Setting sail on a cruise is the epitome of holiday bliss, offering a hard-to-beat mix of tranquillity and adventure.

However, seasoned sea travellers warn that packing faux pas can easily turn your dream voyage into a nightmare.

Veterans of the ocean waves have been doling out pearls of wisdom to those new to the nautical life.

Even the most opulent of ships have their limits when it comes to cabin space, so savvy packing is essential. It’s not just about saving room; it’s about being ready for varying weather, shipboard shenanigans, and unexpected predicaments.

Leave behind something crucial, and you could be coughing up cash or missing out on fun, while overstuffing your suitcase might make your stateroom feel more sardine tin than suite.

From swanky garb for gala evenings to practical must-haves like plug converters and seasickness cures, a bit of forethought can significantly elevate your cruising escapade.

One indispensable item, as any experienced cruiser will attest, is your meds, reports the Mirror.

Sure, the ship may have a medical centre, but at sea, you’ll pay through the nose for what’s free on land.

On the r/cruise subreddit, one user advised: “Pack all the travel essentials you need, like tums, pepto, aspirin, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Anything they sell is going to be expensive.”

Another chimed in with: “Pack a Ziploc bag of over the counter medicine for colds, diarrhea, other common possible ailments. It’s a lot more inconvenient and expensive onboard for things like that.”

Seasoned travellers are dishing out sage advice for those setting sail on a cruise, with one seasoned voyager stating: “Bring Alka seltzer and cold medicine, seasickness pills, extra meds, whatever you think you might need.”

Cruise expert Ilana Schattauer, the brains behind Life Well Cruised, also emphasises the importance of packing medication, advising: “If you take prescription medications, make sure to keep them on you either in your handbag or cruise day bag.

“I also like to make a mini cruise first-aid kit and keep a few things we may need for the day, like pain reliever (Advil or Tylenol) as well as some Tums or Rolaids.”

Another hot tip from a cruise aficionado is to pack extra power sources, noting: “Staterooms are notorious for having just two plugs and one in the bathroom. Bring USB hubs, socket outlet hubs, and/or adapter hubs. A power strip is fine as long it has no built-in surge protector.”