As the veteran of dozens of cruises, we’ve become somewhat of a wizard when it comes to packing. We know what to bring, what to leave out, what’s nice to have and what’s a necessity.
But there’s one item that we’d guess only a small percentage of cruise passengers bring with them. That’s because for one it’s slightly embarrassing to pack. Some people might be hesitant to pack it in the suitcase. But I’d also guess that many people — especially first-time cruisers — don’t realize that it’s needed at all.
Yet, it’s something that everyone needs to pack for their cruise to be cleaner and more comfortable during their trip.
Cruise Ship Toilet Paper Leaves Lots to Be Desired
Just like a hotel room on land, your cruise cabin comes equipped with a complete bathroom. And apart from a traditional bathtub (a stand-up shower is the norm on cruise ships), it has everything else you might need. This includes toilet paper.
There’s only one issue. The toilet paper supplied is terrible.
Whether it’s to save money or whether it has to do with the ship’s sewage system, no matter which cruise line you sail you’ll find the same thing. The toilet paper is always scratchy, one-ply material that’s so thin you can see through it.
With this stuff, not only is it a problem of feeling uncomfortable after wiping, but you also aren’t left feeling very clean either.
The good news? You don’t have to put up with it if you pack one (slightly) embarrassing item.
Wet Wipes Offer a Better Clean. Be Sure to Bring Them
Given the sad state of affairs when it comes to toilet paper on a cruise, people that sail often know that it’s smart to bring along a pack of wet wipes.
These wipes may feel a little weird to pack, but honestly, you’ll be happy you did. With the thickness and softness of the wipes, there’s no more scratchiness on your underside. Meanwhile, the moist wipes also do a wonderful job of making you feel much cleaner.
There’s no more leaving the bathroom feeling like you aren’t as fresh as you could be when you pack wipes. So next time you sail, be sure to include a pack in your luggage.
But there is one thing you should know about using them on a cruise ship…
Just Don’t Flush Them When Done
Wet wipes are great to bring on a cruise, but you need to be careful with what you do with them after use.
Specifically, you should NEVER used wipes down the toilet. Many wipes advertise themselves as flushable while others are clear that they aren’t meant for sewage systems. No matter what the wipes themselves say, DON’T flush them.
Ship’s sewage systems aren’t the same as back home (even there, most municipalities ask you not to flush wipes of any kind). These wipes are known for wreaking havoc on sewage systems, causing major problems.
The last thing you want to do is to clog your commode or be responsible for malfunctioning toilets on the ship due to flushing wet wipes.
Instead, your cabin bathroom will always have a small trash receptacle where you can toss used wipes. There are often sanitary bags as well that you can deposit them into before placing them in the trash.
Or you can just wrap the used wipes in that one-ply toilet paper. At least it’s good for something.
