What to Bring on a Cruise: Tips for a Perfect Packing List
The trip is booked, departure is approaching, and with it comes the crucial question: what to pack for a cruise? It's not easy, you can't improvise, but no worries, here's a series of helpful tips designed to save your vacation, crafted in collaboration with the experts from Planet Cruise.
What to Bring on a Cruise
It's crucial to start informed. This is because a cruise is a bit different from any other vacation. It's like going on several trips all at once. There will be a "navigation" time when you'll spend your time doing a variety of things, from simply sunbathing to enjoying a sophisticated theatrical performance, and there will be "onshore" moments when you'll leave the sea for excursions and city visits.
There are many factors to consider: the destinations, the ship, the type of trip you want to take, how much time you decide to spend onboard or on land, and the events you want to participate in. And then, of course, everything should relate to the length of the trip and your habits. But there are still some things you should never forget on any occasion, such as:
- personal documents (passport, ID card, visas);
- travel documents;
- credit card or cash;
- medications or medical devices (possibly even for seasickness);
- charger;
- camera;
- toys and specific food items if you have young children;
- sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimsuit;
- comfortable shoes for enjoying excursions;
- one formal outfit and one white piece of clothing;
- a light sweater or shawl.
What NOT to Bring on a Cruise:
On the ship, you'll find various useful items that you can confidently leave out of your suitcase:
- sheets;
- towels;
- soap, shampoo, and body wash;
- hairdryer;
- beach towels;
- cigarettes, tobacco (sold at onboard shops and bars);
- crib, bedding, high chair, and bottle warmer (upon request and subject to availability at the time of booking).
Note: In some cases, you might also find hairdressers, beauty centers, and laundry services, but be careful, the prices may be higher.
Destination Tips for Packing
Not all cruises are the same and if you choose to sail through the Norwegian fjords, you'll encounter a climate quite different from that of a tour in the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, it's useful to consider the temperatures onboard. You'll go from the cold of the air conditioning in the restaurant to the scorching heat of the pool, whether it's indoor or outdoor. Therefore, we recommend dressing in layers. Remember to pack sweaters and shawls. For dinner and evening events, there are formal occasions that require elegant attire, like gala nights, while on other nights you are free to choose how to dress. The advice is to bring at least two evening outfits, with matching shoes.
Since going on a cruise is somewhat like taking three different trips, to avoid finding yourself last minute sitting on your suitcase trying to close it, you can follow these tips destination by destination.
| Destination | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean in summer | You'll encounter warm weather and plenty of sun. You'll spend a lot of time at the beach and pool, so bring light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and everything needed for a classic "beach life". |
| Mediterranean in spring/fall/winter | The temperatures aren't beach-friendly but are still perfect for going ashore, visiting cities, and taking excursions. Dress comfortably and watch out for rain! It can be heavy. |
| Northern Europe | The temperatures drop, don't forget your warm clothing! It's still the perfect destination for excursions, adventure, and hiking, so pack sports and technical wear, a camera, and backpacks. |
| Exotic Destinations | You'll enter a tropical climate, so expect a lot of heat and rain! Dress lightly, bring a raincoat and an umbrella, and prepare for the beach with a swimsuit and sunscreen. If you're going to Arab countries, like the UAE or Maldives, don't dress too revealingly or provocatively. |
| Far East | Depending on the destinations, you might find a temperate, hot, or tropical climate. If you're passing through Japan, dress in layers and be mindful of sunny moments; pack t-shirts, sunscreen, and hats. Bring umbrellas and raincoats for the rains in Vietnam and Indonesia. |
For specific destinations, like Nile cruises or Amazone River cruises such as those from Aqua Expeditions, in addition to what's mentioned in the table, we recommend bringing insect creams or sprays, as there might be stops with excursions in kayaks and through dense vegetation. Often, the operators onboard provide them, so no worries.
Useful Information and Limitations
Read the regulations of the cruise line you have chosen carefully, as there will definitely be things you cannot bring on board your cruise, for example:
- appliances (iron, coffee maker, kettle, hairdryer, flat iron);
- pets (except for service dogs);
- food and beverages (except for baby food);
- fireworks, gas, infectious substances, and poisons;
- weapons, ammunition, explosive substances;
- candles and flammable materials.
Once your suitcase is packed, remember to weigh it. Cruise lines have a limit on the number of bags per person, often two, and a weight limit for boarding beyond which a surcharge applies, usually ranging between 20 and 30 kg. And if it's a cruise with a flight, don't forget to check the airline's rules for luggage transport! Finally, here's the last valuable tip: leave some empty space in your suitcase for souvenirs.