Packing Essentials for Your Cruise

One of the greatest advantages of cruising is that you don’t have to master the art of packing. Once onboard, you won't be living out of your suitcase; feel free to store it in your stateroom however you wish, or better yet, neatly arrange everything in your cabin's closets and drawers.

Whether you’re getting ready for an Alaskan adventure, a Mediterranean cruise, or a scenic river cruise, follow these tips to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

1. Choose Practical and Budget-Friendly Luggage

Thinking about investing in an extravagant suitcase? Perhaps reconsider. You don't need a luxurious bag with a hefty price tag. The beauty of cruising is being able to unpack just once in your cabin. Whether you're flying to board your cruise or departing from a nearby port, select a reliable piece of luggage that fits your needs, whether checked or carry-on. Just ensure it's manageable for you to lift and that the wheels (if applicable) are durable enough for rough terrain.

To optimize your packing space, invest in some packing cubes. If your suitcase isn’t quite right for your cruise, don’t hesitate to ask friends or family if they have one you can borrow.

2. Think carefully about what to include in your carry-on

The ultimate goal for any traveler is to pack everything into a carry-on suitcase. With smart packing, you can fit a week’s worth of cold-weather outfits or two weeks of warm-weather attire into an airline-approved carry-on bag.

When flying in to board your ship or on embarkation day, make sure to include essentials in your carry-on for the first few hours (or even days, if you prefer). Pack items like bank cards, cash, toiletries, a change of clothes (including something warm), a light rain jacket, and your swimsuit. Sometimes, even if you're at the port, your luggage may take a while to reach your stateroom.

3. Embrace bold colors – they can be your ally

Who else has a black suitcase? While black is stylish and sleek, it can also lead to mix-ups. To avoid confusion, add a distinctive touch, like a vibrant bag tag, to your suitcase.

Sticking a 'fragile' label on your bag can be another helpful travel tip to protect your belongings from being tossed around. Plus, choose a colorful suitcase to truly stand out.

4. Monitor your luggage

How did we manage without luggage trackers? Not too long ago, checking your bags didn’t guarantee you'd see them again. Nowadays, locating a lost suitcase is effortless—just ensure your tracker is correctly set up before you depart.

5. Bring a tote or duffel bag

Your main bag should include...additional bags. It may seem simple, but you'll want a lightweight option that's not a purse or a carry-on backpack to hold essentials (like sunscreen, a camera, and poolside reading material) while exploring different areas of the ship or going on shore excursions.

You can pack a larger duffel inside your suitcase if you plan to shop and check it on your return trip.

6. Verify if your cruise offers a packing list

Before you start folding (or rolling) any items for your suitcase, head straight to your cruise's website and thoroughly review their recommended packing list.

If your Antarctica adventure provider informs you that they'll supply waterproof boots and insulated windbreakers, avoid taking up valuable suitcase space with your own. These recommendations come from extensive experience and will guide you in packing effectively.

7. Aim to wear each item at least twice

Many cruise lines have laundry facilities available (and we don't mean pricey laundry services; check for coin-operated or complimentary machines before you depart). For the length of your cruise, plan to wear each piece of clothing at least twice. In reality, many of us wash our clothes too often, so there's no harm in re-wearing items (except for stains, which a stain-removal stick can address). If you're heading out on a 10-day cruise, you’ll really only need outfits for 5 days.

8. Make a list

Here’s a checklist to streamline your packing process. Ideally, jot this down or transfer it to a document or notes app so you can check off items as you pack them into different compartments. One last tip from an expert packer: harmonize your color scheme. You can maximize your wardrobe by ensuring each piece complements the others.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it serves as a solid foundation for a warm-weather cruise.

Clothing

• t-shirts and tops

• button-up shirt

• sundress

• shorts

• trousers

• underwear

• socks

• exercise clothes

• swimwear and cover-ups

• light jacket

• sweater or wrap

• blazer

• formal dress or suit for dinners or formal nights, complete with a tie

• sleepwear

Essentials

• comfortable sneakers or walking shoes

• sandals or sturdy flip-flops

• formal shoes for evening events

• belt

• accessories

• wide-brimmed sun hat or cap

• sunglasses

Important Items

• passport

• wallet

• keys

• medications (including prescriptions)

• list of medications (including pain relievers, antacids, motion sickness remedies, and other over-the-counter medications)

• seasickness medication (many cruises offer these too)

• tissues

• Band-Aids

• hand sanitizer

• face masks (for illness or to protect from others)

• earplugs

• books or e-reader

• mobile device, tablet, or laptop

• headphones (wired, wireless, or noise-cancelling, based on your preference)

• chargers and adapters

Partially inspired by Dinogo Planet's The Cruise Handbook: Inspiring ideas and essential advice for the new generation of cruises and cruisers © 2019