Perfecting Your Cruise Packing Lists: Must-Haves Plus 8 Often Overlooked Extras

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Cruise packing is easier than it seems: swimsuits, sunscreen, comfy shoes, etc. There are a few other things you might not think of while packing that could really enhance your trip. Make sure you add them to your cruise packing lists before you leave.

Things To Know Before Packing for a Cruise

When planning a cruise, you need to think through the policies of the cruise line. Nothing is across the board with the industry. Some cruise lines allow you to bring your own soda, while other lines don’t even allow you any sort of carry on. There are also some cruises that have “formal” nights.

Some standard policies to be aware of:

• Alcohol policies: Most cruise lines have restrictions on bringing alcohol onboard, and some prohibit it entirely. Be sure to check your specific cruise line’s policy before packing any alcohol.
• Dress codes: Many cruise lines have dress codes for specific areas of the ship, such as formal nights in the dining room. Pack appropriate attire to avoid being turned away from these areas.
• Smoking policies: Smoking is prohibited in most areas of the ship, and many cruise lines have designated smoking areas. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the policy before lighting up.
• Excursion policies: If you plan to book shore excursions through the cruise line, be aware of the cancellation policy and any refund restrictions.
• Bottled water and soda: Many cruise lines will let you carry a determined amount of bottled water or soda. However, most cruise lines are moving away from this. Check before you go.

Clothing Essentials

Cruise packing clothing is one of the most critical sections in organizing for the trip. This is going to include daytime and evening attire and also shoes.

Daytime Attire

During the day you are gonna want to keep it simple and comfortable and casual. Here are some things you should consider bringing:

• Lightweight, breathable tops
• Shorts or skirts
• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket or sweater

Laundry services are offered by some cruise lines, but it can be pricey. It’s a good idea to pack items that can be mixed and matched, or bring one outfit for each day of the cruise.

Evening Attire

Packed for evening dining options on the cruise can be a little more on the formal side. Some of the ideas are

• A cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit
• Suit or dress pants with a dress shirt
• Formalwear for any formal nights on the ship
• Dress shoes

Since some cruise lines do have formal dress codes for their restaurants or evening activities, it is a good idea to check them beforehand. For example, Norwegian cruise lines do not do formal nights, meaning you could have ladies in ballgowns in the dining room and someone else in a dining room t-shirt and jeans.

Footwear

There are several options for the footwear you choose, don’t forget to think about comfort as well as style.

• Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions or exploring the ship
• Sandals or flip-flops for the pool or beach
• Dress shoes for formal evenings
• Sneakers for the gym or other active pursuits

It is a good idea to bring some socks and any foot care materials you may need, such as blister pads, foot care inserts, etc.

Weather Considerations

You might check the weather report before the cruise and think the outfit you picked is appropriate. But, as the Boy Scouts say, “Be Prepared.” It can be tempting to pack for hot weather once you check the forecast but always remember to be cautious of fluctuating temperatures depending on the season and the varying location.

• Layering: Packing layers is key for any weather. Even if you are cruising to a warm destination, it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
• Rain gear: Depending on your destination, you may encounter rain during your cruise. Pack a rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry.
• Sun protection: Even if the weather is cool, pack sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat. UV rays can still be strong, especially on the water.

Medication

Make sure you take the prescription medicine along with the daily vitamins. It’s a good idea to take medication well in excess of the trip length in case there are unanticipated delays.

If you aren’t sure whether you get seasick, you will want to bring along some:

• Dramamine
• Sea bands
• Or other seasickness remedies

Aside from seasickness medications, you might also want to include painkillers, cold medicine, and antacid tablets. They will help if you get ill and can save you some money compared to buying them on a cruise ship.

Personal Hygiene Products

Although most cruise ships give out free toiletries, like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, it’s better to bring your own if you have a specific brand that you like to use.

Here are some personal hygiene items that you should consider bringing:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Feminine hygiene products
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

To help prevent the spread of germs, you can pack hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Personal hygiene can help keep you healthy because cruise ships can be a breeding ground for illness.

Electronic Devices

If you are planning to take pictures, keep in touch with family and friends, or enjoy some music or a movie, you will need to pack some gadgets. Think about putting in:

• Smartphone with a camera
• Tablet or e-reader for reading, watching movies, or playing games
• Camera for capturing memories
• Laptop

Downloading some of your favorite shows or movies ahead of time is a good idea if you are not intending to buy an online internet package. This will allow you to have different entertainment options while traveling.

Chargers and Adapters

It’s easy to forget chargers and adapters for electronics when packing for a trip, it’s something we have done on more vacations than I can count!

To stay connected and entertained during your cruise, make sure to bring these tech gear essentials:

• A multi-port USB charger so that you can charge all of your devices at once
• A power strip, as most cruise cabins have one or two outlets; if you bring a power strip, you can charge anything and everything without a fight for the outlets
• Remember to pack the charging cables for each of your devices
• If you’re traveling internationally, you may need a power adapter to use your chargers in foreign outlets

Travel Documents

When packing for a cruise, bringing all your travel documents is important. These include:

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Cruise ticket or cruise documents 
• Driver’s license

We suggest that you bring a lanyard to attach your cabin card to it, because you will need your cabin card for everything on the cruise.

Entertainment

While most people consider a cruise a way to relax and rejuvenate, it can also be a way to have fun! Cruises typically call at a number of ports of call where you will be very busy. That said, you will have sea days where you will likely want more entertainment options. Consider bringing activities like: entertainment during sea days on the cruise.

• Books
• Magazines
• A tablet loaded with movies and TV shows
• Games, such as cards or a travel-sized board game

If you are traveling with kids, it is essential to bring items from home that they love, as many kids need these to help them relax.

What Else Do I Need To Pack?

The following items are commonly neglected and can differentiate between a good cruise and an excellent one:

• A power strip can be handy as the cabins often have limited electrical outlets but some cruises do not permit them so check with your cruise line before packing one
• Packing a laundry bag can help keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones and make it easier to do laundry
• Packing a small fan can help keep the cabin cool, comfortable, and noise-free, especially during the hot summer months
• Waterproof phone case
• A nightlight
• Towel clips to keep your towel on the lounge chair
• Over-the-door storage holder to keep electronics and toiletries organized
• Refillable water bottle

Conclusion

If this is your first cruise, the thought of prepping for one can feel daunting and even frightening. To help ease your worries, you can either create a packing checklist or use a free checklist for cruise packers to help you to ensure you have everything.

Considering these points will help travelers make sure they are ready for their cruise and will have a stress-free, enjoyable journey.

Originally published in Wealth of Geeks.