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When putting together a packing list for a cruise, think about what you’ll need for your planned activities. A daypack is a necessity for a spending a full day off the boat. Stock it with a reusable water bottle (collapsible for the ultimate space-saver), sun hats, sunblock, insect repellent, and anything else you’ll need to get through the day. Make sure to download the port city’s map so you can access it offline in the event you lose access to WiFi. Drop a pin in your ship’s docking location and set an alarm well ahead of your departure time to signal its time to head back to the ship. Once upon a time, almost all cruise ships were pretty dressy, including some events calling for full formal wear.
Free/Printable Cruise Packing Checklist

For longer cruises, you will be able to do laundry on board. For shorter cruises, just omit a few outfits to suit the length of your trip. Knowing what to wear on a cruise ship isn’t easy if you haven’t been. When I think about Caribbean cruise clothes, I think of bright, light and airy resort wear.
Travel Fan
The luggage rules surrounding cruises are nothing like you’ll find with airlines. Cruises don’t charge for luggage and there are no weight limits (within reason). Of course, how much you’ll bring depends on how many days you’ll be at sea. Also, it’s ok if you wear the same thing twice on a cruise. The staff at Cruzely has taken cruises from Miami to Vancouver, including trips done solo, as a couple, and with a family. Make sure you have enough plug-ins and outlets in your stateroom by packing a non-surge power strip.
Shoes & Accessories
Have them collect it, and you can pick it up when you get back from your cruise vacation. See the skies like never before with this stargazing app designed for cruisers. Fully customizable lists can be synced via your iCloud account or shared on social media.
Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Cruise lines have strict rules about what types of beverages and alcohol you can bring on a cruise ship. If you're picky about wine, many lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. Pack your favorite, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee if you drink it at an onboard bar or restaurant. On beachy cruises, you'll want a beach bag, sand toys for the kids and perhaps your own snorkeling gear. Wet bags (or even plastic zip-top bags) will keep your wet stuff from leaking onto everything on your way back to the ship.
It’s always a good idea to have a credit card or two when you’re traveling and visiting cruise ports of call. A good cruise travel hack is to apply for a credit card that has benefits like reward points and travel insurance. If you’re a coffee lover, pack a thermal travel coffee mug. You’ll be able to fill your coffee mug at the cruise ship buffet or cafe, and enjoy a big cup at any time of day. Shoe bags are a great packing organizing tool for cruises and any travel.
Cruise Luggage Tag Holders
A suit and tie is welcome for Evening Chic nights, but is by no means essential. On Celebrity’s polished Evening Chic nights, you’ll have the chance to dress to impress with your own interpretation of glamor and sophistication. This might be a cocktail dress, a skirt, slacks, designer jeans with a blazer, or an elegant top. Some evenings take on a dressier air aboard the ship, so be sure to consult with the dress code to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
Beachwear & Activewear
Don’t be fooled by how thin this Ridge Cuff Beanie from Minus33 is — it’ll keep your head warmer than you’d ever imagine. That warmth comes from the 100 percent merino wool, which helps wick moisture away so you stay dry, even when sweating through winter-weather activities like glacier hiking or ice fishing. It’s machine-washable, comes in an array of neutral and fashionable hues, and will hardly take up any room in your suitcase. When taking a cold-weather cruise, skip the bulk in your suitcase without skipping out on the warmth with REI’s Craft ORE wool mix base layer set. It’s made from a recycled polyester and merino wool blend that’s super soft while helping maintain thermoregulation. Your neck to your ankles will be kept nice and warm when you layer these under your outfit, and the natural material will wick away any wetness or sweat.
Below are the money and document items that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist. Below are the health essentials that you'll want to add to your cruise packing checklist. First-time cruisers don't realize all the cruise ship cabin hacks they can employ to enhance their onboard accommodations. Usually, all you need to pack are a few key items from home. Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin.
That's why you'll find images and a short description to go along with many items on our checklist. For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet. Waterproof cases for your cellphone and camera are also useful, as well as "beach wallets" that let you go into the water with your credit cards and cash on your person. Just be sure that your power strip doesn't include a surge protector; those are banned from most cruise ships, as are extension cords. On every cruise line, daytime clothing is casual, and on a big-ship cruise, nearly anything goes.
Bottle if I decide to go carry-on only for my next cruise. Another solid — and slightly cheaper — option are Sorel’s Out N About III Waterproof Sneakers. They’re super stylish and come in four neutral colors, offering ankle support, removable insoles, and sleek leather trims to make them more stylish and comfortable than your average athletic kicks. In addition to being waterproof, which is useful if you’re caught out in one of Florida’s famous sun showers, these shoes are also certified for sustainability. Add these game-changing products to your packing list ASAP. 12 Tips for Packing for a Long CruiseSo much to bring, and so little room.
What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise? 8 Things Not to Pack - Cruise Critic
What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise? 8 Things Not to Pack.
Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If you’re packing for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise, make sure to pack reef-friendly sunscreen and aloe vera for potential sunburns. If you have specific products you like to use, it’s a good idea to pack your toiletries in leakproof travel containers. If you’re cruising with kids, it’s a good idea to have packing cube sets in various colors and sizes. One of the best pieces of packing advice I ever received was to use packing cubes to pack for a cruise.
For many, a relaxing or adventure-filled cruise is the ultimate vacation. It’s an ideal way to travel, whether you’re looking to get a little taste of a lot of different destinations or want an all-inclusive option where most of the planning and logistics are handled for you. Fire is the most serious hazard at sea, so anything with a heating element, including irons, is banned from passenger cabins. Most cruise ships offer laundry pressing and dry cleaning services, or even self-serve launderettes with an ironing board. But, I am lazy and prefer to spritz out my wrinkles with this handy Bounce spray, using the steam from my shower as a de-wrinkling catalyst.
The battery pack listed here is compliant with Apple and Android devices, and it provides about five full charges for the average smartphone and half that amount for iPads and tablets. Supergoop carries a naturally pleasant scent from sunflower and rosemary extracts that doesn’t scream “I’m wearing sunscreen! I also like that there are a variety of sizes, so I can grab my little 2.4-ounce.
Cases and carry bags must be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches to fit in the overhead locker and are limited to 1 carry bag or case per passenger. Passengers may also carry 1 small purse or shoulder bag but this depends on the airline. This is not a joke and is a great secret weapon for making your cruise life a bit easier. Made a new friend in cabin 1005 and want to meet them for drinks later? Bundling — By tightly folding or wrapping your clothing around your bulkiest pieces, like a pair of sneakers or your toiletry bag, you can save much-needed space and decrease the risk of wrinkles.