Essentials You Can Skip Packing for a Cruise

Packing for my family during vacations can be quite a challenge. With swimsuits, dining attire, pajamas, and everyday outfits, our bags tend to fill up fast.

Having cruised as a family four times, I’m finally learning what we can leave behind when we travel. This has lightened our suitcases and, most importantly, created more space for souvenirs!

Here’s a guide on what you definitely do not need to bring for your Dinogo cruise –

Hair Dryer

This is likely the item that occupies the most space in your luggage. Its odd shape and infrequent use make it best to leave at home.

You’ll discover a hair dryer conveniently located in the drawer of the powder station in your stateroom. I’m pleased to say that every hair dryer I’ve used onboard has been powerful and just as effective as mine at home. No need to fret about your hair; you’ll still look fantastic!

Laptop

I always feel tempted to take a computer with me, just in case I feel inspired to write while at sea. However, bringing a computer defeats the very purpose of vacationing! Instead, I opt for a small notebook to jot down my thoughts throughout the week. There’s wi-fi available onboard (for a fee), and if you need your online fix, you can visit the Internet Cafe to connect with friends back home.

Strollers

While we usually don’t use our stroller on the ship, having an umbrella stroller is quite handy when we’re in port. There’s no need to bring one from home; you can easily rent strollers on the ship at the kids camp.

For cruises lasting 5 days or more, stroller rentals are $30. For 3- to 4-day cruises, it’s just $8 per day. Single strollers are available on all cruise ships, and some ships even offer double strollers for rent. So, let your little one save their energy and enjoy a stylish ride while exploring the port!

Snacks

I chuckle about it now, but when I was getting ready for our first cruise, I packed enough snacks for the girls to last the whole week. Seriously?! You’re on a cruise ship where most food is included, along with room service! There’s no need to bring snacks for the kids. My girls loved the menu options each day, and our afternoon tradition became ordering room service PB&Js with potato chips during ‘family rest time’.

Beach and Pool Towels

Forget about those bulky, fluffy towels at home and make use of the large, blue towels provided in your stateroom. When I was packing for our first cruise, I hesitated about whether to bring my own towels. Don’t waste precious suitcase space because these towels are just the right size for drying off after a dip in the pool or hot tub. You’ll be dry in no time!

Feel free to utilize the towels provided on the ship, even when you’re in port. Each night, just leave your blue towel out for your stateroom steward, and you’ll find a fresh one waiting for you when you return. Besides poolside fun, I enjoy using my towel as a cozy blanket while watching the nightly Dive-In Movies on the Lido deck.

Don’t let the anxiety of packing overwhelm you. Before you realize it, you’ll be cruising away without a worry in the world. You won’t even miss the items you decided to leave behind.

What are your strategies for avoiding overpacking? Are there things you’d rather not take with you? Or are there essentials you can’t travel without? What items do you find unnecessary for your family? I’d love to hear what works for you…