Ready to set sail? Packing for a cruise is a breeze with our comprehensive guide to cruise essentials. We’ve compiled all the must-have items and savvy tips to ensure you’re prepared for any adventure on the high seas. From practical gear to personal comfort items, we’ll help you pack smart so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your voyage. Dive into our guide and get ready for a hassle-free cruise experience, no matter where your travels take you.
Essential Items for a Smooth Cruise Experience
When embarking on a cruise, there’s an array of essential items to take along that can potentially guarantee a smoother journey.
The basics:
Clothing and Shoes
This will depend on your personal style and preference of course. Are you someone who likes to dress to impress for every occasion, or someone who likes to travel light and wear basics and repurpose outfits?
If you enjoy dressing up, there are many occasions to dress for on a cruise. Here are some clothing packing tips to consider:
- Casual Resort Attire – You will be on a cruise and relaxing while walking around and engaging in activities. Pack enough clothing to fit your needs and style.
- Formal Attire – On most cruise ships, there are scheduled elegant nights, which call for formal dinner attire. Many people even wear ball gowns for those occasions. Find out how many elegant nights are planned for your cruise and pack accordingly. Don’t forget the matching shoes, jewelry, bags and accessories!
- Event and Party Attire – Cruise lines have different parties offered on board. From the common white party to silent discos, 80s-themed parties, Halloween costume parties, and many other specific themes. A good place to find out about upcoming events on your specific cruise is to join a social media group on Facebook for your specific sailing.
- Excursion Outfits – this depends on what you are doing. Of course, outfits would be very different for example if you are going on a nature hike, versus a stroll in the city, vs snorkeling. Pack according to what you are interested in doing.
- Swimming – you will use those for the pools and hot tubs on deck, as well as for beaches and pools in some ports. Some will pack one swimsuit per day, while others will pack 1 to 2 for the entire trip. This again depends on your preference and style. Don’t forget flip-flops and/or water shoes for the beaches. Note that you do NOT need to pack towels as the cruise ship will provide room and pool towels, as well as beach towels you can borrow into port and then return.
- Plan for Weather – even when going to a tropical Carribean-type destination, it may still be cold at night. If you want to sit on deck and watch that movie at night, plan for layers or pack a sweatshirt or sweater.
- Gym Clothing – if you plan on walking the deck track, working out in the gym or taking any fitness classes, pack some workout clothing.
- Hats and Belts -Lastly, remember to bring along items like hats and belts, as these items often get overlooked.
- Shoes – for comfort and walking, pool and beach going, and for formal wear.
Hygiene Products
Think of the regular hygiene products you would bring on any regular vacation and pack those. While there are stores on board that sell hygiene products, you have a limited selection and the items are more expensive. Here is a general list of hygiene products you may need.
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash – while they do provide shampoo and body wash in the bathrooms, some cruises do not offer conditioner and you will need that if you have long hair and go swimming in the pools or beaches. Many people prefer to bring their own shampoo and soap as well
- Hand Soap – many cruise ships only provide bar soaps for hand washing so if you like a pump soap, bring one along
- Body Lotions and Creams
- Deodorants
- Perfume or Cologne
- Face Care – serums or creams and dont forget facial sunscreen
- Makeup – Think about special occasion makeup and daily makeup needs
- Makeup Remover – or wipes
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Sexual wellness products
- Hairbrush and any hair ties, headbands or berets.
- Hair Spray – Your regular products and/or specific hair products to handle your post-ocean hair
- Vitamins and Medication – the ones you take regularly, plus any just-in-case medicine such as Tylenol or seasickness medication
Personal Favorite Items for an Enhanced Experience
Some items aren’t mandatory but can significantly enhance your overall cruise experience. Think of what you personally need, want or prefer.
Extra Charging Ports
First on the list is a non surge protecting power strip to ensure that your devices remain powered. Note cruise ships do NOT allow a surge protector. On a ship with limited outlets, this item can be particularly useful.
Waterproof Phone Case
Imagine being by the poolside and not worrying about your phone getting wet? A waterproof phone case is a lifesaver that allows you to enjoy water activities without the fear of damaging your phone.
Lanyard for Sign and Sail Card
Onboard, your sign and sail card are all you need for purchases. So, keeping it safe and handy is vital. Using a lanyard to carry it around avoids misplacing or losing the card.
Sunglasses
Out in the open seas, the glare of the sun can be overbearing. A good pair of sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also add a layer of comfort.
Seasickness Bands or Dramamine
Seasickness can affect anyone, whether a first-timer or a seasoned sailor. Packing seasickness bands or Dramamine is an excellent preventative measure.
Sunscreen
Cruising often involves a lot of outdoor time, exposing you to harmful UV rays. A good sunscreen protects your skin from burning and reduces the risk of skin-related issues in the future. Reef-protecting sunscreen is important when going to a beach at the ports.
Medicine Case
Having a handy vitamin or medicine case filled with essential medications can be your savior, particularly for those on prescribed medications.
Wristwatch
Timekeeping is crucial while cruising, especially when considering excursions. A wristwatch (preferably waterproof) is a must-have to stay punctual. If using your phone, dont forget to set it to cruise time, instead of port time.
First Aid Kit
Because accidents do happen, having a first aid kit at your disposal can be beneficial and offer immediate relief.
Water Shoes
When participating in water-based activities or even exploring the ship, water shoes provide additional comfort and prevent slipping.
Bathroom Fresheners
Cruise ship bathrooms may sometimes not smell as fresh as you’d like. Especially in an interior cabin where you dont have window ventilation. Bathroom fresheners can make the experience more pleasant.
Towel bands or clips
For your pool chair and towel stakes for the beach.
Waterproof Fanny Pack
A waterproof fanny pack is excellent for your ID and other little items, especially on shore excursions. Especially when around water, it helps keep your valuables dry and safe.
Travel Umbrella
You never know when it may rain so pack an umbrella. Or pack a poncho if you rather prefer that.
Camera
Cruising is often filled with priceless moments worth capturing. A camera enables you to document these unforgettable memories.
a Vlogging camera or underwater camera such as a Go Pro will help you capture some of your adventures
If you take photography seriously, don’t forget to pack accessories such as a sturdy tripod.
Beach Bag
A beach bag or backpack is another handy accessory when heading to the beach on an island stop or if you plan to lay out by the pool.
Corkscrew for Wine
If you’re a wine lover, having a corkscrew with you is a must. This gives you the freedom to open a bottle of your favorite wine whenever you wish. Some cruise lines allow you to bring up to 2 wine bottles per person on board, free of charge. But if you choose to bring it to a restaurant they may charge a corkage fee.
Swimsuit Cover-Up
A swimsuit cover-up is beneficial when moving around the ship or stopping for a quick meal during your day in the sun.
Foldable Backpack
This is perfect for carrying essentials during excursions off the ship. A small foldable clear backpack is light and easy to carry around.
Laundry Bags or Pop-up Hamper
A laundry bag or pop-up hamper keeps your cabin tidy by separating clean clothes from dirty ones.
Refillable Bottles or Tumblers
To stay hydrated and reduce single-use plastic, carrying refillable water bottles or tumblers is a great idea.
Portable Speakers
For your personal entertainment in your cabin or while lounging on the deck, portable speakers come in handy.
Power Bank
To ensure that your phone is always ready to capture those picture-perfect moments, it’s wise to carry a power bank for on-the-go charging.
Reusable Straws
Bringing your reusable straws means you’re not reliant on the often inferior paper straws provided on board. Also, some cruise lines such as Carnival give you only a sugar candy straw for alcoholic drinks. So if you want a regular straw, bring some.
Mini Packs of Lysol
For a clean and germ-free environment, carry mini packs of Lysol, perfect for quick cleaning in your room.
Wrinkle Spray
Because you cannot bring an iron onboard, pack a wrinkle spray for your garments. You can also use the onboard ironing rooms on the ship if you prefer that.
Snorkel Set
If you are enjoy snorkeling, bringing your own set to snorkel off the beach can be more sanitary than renting one, plus could save you some money.
Electronics
Pack your laptops, e-book readers, tablets and other electronics you may want or need on board.
Cash for Tips
Keeping small bills handy for tipping crew members who provide excellent service makes for a pleasant cruising experience.
Phone Charger
To stay connected, you need to keep your phone charged consistently, and a phone charger is an essential gadget to have on board.
Necessary Identification Documents
Remember to pack your passport and driver’s license, as these are the primary documents required to get on board. Some cruise lines allow you to travel with your ID plus birth certificate, instead of a passport.
Conclusion: Packing Smart for a Hassle-Free Cruise Experience
In summary, preparing adequately by packing essential and personal favorite items can set the stage for a smooth, fun, and memorable cruise experience. Remember to pack with different scenarios in mind – the weather, on-board activities, and safety procedures. Smart and thoughtful packing can truly enhance your cruise experience, leading to a much more enjoyable and hassle-free journey!