The cruise first-aid kit: a printable checklist

The CDC says all travelers should bring a personal first-aid kit, tailored to their health history and trip. Its goal is to handle common minor illnesses and injuries, recurring problems and ongoing conditions (CDC Yellow Book: Travel Health Kits). Here’s a cruise-sized version based on the CDC’s list.

Ask your pharmacist which medicines suit you, and follow the label.

Wound care

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes, including waterproof
• Blister pads (felt or gel)
• Gauze pads, non-stick dressings and medical tape
• Elastic bandage for sprains
• Antiseptic wipes
• Small scissors (TSA allows blades under 4 inches from the pivot point in carry-ons)

Skin

• Antimicrobial ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream for rashes
• Anti-itch lotion
• Aloe vera gel for sunburn
• Sunscreen (the CDC kit list says SPF 30 or higher) and SPF lip balm

Everyday medicines

The CDC’s list includes products for these common problems:

• Pain and fever relief
• Antihistamine for allergies
• Antacid or acid reducer if you’re prone to reflux
• Anti-diarrhea medicine and oral rehydration salts
• Motion sickness remedy (see seasickness options compared)
• Mild laxative if you’re prone to constipation
• Throat lozenges and a decongestant

Your prescriptions

• All regular prescription medicines, plus extra for delays
• Prescribed emergency items, such as an epinephrine auto-injector or inhaler
• Spare glasses or contact lenses

Instruments

• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers

Documents

The CDC suggests carrying (paper or digital):

• A medical summary: conditions, medicines (generic names), allergies
• A copy of your EKG if previously abnormal, you have heart or lung disease, or you’re over 50
• Emergency contact card
• Insurance details
• Vaccination certificate if required

Prevention

• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, but remember soap and water work better against norovirus (CDC)
• Face masks
• COVID-19 and flu test kits (suggested in the CDC cruise chapter)

Why bother on a ship with a medical center?

Because onboard care and medicines cost extra, and the CDC notes that over-the-counter medicines bought on the ship tend to cost more (CDC). For anything more than minor, though, go to the medical center; your kit isn’t a substitute for care.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure.

• Compact first aid kit: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-first-aid-kit}}
• Digital thermometer: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-digital-thermometer}}
• Oral rehydration salts: {{AFFILIATE:amazon-ors}}

Store everything in a durable, water-resistant container and keep it easy to reach, as the CDC suggests.

Sources