Cruise Packing Tips

Planning a cruise can be an exciting time it can also be a little overwhelming. That is one of the many reasons I always recommend using a travel professional. Sometimes circumstanses don’t allow that for whatever reason, so today I am going to give you some of my best cruise packing tips. I hope these help you be a little less stressed and overwhelmed.

There are so many variables when cruising, so today’s packing tips will focus on a basic tropical cruise. There will be other factors to look at like, how many nights, will there be formal/semi formal nights, etc. If you are booked with a travel professional I would recommend reaching out to your advisor about specifics on your cruise. For now this will give you a very good basic list. If you are traveling to Alaska you can check out my Alaska packing list here.  

I have really worked hard over the past few years at minimizing what I pack. It has been a work in progress, but one of the single most helpful things for me has been a good list. Today I am going to help you design your perfect list. We are going to start with the carry-on bag.

Carry-On Bag Packing Tips

• Passport/approved travel documents – Your travel professional will help you determine what travel documentation is needed.
• Printed Travel Documents – For most cruise lines these will be completed online but need to be printed and brought with you to the cruise terminal.
  • Boarding Pass
  • Luggage tags
  • Travel agent information
• Cash/Credit/debit card – you will want to have cash for tips for luggage at the terminal/ports
• Medications – DO NOT PACK your medications in your checked bag. It could be hours before you see your luggage again, if you need your medication on your first day please carry it with you.
• Sunscreen – If you plan on hanging out by the pool on your first day, don’t forget the sunscreen. Expert Packing Tip: If you are worried about things leaking check out these individual packets.
• Electronic devices and chargers – I use this portable charger because it could be hours before seeing your luggage.
• Swimsuit – Many people enjoy utilizing the pools on the first day, but if you have your swimsuit packed you won’t be able to for a while. Expert Packing Tip: wear your swimsuit under your clothes. It is one less thing you have to carry.
• Coverup: if you plan on going from the pool to the buffet its so easy to just throw a coverup on.

Shampoo, conditioner, and soap/body wash are provided by the cruise line, so unless you want your specific brand no need to pack these.

Sundries/Toiletries

• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/toothpaste – these are great to just throw in a bag and go
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Makeup and supplies
• Razor – Expert Packing Tips: This travel case is great for a razor and blades.
• Shaving Cream
• Other personal need items

This is where I have to be very cautious, it is where I will always tend to overpack. My best tip is to pre-plan out your outfits. I know it is difficult, look I have used all the excuses in the book to pack 25 outfits for a 5 night cruise. Pack things that can be versatile, so if you aren’t feeling that top with those shorts you can change it up without packing a whole other outfit.

Clothing

• Underclothes
• Pajamas
• Socks – Make sure you think about those outfits and how many days you will actually be wearing socks. You don’t want to forget them if you are planning an excursion that you will be in tennis shoes.
• Belts
• Hats – I love these floppy hats
• Shoes
  • Tennis shoes – Especially for certain excursions
  • Sandals
  • Flip flops
  • Dressy Shoes
• Pants/Capris – Capris make great cruise wear
• Shorts
• Shirts/blouses
  • Casual
  • Dressy
• Sundresses – great for day and casual evening wear
• Outerwear – some evening can be a little chilly at sea, it is also a great way to dress up a more casual look for dinner.

Dinner Attire

If you don’t want to dress up for dinner many people go a little more casual, there are also the buffets and grab and go dinner options on most cruise lines.

• Cruise Casual: Sport shirts, slacks, or nice jeans for men. Sundresses, pants, or capris for ladies
• Smart Casual: Jackets, ties and slacks for men. Dress, pants, and blouse for ladies.
• Semi Formal: Jackets and slacks. Dress, pants, and blouse for ladies.
• Formal: Suites or tuxedos for me. Cocktail or formal dress for ladies.

There are always a few items that make your cruise life a little easier. Some items will help make your cabin space a little more usable, and some of the items just make the cruise more comfortable. I like to call these cruise life items.

Cruise Life Items

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Extra outlet with USB ports 
• Day bag – water resistant and easy to fold is great
• Portable Charger
• Ziploc bags
• Travel first aid kit – you can buy one or make one using items you have in your medicine cabinet.
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Water Bottle
• Hanging organizers – shoe organizers work great. Expert Packing Tips: Don’t hang over your door use in the closet.
• Magnetic hooks or clips – To use for hanging stuff in your room, because most of the doors and walls are matal.

If you are just starting your planning process and haven’t booked, one of the amazing agents at Wish Upon Afar would love to help you with your cruise plans. Contact us today to get started. Do you have anything you would add to our cruise list? Anything you think is overkill? Let us know in the comments. I am always looking for ways to lighten the load.