Wondering what to pack for your cruise? This is a list of things that I have found to be vital or extremely useful on my cruises. Cruising the oceans is a little different from any other vacation and you are typically miles away from the nearest store.
Cruising requires you to plan ahead and bring everything you might need. I typically tell friends to pack light, but there’s no shame in being prepared for anything on your cruise:
- 3:1 Rule of packing three tops for every pair of pants or skirts.
- Sweater, hoodie or shawl for cool evenings and hyper-air-conditioned ships.
- Toilet Spray to help mask bathroom odors (Ship cabins are small and the toilets are close to the doors)
- Sunscreen & a wide-brimmed hat
- Outlet Adapter
- Dry bag or Ziploc Bags (great for wet boardshorts on a day trip and liquid toiletries)
- Water Bottles (Constantly refill at the ‘free water stations’)
- Lanyard (handy for your room key/ship’s card)
- Cabin Stock (Check if your cruise ship will let you bring on a nice bottle of champagne or wine with your carry-on. Typically one bottle per cabin or one bottle per adult passenger.)
- TSA-Compliant Luggage Locks
- Sachets of Good Quality coffee (the free coffee is normally like dishwater)
- Pre-purchase drink vouchers if you are not on an All-inclusive package
- Heart-burn Pills, Tampons & Flu Pills (onboard doctors visits are crazy expensive)
- Motion Sickness Pills (if you forget, Guest Services usually carry FREE seasickness pills)
- Backpack for Day Tours
- Comfortable walking shoes for Shore Excursions & tours
- Flip-flops or sandals for onboard
- One bathing suit and Swimsuit Cover Up or Sarong is fine, even for a Caribbean cruise.
- For colder climates, pack lightweight thermals and thick socks.
- Even when formal wear is requested (Captains Dinner), it is not required. If dressing up isn’t your thing, don’t feel obligated.
- Check if there are theme evenings and pack accordingly.
- Thin Rain Jacket/Waterproof or collapsible umbrella.
