So, it is already time to pack for your cruise?! How exciting…but what do you bring on a cruise?
Packing for a cruise is like packing for most land/resort-based vacations:
*Most cruise lines do not have luggage restrictions, although you will want to be careful how much you pack as there is limited storage space in the cabin. Also, you will need to consider airline restrictions if flying to your departure port. We suggest 1 personal item, 1 carry on bag and 1 checked item.
CARRY ON ITEMS
- Pack all of your medications, prescriptions or other important personal items in a bag you can carry onto your flights. I would also suggest to get some extra prescriptions from your physician for any medications you are currently taking and carry them with you.
DON’T FORGET : Travel documentation (passports, visas, photo ID-if required), cruise documents, medical/cancellation insurance info
- Most ships have 110-volt outlets in every cabin, which will accommodate US built hairdryers, curling irons and electric shavers. Most of the newer ships provide a hair dryer.
- Irons are not available onboard the ship and will be confiscated if brought onboard, as they are seen as a potential fire-hazard. Laundry services are available for pressing items at a nominal fee.
- Toiletry amenities vary by cruise line so to be safe always bring your own shampoo, soap, toothpaste, hairspray, shaving razor, lotion and other assorted medicinal needs (antacids, ibuprofen, etc.).
- There are many opportunities to have your picture taken by the ship’s photographers, but be sure to bring your own camera and/or video camera (and don’t forget the charger or extra batteries!)
CHECKED LUGGAGE
Necessities onboard–
- Comfortable, casual clothing for the daytime on board–flip flops, sundresses, shorts, light-colored shirts
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for bright, sunny days on deck
- Swimsuits and cover ups for the pools (towels are provided), Jacuzzis and saunas
- Magazines or books to read while lounging on deck
- Workout clothes and running shoes for the on board fitness center.
- As for your attire for dinner, this is where it depends on the cruise line. Some cruise lines, such as Carnival and Norwegian, are a little more casual (even in the main dining rooms). You will hear the term “resort casual”, which means khaki pants and a collared shirt. During the formal nights you still can wear the same attire.
- When going on a more formal cruise line such as Holland America or Celebrity, resort casual is acceptable with the exception of the formal nights. They would prefer a button down shirt with jacket and tie, but if you just bring a button down with a tie that is fine. Although it’s not required, you will see tuxedos during the formal evenings.
- If you have noticed, I have only been talking about the gentlemen. Ladies attire is not as important to address because they can wear pretty much anything. EXCEPT, no shorts, t-shirts or jeans are allowed in the main dining during dinner. If you opt to eat in the main dining room during breakfast or lunch, it is casual (even shorts).
Necessities Onshore–
- Think about the kind of shore excursions you plan to take and pack accessories, where appropriate, such as hiking boots, ponchos or rain gear, fleece jackets and snorkel gear.
- When traveling to tropical areas, such as in Central and South America, it is a good idea to carry insect repellent.
- Underwater Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Bottled water, hat, sunglasses in a waterproof beach bag
- Watch, so you know what time you need to head back to the ship!
originally posted 2/22/11
Be sure to check out these other great cruise tips:
You mentioned that irons aren’t available on the ship, but Carnival does have irons in their laundry rooms for passenger use.
Great tip Ashley! Yes, irons typically are not accessible onboard, nor are they allowed for passengers to bring as they are considered a fire hazard.
But, as you say, Carnival does allow passengers to use an iron in their laundry room. However, it can get quite hectic in there. So to avoid a long wait time for use, you can bring a steamer or bring Downy Wrinkle Release!