Packing for a Cruise: Tips and Tricks

The number one question that pops in your head, when planning a cruise, is, “What do I need to pack.”  Am I wrong? OK, then… 

Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be difficult.  What you will need depends on the destination you are travelling to.  Here are a few tips to help make packing a breeze for your next cruise vacation:

1. Pack comfortable and casual clothes

When I say comfortable, I don’t mean walk around in your jammies all day on the ship, but women do take shorts, capri pants, or sundresses for sea days and port days.  Men are fine in shorts or pants.  Swimsuits are fine on the pool deck, but please bring a cover up for going indoors including when dining at the Lido Deck. 

Going to Alaska? You probably will want to pack long pants, long sleeve shirts, and a jacket to layer up with. Cruising the glaciers can get very cold so you may even need a hat and gloves.

2. Pack the right shoes

Hurting feet can ruin a vacation.  For port days please bring comfortable walking shoes.  Keep in mind the type of excursions you have booked too.  You will not do well walking around a Mayan Ruins site in heels (yes, we have seen this).  Some excursions, such as zip lining, also require close toed shoes.  Make sure you read requirements on your excursion documents before leaving the ship. 

3. Formal Nights

Most shorter cruises, 1-5 days, have one formal/elegant night.  Longer cruises 7+ days usually have 2.  Depending on what ship you are on you can see anything from Sunday best to Tuxes and beaded silk.  A simple cocktail dress or pants suit is fine for women and a collard shirt and dress pants, or suit are usually fine for men.  Formal attire is only required in the main dining rooms. 

If you choose to not dress up for the night, then other dining options are still available.  The buffet on the Lido Deck will be open, and often has the same food as in the main dining area, pizza and burger restaurants are open, the deli, and room service is available.  You don’t have to feel pressured to dress formal if you don’t want to.  Some people choose to dress up and others don’t.  That’s why cruising is great.  There is something for everyone. 

4. Specialty Clothes

Certain on-board activities may require special clothing.  For instance, activities like Rock Climbing Walls and Ice Skating require socks to be worn.  Dry clothing must also be worn during these activities. Ice Skating also requires long pants to be worn so if you are planning to do this in a hot climate don’t forget to pack a pair. 

Another Pro Tip when visiting certain ports is know if there are any clothing restrictions.  Ports such as Jamaica don’t allow camouflage clothing to be worn.  Some Mediterranean excursions, to churches, require long pants or dresses for women and head coverings to also be worn.  Be sure and check port excursion details before leaving the ship.

5. Lanyards

Lanyards are a must have for carrying your key card on a cruise.  Most cruise lines offer the option to link a credit card to your onboard account so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about carrying around a wallet to pay with.  Your room key card will function as your pass to get on and off the ship in ports, purchase anything on-board the ships such as drinks or merchandise in the onboard shops, check your children in and out of the kids’ club, and get tickets to activities that must be reserved. 

With all of this linked to your key card you will want to always keep it handy.  Wearing your card in a lanyard allows you to do just this.  One of our favorite lanyards fits your phone and your key card all in one convenient place.

6. Portable Charging Station

On a cruise you will use your phone for everything.  Every cruise line has its own app.  The app is used for checking into the port, scheduling excursions, activities, dining, show times and much more.  Using the app, texting home while in ports, and taking pictures will drain your batteries.  Taking a portable charger with multiple USB ports will help the whole family stay up and running.

7. Sun Protection

Some ports in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Mexico are extremely hot.  Especially if you aren’t used to this type of climate.  We recommend packing a reef safe sunscreen with a high SPF.  Reef safe will not only protect you, but also the ocean.  Long sleeve shirts with UPF are recommended as well.  Don’t forget your sunglasses and a hat to protect your face when in port or lounging by the pool. 

8. Theme Nights

Some cruise ships host theme nights during the cruise.  Each ship is different so check with your cruise planner for details.

Disney ships often have a Pirate Night complete with a pirate show on deck and fireworks. 

Carnival hosts popular White-Hot Parties and 80s theme nights.

Royal Caribbean hosts theme nights on cruises 4+ nights and can be anything from Black and White Night to Country Western to Masquerade Ball.

Norwegian’s most popular night is their White-Hot Party; however, they do offer Latin nights and a Nashville Nights and Lights Party too. 

Final Thoughts

Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be daunting.  Using these tips can help you make it less stressful and help you feel more prepared.  Remember to keep in mind your ports of call and the type of excursions and on-board activities you will be doing too.  Do you have a favorite cruise packing tip? Tell us below in the comments. 

Need help planning your next cruise vacation? Contact us today at amberh@destinationsinflorida.com  and remember, Life’s Short… Take the Trip!