Packing for a cruise can seem daunting at first, especially when you have never cruised before. There are many types of cruises you can take, all over the world, so packing for one can vary. Being prepared for your cruise can save you a lot of miserable travel days and help you enjoy your well-earned vacation. In this blog, I will give you the best packing tips no one has told you before. After reading through this guide, you will be thoroughly prepared for your epic sea voyage!
After Sam and I took our first cruise we learned cruising is another form of vacationing. There are many ways to cruise including having a rejuvenating experience in the spa throughout the week, trying all the different specialty restaurants, or watching shows and enjoying the nightlife. No matter what you plan to do on your cruise, here is a list of those must-bring items.
Carry On VS Checked Bag
The suitcase I use most is the Away Carry-On or Away Medium. I have been able to pack a few weeks’ worth of clothes in both suitcases. If you do not wish to leave your bag out the night before you disembark (and sort through hundreds of bags at the port) I highly recommend using a carry-on suitcase.
What To Pack For A Day At Sea
A day at sea can be for exploring the ship – checking out the different lounges, relaxing at the spa, or swimming in the many pools. Here are a few outfits I recommend packing:
Comfortable clothing for relaxing in your cabin, besides your PJs.
A casual outfit for walking around the ship – anything from jeans and a nice top to a romper and sandals will be perfect! (My favorite and most comfortable was my waist pants from H & M).
Swimsuit (pack a cover or extra clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting wet when you leave the pool area).
Here are a few other items you may need:
- Waterproof bag to hold your towels and a small bag that can zip for your cruise card
- Cards or board games. If you prefer an evening in or don’t wish to cram in the hot tub along with several other passengers, have a fun game night with your travel partner! You can also rent cards and games, but only for up to two hours.
What To Pack For The Evenings
From watching shows to dining at excellent specialty restaurants, you need to have a stunning outfit prepared! I recommend bringing some dresses or a nice jumpsuit for dinner.
Some nights the cruise will have a ‘themed’ party such as a white party or disco night, be sure to check your itinerary to find out! Remember to pack a sweater for those cooler evenings!
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What To Pack For The Excursions
Depending on the ports on your cruise, your packing list will vary. The list below is based on the countries we visited on our cruise and others we have visited over the years.
Scandinavian Cruises:
If you are traveling anywhere through Scandinavia (Iceland, Denmark, Swed
Layers. I cannot emphasize this more. If you are traveling around the spring-fall time it can be chilly in the early mornings, then warm up in the afternoons. Bring outfits to mix and match as well (this will save space in your suitcase too). I brought two pairs of jeans to keep it casual, plus a sweater and a few long sleeve shirts for the week.
I recommend bringing some waterproof pants. These are from Columbia and love them! They are great for those unexpected showers and easy to wash! I wore these over my leggings as we hiked in Norway.
I also brought a light fleece jacket, for the cooler mornings. My favorite is the North Face fleece jacket – in black. It kept the wind chill out, and not to mention it is so comfy!
Tropical Cruises:
Of course, you might be taking a cruise to a tropical destination such as the Bahamas. Most items for a day at sea you will still want to pack. Here are a few more items to add to your tropical destination:
Pack as many sundresses as you can. Seriously, you will want to be in one the entire time. Plus they are great to wear as a bathing suit cover. don’t forget your sunhat!
Pack a few pairs of shorts and T-shirts as well for your day excursions. I also recommend being a pair of tennis shoes if you do any hiking on any island.
A few extras to bring: Sunscreen and Bug spray!
European Cruises:
If you are taking a cruise to any European country here are the essentials you will need:
If you are traveling during the summer I recommend sundresses, shorts, t-shirts, but comfortable shoes (you will be walking a lot). I brought my Nikes, they were perfect for walking around the cobblestone streets of any European city and are great airport shoes too!
It is essential you bring a rain jacket to Europe. You should always have it handy for those unexpected rain showers. My favorite rain jacket is the North Face Venture Jacket – in medium grey heather.
Remember to bring your adapter. I love this one – it works well with my curling iron too!
Red Sea Cruises
Since it is a conservative part of the world, I recommend long, linen pants or maxi skirts, and loose-fitting shirts that cover the shoulders for women (Lulu’s has some great options!). Be sure to check the weather on a day-to-day basis. Bring outfits to mix and match as well (this will save space in your suitcase too). Also, bring a scarf to cover your hair, if you plan to enter any religious areas.
If you plan on doing any outdoor excursions, I recommend bringing a hat as well. When visiting the Pyramids in Egypt, there is little to no shade.
Room Items
To feel like I am at home and to be absolutely comfortable in a hotel room, here are the essential items I pack:
Slippers (I have smaller footies I pack if I am just using my carry-on)
Pillow Case (Always buy a king size to fit any hotel pillow)
Washcloth (I pack this, so I don’t have to put my face or mouth on any hotel towels)
Antibacterial foam soap (I cannot stand those bars of soap used in hotels, so I bring my own!)
Laundry bag (This one explains itself, keep those dirty clothes separated from your clean ones)
Toiletry Bag
No packing list is complete without the toiletries! If I am only bringing my carry-on, I use this bag. However, if it is a longer trip and I am bringing a checked bag, I use a larger one. The list below is everything I pack:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash
Razor (Only if I am bringing a checked bag)
Face lotion (I use this at night, but I always pack one with SPF for the day)
Body lotion (Especially after a long flight, you want to moisturize as much as possible)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Contact case/Solution/Glasses case (If needed)
Deodorant
Brush (I use a mini Wet Brush)
Hair products (Buy travel size when you can)
Makeup (I buy travel size, it makes it easier to pack plus it saves a few pennies!)
Makeup remover (I love the individual wipes, they also work great for a face wash, so that is one less item to bring)
Small earrings, just to keep it simple. They bring the outfit together and are stylish if your hair is up.
Side note: I also recommend bringing some sort of allergy medication. I also like to bring acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal, and an antiacid for emergency purposes.
Airplane Bag
For any trip I have my suitcases, I also like to bring an airplane bag with all the flight essentials.
Headphones (These work perfectly for movie watching and are noise canceling!)
A good book (I love my Kindle!)
Passport (Here is one I use, I can fit my ID, credit cards, and cash)
Blanket (I freeze when I fly)
Save room for any snacks you purchase at the airport and a water bottle.
Extras Essentials For Your Packing List:
Cash (Most taxis and shopping stalls prefer it).
Camera (This should be at the top of the list!)
Remember to bring your adapter. I love this one and it works well with my curling iron too!
I hope you have enjoyed this blog! Cruising is our new favorite way to travel! It is such a great way to explore many destinations all while enjoying the comforts of a fantastic cruise ship. And now you will know exactly what to pack for your next cruise!
Thank you for reading! Until the next destination!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
Love cruising? Check out our *Itinerary for MSC Cruise to Norway*
Interested in another Scandinavia country? *Check out this guide to Reykjavik, Iceland*
If you only have a few short days, enjoy a *Perfect Weekend in Copenhagen*
In love with nature? Check out *Top Fjords in Norway*
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