If you’re finally going on that dream cruise ship and you’re confused as to how to pack for it, you’re in the safest hands possible. This article shares how to pack for a cruise.
One of the most thrilling and opulent modes of transportation is cruising. Picture yourself relaxing on the deck while viewing breathtaking ocean views while drinking a drink.
Exploring foreign locations and enjoying onboard entertainment are just two of the many options available on a cruise trip. But there’s one important chore you have to finish before you leave: packing for your trip.
It takes careful thought and planning to pack for a cruise; it is not as simple as throwing some clothing into a suitcase.
It can be difficult to pack for a trip where there are so many activities and events planned. But don’t worry! This article will give you the basic information you need.
The following sections of this article highlight the main things that should be in your travelling case when going on a cruise. These sections will contain information that explains their headings better.
Travel Documents For A Cruise
The following travel documents are mandatory to bring:
- You should carry two forms of official identification. The best documents are a passport and a driver’s license.
- Cards proving health insurance: In case you want medical assistance while cruising, bring your medical insurance ID card.
- Travel insurance: If you have travel insurance that you paid for or that is included as part of your credit card benefits, you should bring a list of your benefits with you in case you need to claim while you’re on vacation.
- Admission Tickets: Your ticket onboard the ship is your cruise boarding pass. Additionally, you should print off copies of your cruise and travel plans for storage.
Activity-appropriate Clothing and Shoes
Check out the itinerary on the cruise line’s website before you start preparing for your trip. What’s your destination? What seaside activities have you scheduled? Do you intend to solely eat at the nightly buffet or will you also eat in the formal dining room? Regardless of your answers to these questions, Below is the basic clothing you should include when you pack for a cruise.
Formal Clothes
On the majority of cruises, you should pack at least one formal attire for “formal night.” For ladies, a dress and for men, a collared shirt with a button-up front, a tie, and dress shoes.
Read More: How To Attach A Backpack To A Rolling Suitcase
Swimwear and Cover-Ups
The majority of travellers choose Caribbean cruises because they prefer to spend their shore excursions at the beach and by the pool.
Bring at least two swimsuits, as it could take some time for them to dry out. Bring along at least a couple of bathing suit cover-ups, sundresses, or shorts and tee shirts since you can stroll around in your bathing suit but must wear clothes and shoes to enter the restaurants and casinos.
A Sweater
You might not anticipate feeling cold while on a cruise to a Caribbean island, but at night, the open sea can get frigid.
You’ll need a thin sweater to keep warm as restaurants and the casino can also be a little cool.
Shoes
The importance of bringing comfortable shoes on a cruise cannot be overemphasized.
You can pack other comfortable footwear as there’ll be lots of onshore excursions and you’d want to be comfortable during them to fully enjoy your time there.
Travel Gear For A Cruise
You should pack a few goods that will come in handy while travelling the ship or going offshore in addition to stuff that you can store in your cabin. They include:
Refillable Water Bottles
These allow you to avoid the price of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Bring a portable filter if you want to enhance the flavour.
A Tote Bag
Having a tote bag or backpack can make on-land excursions easier to navigate because you can safely store your money, beach gear, and souvenirs inside.
If you wish to do a little shopping at the cruise port, a tote bag is very useful. Throwing everything you buy into a tote bag makes it much easier to carry than fumbling with many shopping bags.
Waterproof Camera
Using a waterproof camera at the beach or while snorkelling may be a lot of fun. You can spend less money than buying a camera by purchasing a waterproof phone case or waterproof camera bag.
Backup Battery Charger
During cruises, you’ll usually have to take turns with others to use charging ports.
This means your electronic devices won’t always have a full charge, and most cabins only have one US electrical outlet and one European one.
So, you’d want to bring a backup battery charger with you so you can switch to it if your phone’s low and there’s no charging port available. To make utilizing the European outlet simpler, you can also carry an outlet adaptor.
Medications and Cosmetics
1. Bring Sunscreen And Sunburn Relief Products
You’ll use more sunscreen than you can imagine during a cruise because whether you go to the beach, the pool or on excursions, the sun is there too.
Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently, especially if you’re travelling somewhere with a lot of sun exposure, like the Caribbean.
2. Bring Your Bathroom Supplies
While many cruise companies provide free shampoo and conditioner in the bathrooms of the staterooms, it’s unlikely that these are the same items you use at home.
So, we advise you to pack your own shampoo, conditioner, and hair care supplies. If you’re taking a longer cruise, then it’s also wise to pack a razor and shaving cream too.
3. Bring Prescription Medication/Seasickness Medication/ Indigestion Medication.
It’s very important that you take along with you any prescription medications you take regularly. Also, Benadryl and Dramamine are two well-known medications for treating seasickness.
Lastly, since you have access to a wide variety of foods that you might not often eat in real life, antacids and other similar medications can help you avoid heartburn and indigestion.
4. Carry A Small Travel First Aid Kit
Having a small kit with bandages, ointment, and sunburn lotion on hand while travelling might also be helpful.
5. Cash for Tipping
Holding cash is always better and more convenient when travelling.
Tipping tour guides, bus drivers, and other service providers are usual if you want to take shore excursions.
Also, local vendors will most likely prefer cash to transfers or cards. So all in all, going with cash is a safer route.
Conclusion
So that’s it! Packing for a cruise is quite easy and with this guide on how to pack for a cruise, it’ll even be easier for you.
That being said, we hope you have a swell time on your cruise adventure!
FAQ
Can You Bring Cash On A Cruise?
Cash is not accepted in any of the onboard stores, eateries, bars, spas, or other amenities, however, it is customary to give a room steward, your waiter, or another crew member some money if you feel they have provided exceptional service.
Do I Need A Passport For A Cruise?
Everyone embarking on a cruise from the United States is advised to carry a passport book. Although a U.S. passport may not be necessary for all “closed-loop” cruises, you should still pack it in case of emergencies, such as an unanticipated medical air evacuation or the ship docking at a different port.
How Much Can I Pack On A Cruise?
The amount of luggage that can be transported on a cruise is not restricted. Most cruise lines advise customers to bring no more than 100 pounds (or around two suitcases) of luggage. Additionally, carry-on luggage is permitted. However, it is best to confirm this with specific cruise lines.
What Is A Cruise Package?
Cruise lines provide inexpensive bundles called “cruise packages” that include and pay for extras like airfare, lodging before a cruise, shore excursions, and ship credits.
