9 a dress, and $2 per pair of underwear.

I packed two pairs of shoes: sneakers for walking and waterproof sandals for the beach and pools. 

Having a small pack came in handy during port stops and while exploring the ship.

Ship time is the time zone that cruise ships adhere to even when docked at ports in different time zones.

My ship stopped in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and the Bahamas. 

I packed vitamins made to support immune systems since I was coming in contact with many people. 

I always pack Dramamine on my trips to avoid motion sickness. 

It was especially loud since I was at the front of the ship, where seasoned cruisers said movement on ships feels the strongest.

Next time, I’ll come prepared.