I thought long and hard to make sure I got the best cruise packing tips included here. Below are my tried and true tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next cruise vacation!
These are the essentials to think about prior to y0ur next vacation (also see my pre-cruise CHECKLIST):
Ziplock Bags
- These can be used for many purposes: temporary wallet, taking some food from the buffet for an afternoon snack during port excursions, or keeping your phone dry on port excursions.
Cruise Travel Laundry
Laundry is an important component of cruise packing tips.
- Laundry Accessories. If you are like us and not willing to pay $60 per load, and maybe workout every day (okay at least a few times, or not even at all….those clothes need a clean). The cruise lines do say not to put your clothes on the deck (no worries, everyone does it, just be sure to secure them so as not to lose them on a windy day). We found this awesome clothesline, works like a charm (we use it for camping too)
- Laundry Soap: either find yourself a good Nalgene liquid travel container or purchase these. These are a little pricey, but so handy to wash out your sweaty workout clothes in the sink after the morning workout at the gym’s awesome gym, and very easy to pack. More economical, put your laundry soap in a good sealable container
- Wrinkles: Wrinkle release spray, no irons on board! You won’t be alone if you have wrinkles (on your clothes and face), but if you wish to try to get rid of your cloth wrinkles use this spray (or use your blow drier to get out some wrinkles)
Hair Drier
- We actually often use the hair dryer to get rid of most clothing wrinkles (works like a charm!! [FYI does not work for face wrinkles]).
- Women out there I found this AWESOME travel hair drier (I think I love it more than my home one, it is so light, so small at heats up well and takes up so little room in the suitcase!). We have even named him Dan, he will be joining us on all trips…
Medical Supplies
- Always think “just in case”, as much as you wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, on cruises and flights to your cruise involve tight quarters. On the ship there is no convenience store sailing by you in the middle of the ocean, should your immune system go awry, bring a care pack: Dramamine, Gravol/ginger Gravol, cough drops, cough syrup, cold medication, Advil, Tylonol, Epipen if you have a Px. I also always bring some crystallized ginger, it soothes your stomach if seas get rough or you happen to partake in a few too many martinis and/or rich food.
Hooks & Magnets
- the walls on ships are all made of metal, so hooks can be very helpful to keep you organized in the cramped quarters.
- On the same note if you like to keep your papers organized bring those fridge magnets you don’t use anymore!
Cabin Organization
- Pack a collapsible closet organizer for extra storage. Also, think about an over-the-door shoe organizer for those with many shoes…and/or a way to store toiletries etc in the bathroom.
Clothing to Pack
- Cardigans/light sweaters. Assuming you are booking your cruise for somewhere tropical and warm, contrary to what you might think the inside of the ship is air conditioned so I have always found the main dining room and other quarters a bit chilly myself, good to bring a couple of light sweaters or a pashmina scarf.
- A fancy outfit. Long gone are the days of required formal attire, but you will see most people fancying up quite well for the “chic or formal dining nights”. Who doesn’t love to get all divvied up after all? Photographers will even take your picture with you and or your loved one (and offer you some “deal” to buy it).
Lotion & Hair Treatment
- Your skin WILL get so dry in that beautiful sun and the air in the rooms and throughout the ship can be dry with the air conditioning, and I always find the moisturizer in the rooms tend to be too fragrant. Bring your own favourite moisturizer, aloe vera for after the sun, AND your favourite lip balm (and lip sunscreen).
- Hair Conditioning Mask/Treatment. I personally find my hair really dries out during the cruise. Whether it is from the days spent in our albeit beautiful, but salty ocean or the shower water, (the last cruise I was desperate to find a conditioning treatment that I actually bought 3 separate Hair Conditioning treatments in Curacao!)
Aside from the above, I just love this Buzzfeed on the best packing hacks!
Don’t forget to check out my Pre-Cruise CHECKLIST!
Happy Packing, and even Happier Travels!!
I am here for you! Feel free to CONTACT ME anytime for help planning your next adventure!
