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If you are bringing on wine or champagne, this will also need to be packed in your carry-on. Packing for a cruise is no simple task, regardless if you are a first-timer or veteran. Cruise ship cabins get very dark at night, especially inside cabins. You may want to pack a motion sensor cruise cabin night light. Dryer sheets are great to have in your luggage to keep your clothing smelling fresh.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR SAFETY
Your cabin bathroom will have plenty of toilet paper, but it is the one-ply stuff that is practically see-through. In other words, it doesn’t feel that great to use and doesn’t leave you feeling clean. Hang the toiletry bag outside the bathroom — it makes sharing the already-cramped bathroom easier. Cruise ship showers are notoriously cramped and often lack functional amenities. Cruise ship walls are typically magnetic, so you can use magnets to make your cabin more usable.
Cruise Packing Checklist (What Else You Should Bring)
Two bathing suits are more than enough for longer cruises. One will suffice for short four- and five-day itineraries. If you want something to carry a change of clothes and some towels — without the bulk of a regular backpack — check out this lightweight bag. Because of the polyester material, it’s no big deal if it gets wet because it will dry quickly. If you don’t need it, the bag also folds down into a small pouch that takes up hardly any space in your luggage.
Wallet & Money Belt Items
Adaptors are inexpensive to purchase but do vary by destination, so check what is required for your travel destination. Cruising to colder climates, like Alaska, has become increasingly popular and requires different considerations for weather and activities. Pack sticky notes to leave notes for your cabin attendant or cabin mates.
60 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Tips, Tricks & Hacks (2024) - Cruise Blog
60 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Tips, Tricks & Hacks ( .
Posted: Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Hacks for getting started on your cruise packing
On Carnival cruises, ties aren’t required, but many men choose to wear them, as well as sport coats, on Cruise Elegant Dining nights. While men can wear a suit or tuxedo, it is not a requirement on most cruise lines. Topping your cruise packing list should be your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Do be sure to bring along some protective cases to help keep them intact during all of your travels. Check the weather, and stick to a cruise packing list with a good selection of shorts, jeans/khakis, sundresses/skirts, T-shirts (both long- and short-sleeved) and tank tops.
Best Destination for Beach Lovers Runner-Up: Bermuda
We are always sure to pack one of these when we sail and they don’t take up hardly any space. If you’ve never taken a cruise, you might be surprised at the lack of outlets in a cabin. Now imagine trying to plug in phones, battery chargers, hair straighteners and more. Magnet hooks – Did you know that cruise cabin walls are metal? This is why magnet hooks are a top recommendation by avid cruisers to add extra hooks and storage to your stateroom.
(Ladies, try to match your outfits, so you only need to bring one pair of heels.) You might also want casual or athletic sandals, hiking boots or water shoes for rocky beaches. On your cruise, definitely keep it casual during the day. You’ll be spending your days outside mainly, so dress for the weather (hopefully tropical!). Bring swimsuits, tank tops, loose shorts, cover ups and sundresses. Make sure to bring the right accessories, like sunglasses, sun hats, or visors.
Casual Daywear
Not only are they probably my favorite cruise accessory, but they are so useful! When it’s breezy on a cruise ship on sea days, or even on our beach days, I simply clip my towels to the lounge chairs and they stay in place. Some of the most overpriced items on a cruise are often pharmaceutical or health products sold in the cruise ship convenience store. So, avoid buying these items onboard, and pack them from home instead. Overall, pack what you are comfortable wearing, but do check your cruise line’s dress codes.
Otherwise, you might want some Poo-Pourri to help mask bathroom odors. Need a place to stash that extra cookie you brought back from the buffet? Swimsuit didn't dry quickly enough to pack it on your last night? Want to organize your stuff rather than tossing it loose into your backpack? Plastic bags will help you in all of these situations and more. I always pack several sizes to have on hand when I cruise.
Ok, most people know to pack a pair of flip-flops on their trip. Those cheap flip-flops can have a sole that’s rubbed smooth. With wet decks on the ship, it can be like walking on ice when you have no tread. Bringing resealable Ziploc bags is one of the smartest things you can do.
If it is not Cruise Approved it will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of the cruise. What are the essential things to take on a cruise is one of the questions I get asked a lot. In addition, some items may need a converter that, as the name implies, converts it to the proper voltage. This is more likely to be an issue for items like flat or curling irons. These can be much more expensive, so best to do your research ahead of time to determine what is needed.
That makes a European river cruise a must for foodies and oenophiles alike. Consider itineraries such as a Rhone River cruise, cruising the Bordeaux wine region or a Douro River Cruise for spectacular food and wine. Many food and wine cruises have excursions centered on local specialties and vineyards. What's even better is that you can bring your finds back on the ship with you; feel free to uncap that Burgundy and drink it on your balcony. Remember, anything you pack you will need to get from home to the cruise port. It’s better to pack a little lighter and have an easier time handing all of your bags.
If you've scheduled a pre-cruise hotel stay, consider packing the necessities for that overnight in a separate bag so you don't need to unpack and repack your main suitcase. Second, in the middle of the ocean it’s tough to run out for anything that you forgot. Yes, you can wait until you get to port to pick up things you meant to bring, but that’s not always convenient. Well, when you cruise you have some unique situations that you don’t find on any other vacation. If you are headed to Alaska, your packing list has many similarities, but will be a little different. Specifically, it includes more cool weather gear, including warm socks, hat, and gloves.
A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams. Even though many cruise lines are now going paperless, some still have daily schedules on paper. I make sure that I have packed my Highlighter Pens so I can mark activities that we are interested in. I always take Tide PODS Free and Gentle and put some in a zip lock bag.
But they do make it tougher to get in, taking away crimes of opportunity. Most cruises will have some seasickness medication out for passengers to take when the waves get rough. It’s only a few bucks and can keep you from feeling bad if the ocean picks up. Having a few episodes to binge on a cruise is one of our guilty pleasures. It’s also a great way to keep kids entertained if you feel like taking it easy in the cabin.
