Cruise packing list: 103 must-have items
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While you may not need them the first cruise day, by the time you’re cruising your second day, you’ll notice that the sea breeze makes it hard to keep towels in place. I finally bought towel clips for my last cruise, and I can’t believe I didn’t just buy them for earlier cruises. A lanyard is a convenient way to carry your cruise card with you, both on your cruise ship and on port days. Your cruise boarding documents should be ready as you get to your cruise port. It’s a good idea to print any excursions you’ve booked or other reservations and keep them together in an envelope or travel binder.
Toiletries and hair items
Many cruise lines will allow you to bring a couple of bottles or wine or champagne on board (check your cruise line policy). Keep it in your carry on bag or tote as you board, as you wouldn’t want it breaking in your luggage. I like to bring a couple of pieces with me that I just don’t have the occasion to wear in my day to day life. A cruise carry on bag is essential for the first day of your cruise, when it can take several hours for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin.
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To guard against harmful UVA and UVB rays, pack sunglasses with UV lenses, sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or more and a brimmed hat. Long Pants and SocksIf you’re planning to go ice skating on ships like Allure, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas (and many more!), you’ll want to wear pants and socks. Socks are also good to have in case you want to hit up spots like the rock climbing wall and the zip line on board. Another option is to make use of the self-service laundry rooms on some ships. If you find one, it’ll likely have an ironing station you can use free of charge. If all else fails, most cruise lines offer wash and press services for a nominal fee.
Must-Pack Items for a Cruise
That’s why it’s crucial for first-time cruisers and enthusiasts alike to consult a cruise packing list while preparing for their trip. Not all of us are lucky enough to live an hour or two from a cruise port. Many cruisers have to fly or road trip to their departure port and need to pack for this travel as well.
What clothing, shoes, and accessories do I need to pack for a cruise?
On the first day of your cruise, it may take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, but you don’t have to wait to have fun. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately. When it’s time for shore excursions, pack this handy tote with everything you’ll need for the day and save space for a few souvenirs you’ll pick up along the way. Angeline and I went snorkeling in Grand Cayman once and I was so disappointed when I realized that I had forgotten our waterproof camera at home! It’s so much fun to be able to take photos not only under water, but just while you’re on the beach or splashing in the waves! You can also purchase a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera bag, which will cost you less than a camera.
Bring a Pop up Mesh Laundry Bag
As we’ve mentioned, packing for a cruise is a little different than any other vacation. While you need to prepare for lots of different situations — everything from hanging out by the pool to formal night — we actually think it can be easier to pack for a cruise than other trips. That’s because the rules for packing are more relaxed than if you are flying for a vacation. That’s why we’ve put together this packing checklist for your next cruise. It covers everything that you might need to bring, all broken down into easy sections.
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Browse our cruise itineraries that visit more than 300 destinations across the seven seas. If you’re headed somewhere with loads of time for sand and surf, you might want to bring along your own snorkel and goggles so that you can set off on snorkeling excursions at whim. Sure, it’s vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can get by on sunshine and frothy drinks alone. You’ll need some essential documentation and a properly stocked wallet to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Bring along your makeup (and don’t forget the makeup remover).
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Portable ChargerIf staying connected is important, you can use the WiFi on board 24/7. If you checked other luggage, it’ll be delivered to your stateroom that day, which will be ready for you soon after boarding. You’ll be hard-pressed to get very far without your passport, even if your cruise is mostly in the United States, like the California Coast cruises Princess Cruises offers. That’s because most of these cruises stop in Canada or Mexico.
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As for any trip, don’t leave home without your underwear, socks (both athletic and dress socks), and bras/undershirts as the base for any day’s dress. You’ll want comfy pajamas to cozy up in after a long day spent exploring in port, too. If you want to chat more about what to bring on a cruise ship, you can join our Facebook group to chat with other cruises. It’s a great way to get ideas on the best things to take on a cruise.
Tip - For some reason, travel sized products can be pricey despite their size. Reusable travel bottles are a good solution, especially if you don’t need a large quantity of product. Sunscreen is a must and cruisers should be aware that some destinations require reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the health of their coral reefs. These products don’t contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate. Reef-safe sunscreens are readily available in popular drugstores and other retailers. Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Hawaii are some of the locations that require these types of sunscreens.
Over-the-counter medications are pricey on board, so bring the brands you most commonly use. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough for the trip and a few extra days' worth, just in case. Popular themes include white night, pirate night and Halloween — and, yes, cruisers do go all-out with costumes.
However, on a cruise we make sure to pack enough cash to get us through the trip. Get you an extra pair for your trip and put them in your luggage immediately so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting them later. Where a passport is truly handy is getting off the ship at the end of the cruise. These days most ports have facial recognition to process passengers.
After lots of dreaming and planning, you’re going on your first cruise. This handy cruise packing checklist for first-timers offers all the tips you need for an enjoyable voyage. This way you’ll be dry and comfortable until you get back to your ship. While most cruise lines are essentially cash-free these days and will even place crew gratuities on your credit card, there are some instances when you’ll need cash. Most cruise ships are so stable these days that seasickness may seem unlikely, but you never know when rough seas might take you by surprise. There are many over-the-counter solutions available, including medications (such as Dramamine or Bonine), acupressure wristbands, and even high-tech wearable gadgets.
Not only are they probably my favorite cruise accessory, but they are so useful! When it’s breezy on a cruise ship on sea days, or even on our beach days, I simply clip my towels to the lounge chairs and they stay in place. It’s always a good idea to have a credit card or two when you’re traveling and visiting cruise ports of call. A good cruise travel hack is to apply for a credit card that has benefits like reward points and travel insurance. A great way to keep your cruise cabin organized and store dirty clothes is to bring along a collapsible mesh laundry hamper.
The check-in process should be mostly seamless, so you don't want to be fidgeting around looking for everything when it's your turn to step up to the counter. When you’re at sea, it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Don’t miss out on stargazing from the deck or cozying up in a lounge chair with a box of popcorn for a dive-in movie.
After you complete your cruise online check-in and fill in health questionnaires, it’s a good idea to print out your travel documents. While you may be using the cruise line app for boarding, it’s always a good idea to have your cruise boarding documentation on hand. While many cruise lines offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner in stateroom bathrooms, they aren’t likely to be the products you use at home. I always bring my own shampoo, conditioner and of course, my hair care products.
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