Even if you've scheduled a cruise to Alaska or Northern Europe, you'll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors. And since there's nothing that ruins a vacation faster than a sunburn, you'll want to leave room in your luggage for some items that will protect your skin from the sun. Sunglasses are, of course, a must-have item, so be sure to check out the best sunglasses for a cruise. For the rest of your body, we've provided essential items for sun protection below.
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Best Women's Wide Brim Straw Hat: Coolibar Perla Wide Brim Hat, $59
If you're looking for a sun hat that's also stylish, the Coolibar Perla is ideal. It's woven from a polyester “straw” material that looks like natural fiber, but is more durable.
The hat has an SPF of 50+ that blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays. It comes in one size, but an internal drawstring allows you to tighten or loosen it. An external bow adds a more stylish touch to the hat. The brim is longer in the front (3-¾”) than in the back (2-⅛”).
One verified customer said: “This is the sun hat I’ve been looking for for years! It provides excellent protection and really fits me well. Another great thing is that it can be packed into a bag. I took it on a trip abroad, folded it up and put it in my backpack. I was worried it wouldn’t spring back to its original shape, but it did. This hat is worth the price.”
Best Foldable Sun Hat for Women: Solbari Ultra Wide Brim Cotton Linen Hat, $65
This soft, breathable hat, made from a cotton and linen blend, has an extra-wide brim measuring 5 inches in the front and 6 inches in the back. Its SPF 50+ blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
It's also packable, so it's easy to pack into luggage or a beach bag. A slot in the back allows for ponytail attachment, and a detachable chin strap keeps the hat secure in windy conditions or if you're, say, on a speedboat or jet ski. Available in four colors and two sizes (S/M or L/XL), it's hand washable, but be sure to dry it in the shade to prevent shrinkage.
Best Straw Hat for Men: Wallaroo Fedora, $59
When you think of a sun hat, a stylish fedora might not come to mind, but this one has UPF 50+ sun protection, making it suitable for the brightest conditions. Its brim is 3″ in circumference; an internal adjustment feature lets you tighten or loosen it for comfort and security.
One reviewer said she had been “looking for a summer hat that would fit my large head and have great UV protection for some time, now I found it. This hat is made of quality material, yes it costs more compared to other hats but it is worth it.” Available in four colors and two sizes (M/L and L/XL).
Best Packable Sun Hat for Men: Panama Jack, $47
Channel your inner Indiana Jones with this packable, breathable hat. Like the other hats on this list, it's rated UPF 50+ for maximum sun protection, though keep in mind that its open mesh crown isn't UPF-rated.
An interior sweatband prevents the hat from sticking to your head and many users commented on how breathable the hat is, keeping their head cool even in the intense sun.
Available in three colors (Fossil, Navy, Khaki) and three sizes (M, L, XL).
Best reef-friendly sunscreen: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, $19
The chemicals in most sunscreens are known to be harmful to coral reefs. Mineral-based sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide reflect the sun's rays and are It is much less likely to harm coral reefs and biodiversity. they support.
So, if you're traveling to parts of the world where you're likely to encounter vulnerable environments, such as coral reefs, it's critical to pay attention to what you pour into the water. For example, sunscreens comply with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act.
Reviewers say Sun Bum “smells like summer.” Plus, it’s oil-free and water-resistant.
Best Lip Balm with SPF Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen, $6
Aquaphor soothes and protects lips from the sun with its broad spectrum SPF 30. Users love how soft it leaves their lips, thanks to ingredients like shea butter and vitamins E and B. Aquaphor is unscented and most users say it is flavorless, but some say it has a “bitter” taste.
Best Rash Guard Shirt for Women: Land's End Swim Tee, $37
This is a sun protection shirt with SPF 50+ that also works as a cute women's t-shirt. It's made of nylon with spandex for stretch and comfort, but is resistant to wear and tear from chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat.
One reviewer says she loves the “simplicity of this sun protection shirt. It’s very easy to put on over almost any bathing suit for extra sun protection. I bought this for a cruise…I feel like this garment is something I will wear for several years. I am very happy with the quality.”
Available in 30 colors/patterns and 14 sizes (XX petite to 3X)
Best Sun Protection Shirt for Men: O'Neill Men's Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirt, $29
O'Neill's long sleeve shirt is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is ideal for surfing, swimming, paddle sports, boating and of course, days at the beach or pool. If surfing is on your agenda, you'll appreciate the slim fit and minimal seams of this design (to prevent chafing).
One satisfied shopper said: “We were going snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean during the summer. Instead of dealing with sunscreen, this was a much easier and simpler solution. And with a classic, simple style too! The bonus was that it got wet and stayed cool out of the water.”
Available in three colors (White, Graphite, Black) and 5 sizes (S-XXL).
Best Foldable Beach Bag: Canvas Tote Bag with External Zipper Pocket, $14
For all those excursions, you'll need a tote bag. This one is the perfect size (21″ x 15″ x 6″), yet folds practically flat for storage. Of course, if you end up doing some shopping on your trip, it also provides an easy way to transport all your purchases. The handle is long enough to make it comfortable to wear over your shoulder. A zipper keeps contents secure, and the roomy external pocket is great for sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.
The bag has thousands of 5-star ratings on amazon and is available in 14 colors.
