Traveling on a cruise can be exciting, and having the right items packed ensures a smooth-sailing experience. It’s easy to over pack and bring way too many clothes (speaking from experience!). That said, there are other items you can bring to make your cruise a little more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive packing list for you:
Clothes:
- Casual Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, and lightweight outfits for daytime.
- Dressier Attire: For formal nights or special dinners.
- Swimsuits and Cover-Ups: You’ll be poolside or at the beach. Bring two and let one dry while you wear the other!
- Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toed shoes are nice for exploring the ship.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: Evenings can get breezy.
Cabin Conveniences:
- Power Extender: Handy for charging devices. Just keep in mind it can’t have surge protection.
- Magnetic Hooks: Many walls on cruise ships are magnetic, so these hooks are wonderful for hanging wet swimwear, toiletry bags, hats, sunglasses, towels, etc.
- Over the Door Organizer: These are helpful for storing shoes, sunscreen, first aid kit, and more. It’s an easy way to stay organized in a small cabin.
- Towel Clips: Cruise ships can be very breezy, so towel clips are a must for keeping your towel on your lounge chair. They’re also handy to use for clipping wet swimwear up to dry or to clip curtains shut for a little daytime nap.
- Cabin Door Decorations: Cabins tend to look the same when there are hundreds onboard. Make yours easier to spot with door decorations. Just know that most doors are magnetic, so plan to use magnets to attach your items. You may also use command strips, but no tape or glue. You also can only use fire retardant materials.
Accessories:
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect yourself from sun and insects. Bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need!
- Lanyard with Retractable Badge Holder: This is nice for keeping the room key card, which also acts as your payment for purchases onboard. Not all cruise lines use the room key cards though. Ask me if you’ll need this!
- Hat and Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from UV rays.
- Reusable Water Bottle/Mug: Staying hydrated is key.
- First-Aid Kit: Band-Aids, pain relievers, stomach relief, etc.
Essentials:
- Important Documents: Passport, cruise tickets, and ID. Take a copy of your passport and ID too, just in case. Leave one in the safe.
- Carry-On Backpack: For embarkation day essentials.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, shampoo, and other personal items.
- Medications: Bring enough for the entire trip and a few extras just in case.
- Reusable Tote Bag: Useful for shore excursions.
Once you’ve unpacked, most suitcases will slide underneath the bed, leaving you more room in your closet for shoes and clothes. An organized room can mean the difference between a chaotic cabin and a sailing sanctuary.
Happy cruising!
Kendie
