Unlike packing for single destination vacations, knowing what to bring on a cruise can seem daunting. With different ports of call, fluctuating temperatures and lack of space for bulky suitcases, being a proficient packer is essential. Assuming you already know to pack the basics – swimsuits, coverups – we won’t repeat the obvious, but here are some packing tips that may come in handy before you say “Bon Voyage.”
The Carry-on Bag
Probably THE most important item of your trip. Your carry-on may be the only item you have access to on your first day. Often times, luggage doesn’t arrive in the cabin until later in the day. Consider wearing a nice outfit onto the ship and packing a bathing suit and cover up in your carry on. You can always change into your bathing suit for the day, and if for some reason there is a problem with your luggage, you still have an appropriate outfit to transition into the evening. Remember, your luggage will have to be placed outside your room the night before your cruise ends, so pack your carry on at the end of the trip with the same mentality, minus the swimsuit. You will need an extra outfit for the day you depart unless you have some stylish PJ’s. In your carry on you will need:
Prescription medications
Motion sickness pills
Medicine for upset stomach
Ziplock bags for wet bathing suits or shoes
Pain relievers
ALL travel documents, passports, credit cards
Hairbrush
Deodorant
Travel size sunscreen, lotion, hairspray, perfume or cologne
Antibacterial wipes
Phone Charger
Cash
Pen/Paper
Pretty much anything you can’t live without.
Beach Tote
If your cruising to tropical destinations, your beach tote should include:
Bottled water
Sunscreen
Underwater cameras
Hats
Sunglasses
Passports/Visas/Cash/Credit Cards
Backpack
For city and walking tours backpacks are a convenient way to carry your items and even souvenirs. Don’t forget:
Passports/Visas/Cash/Credit Cards
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Antibacterial wipes
Lightweight, waterproof jacket
Umbrella
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy in destination
Clothing
Closed toed shoes/walking shoes
Slip-resistant sandals
Water shoes
Formal attire
Waterproof windbreaker jackets (We like this one for men and this one for women)
Sweaters
Socks (Why are socks so easy to forget?)
Workout attire
Hats
Lightweight scarf
Miscellaneous:
Waterproof phone or passport holder
Wine (per allotted amount)
Corkscrew
Air freshener (bathrooms are quite small)
Bottled water
Photocopy of your driver’s license and passport (packed in a separate suitcase)
Contact numbers to the embassy’s where you will be traveling
Lanyard
Bug spray
Aloe
Neosporin
Band-Aids
Also, remember to pack your toiletries in over the door hangers as space is very limited. For more helpful packing tips download PackTeo App for Android users or the Packr for iOS.