Including On Cloud shoes, Elemis skincare, and more goodies

What to Pack on a Cruise, According to a Cruising Expert

• The Bag Style She Recommends: Baggallini Carryall Packable Backpack, $59 with coupon (orig. $70) 
• Better Than Shorts: Ekouaer Skort with Inner Pockets, from $24 with coupon (orig. $27) 
• Another Shoe Brand She Keeps on Board: Teva W Original Universal Sport Sandal, from $43 (orig. $50–$65)
• Stay Dry Out There: Zando Lightweight Rain Jacket, from $19 with coupon (orig. $28)
• The “Lightweight” Shoe Brand She’s Always Wearing: On Cloud 6, from $159
• Keep Your Necklaces and Bracelets In Order: Bagsmart Large Jewelry Travel Organizer Case, $26
• Hydration Station: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, $24 (orig. $30)
• What to Wear Instead of Makeup: Elemis Superfood Glow Hydrating Primer Facial Moisturizer, $65
• Rain, Rain Go Away: Baodini Mini Umbrella, $15
• In Case You Get Sea Sick: Dramamine Motion Sickness Tablets, $8

Have you ever been on a cruise and thought, “I wish I could just live here forever!” Turns out, that’s a real possibility. 

Christine Kesteloo spends half the year living aboard the Holland America cruise line with her husband Piet. As a former cruise director turned content creator with more than two million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (She goes by Christine La Vonna over there!), she has visited 109 countries, been a passenger on 122 Alaskan cruises, and spent thousands of days at sea. She’s basically a human encyclopedia on the “dos” and “don’ts” of cruising. 

So, as someone going on my own ocean voyage this fall, I consulted the expert and got the inside scoop on what I should and should not be packing. And now, I’m certain my trip will be nothing short of smooth sailing. 

Related: I Spent 10 Days in Italy — These Polished Yet Comfy Outfit Formulas Survived Planes, Trains, and 20K+ Steps

Ekouaer Skort with Inner Pockets, $24 with coupon

$27 $24 at Amazon

Aside from the obvious swimsuit and cover-up, Kesteloo also always has a skort. Following her lead, you should start with this style that has over 7,200 five-star ratings on Amazon and looks a little longer than some others I’ve seen. It also has pockets, which I love to use when traveling. (I also spotted her wearing one earlier this year!) 

Baggallini Carryall Packable Backpack

$70 $59 at Amazon

I specifically wanted to know what kind of purse I should bring while traveling abroad, and to my shock, she advocated for something other than crossbody bags. “I do a small backpack,” she shares. 

Her exact Kate Spade pick is over five years old, but I found this bag that’s also made from nylon, a material she specifically called out since “you can wash it up really [easily.]” Plus, it’s likely going to cost a lot less than a similar designer option. 

Elemis Superfood Glow Hydrating Primer Facial Moisturizer

$65 at Amazon

“I started buying Elemis when I was a cruise director on cruise ships,” Kesteloo says. “I was just wearing it all the time.”  

This primer, in particular, is one of her regulars: “I used to tell people, when you’re in the Caribbean, you don’t [want to] wear makeup. So… this is what I wear.” It has a subtle shimmery finish that brightens and evens out your complexion, and it aids in hydration.

Teva W Original Universal Sport Sandal

$50 $43 at Amazon

Next to the On Clouds in Kesteloo’s cabin would be a pair of Tevas. This pair has a contoured footbed, which an Amazon shopper said allowed them to walk 10 miles without any pain or soreness. “They feel super light like you’re barefoot, but the soles are supportive,” the reviewer shared. 

Bagsmart Large Jewelry Travel Organizer Case

$26 at Amazon

If you’ve seen any of Kesteloo’s videos, you’d know that she loves her Dune jewelry, a brand she works with. But one thing you may not know is that she always has it with her in her carry-on. Why? “I’ve got probably over $200,000 worth of jewelry I’m traveling with,” she explains, and that’s the safest place for it. 

She personally uses a Dune travel jewelry case, but she told me to check out Bagsmart for other organizers — such as this pick, which is under $30 and has several slots and compartments, so it will safely stash earrings, rings, and bracelets. 

Zando Lightweight Rain Jacket, $19 with coupon

$28 $19 at Amazon

“Everybody’s [going to] need a lightweight jacket,” says Kesteloo — and more specifically, a raincoat, if Alaska is your next stop. Thankfully, this one is both of those things and as little as $19.

What NOT to Bring on a Cruise Ship

• Bulky coats 
• Organizational dividers and hangers  
  • Note: One of our moms says magnetic hangers are non-negotiable for her. TL;DR: To each their own!

• Bug spray, in many cases

“[Cruisers] think they’re camping when they’re on a cruise. This is a floating hotel… Everything you need is here, you know?”

On Cloud 6

$159 at Amazon

Something Kesteloo packs every time she travels? Comfortable shoes, like the “lightweight” On Cloud sneakers, which she has been wearing for her last three contracts. Your feet will thank you after a walking-heavy day at port!

Baodini Mini Umbrella

$15 at Amazon

If it’s Alaska you’re heading to, an umbrella is one thing you should have on hand, says Kesteloo. And lucky you, I found this teeny-tiny one that won’t take up much space in your purse or backpack. 

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

$30 $24 at Amazon

Amongst all the excitement of your trip, drinking water is probably the last thing on your mind. But if you have a water bottle nearby, you might be more inclined to stay hydrated.

Dramamine Motion Sickness Tablets

$8 at Amazon

While Kesteloo is used to traveling at sea, the rocking and swaying of the boat might affect you differently. For that reason, she suggests packing some seasickness medicine just in case. 

Related: Céline Dion and Kendall Jenner Convinced Me to Try This Divisive Color Combo — I Asked a Stylist How to Pull It Off

Okay, but you need more Alaskan cruise recommendations, specifically? Check out more of Kesteloo’s recommendations here.

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