Cruise Packing 101: 8 Tips and a Handy CheckList to Help You Pack
Celebrity Cruise: Amsterdam, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland Cruise-August 2023
Ahoy there, fellow Goddesses of the Seas! Ready to set sail on a grand adventure? Before you embark on your cruise, let's chat about packing. Packing for a cruise can be a bit like organizing a circus act—juggling everything from temperature variations to onboard dress codes while keeping an eye on what to wear and bring for those thrilling shore excursions at every port.
But fret not, adventurous Goddesses, for we've got the ultimate cruise packing tips to make even the most seasoned voyager green with envy and ensure you're well-prepared for your voyage. Whether you're bound for the Caribbean's sunny shores or the Mediterranean's cultural gems, we've got you covered. If you're on a journey to Alaska or Antarctica, you may need a few more winter wonderland essentials... yes, hats, mittens, a scarf, warm boots, and a warm jacket all come to mind when considering these destinations.
Dress the Part
From leisurely walks on the deck to elegant dinners beneath the stars, you'll need outfits for every occasion. Think versatile layers and colour-coordinated mix-and-match pieces, and don't forget to glam up for those Evening Chic nights—it's your chance to shine and be photographed like a star on the open seas!
Sun and Fun
What's a cruise without some fun in the sun? Be sure to pack your swimsuits, cover-ups, and activewear for those adventurous days exploring the ocean's wonders. If you plan to spend time soaking up the sun at the pool or beach frequently, it's wise to invest in a waterproof phone case to protect your cell phone.
Shore is Fun!
Don't leave the ship without your sunglasses, local currency, charge card for that once-in-a-lifetime special buy (I find one everywhere I go...lol), and most importantly, your cruise ship Sea Pass, which is your necessary ticket to get back onboard. And don't forget a handy daypack for your onshore excursions—it's your essential companion for all of the necessities you need for your shore excursions. Don't forget to pack water!
Essentials Checklist
Stock up on toiletries, medications, and sunscreen to keep you feeling ship shape throughout your journey. For peace of mind, keep your travel documents, passports, and credit cards close at hand, along with copies of them. I have a small one-inch binder that I prepare and take with me.
It features dividers for cruise information, flight and airport parking details, and hotel information for before and after the cruise. It also includes an excursion section, a vaccination section, and a section for passports and other essential documents, such as trip insurance documents.
When you are out and about on shore, consider a small crossover bag for travel, like the one shown in the picture above. You can swing it to the front to keep a close eye on your wallet and charge cards that you take along for souvenirs and other shopping, and include your cell phone for those surprising and unforgettable moments you want to capture.
Bringing along a snack, chewing gum, and a refillable water bottle is a savvy choice to ensure you stay nourished and hydrated while on the move, whether you're at the airport or exploring port cities.
Tech-savvy Travelers
Pack your cell phones, chargers, and cameras to capture every moment of your seafaring escapades. Don't overlook voltage adapters if you're traveling abroad at a hotel before or after a cruise. From my experience, the cruise ships are plug-in ready for our devices. I mistakenly thought the hotels would have these available for our use in Amsterdam. That is not always the case, and our cell phones were running on empty when we needed them for directions. We had to rely on locals and tourists to assist us when we were lost in the maze of downtown Amsterdam.
Stay Healthy at Sea
Don't let seasickness or minor ailments dampen your adventure. Bring motion sickness medication, pain relievers, and other essential health supplies. It's better to be prepared than to spend your voyage feeling under the weather. I picked up tiny plastic sealable bags and added just a few of many essentials from my medicine cabinet in case they were needed. Be sure to label them with name of product and dosage.
Entertainment Essentials
Pack a few books or your e-reader, download movies or podcasts to your devices that you have been waiting for some time to enjoy, and don't forget your favourite deck of cards or travel-sized board games for some fun downtime at sea. While cruises offer plenty of onboard entertainment, having some personal entertainment options is always nice in case you just want to relax with familiar tools and games.
Plan for the Unexpected
During another trip with Celebrity, which was a cruise/tour that included an African Safari, we were asked to pack a separate duffel bag with neutral-colored clothing for the Safari portion. Our cruise luggage would stay at the post and pre-hotel during the Safari. Well, my Safari bag never arrived, and I had to root through my cruise luggage for clothing for the Safari. Needless to say, I was the best-dressed and most colorful Goddess on the Safari. The moral of this part of my blog is to pack a few of your own clothes in your travel partner's luggage or in a separate carry-on suitcase.
Print off this list for your cruise travel needs!
Clothing:
☐ Casual outfits for daytime activities onboard and while in Ports of Call
☐ Swimwear and cover-ups for pool and beach days
☐ Semi/Formal attire for Evening Chic (Celebrity Cruise term) nights or special events
☐ Casual and more formal cover-ups for cooler weather and air conditioning
☐ Activewear for fitness activities and excursions
☐ Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for use at the pool and beach. Consider water shoes if required.
☐ Dress shoes or heels for semi/formal nights
☐ Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings-both dressy and casual
☐ Raincoat or umbrella. Your cabin will likely have an umbrella once you are on board.
☐ Pajamas and loungewear. Your cabin steward and butler do tend to check in on you.
☐ Figure-enhancing undergarments and specialty bras for certain dress styles
☐ Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Accessories:
☐ Jewelry and watches
☐ Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
☐ A travel-sized hand sanitizer and a pack of disinfectant wipes
☐ Daypack for excursions. Ship may provide you with one in a specific cabin or status category.
☐ Waterproof phone case
☐ Travel-size toiletries
☐ Medications and a mini first-aid kit with a few essentials
☐ Travel documents (passport, cruise tickets, ID)
☐ Credit cards and local currency for your various destinations. Research a WISE card.
☐ Copies of important documents (stored separately in your binder or similar option)
☐ Travel guidebooks and maps
☐ Snacks and reusable water bottle
☐ Portable charger or power bank for electronic devices
☐ A camera or a smartphone for capturing memories
☐ Travel pillow and blanket for comfort during travel
Entertainment and Activities:
☐ Books or e-reader
☐ Deck of cards or travel games
☐ Journal or notebook
☐ Headphones or earbuds and a charging device for their use
☐ Portable speaker for music
☐ Binoculars for wildlife spotting or scenic views. The ship may have these in each cabin.
Miscellaneous:
☐ Luggage tags (regular tags for all travel use and cruise line cabin tags preprinted by you)
☐ Laundry bag for dirty clothes
☐ Extra plastic bags for wet or soiled items
☐ Voltage adapter if traveling internationally
☐ Seasickness remedies (if needed)
☐ Snorkel gear (if planning water activities)
☐ Formalwear accessories (ties, belts, scarves)
☐ Face masks (just in case you get sick) and hand sanitizer
So there you have it, fellow Goddess adventurers—8 cruise packing tips and a checklist to ensure you are the savviest Goddess at sea—and the best-dressed one, to boot. Enjoy your cruise and shore excursions, and create memories to treasure for a lifetime. Bon voyage!!
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Author/Mentor/Entrepreneur/Chief Positivity Officer (CPO) of Wealth of WOW
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