WHAT TO PACK FOR A CRUISE
Looking forward to having a wonderful time aboard the cruise ship as you sail to beautiful ports of call? Here are some terrific tips from experienced cruisers. Keep in mind the weight limit for checked bags. We also recommend each person bring one carry-on bag. For men, a backpack is an ideal bag. For women, a large beach bag (which you’ll need throughout the cruise). Put your purse and/or wallet inside this bag to consolidate items into one bag. This will ensure that all these important items are in one place and are carried with you for safety.
MUST-HAVE ITEMS:
- Travel Documents (Recommend putting ALL documentation into a mailing envelope and placing it into an outside pocket of the backpack for easy access during the boarding process.) Passports are not required for US citizens departing from a US port traveling to the Caribbean. Documents other than passports include birth certificates, driver’s license, or state-issued ID. You must show 2 forms of ID in this case. Contact your travel agent with any questions about this.
- Credit Cards and Cash (Recommend placing cards and cash in a wallet or inside the mailing envelope.)
- Electronics (Recommend putting these items inside a purse or backpack.)
- Prescription Medications in original bottles from the pharmacy (Also recommend putting in backpack or beach bag.)
The biggest mistake most people make when packing for a cruise is packing too much! Think of your everyday life and decide how many changes of clothes you use on a weekly basis. You won’t need more on a cruise than you would at home.
Of course, there will be things you’ll need especially for the trip, such as swimsuits and pool items, electronics (including chargers and cords), medications for seasickness, sunscreen, cameras, binoculars, extra makeup, and jewelry.)
CLOTHING
One outfit including underwear and socks per day. Most ships recommend “business casual” to wear in the dining room. The only no-nos for the dining room are no swimsuits, tank tops for men, and no torn jeans or shorts
A general rule is to bring only as many clothes as are necessary for the number of days as your cruise. Usually the daytime dress “code” is shorts, t-shirts, sneakers/sandals, and sunglasses.
DRESS FOR THE DINING ROOM.
Most ships recommend “business casual” to wear in the dining room.
Generally, one night is designated as the “Captain’s Dinner” and some people use this night to dress in formal attire, though that’s not required. Typically, the only time you might need formal clothes is if you want to use one of the photographers’ formal backdrops for your cruise photo.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Normally there will be photographers with different backdrops lining the concourse, some formal, some casual. You can pose at all of them or none. There is no requirement or obligation here. Your photo will be displayed in a gallery for you to view and decide if you wish to purchase any. Again, no obligation. One important note: You cannot make copies of these photos at drugstores or other photo-copying locations as they have watermarks that prevent this.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Firearms, dangerous or illegal items such as weapons, explosives, combustible items, or non-prescription controlled substances. No beverages are allowed to be brought on board. Also, no pets or irons.
MISC NOTES
- It’s a good idea to bring some zip-lock bags to separate like items, both for use in your cabin and packing to return home
- Also, it’s a good idea to bring some snack items such as packs of cookies, crackers, dried fruit, etc. to have between meals
- Also, it’s helpful to bring a plastic trash bag to keep in your cabin to help separate dirty clothes from clean
- It’s also a good idea to have a light jacket per person (it gets chilly and breezy on deck in the evening.)
- Bring bug repellent and after-bite ointment for trips ashore
- Also, bring your own OTC meds such as Tylenol, Benadryl, Pepto Bismol, and contact lens solution. These are available on the ship but at expensive prices.
- Try not to bring too many pairs of shoes (pick dinner attire like pants and skirts that can share shoes with clothes for daytime as well as evening
- You’ll only be able to use cash in the casino onboard, and in shops and restaurants in port, so you won’t need a lot of cash
- Bring “water shoes” to wear poolside and when you visit a beach
THINGS YOU CAN NOT BRING BACK ON BOARD FROM PORTS OF CALL
Unopened food, including fresh fruit and food prepared ashore.
Candles and Liquor (Liquor items will be held upon arrival and held for you to pick up on departure)
We hope that you find our tips helpful. If you have any to add, please drop us an email with your suggestion.
Happy Cruising!!
