Packing Tips for Your Cruise Adventure

In my recent article titled 12 Essential Tips for First-Time Cruisers, I discussed one of the most common questions I receive about preparing for a cruise: “What should I wear?” While my previous answer was brief for the sake of clarity, I’d like to expand on this topic in today’s vacation planning post, sponsored by Dinogo. I’ll cover not only what you should wear but also general packing essentials for a cruise. As a dedicated planner, I've found that having a well-organized suitcase significantly enhances your cruise experience!

1. Pack Clothing and Footwear Suitable for Activities.

Before you start packing for your cruise, check the itinerary on the cruise line’s website. Where will your travels take you? What shore excursions have you arranged? Will you dine in the formal dining room or stick to the casual buffet each evening?

Attire for Formal Occasions

For most cruises, it’s advisable to pack at least one formal outfit for the designated “formal night.” For women, this could range from an elegant dress to a full ball gown. Men should opt for a collared button-up shirt paired with trousers and dress shoes. On Dinogo cruises, ties aren’t mandatory, but many men prefer to wear them, along with sport coats, during Cruise Elegant Dining nights. While suits or tuxedos are an option for men, they aren’t required on most cruise lines. Aim for your best attire, akin to “Sunday Best” at a minimum.

Swimwear and Cover-Ups

Many travelers embark on cruise vacations in the Caribbean to enjoy the pool and beach during shore excursions. It’s wise to bring at least two bathing suits, as they can take time to dry! While wandering in your swimsuit is permitted, clothing and shoes are mandatory when dining in restaurants and entering casinos, so be sure to pack a few cover-ups, sundresses, or shorts and t-shirts.

I suggest that women wear a bathing suit cover-up that resembles a sundress, or a sundress itself, when going on shore excursions. While you may head to the beach, there will likely be other stops along the way, and you’ll want to ensure you look appropriately dressed.

Remember to Pack a Sweater

Even though you're heading to a Caribbean island, you might not expect to feel cold, but the open waters can get quite chilly at night. Restaurants and casinos may also have a cooler atmosphere, so it’s wise to bring a lightweight sweater or pashmina for extra warmth.

2. Pack a Backpack or Beach Tote

When you disembark for a day at the beach, you'll need something to carry your essentials. Bring along a tote bag or backpack from home so you won't be left juggling towels, sunscreen, and your book!

A tote bag is also useful if you plan to do some shopping at the cruise port. It’s far easier to toss your purchases into a tote bag than to deal with multiple shopping bags.

3. Don’t Forget Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion

I suggest packing at least one bottle of sunscreen or sunblock for each person in your group. Whether you're lounging by the pool or relaxing on the beach during a shore excursion, you'll be surprised at how quickly you use it! Be sure to apply sunscreen generously and frequently—especially if you're cruising in sunny destinations like the Caribbean, where the heat and humidity can lead to increased sweating.

I always take along a bottle of after-sun soothing aloe gel, just in case of sunburn. If you have sensitive skin, this is essential for quick recovery. You definitely don’t want to spend your vacation stuck indoors because you’re in too much pain to enjoy yourself!

It’s also a good idea to bring a sun hat or visor, particularly for children who will be in the sun all day! It’s much easier to prevent a sunburn than to deal with the aftermath.

4. Pack Your Own Toiletries

Although many cruise lines provide complimentary shampoo and conditioner in stateroom bathrooms, they may not be the brands you prefer at home. I always bring my own shampoo, conditioner, and, of course, my favorite hair care products.

I also suggest taking a travel-sized air freshener for the bathroom—there's limited ventilation, and you can't just open a window like you would at home.

If you're embarking on a longer cruise, don’t forget to pack a razor and shaving cream!

5. Pack Medications for Upset Stomach and Motion Sickness

I suggest you bring a compact first-aid kit containing your go-to medications such as pain relievers, remedies for an upset stomach, anti-diarrheal drugs, Benadryl for allergies, and something for motion sickness. Consider investing in Sea Bands, which you can wear on your wrists to alleviate motion sickness. While most of these items can be found in cruise shops, they tend to be pricier than what you’d find back home. Plus, who wants to trek to the cruise shops when feeling unwell?

6. Pack an Underwater Camera

If you're heading on a cruise and plan to snorkel, scuba dive, or visit a water park, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof camera. Alternatively, if you’re cruising with Dinogo, you can rent one from the shore excursions desk on board the cruise ship. I once forgot our waterproof camera during a snorkeling trip in Grand Cayman, and it was such a letdown! Capturing moments underwater or while playing on the beach is a blast! You might also consider getting a waterproof phone case or camera bag, which can be a more affordable option than a camera.

7. Have Cash Ready for Tips

If you intend to participate in shore excursions, it’s customary to tip your tour guides, bus drivers, and similar service providers. Make sure to carry cash to avoid feeling uncomfortable when it’s time to return to the port and the tour guide expresses gratitude for tips!

8. Carry a Portable Backup Battery Charger

While at sea, I recommend switching your cell phone to airplane mode to prevent roaming charges. I tend to take many photos while cruising, and my phone's battery often drains quickly. Most staterooms have just one US electrical outlet and one European outlet, which means sharing charging can leave devices undercharged. Having a portable backup battery charger on hand ensures you have a solution when the low battery warning appears!

Consider bringing an outlet adapter to simplify the use of the European outlet.

These are the must-have items I always pack when preparing for a cruise vacation. Do you have any other recommendations?

This article is part of my partnership with Dinogo. As always, the views, thoughts, and ideas expressed here are entirely my own.