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The week leading up to a cruise is personally one of our favorite feelings in the world. But when it comes to packing, that can be one of the biggest buzzkills. Did we pack evrything we need? What happens if we forget something? We leave in 2 hours, why aren’t we packed yet?? Ok, maybe that last one doesn’t happen. Becca’s better prepared than that.
Anyways, we’ve compiled a list of our must packs for any cruise to ensure you have everything you need and also some things you might not think you need.
Here's how it's broken down:
Our Cruise Packing Must Haves
After cruising for the past six years, we've realized there are some things we can't live without while on the ship.
A soft beach bag. This can easily be your carry-on on day one, a bag to take off the ship on port days, and of course a bag to take to the Lido deck on days at sea.
Sunscreen! (If your cruise is to a sunny destination) Bring more than you think you’ll need. There will be lots of time in the sun. You don’t want to be that person looking like a lobster on day two (this has happened to Cory a few times)!
Towel clips for your beach chairs. It can get fairly windy on the outside decks.
A metal water bottle. Even if you have the drink package, a refillable water bottle is great to carry around the ship for ice water. We suggest metal water bottles as they’re less likely to break when dropped and don’t soak in sunscreen or pool water.
Lanyards for your room key. Depending on the cruise line, you’ll have a card, similar to a credit card, that you’ll need to carry around with you at all times. Your room key will of course be how you get into your room, but also functions as your debit/credit card and ID for getting back on the ship on port days. We’ve found the easiest way to do that is with a lanyard. You can buy one when you’re on the ship but if you want a non cruise line related one, you should get one beforehand.
Cash. Cash is helpful to have for many reasons despite the fact that your room key functions as your money on the ship. You’ll want cash for off ship purchases just to be safe. Tipping is of course easier with cash. If you’re a gambler, if you use your room key there may be a charge around 3% to access your money. If you use cash you forgo that service charge.
Our Essential Clothing Items
These items make our packing list for every cruise!
At least two bathing suits. You won’t want to put on a wet suit for back to back pool/beach days.
If you're taking an Alaska or New England/Canadian cruise, warm clothes are a must.
Casual outfits for lounging around the ship. Typically shorts and shirts are good.
Some kind of long sleeve attire for nights. With the AC blowing throughout the ship it can get rather cold on board. You may not think you’ll need warm clothes on a Caribbean cruise but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
You’ll want to pack some outfits for dinners. Dinner can be casual but some lines have formal nights. You can wear a fancy outfit if you want or a semi casual one works too.
If you book excursions, make sure you check the clothing requirements.
Shoes for the pool. The decks get very hot and there’s typically sunscreen and other stuff floating around the decks.
Sneakers. Some onboard activities and excursions require closed toe shoes. Make sure you have some so you can experience everything!
Other Items to Consider
There's some things we pack every time for ourselves but may not necessarily be what you and your crew needs.
Cheap sunglasses. With excursions, kids running around, and well…too many pina coladas, glasses can get broken.
For your cabin, a nightlight if you like a little light during the night. Some rooms can be fairly dark. Also a sound machine or fan if you need white noise to sleep.
There will be some downtime. We suggest books, games, or whatever you’d like to keep you busy.
Medicine-wise, consider bringing Tylenol/Advil, electrolytes (we bring propel packets), something for potential motion sickness, and of course your favorite hangover cures.
We always bring koozies for any drinks that are provided in a can.
Cruises always offer spectacular views whether it’s a sunset in the middle of the ocean or a beautiful island scenery. If you have a better camera then your phone, we suggest bringing it to capture the views and memories!
You're all set!
That's our comprehensive list of all our essential items to ensure a perfect cruise. Hopefully this helps alleviate some pre-cruise packing stress. I know it's huge for us to have a list every time.
Feel free to contact us with any cruise packing questions you may have! Reach out to us for whenever you're ready to plan your next cruise. Big Anchor Travel is your one stop shop for all things cruising. We plan, you cruise!
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