Cruise Packing Tips
It would probably be more apt to name this article, Confessions of a Serial Overpacker, as even after more than a dozen cruises, I still take too many clothes. And do you know what? I’m okay with that! I like to have options and dressing up for dinner. It does mean, that I need to take a larger bag and sometimes an extra piece of luggage. The way I see it though, is that I only have to to unpack once.
Here’s a checklist of sorts that I hope you will find useful when packing for a cruise. I’m sure I have missed a few items, but hopefully not too many. Happy packing!
Here’s a checklist of sorts that I hope you will find useful when packing for a cruise. I’m sure I have missed a few items, but hopefully not too many. Happy packing!
Clothing
Women
Day
Casual attire such as dresses, skirts, jeans, shorts, pants, t-shirts, shirts and blouses. Always take a least one long sleeved top plus a cardigan or jacket.
Evening
Smart casual to formal depending on the theme of the night. (More under THEME nights)
Footwear
Thongs (flip-flops), sandals, sneakers/closed toe shoes and all the stilettos your heart desires. (Just be careful around the ship, decks and walking up and down stairs).
Swimwear
At least 2 pairs of swimming costumes, a rash vest, sarongs (which can double up as a scarf)
Headwear
Sun hat, cap and/or sun visor. In cooler climates, a beanie or beret
Miscellaneous
A scarf or pashmina is also a good idea and doesn’t take up much room.
Sunglasses
Underwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Men
Day
Casual attire such as jeans, shorts, pants, t-shirts, shirts. At least one jacket or hoodie
Evening
Smart casual to formal depending on the theme of the night. (More under THEME nights)
Swimwear
Board shorts, rash vest
Headwear
Cap, wide brimmed hat. In cooler climates, a beanie
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Underwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Babies to pre-teens
Day
Casual clothing. Always pack extra warm clothing just in case
Evening
Casual to smart casual. Kids also love dressing up (More under THEME nights)
Swimwear
Board shorts, rash vests, swim hats, swimmers
Headwear
Caps, wide brimmed hat. In cooler climates, a beanie
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Underwear
Singlets
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Nappies/Diapers (If your baby-toddler is still in nappies, bring more than you think you’ll need)
Teenagers
Let them pack what they want, they won’t listen to you anyway. Tip: Take a few extra pieces of their clothing in your luggage.
Currency
As cruising is ‘cashless’, cruisers have the option of loading a credit card on their accounts or adding cash.
Credit cards
Sometimes cruiselines place a ‘hold’ on credit cards (in the same way a hotel have a holding bond) which may take anywhere from a few days to a week to clear after debarking.
Cash
While there are ATMs aboard, the fees are quite high, so it’s always a good idea to bring cash aboard, even if only to use at the ports. Check the currency of the ports you’re visiting and exchange the local currency before boarding, as you’ll usually get a better rate on land.
Electronics
Phones
Laptops
Headphones
Tablets
Cameras
Chargers (plural)
GoPro (or other video recording equipment)
Walkie-Talkies
Extras
Magnets (cabin walls are metal)
Laundry Washing liquid/powder
Post-it notes (to leave messages for your cabin buddies)
Mini portable clothes line
Reusable calico bags (for storing dirty clothes)
Lanyard
A spare set of reading glasses (especially if you wear contact lenses)
Empty beach bag/backpack to take on shore excursions
Snacks (in original packaging, chips, chocolate, nuts etc)
Resealable plastic sandwich bags. These are great for storing bits and pieces.
Note: You do NOT need to pack beach towels, as these are supplied on the ship
Jewellery
I usually only ever take costume jewellery. Even though there is a safe in each cabin, I’m paranoid about leaving an expensive/sentimental item on a night stand or dropping it down the sink or even losing something special at a port.
Medications
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Sunscreen
After-sun lotion/spray
Insect repellent
Stop Itch
Calamine Lotion
Stop Itch
Calamine Lotion
Eyedrops
Bandaids/plasters
Stretchy bandage
Seasickness meds
Antihistamine
Throat lozenges
Lip balm
Contact lens solution (if needed)
Laxatives
Antacids
Electrolytes
Note:
If you are on any regular prescription medication, always take extra and leave in original packaging.
Theme Nights
I love getting involved in the theme nights, however these are totally optional and are constantly changing. Check with the cruiseline as to which themes are currently on board. Formal night is almost always a given, and depending on the cruiseline, formal attire is often expected at dinner.
Popular themes nights include: Island (hawaiian shirt, grass skirts), Mexican (sombreros, moustaches, ponchos) Gatsby (feather boas, gloves, braces, fedoras), Back To School (ties, shorts, tartan skirts). There’s also other ‘simpler’ nights such as White (Bianco) and Nero (Black) nights. The decision is entirely yours, and costumes can range from elaborate get ups to just a few accessories.
Toiletries
Make up
Make-up wipes
Perfume/aftershave
Hairdryer, hair straighter (although hairdryers are supplied, they aren’t the best quality)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mouthwash
Floss
Deodorant/Anti-perspirant
Razors
Shaving cream
Body wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Personal hand sanitiser
Sanitary pads/tampons
Any other personal items e.g ear plugs, eye masks, use your imagination...
Note: There will always be soap, shampoo and body wash in your cabin bathrooms, and depending on the category you book and which cruiseline, often a more premium product will be provided. If you are particular about shampoo and body wash or you have sensitivities, pack your own. Always pack hair conditioner! I forgot once and it costs me a bucket to purchase on board.
While most, if not all of these items are available on board to purchase - which is great if you’ve forgotten something - be warned these items are usually much more expensive than what you’d pay on land.
Travel documents
Passports
Boarding Passes
Extra Luggage tags
Insurance policy
Note: Keep all these items in your carry-on luggage or in your handbag and don’t forget your wallet. Store all important items in your cabin safe when you’re aboard.
Water sport equipment
Snorkels
Flippers
Goggles
Masks
Wet suit
Reef shoes
WHAT NOT TO PACK
There are many things you are not allowed to bring on board a cruise ship, and these prohibited items will confiscated from your luggage. Please don’t smuggle alcoholic spirits in water bottles or mouthwash containers, they know all the tricks. Do not bring on alcohol (unless the cruiseline you’re travelling on allows a certain type/quantity) and only bring the allotted number of soft drinks allowed.
Please check your cruise documents for a complete list of prohibited items. These items will change, so even if you’ve cruised on the same cruiseline previously, it’s worth checking again. As many seasoned cruisers will attest, the piles of confiscated items (including many, many powerboards) are hard to miss at customs.
Here is just a short list of some of the more commonly prohibited items:
Irons
Kettles
Toasters
Humidifiers
Candles
Power boards
Coffee makers
Weapons
Knives
Scissors
Drugs
And finally, if you do forget something, just ask reception - they’ve heard it all before - or wait until you reach a port and purchase what you’re missing.
If I've forgotten something, please let me know
and I'll add it to the list
