Cruise Packing 101-8 Tips and a Handy Tick List 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 additions...yes, hats, mitts, a scarf, warm boots, and a warm jacket all come to the top of 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 color-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 soak up the sun at the pool or beach frequently, it's wise to invest in a waterproof phone case to safeguard 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. You might want to consider a small cross-over bag for traveling like mine 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. Bringing along your favorite snacks, 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. I mistakenly thought the hotels would have these available for our use in Amsterdam. That was not the case.
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.
Entertainment Essentials
While cruises offer plenty of onboard entertainment, having some personal entertainment options is always nice. Pack a few books or your e-reader, download movies or podcasts to your devices, and don't forget your favorite deck of cards or travel-sized board games for some fun downtime at sea.
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 duffle 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 in Port
☐ Swimwear and cover-ups for pool and beach days
☐ 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 pool and beach use
☐ Dress shoes or heels for formal dinners
☐ Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
☐ Raincoat or umbrella for inclement weather
☐ Pajamas and loungewear
☐ 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
☐ Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
☐ Daypack or tote bag for excursions
☐ 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 cash
☐ Copies of important documents (stored separately)
☐ Travel guidebooks and maps
☐ Snacks and reusable water bottle
☐ Portable charger or power bank for electronic devices
☐ Camera or 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
☐ Portable speaker for music
☐ Binoculars for wildlife spotting or scenic views
Miscellaneous:
☐ Luggage tags (provided by the cruise line)
☐ 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 and hand sanitizer for COVID-19 precautions (if applicable)
So there you have it, fellow Goddess adventurers—8 cruise packing tips and a tick list 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!
I am so excited to share my book with you, Transforming Venus. This book is a toolkit and guide with a section with eight chapters on Awakening and Healing the Goddess within, four chapters on Nurturing and Loving the Goddess within, and a section with six chapters on Adventuring with the Goddess within. It is designed as a guidebook that includes exercises and ideas to further support your growth in a myriad of areas in which we Goddesses may need help! Order a copy for yourself or gift one to a loved one here.
So, my fellow Goddess, go forth with these newfound tools, and may your journey be adorned with the warmth of self-love and the constant glow of living your best life.
Live Bold and Shine Brightly like the Goddess you are!
Love, Positive Paula
Author/Mentor/Entrepreneur/Chief Positivity Officer (CPO) of Wealth of WOW
PS We all have stories. If you have a Travel WOW story to share, I'd love it if you emailed me at paula@wealthofwow.com. Your story might even make it into my Travel WOWs book.
