I am a travel planner who's been on 26 cruises. Here are 10 things I always pack and 2 things I never bring

Cruise-ship rooms are typically air-conditioned, but it can get a little warm when everyone's in there sleeping.

I always bring a small portable fan for my side table. It helps keep me cool at night and brings some white noise into the room.

Make sure it's battery operated as there are usually limited plugs and you don't want to overload them.

Pro tip: Your local camping-goods store is a great place to find these fans.

It's no secret that cruise-ship rooms are on the smaller side, especially the bathrooms.

To keep my things organized, I always bring a hanging toiletry bag.

You can find a place to hang it on the back of the bathroom door or nearby for easy access.

Many cruise lines have banned bringing power strips due to the risk of power surges and potential electrical damage or fires.

Cruise cabins often have anywhere from two to four regular plugs. Some of the newer ships have also added USB ports, but there's usually only one.

A single outlet adapter with USB ports will charge everything you need without overloading the electrical in the cabin.

Pro tip: If you need an extra plug for something medical such as a CPAP machine, ask your cabin steward. They'll be able to get you a complaint plug.

You have to take out your room key quite a bit on a cruise, and I've found the easiest way to carry it around is on a lanyard.

You can keep it around your neck or in your bag for easy access. And if you forgot to bring one, they always sell them on board.

In many cabins, almost every surface is magnetic, which allows you to hang hooks for bags, hats, and toiletry cases.

It's one of my favorite ways to maximize space.

You can also use them to hang signs on your door — which is a great way to personalize your room so you can pick it out easily in a hallway full of identical doors.

It's nothing groundbreaking, but you'll definitely need sunscreen on a cruise — especially if you're going to the Caribbean.

You can purchase it on board, but it'll cost you much more than your local store.

Be sure to pack plenty as you'll be reapplying quite a bit. And when all else fails, bring some aloe for after-sun care.

It can get a little breezy on the pool deck even on the calmest days at sea, so towel clips are my go-to for keeping my beach towels from blowing away.

It's also a great way to remember where your spot on the deck is, especially if it's crowded.

Cruise-ship rooms don't typically have irons, so wrinkle-release spray is an easy solution for extra wrinkled clothing in your suitcase.

I simply spray mine when I unpack, and the wrinkles go away.

Pro tip: You can pay to have your clothes ironed on board, but I find this works perfectly without the extra expense.

I always bring small bills with me on every cruise so I can tip anyone that I feel went above and beyond during my trip.

It's also good to have when you're in port as the markets are often cash only.

Rooms usually have safes, so you don't have to be concerned about carrying around a lot of money with you all day.

Cruise lines typically include water, tea, and juice as part of your base rate. But I always have a water bottle with me as the provided disposable cups are small.

This keeps me from going back and forth a lot.

The sea air will also dry you out, so it's important to stay hydrated.

Pro tip: If you forget your water bottle you can buy a refillable drink cup on board.

You don't need to bring beach towels on a cruise.

They're provided on the pool deck. Plus you can get fresh towels at any time and even take them off the ship when you visit islands — just don't forget to return them.

Like at a hotel, the hair dryers provided in each room are pretty basic, but they'll get the job done.

If you want a full blowout, treat yourself in the spa — after all, you're on vacation.