Cruising Tips: What to Pack for a Cruise
Whether you’re cruising for the first time or you cruise a lot, you need to pack carefully so that you don’t forget any items that are necessary for your cruise or pack too many items that you won’t need. Packing for a cruise can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time. But you can make things a lot easier by doing a little research on the most important things to pack for a cruise. If you would like to know what to pack for a cruise, this article has the answers for you.
What to Pack for a Cruise: 8 Cruise Essentials
Cruises have become so popular among vacationers because of their excellent pampering, great value, pleasant sights, and an opportunity to taste great foods. A cruise is great for people looking for a unique experience during their honeymoon, reunion, or family vacation. Some people also love it because of its simplicity and all-in-one vacation experience.
To enjoy these experiences and make your cruise successful, you have to prepare for it properly, ensuring that you pack everything you need. Even as you think about what to carry, you also need to consider the available luggage allowance. You shouldn’t carry unnecessary items because they might end up making the cruise uncomfortable for everyone.
Many cruise ships have packing limits for their clients to ensure everyone has enough luggage space. So, it’s important to check the luggage allowance offered by your cruise ship to know how much luggage to pack. Many luggage limits specify the number and sizes of suitcases to carry.
Also, check what is allowed onto the cruise ship and what’s not. Cruise ships have lists of items that passengers shouldn’t bring. There’s no need to waste your time packing prohibited items because they’ll be confiscated at the dock. So, make sure you understand the ship’s packing rules and regulations to avoid trouble with the management.
Learn simple luggage packing tricks that will enable you to squeeze in more items in your suitcases. For instance, you can use packing cubes and magnetic hooks to use less space for more items. Since most cruises take several days to complete, you’ll need to change your clothes. So, make sure you pack enough clothes.
Alternatively, you can check if the cruise ship offers any laundry facilities where you can wash and dry your clothes. If these facilities are available, you won’t need to pack a lot of clothes. Use that space to pack other more important items.
With these tips, you’ll know what to pack and how much of it to carry. Once you have an idea of how to pack for a cruise, the next task is to understand what’s important to pack. Here are some practical ideas for you.
1. Clothes and Shoes That Suit Cruising Activities
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The biggest mistake you can make when going on a cruise is to carry clothes and shoes that aren’t appropriate for the cruising activities you’re likely to have. You will have a not-so-pleasant cruising experience because you will either not participate in these activities or you’ll be uncomfortable engaging in them. Therefore, know the kind of activities you’re going to participate in beforehand so that you can pack the appropriate clothes and shoes.
Depending on the type of cruise you’re going on, you might consider packing one formal outfit. This is great for formal nights. You’ll also need some bathing suits, cover-ups, sweaters, and at least two pairs of flip-flops.
2. A Backpack or Beach Tote
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On the cruise, you’ll have beach days when you get off the ship to take a stroll on the beach. So, you’ll need a backpack or a tote to carry your beach items. With this, you won’t have to struggle with your towels, sunscreens, books, snacks, etc.
Your tote or backpack will also come in handy when you want to do shopping at the port. You can throw as many items as possible in there, depending on the size of the bag. Don’t struggle to carry them in your bare hands or in several carrier bags.
3. Sunscreen and Other Screen Protection Products
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You need to protect your skin against the scorching sun by applying sunscreen on your body. It will keep your skin safe from sunburns and other damages caused by continuous exposure to sunrays. You also need to pack some after-sun lotion to help your skin recover from direct exposure to the rays of the sun.
Make sure you have enough sunscreen and after-sun skin products to sustain you throughout the cruise. If you’re cruising along a sun-soaked coastal line like the Caribbean, you’ll at least a full bottle of sunscreen and another one of after-sun lotion, depending on the duration of the cruise. Failure to pack these items can be catastrophic, especially if your skin is already vulnerable to infections.
4. Toiletries
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Although some cruise ships provide their passengers with toiletries, many of them require passengers to bring their own supplies. Even if your cruise ship offers these supplies, you should consider bringing your own because the free supplies might not be good for your skin. For instance, you’ll need your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, deodorants, and toothpaste. You’ll also need a shaver and shaving cream.
5. Medication
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If you take prescription drugs, don’t forget to bring them. You might also need to bring some painkillers, anti-diarrhea, and other over-the-counter drugs for stomach complications. If you are allergic to certain foods or external conditions, you’ll need Benadryl.
Motion sickness medicine is also important if you get seasick. You can wear a sea band to fight motion sickness. You can find it at most cruise shops. However, they might be more expensive than the ones you find at your local stores.
6. Waterproof Camera
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Some of the exciting cruising activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. So, you’ll need to capture those moments for reminiscence. That’s why you should bring a waterproof camera. Some cruise ships rent out cameras to allow their passengers to capture every moment.
Unfortunately, a waterproof camera that captures high-quality images can be quite expensive. But it’s a worthwhile investment if you love cruising regularly because you’ll use it for a long time. If a camera is too expensive for you, look for a waterproof smartphone that takes good photos and videos.
7. Battery Charger and a Power Bank
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You’ll need your phone to take photos and make and receive important calls while out there at sea. Although most cruise ships have solar charging systems, it may not be enough to charge all the phones, especially if you’re cruising as a large group. So, you should carry your own phone charger and a power bank to keep your phone charged throughout the cruise.
8. Cash
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As you enjoy your cruise you’ll meet people who will serve you devotedly and out of their way to make you feel satisfied and happy. Such people deserve a tip as a token of appreciation. That’s why you need to carry some cash for tipping.
These people include your tour guides, bus drivers, bartenders, massage therapists, barbers, etc. Although tipping is a choice, you might be left feeling awkward when the guy you’ve just given you an amazing service makes a comment about how much they appreciate a tip.
