As several have mentioned, a flashlight seems practical and useful. As for lugging a bunch of other stuff on a cruise I'll pass. Anybody who is so apprehensive about cruising that they they want to carry a bag of survival gear, should just stay at home or find another way to travel. It makes about as much sense as carrying a parachute on a commercial flight IMHO. And yes, I have cruised before - a two week Alaskan excursion.