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Getting ready to board your cruise vacation? Take some time to consider these packing tips as you finalize your plans.
Clothes
These are the most important items to put in your suitcase and also tend to cause the same stress. While you have lax luggage restrictions on board, even the biggest room has limited storage space. You should pack at least one formal outfit and a bathing suit if you’re heading to a warm weather destination. Keep in mind that multi-function pieces can help you cut down on space. Do you really need to bring a pair of shoes to match every outfit? Probably not. Opt for clothes that can be mix and matched. Bring a variety of options for day time excursions and for nighttime dining. Also keep in mind if you’re visiting a warm weather destination that nights can be cold and rainstorms can happen. Be prepared! Don’t overdo it on bulky accessories. Keep things as simple as possible. Trying to get a little extra storage space on board? Slide your empty suitcases under the bed – you can keep your shoes inside the luggage and remove them as needed.
The Sun
Packing a good quality sun screen is important whether you’re headed to a warm or cold weather destination. Because you’re likely to be in the outdoors more, on the top of the deck, or on land, be sure to regularly apply sunscreen to exposed skin. There’s nothing worse than ending up with a terrible sun burn on vacation. Along with sunscreen you may also want to pack a hat or visor, long sleeve lightweight shirts and/or bathing suit cover-ups, and aloe – just in case.
Something to Do or Read
Sure the ship will have plenty of on-board entertainment but it’s the times in between that can be a challenge. A deck of cards is a great way to pass time when there’s a travel delay, not to mention make new friends. Keeping kids entertained with coloring books, stickers, and other non-electronic toys can turn a bad situation to more tolerable. most cruise liners have ship libraries where you can borrow a book throughout your cruise. Royal Caribbean has an honor system and passengers are free to donate books before heading home.
Duffle Bag
An extra, collapsible suitcase, backpack, or duffle bag can be used for trips ashore and maybe more importantly for carrying home souvenirs. These can easily fit inside your main luggage and be used when and if needed. Have wet and dirty laundry? Don’t mix it in with the clean clothes, add it to the extra bag instead. Heading onshore for a beach day? Don’t wheel your suitcase with, put the things you’ll need in a duffle bag for the day instead.
Communication
If you’re traveling with your family you may need a way to communicate. Onboard WIFI and cell phone signals are not very good and can be very expensive. Walkie talkies are one way to communicate easily across large distances. If this doesn’t work set up a time and place to meet regularly and check-in.
Side Note:
Do you have any packing tips you can share with us?
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[…] I have included several adult items like debit/credit cards and makeup so that adults can use this as well. Use the extra lines for kid appropriate items to include. Don’t worry if you forget something, cruise ships have various gift shops and stores that you can purchase cruise travel essentials. […]
The best tip I ever got was to pack my swimsuit in my carryon because the luggage doesn’t arrive in your room until later!
Yes!! Great tips! Also, some people like to bring their formal attire with their carry-on in the case their luggage doesn’t arrive on time to their room. It almost always does, but it’s definitely something to consider.
I used to overpack for cruises — and then fight the tiny storage space (and wrinkles). You can’t take an iron on a cruise ship, so avoiding wrinkles is important unless you want to pay for ironing. Anyway….
My rule:
1 pair of long pants for every 3 days (summer cruise) or for every 2 days (winter cruise)
1 pair of shorts for every 2 days (you spend most of the day in a swimsuit)
1 casual top per day (after a day of swimming or shore excursions, I shower and wear a fresh shirt which becomes the next day’s shirt for activities).
2 swimsuits and a coverup (sometimes that suit won’t dry overnight)
1 sweater or jacket (summer cruise) or 2 sweaters and jacket (winter cruise for those chilly evenings and windy days)
1 dress for formal night
1 dress for semiformal night (longer cruises)
Most evenings, wearing long pants with a blouse and sweater works. I sometimes substitute a comfortable skirt. When clothes do double-duty, there’s less to carry!
Happy cruising! (Pinned this post and shared it on my Facebook page!)
Great tips!! I over packed during my recent trip without even knowing it. I have 1 small carry-on size luggage and a backpack of with my camera, bathing suit and other necessities. I wore a few dresses and that was it. I live by sundresses when traveling.
These are some great tips! I went on a cruise when I was younger, and now that I’m adult I’ve been dying to go again! Thanks for sharing.
Great tips, I would love to grab a good book, sunscreen and head out on a cruise. I am sure I would forget half of what I need.
Sunscreen is a must!!
you’ve got to always make sure that you pack properly, people underestimate what can happen when you don’t. It’s important to double check or even triple check that you have everything.
I forgot my flat iron on my last cruise! But in reality, the only must use time was for our formal dinner.
I’ve only been on one cruise, but I’m going to remember that tip about the wine for next time.
I haven’t been on a cruise in years – I didn’t know about the bottle of wine! I think our next cruise will be Disney when the kids are older.
I have yet to go on a cruise but when I do, I will think back to this post. Thank you for sharing your helpful tips.
Bringing clothes that mix and match is my favorite way to cut down on luggage. I always bring a few pieces that I can dress up or dress down.
Great idea!!
I did not realize they allow you to bring a bottle or wine/champagne along with you free of charge. I would definitely drink it in my room to avoid the extra uncorking fee.
I would probably use my backpack in place of the duffel bag for excursions but that’s because I like my hands free for taking photos.
I live with a backpack! My camera, documents, everything I need is in there. Great tip!!
I am a true landlubber…so don’t have to worry about packing for a cruise, but these tips are good for any vacation, especially now that airlines are charging per bag.
Packing an unused duffle bag is such a good tip for any trip that involves traveling to new places. I can’t tell you how many times we have had to either ship things home ( which is way more expensive than a cheap duffle bag) or had to buy another bag.
Yes!! Packing to leave is always easier than packing to return! An extra duffle is a must. Great tip!
Always pack what you know you want immediately on arrival like sunscreen,book, swimsuit in carry on.
ha what cute cases! I love that they match. Great tips too , I know someone who’s going on a cruise
These are awesome tips! We are going on a cruise this year – our first! We are very excited!
I wish I had brought an extra bag on our cruise. There are so many things to buy – oversized bottle of liquor, for one – that didn’t fit in our suitcase.
Thanks for the great tips! I wish I had known about the wine when we went on a cruise!
I always pack way too much whenever we go anywhere. These are some great tips for keeping the whole packing thing in perspective.
Great tips! I always pack way too much when I travel. That’s because I love options with my outfits. I am so ready to go on a wonderful cruise
I always over pack usually I’m a last minute packer so I throw everything in my bag just in case. It’s a bad habit of mine.
Thanks for the tips! I am hoping to go on a cruise soon.
Great travel tips. No matter where you’re going PACKING is the first step.
An uncorking fee? Wow. I’ve not been on a cruise and can’t wait! I’m so excited for that potential vacation once the kids are a little older!
So many great ideas!
Great reminders! I start to prepare my packing list a week earlier. Like that I am sure I won’t forget something important. I try not to over pack so I always have some space for souvenirs or new stuff to buy.