Packing for a Cruise

We are planning to cruise soon - I've started my packing list, thought I would share... (no particular order)

Small Crossbody - for carrying phone(I use it for picture taking so I like to always have it close by)

Fanny Pack - This is great for carrying your phone, chapstick, and sea pass card (the teenagers like this one)

Sunglasses - Grab a few cheap pairs or this super fun pair . I suggest cheap because your chances of loosing them are high! Also the reason I suggest a few pairs!

Lanyards - your cruise may require you to show your sea pass card at each meal, so lanyards are handy. You can also keep your sea pass card in your fanny pack.

Magnet for door (all the doors look the same) - This is a super cute personalized one

Travel Cup - I personally like to fill this cup and keep with me at my lounge chair - then I don't have to worry about refills as often!! Another option here

Hat - Floppy Beach Hat or Visor

Carry On- pack anything you might need before your room is ready(think beach bag) - Your suitcase will be delivered to your cabin later in the day.

Underwater Camera - if you are snorkeling, this might be a good option

Power Strip - make sure it is cruise approved - Your cabin will probably only have 2 outlets. Personally, I have never used a power strip, but lots of people choose to take one. Some of the newer ships have more outlets, so you may not need this. *check your ships policy *

Phone Charger - a portable phone charger is nice, especially if you plan to use your phone for pictures and videos in each port.

Magnet Clips - these clips are great to use on the walls, I like to hang the daily schedule up - these are not a necessity, but nice to have a few.

Toiletries - travel size works best, This case is great for the small bathroom -

Pill organizer - takes up little space

Hand Sanitizer (travel size) - keychain - this is mainly for the excursions. There is plenty of hand sanitizer on the ship

Passport holder - lots of colors to choose from - each member of our family has a different color - it makes it easier to find in the bag

Sunscreen - my favorite for my face - Some destinations require Reef Safe sunscreen - be sure to check your specific locations

Book - be sure to grab a book by your favorite author, or download it on your kindle

Oils - for motion sickness, peppermint is my go to oil for this -

Medicines - Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness - I suggest the non drowsy

Motion Sickness Bands - I wear these for the whole cruise

Snorkel Gear - many times you can rent this at your destination, we bought these and have used it on multiple cruises.

Portable Fan - great for when it's hot outside, and you are doing a lot of walking

Cover up - This is my favorite cover up. I would feel comfortable wearing it to the buffet for lunch. I ordered up a size for extra flowy look and some length!

Swimsuits - I suggest bringing at least two

Pool shoes/deck shoes - you may be walking from one end of the ship to the other - make sure you are comfy! I also like to pack my tennis shoes - the ship will have a walking track around, it's a nice little work out. Check out your ships gym as well - you may want to do a few workouts.

Clothing - Comfortable clothing for each day of cruise (some days may be spent in a swimsuit all day!) Proper attire for your excursions, some may require closed toed shoes. Be sure you check! We like to dress up for dinner each night. Most cruises have a 'dress your best' night. It's typically not as formal as in the past (pre covid) Check with your cruise line for dress code - I usually recommend to dress as if you were attending a wedding. I've seen people in shorts and others in prom dresses. Other nights, you can usually find me in a simple sun dress. A sweatshirt or jacket for the evenings - it can be very breezy on the ship.

Games - it's always fun to sit out of the deck and play a game or two!

Also remember all the necessities, like medications and toiletries.

Don't forget to pack all essential documents

• Passport (recommended, even on closed-loop cruises)

• Government-issued photo ID (if applicable)

• Cruise boarding documents

• Travel insurance information

• Credit card and some cash (small bills for tips and ports)

• Copies of important documents (paper or digital)

What not to pack

Most cruise lines prohibit:

• Irons and clothes steamers

• Candles or incense

• Extension cords with surge protection

• Drones (some lines allow them but restrict onboard use)

• Weapons or illegal substances

  
  

Cruiser tips

• Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on—you may not get your checked luggage for several hours after boarding.

• Bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need; it's often expensive onboard.

• Download the cruise line's app before sailing for schedules, dining reservations, and messaging - you will also use this to complete your muster drill

• Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, and electronics in your carry-on—not in checked luggage.

Check out my other travel tips here

Just a few suggestions for your cruise - Some links are affiliate links

**Here's a great post from another travel agent**

I am a travel agent. If you are interested in a travel quote, email me - jennifermorgantravel@gmail.com