Cruising is a fantastic way to travel and is becoming more and more popular these days. What to pack for a cruise? I’ve got you covered! This is a list of items to pack for your cruise so that you are all set to sail away…

1 Passports. You will most likely be needing your passport due to arrival in foreign countries. For this reason it is a good idea to have a safe and easy to carry passport holder that is wearable. Something like these ones are ideal –

     

One can be worn around your neck and the other one ties around the waist. Handy for carrying any cash and tickets. I always take a copy of my passport in case. Get a couple of photocopies and bring them separately in your luggage. This could be your saviour if you lose your passport. Some cruise liners advise bringing your birth cert OR passport. Check ahead of time.

2 Comfortable smart casual trousers and shirts that don’t need to be ironed. Shorts and teeshirts along with sleepwear, socks and underwear. Think comfort, as you will be doing a lot of walking and travelling around. Lightweight breathable fabrics are a good choice. A warm hoody or sweatshirt for night time or cooler weather condition. It can get windy on deck. Depending on the weather conditions of where you are going, pack accordingly. It is a good idea to check the weather forecast for the time of year you are travelling. Pack a light rain jacket anyway in case, the ones that fold into a small bag are ideal. If you have clothes that need to be ironed then purchase a wrinkle release spray. 

3 Comfortable shoes and also a pair or two of dressy sandals/flats/heels for nights dressing up in formal wear or just lounging on deck. You will likely be walking a lot so remember to bring decent walking shoes that are breathable and comfy. Check which excursions or day trips you are likely to be going on so that you can bring the correct footwear. A small backpack/carry-on bag is a must.

4 Some classy evening wear. On most cruises there are gala dinner events so bring at least two formal evening outfits ie. a ball gown/cocktail dress and some glamorous costume jewellery/hair accessories. Don’t bring your expensive jewellery just in case. Men should bring a formal suit and tie/bow tie. Some shoes to match and for the ladies, perhaps an evening bag such as a clutch and a shawl or bolero.

5 A hanging cosmetic bag is a great storage saver and ideal for having on the back of the bathroom door. These hold most of your cosmetics and bear in mind, they provide shampoo, conditioner and shower gel on board so don’t bother packing those and you will save some space in your luggage. It is always better to travel light since you will be carrying your luggage on and off the ship. For this reason its a good a idea to choose a case on wheels. 

Here is an example of a hanging cosmetic bag –       

Another handy packing organisation hack is using these packing bags –      

6 A sun hat and sunscreen. I would advise purchasing no less than SPF30 and if you are prone to sunburn then SPF50. A decent sun hat with a wider brim is also advisable in order to protect your eyes from the sun. Don’t forget your sunglasses! Bring some aftersun in case or aloe vera gel.

7 Swimwear and a sarong or cover up. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim and sunbathe so bring a swimsuit or bikini. A sarong or coverup in a light fabric will come in handy. Towels are provided on board so no need to pack those.

8 Flip flops or slides. Waterproof flip-flops or slides are perfect for wearing on deck. Ones with good grips are best. If you want them to match a variety of clothes then choose a neutral colour or else a metallic as they will match everything. It is better to choose the kind that slip on and off for ease of use. Also you don’t want anything too strappy in case of tan marks! Same goes for your swimwear and tops. 

9 A portable camera. A small lightweight camera is a good choice since you will be carrying it around a lot. You don’t want anything too bulky or heavy as it will just weigh you down. I find the camera bags that tie around your neck to be the handiest. Spot the tourist! Don’t worry since everyone will have them anyway. If not just put it in your bag or money/passport holder if it fits. 

10 Waterproof covers or a waterproof bag for your phone and camera or anything you need to keep dry when boating or doing watersports. A couple of great safety devices for anyone who worries about going overboard are the self-inflating lifesaving wrist straps and also the fluorescent tube lifesaving emergency light keychains seen below.

 

 

 

11 Lightweight binoculars. You will be happy to have a pair of these with you so you can get a proper view from afar of the coastlines approaching. In fact the cruise lines suggest having them for that reason. Not necessary but a cool item to have if you can manage it!

12 Portable charger. You will be glad to have one of these handy for any time your phone, camera or any other chargeable items you have with you run out of power. You will be better off having one of your own rather than relying on your cabins power supply as it can be low. Just make sure you charge that one up well prior to leaving and keep it charged.

13 A refillable water bottle. Cut down on plastic waste and save money by bring your own heavy duty one. This one is a good example.

14 Some clips or pegs for attaching your towel to your sun lounger. It can get windy on deck so save yourself the struggle by attaching your towel to your sun lounger when you settle down to sunbathe or swim.

15 A waterproof watch. You will need to keep the time since you need to stick to a schedule when disembarking for day trips and it is a good idea to have a waterproof watch since you will probably get sea spray.

16 Motion sickness bands or tablets in case of sea sickness. Headache tablets are optional in case of the hangover or similar. It is advisable to bring insect repellent such as citronella too.

17 Floating/self-inflating keyring. If you want to make sure you keep your keys or nay similar items from getting lost at sea then these keyring come in handy. You never know!

18 Portable fans. This one below is ideal since it can stand alone and be carried along on your person.

19 Durable waterproof cover for iPad if you are bringing one. Shock proof ones are best in case you drop it. Accidents do happen!

20 A portable night light. If you want to read at night without keeping your partner or cabin mate awake with the light, then it is handy to have as it can be stuck on anywhere and removed.

21 A wallet with a keychain if you don’t want to carry a bag or have pockets. You will need your keycard on you at all times for your room and paying for stuff on board.