8 Tips on Packing for a Cruise

Finder Enterprises
Jul 20, 2017 · 4 min read

Packing for trips tends to be more than a little stressful, especially when you’re restricted in what you can bring, as most cruises do. So when you’re packing, here are a few tips that will help you stay organized, stress-free and optimize your luggage space!

1. Keep your destination in mind when packing: It’s important to know what type of weather you’ll be encountering when you’re on your cruise. If you’re headed to Alaska, no matter what time of year, you can expect temperatures to drop at night; if you’re headed to Hawaii, you may find dress to be a bit more casual and relaxed. If you’re headed to Europe, you may keep in mind that what’s considered casual there is often considered a bit more dressed up for us. And if you’re going to certain areas in Europe or within the Middle East you’ll need to cover up in certain areas. Keeping your destination in mind is essential while packing and will save you headaches later when you’re trying to get into an old holy place in Rome but are unable to because you or your spouse doesn’t have a shawl to cover shoulders or knees are showing.

2. Be aware of cruise dress code: Make sure you know if there’s anything specific required for you to wear, especially during the evening when often cruise-goers are asked to dress up. You’ll avoid the frustration of discovering a dress code after you’re boarding by double checking before you start packing.

3. Pack versatile: It may be easier to pack an outfit for every day you’re on your cruise but it’s certainly less practical if you do. So, to optimize space within your suitcase and to avoid over packing, pick pieces you know you can wear more than once and that won’t need extra care (i.e.: a lot of ironing/steaming out). Pick easily matched bottoms (think whites, navy, khakis) and tops you can dress up or dress down. If you pack items with the intention of reusing, you’ll find you save quite a bit of room rather than trying to fit a new shirt or shorts for every day.

4. Half-n-Half It: Rather than packing all your things in one bag and your spouse’s belongings in another, put half of your things in theirs and half of theirs in yours. This way if your baggage gets lost (and it’s happened), neither of you will be without clothing/essentials until you get your bag back.

5. Toiletries: One of the most annoying things that can happen on vacation is discovering that the toiletries or other essentials provided aren’t the quality you thought they’d be. That shampoo you thought you’d be fine without? Well, it would stink if you didn’t have any for an entire cruise and just had to use the generic shampoo provided in super mini bottles. Why not just pack your own for an extra measure of safety? If it’s space you’re worried about, find a travel-sized bottle and fill it up with your favorite product.

6. Medication: Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you’re going away and renew and prescriptions you may need before the trip. You don’t want to run out halfway through your trip and go through the hassle (and panic) of trying to find the exact medication or supplementary kind. But also, just for safe measure, take a copy of your prescription in case something happens and you find yourself needed to get it while you’re away.

7. Electronics: It’s great to have your iPad or kindle at the ready but what’s not great is a) forgetting your chargers or b) not having the proper adapter for wherever you’re headed on the cruise, especially if your cruise allows for an overnight off-board or a long day trip exploring wherever you docked. It pays to be prepared and not get caught with a dead battery, especially if you’re using your phone to take photos.

8. NEVER Check Your Valuables: This includes passports, cameras, tickets and other important documents. You never know if a bag will get lost or misplaced and even people who think “it’ll never happen to me” have experienced the panic and stress over a lost bag, especially if it has valuables in it. Keep your boarding passes on your person and your passport close. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying your passport off-board the ship for an excursion or if you’re afraid of misplacing it or getting pick-pocketed be sure to make photocopies of all your records ahead of time and tuck them in various locations on your person — in your short pockets, in your wallet and a pocket of your bag. This ensures that no matter what, even if you lose your bag or have your wallet taken, you’ll always have important identification on you to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Packing can be as stressful as trying to get to your cruise on time but once you’ve made sure to follow this list (along with any other tips you’ve found helpful over the years), you’re bound to have a stress-free trip. Summer’s here, so why not enjoy yourself rather than stressing over how and what to pack for a trip.

GOing Strong

The official Medium account of Finder Enterprises, maker of the GRAB N’ GO. Helping active seniors live a more independent life.

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Finder Enterprises

Written by

GOing Strong

The official Medium account of Finder Enterprises, maker of the GRAB N’ GO. Helping active seniors live a more independent life.

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