Inside My Cruise First Aid Kit: What’s in My Oh Ship Kit (and Why You Need One, Too)

Last updated: November 2025

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🚢 Ahoy, prepared sailor!

There’s one thing I never cruise without: my Oh Ship! Kit.

It started as a little black makeup bag with a blue ribbon tied to the zipper so I could spot it fast. Over the years, it’s turned into my cruise first aid kit that’s always packed, always ready, and always saves the day.

Just like my pre-packed toiletry bag, this kit stays stocked year-round. It lives in my suitcase so I can grab it and go, knowing I’ve got everything from motion sickness meds to sunscreen already tucked inside.

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⚓ Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways: Inside My Cruise First Aid Kit (Oh Ship Kit)

• A pre-packed cruise first aid kit saves time, space, and stress — mine stays ready to grab and go year-round.
• I organize my kit by category (stomach, pain, allergy, and sun care) using labeled Ziploc bags inside a small cosmetic case.
• My “Oh Ship Kit” has saved countless trips, from motion sickness and headaches to allergy flare-ups and sunburns.
• For group cruises, I also make a playful “party edition” with hydration helpers and hangover fixes — it’s always a hit!
• You can download my free printable checklist to build your own Oh Ship Kit and be ready for anything before you set sail.

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⚓ Why You Need a Cruise First Aid Kit

A well-stocked travel first aid kit can make the difference between an easy day at sea and a miserable one.

Cruise ships have small medical centers, but they charge premium prices, and port pharmacies vary by language and availability.

I learned this lesson the sneezy way on a spring European cruise. I didn’t pack allergy meds, and my eyes and sinuses quickly regretted it. The ship only carried drowsy Benadryl, and by the time we reached port, I was trying to translate “non-drowsy Allegra” into a language I didn’t speak. Never again!

Since then, my Oh Ship Kit has earned permanent VIP packing status.

(Need more ideas for staying healthy at sea? Check out my Cruise Wellness Tips.)

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🧳 How I Organize My Kit

My kit isn’t fancy, it’s functional. I use a soft quilted cosmetic bag with clear pouches inside. Each Ziploc is labeled by category:

• Stomach & Digestive
• Pain & Minor Injuries
• Allergy & Cold Relief
• Sun & Insect Care

Keeping it organized means I can find what I need fast without rummaging through my suitcase mid-vacation. When I get home, I simply restock anything I’ve used so it’s ready for the next trip.

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💊 What’s Inside My Cruise First Aid Kit

Here’s what’s always packed and ready to sail. Everything fits neatly in small blister packs or travel sizes to save space.

Stomach & Digestive

• Motion sickness tablets (Meclizine)
• Ginger chews
• Antacids (Tums or Omeprazole)
• Imodium AD
• Pepto Bismol chewables

Pain & Minor Injuries

• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Adhesive bandages (small, medium, butterfly)
• Blister pads
• Neosporin or antibiotic ointment
• Antibacterial wipes

Allergy & Cold Relief

• Non-drowsy antihistamine (Allegra or similar)
• Benadryl cream
• Cough drops
• Peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil or VapoStick
• Bug wristbands or repellent stickers

Sun & Insect Care

• SPF lip balm
• Sunscreen (travel size)
• Aloe gel or after-sun lotion
• Vitamin C packets
• Electrolyte powder packs

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Hand sanitizer or soap sheets
• Mini Lysol spray or disinfectant wipes
• Poo-Pourri spray (small cabins = small spaces!)
• Laundry detergent sheets or Tide pods
• Travel-size tissues

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🏴‍☠️ The “Party Edition” Oh Ship Kit

For group cruises, I love to surprise friends with a playful version — my Pirate-themed Oh Ship Kit. It’s a little cardboard treasure chest filled with hangover helpers and “just-in-case” goodies.

Here’s what I tuck inside:

• Travel-size ibuprofen or Tylenol
• Tums or Alka-Seltzer
• Crackers
• Vitamin C packets and electrolyte mixes
• Makeup remover wipes
• PartySmart capsules or hydration supplements
• Breath mints or gum

Let’s be honest, even the best cruisers occasionally overindulge. A little recovery kit can make you everyone’s favorite cabin mate.

(If you’re sailing Virgin Voyages, check out my Top Must-Try Drinks on Virgin Voyages — responsibly, of course!)

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🧠 How to Pack and Travel with Your First Aid Kit

You can keep your Oh Ship Kit in your checked luggage, that’s where mine lives, but I always carry a mini “day kit” with:

• A few pain relievers
• Antacids
• Motion sickness tablets
• My prescription medications

That way, I’m covered even if my suitcase takes the scenic route to my stateroom.

For medication travel guidelines, visit:

• TSA — Traveling with Medication
• Official cruise line “What to Pack” pages like Virgin Voyages or Princess Cruises

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❓ Cruise First Aid Kit FAQs

1. What should I include in a cruise first aid kit?

Pack travel-size essentials for common needs: motion sickness tablets, pain relievers, antacids, allergy medicine, bandages, antiseptic wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, and after-sun lotion. Customize your kit with anything you regularly use at home.

2. Can I bring medication on a cruise ship?

Yes! Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed. Keep prescriptions in their original labeled containers and store them in your carry-on bag.
👉 TSA’s Medication Travel Guidelines

3. Should my cruise first aid kit go in my carry-on or checked bag?

I keep my full Oh Ship Kit in my checked luggage, but I always pack a mini “day kit” in my carry-on with pain relievers, antacids, motion sickness tablets, and my prescriptions — just in case my suitcase takes a detour.

4. Do cruise ships sell medicine onboard?

Yes, but it’s limited and usually marked up in price. You’ll find basics like seasickness tablets or pain relievers at the ship’s shop, but specialized items (like allergy medicine) can be harder to find. That’s why having your own kit is a lifesaver.

5. How can I keep my cruise first aid kit organized?

Use small labeled pouches or Ziploc bags for each category: stomach, pain, cold/allergy, and sun/insect care. Store them inside a soft cosmetic bag that fits easily in your suitcase. After every trip, restock anything you’ve used so it’s always ready for your next cruise.

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⚓ Ready to Set Sail (and Stay Well)

Your Oh Ship Kit doesn’t take much room, but it can save your cruise and your sanity. Whether it’s a surprise sunburn, a sudden sneeze, or a little too much fun the night before, you’ll be ready for anything.

Because when you’re prepared, you can focus on what really matters — soaking up the sea breeze, exploring new ports, and savoring every moment between Shore and Cruise. 💙