Cruise Packing Tips

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Cruise packing tips explores what to pack when going on a cruise vacation and offers handy cruise packing list template to assist you when packing your bags.

Going on a cruise is different from resort vacation. There are no local supermarkets or shops if you need something.

Most cruise ship stock variety of necessities but they tend to cost considerable more than if bought in a land based shop.

You might be able to get to the local shops during some shore visits but there is no guarantee that the local shops stocks what you are looking for... and if they do, it could be even more expensive then on board.

This is why cruise packing lists are so important when packing for a cruise holiday.

Cruise Packing List

What to pack depends very much on your cruise destination and sometimes on the size of the ship you are travelling on. For example small cruise boat sailing around the Galapagos Islands might restrict your luggage to one piece per person so always check beforehand if there are any luggage restrictions.

These cruise packing tips and packing list are guidance only - you should add and delete items as applicable for your particular cruise. It is divided into five categories and you can download and print the cruise packing list template by clicking on the download button at the end of this article.

Cruise Packing Tips
Travel Documents And Travel Money

The travel documents you must remember to take with you include:

• Travel tickets and booking confirmations
• Passport and visa (if applicable)
• Your Cruise Travel Insurance policy
• Updated international vaccination card (if applicable)
• Copy of doctor's prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking (if applicable)

You also have to decide what kind of payment mode you are going to use on your cruise. Are you going to buy foreign currency before you go and then how much. Are you going to use credit card, traveler's cheques, or...

• Cruise packing tips recommend not relying on only one payment mode when travelling, or like the saying goes - don't put all your eggs in one basket. Take some cash and at least two payment cards or any other payment mode combination that suits you best

Make two photocopies of all your travel documents, as well as copy of your credit or debit cards details and your traveler's cheques receipt if applicable:

• Store one set of the photocopies in a different place than the originals
• Leave the other set with a family member or friend at home, so in the unlikely event of losing both sets you still have access to a copy

Cruise Packing Tips
Clothes And Accessories

Which clothes and accessories to bring depends very much on your cruise destination, you need different set of attire if cruising the Caribbean or the North Sea. Some cruises are more formal then others but your cruise company should advice you about the cruise ship dress code policy when you buy your ticket.

Casual wear is usually worn during the day and smart casual or formal wear in the evenings.

Shorts and t-shirts are fine during the day on most cruises sailing in warm climate. Swimsuits should be worn in dedicated areas only - you should always cover up inside the ship. Warm outdoor clothing, fleece jackets and windproof jackets are acceptable day wear on colder climate cruises.

During the evenings the cruise ship dress code policy can vary between different cruise liners but the usual evening dress categories are:

• Resort casual - are slacks and shirts for men and casual dresses or pant suits for women, jackets and ties are optional
• Informal or smart casual - are jacket or sports jacket for men (tie is optional) and dress or dressy slacks for women
• Formal - are tuxedo or business suit and tie for men and formal wear (usually dress) for women

Almost every cruise ship has alternative dining areas where the dress code is not followed but unless you know for sure that your cruise is very casual prepare for at least two evenings in more formal attire. So your clothes cruise packing list should include:

• Good combination of casual day wear appropriate for the climate you travelling in
• Sportswear and leisure wear as appropriate, i.e. swimming suits, gym wear, etc.
• At least two sets of smart casual or formal evening wear
• Night gowns and robe
• Underwear and socks
• Good shoes for all occasion, including elegant evening shoes if formal wear is requested
• Hats or caps are essential, regardless of if you are cruising in hot or cold climate
• Same applies to sunglasses, the sea reflects the sun no matter what the temperature is
• Other accessories as appropriate, i.e. jewelry, ties, belts, purses, etc.

Cruise Packing Tips
Toiletries And Health

Your toiletries and health cruise packing list should include at least the following items:

• Your preferred toiletries though you might want to transfer them into smaller containers for your trip, including (as applicable) shampoo, toothbrush, make-up, shaving equipment, feminine hygiene products, perfume, etc.
• Hair dryer (but check first with the cruise liner if there is one in your cabin, many do)
• Sunscreen lotion regardless of your cruise destination as the sea reflects the sun no matter what the temperature is
• Antibacterial hand wipes are convenient to keep hands clean while travelling
• Insect repellent (if applicable)
• Malaria tablets if travelling in malaria infested area
• First Aid Kit
• If you suffer from motion sickness you remember to bring motion sickness remedies with you
• Prescription and OTC (over the counter) medicines (if applicable)
• Reading glasses, contact lenses and contact lenses cleaner (if applicable)

Cruise Packing Tips
Electronics And Gadgets

Your electronics and gadget cruise packing list could include some of the following items:

• Cell phone and charger
• Digital camera and / or camcorder with extra memory card and spare batteries
• Battery charger for your camera and / or camcorder
• Plug adaptor and converter (if different electrical standard on the ship)
• Extension cord (some cabins have few electric outlets)
• Alarm clock (you could also use your cell phone)
• Binoculars are good idea on most cruises
• Ipod or CD player with headphones to listen to music
• Laptop and battery charger... but only if you really can't give it a break too (many ships now feature wireless connections)

Cruise Packing Tips
Other Necessities

Your other necessities cruise packing list could include some of the following items:

• Guidebooks and maps
• Books and / or magazines to read in your leisure time
• TSA-approved luggage locks
• Plastic ziploc bags
• Folding knife
• Sewing kit and scissors
• Duct tape (for luggage repairs, waterproofing and holding things)
• Notebook and pen
• Small flashlight and / or night light
• Watch... or do you really need it?

Actually yes... your watch will be handy to make sure you are not late back to your cruise ship at the end of any excursion on land.

Don't forget to download and print our free cruise packing list, just click on the button below.