I've avoided cruises because the "what if.." just makes me uncomfortable, especially once I became a parent. I imagine I'd use the same rationalization as I do whenever I travel so I'll throw in my two cents anyway.

1. RESEARCH your route and destination and ask yourself "What should I expect and what could possibly go wrong?" Planning for a carribean cruise would be different than planning to go to Alaska.

2. I'd modify my EDC to comply with security (i.e. removing/shrinking sharps in my PSK) and then try to replace/substitute as best I could as soon as I was on-board. http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/?action=view&current=pursepsk.jpg

Light: I ALWAYS wear a mini photon around my neck, and especially in an unfamiliar environment, I keep an LED flashlight within reach. (There's also a headlamp and extra batteries in my EDC.)

Clothes: Pack smart and then throw in a fleece jacket with hood, rain jacket and pants, hat and extra sunglasses

Water: 1 full bottle on person and in luggage, plus a empty collapsable bottle to fill once I'm on-board.

Food: Power bars, dried fruit, jerky, instant coffee, juice boxes, koolaid

Health: FAK, antacid, anti-diarrheal, anti-histamine, vitamins, anti-inflammatory, tylenol, water purification tabs, baby wipes, couple week supply of meds, suncreen, bug spray, garbage bags, TP, pocket heaters

Shelter: heatsheet, paracord

Communication: cel phone, extra battery, charger, pre-paid calling card, mini radio

Timekillers: HUGELY important when I travel with my kids! Books, dinky cars, deck of cards, travel checkers/chess.