Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular way to travel, and it’s no wonder as to why! Many cruises brim with countless amenities and excursion options to ensure you embark on an unforgettable experience around the globe. Whether you are traversing rivers or oceans, cruises allow you to see a number of different destinations, provide tons of exciting, on-board entertainment options, and offer consistently wonderful comfort with cozy cabins and delectable food options. While visiting so many destinations is exhilarating, it can be difficult to know what to pack for your cruise. Yet, from sailing the turquoise seas of the Caribbean to skimming the stunning shores of Scandinavia, there are certain items that you should definitely add to your suitcase. What you need to pack will vary with your destinations and the length of your vacation, but these 10 items are essential to add to your packing list for a cruise. Read on for more helpful tips, tricks, and insight into what you should bring with you!
1. Passport and copies of your IDs
First and foremost, you will definitely want to make sure you have your passport. For extra safety and security, it is always a good idea to make digital and physical copies of important documents, including your passport, other forms of ID, and bank information, in case of emergencies. While you may never have to rely on your copies, it is always best to be prepared! On board the ship, consider storing your documents in a lock-box or in-cabin safe, and carrying copies of your ID documents while out exploring the ports of call. And remember, when traveling through airports on your way to or from your departure port, keep your passport with you, and not in your suitcase!
2. Portable charger
Don’t let a dead camera battery bring you down! Continue having fun exploring your beautiful destination while your electronics recharge on-the-go. Portable chargers come in all shapes and sizes, and can typically charge multiple devices. Plug in the charger while you sleep, and then take it with you while you roam the port of call for a portable back-up plan. If you are packing phones, cameras, or electronic tablets, a portable charger is also a great addition to your suitcase! Bringing a power strip with you is also handy so you can charge multiple devices while on board the ship.
Portable power banks
Price: USD 31.99
Power strip
Price: USD 15.99
3. Sunscreen and aloe-vera gel
There is nothing worse than a bad sunburn to bring your vacation down. Keep your skin safe, and make sure you pack sunscreen for your cruise. Even if you are headed to a colder climate like Alaska or traveling in winter, the sun’s rays can reflect off the water, ice, or even the deck, and result in a nasty burn. If you plan on diving into warmer waters, consider picking up some reef-safe sunscreen so you don’t harm the delicate aquatic ecosystem while having fun snorkeling or scuba diving. If your daytime activities do result in a sunburn, Aloe Vera gel is a great way to comfort your stinging skin and lessen the painful peeling later.
Sunscreen (by Neutrogena)
Price: USD 8.54
Aloe Vera gel
Price: 18.95
4. Ear plugs
If you are a light sleeper, ear plugs are a must for your cruise. Cruise ships can be quite loud at times, and you will be thankful to have a little extra peace and quiet if your cabin is close to the ship’s nightclub, engine room, or busy walkways. These little tools are light-weight and easy to pack, and having ear plugs on hand might just help you get a more restful night of sleep.
Ear Plugs
Price: USD 25.90
5. Jacket or scarf
Even if you are headed to the most tropical of destinations, it is always a good idea to pack a jacket with you. The ocean can be quite windy and chilly while you are sailing between ports of call, so a lightweight jacket, shawl, or scarf, can keep you snug when the salty breezes pick up. Don’t let a brisk chill keep you from standing out on deck to enjoy a spectacular sunset or watch the stars sparkle overhead!
Female Jacket
Price: USD 20
Men's Jacket (by Sandback)
Price: USD 9.91 - 28.91
6. Casual and formal attire
Many cruises host a variety of fun, social events with varying dress codes. Depending on your planned itinerary, you may need to include a mixture of formal and casual attire in your suitcase. Research your cruise line’s dress codes for their events, and tailor your packing to the events you plan to attend and try to include pieces that you can dress up or down. Beyond the formal attire and accessories, you may way to consider packing a swim suit, comfortable walking shoes, flip flops, and specialized clothing for any intended excursions or on-board activities. You may also want to consider rolling your clothes to maximize space inside your suitcase, or investing in a set of compressible packing cubes. A set of nesting laundry is also a great idea to save room in your cabin.
Women's formal dresses (by ReoRia)
Price: USD 16.99 - 29.99
Men's formal wear (by Salvatore Exte)
Price: 89.99 - 179.00
7. Camera and charger
Photographs make great travel mementos, so a camera is always a good idea to include on your packing list. Whether you prefer taking photos with your phone, a fancy DSLR camera, or with your electronic tablet, make sure you gather all the cables, battery packs, and chargers you may need. You may want to consider an underwater camera too, if you plan on any awesome snorkeling or scuba diving experiences!
DSLR camera (by Nikon)
Price: USD 396.95
Underwater camera (by Apeman)
Price: 69.99
8. Bathing suit
If sand and surf are requisites on your vacation itinerary, you won’t want to forget your bathing suit. Bringing a couple of swim suits with you is a great idea for tropical destinations, of course, but you might not even have to enter your port of call before diving into the water. Many cruise lines have swimming pools on the ships themselves, and some companies also have entertainment options like surf schools and water parks on board as well. Whether you plan on splashing about or soaking up the sun as you lounge on the deck, make sure you slather on the sun screen.
Female swimwear (by beautyin)
Price: USD 22.99 - 25.99
Men's swimwear (by Milankerr)
Price: USD 9.99 - 17.99
9. Carry-on bag
While you may have an excellently-packed suitcase waiting for you, a carry-on bag is also essential to bring with you. In some cases, your baggage may not arrive in your room for several hours after you check them onboard so you will want to have everything on hand that you may need immediately. Fill your carry-on bag with items like a swimsuit (so you can hit the pool straightaway), an extra pair of clothes, your camera, any medication you may need, and a portable charger so you are ready to have fun as soon as you are on board the ship.
Carry-on bag (by ZUQIANG)
Price: USD 45.99
10. Motion sickness medicine
There is never a good time to experience motion sickness, but the feeling is even more miserable when you just want to enjoy your vacation. Even if you have never experienced motion sickness before, it is a good idea to pack some medicine like Dramamine, sea sickness patches, or ginger pills to have on hand. While hopefully the seas remain calm, it’s always best to have motion sickness medicine on the off-chance you may need it.
Darmamine
Price: USD 9.39
Stuff your suitcase and sail away
Don’t let packing put a damper on your holiday spirit! Before you sail off to fabulous destinations, put these essential items in your luggage. Whether you’re headed to idyllic islands in the Aegean Sea or setting off for snowy banks in Alaska, make sure your suitcase is filled with everything you will need. Double-check your packing list today, and prepare for a bon voyage tomorrow!
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