The 'most important' thing to consider when packing for a cruise (2024)

Cruising with 9Travel brings you the best tips and tricks plus everything you need to know, from self-confessed cruise addict, Honida Beram aka Cruising With Honey. She has sailed the seven continents of the world, on a seafaring mission to uncover the globe and share her adventures.

Your cruise countdown is on, and you've pulled out your trusty luggage to prepare for your adventure. But, what to pack?

It's easy to go overboard, but the trick to packing effectively for a cruise is all about being strategic.

After more than 50 cruises, I've mastered the art of packing for a cruise in 20 minutes. Yes, you read that right, t-w-e-n-t-y minutes. Planning takes a bit longer, but if you follow my advice, the pain of packing will soon evaporate.

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A packing plan

When I was cruise newbie, I would pack everything but the kitchen sink and could have written a best-seller titled 'Confessions of a Serial Overpacker'. In my mind, I would throw things in 'just in case'. Until, I realised that while you're on a ship, you don't have to panic if you've forgotten your toothbrush.

My first tip is to start a list about one week out from your cruise. Think about your destination, theme nights (formal and dress-up), and the season you will be cruising.

Then put an empty washing basket in your room and start filling it with clothes and accessories. (If you're packing for others, use a separate washing basket for each person). This way you can visually see the number of items and whether or not that pile is getting too big!

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Destination dressing

The most important thing to consider when packing for a cruise is the destination. Are you cruising to Alaska? You'll need layers and a puffer jacket. Is your trip in the balmy South Pacific? Then swimsuits, light clothing and hats are essential.

Honey Tip: Wherever you're cruising, the destination should dictate your staple wardrobe.

Also consider what activities you'll be doing on your shore excursions. For example, if you're planning on snorkelling, take your own gear. If you're doing any thrill-seeking activities (horse riding, parasailing, jet boating) remember to pack the right footwear.

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Formal, fun and festive

Cruising is all about taking part in all the fun onboard. Even if you're not an extrovert, dressing up for theme nights on cruise ships is unique to any other travel experience. Join in and pose for those photos that you'll look back on with fondness – and a few giggles.

There's usually one Formal Night on most cruises. Here is your opportunity to dress to the nines! Pack that glitzy dress and charming tux. The bonus is that Formal Night usually corresponds with the Captain's Reception where the skipper introduces all his senior officers, all who are resplendently dressed in their Dress uniforms (swoon).

Another thing to consider when packing a formal outfit is that you might be attending a shore excursion at night to watch a world-famous orchestra in a palace. You don't want to be under-dressed for such a marvellous event.

From Island, 80s, Gatsby and White nights, Theme Nights on cruises are always fun, and a great way for passengers of all ages to get involved. Head to your favourite discount store (it doesn't have to be an expensive exercise) and you'd be amazed how a feather boa or a Mexican sombrero can transform an outfit. Kids love dressing up and you will feel left out if you don't pack a few items.

Festive cruise dressing is another thing to consider when packing. For instance, you might be cruising during Christmas (or Christmas in July – think ugly Christmas sweaters) or Halloween. Get into the spirit.

Essentially essentials

'Essentials' means exactly that – essentials. Don't pack your 1-litre shampoo bottles for a 3-night cruise, 10 pairs of high heels, all your jewellery, or every medication you think you might need. Instead, pack travel size toiletries, your essential medication and footwear you can mix and match with several outfits.

Remember, there are shops onboard and there are shops on land. You can buy things you need or have forgotten. There is also a fully-equipped medical centre onboard.

Honey tip: Take a small first aid kit with band aids, a bandage, calamine lotion, antihistamine, paracetamol and ibuprofen and sea sick meds.

Packing it all in

You've checked off everything on your list and you have a pile in the corner of your room, now what?

My number one Honey Packing Tip: packing cubes.

If you've used them, you know. If you haven't, I'm about to change your life. Not only do they organise your luggage neatly, BUT when you unpack onboard, you don't have to unpack fully.

Let me explain. You have packed your clothes in your packing cubes by category. Undies, bras, socks in one, scarves, belts, accessories in another. Get the picture? Then simply take out each packing cube and place the packing cube – without taking out the items - in your cabin drawers and wardrobe. The only exceptions are items that you'd like to hang up, and toiletries. And shazam, you've unpacked very quickly, and your items all remain organised for repacking on the last day.

A toiletries tip would be to take a hanging toiletry bag for each passenger to keep items tidy. Cabin bathrooms are not known for their size, and if sharing with several people, hanging toiletry bags are the best space saver.

But wait, there's more.

Packing will differ depending on who you're cruising with. If you're travelling with babies and younger kids, don't forget their bottles, favourite toy or security blanket. You can take food onboard (kids can be fussy) but just keep this in its original packaging.

If you have special needs and require certain equipment (CPAP, mobility aids, sensory tools) make sure you don't forget these items. Cruising is an inclusive form of travel and port staff and crew are always helpful and accommodating.

And of course there's electronics, cables, cameras and chargers. Newer ships have USB ports, but always bring a universal adaptor.

Here are a few other things that you might not have thought of:

• Lanyard for your cruise card
• Empty beach bag/backpack to take on shore excursions
• Reusable drink bottle
• Magnets and or magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal)
• Laundry Washing liquid/powder for the self-service laundry
• Post-it notes (to leave messages for your cabin buddies)
• Reusable calico bags (for storing dirty clothes)
• A spare set of reading glasses (especially if you wear contact lenses)
• Hair dryer/straightener

Honey Tip for the ladies: Take a scarf or shawl – no matter where you're cruising. You will get cold onboard and a nice warm wrap is perfect for those romantic sunset strolls on deck.

What not to pack

I know that while you're packing, you're imaging yourself lying by the pool on the Lido Deck, and it suddenly dawns on you, do I need a beach towel? Let me reassure you, you do NOT need to pack beach towels as these are supplied on the ship. And you can take them with you on shore excursions.

Some cruise lines allow limited soft drinks and alcohol.

Water is also not allowed as too many people have tried to smuggle alcoholic spirits disguised as water. And don't even try that old trick of filling a bottle of mouthwash with alcohol and adding a few drops of food colouring. Port staff and security have seen it all before, it will be confiscated.

Other items you should most definitely not pack include:

• Irons
• Kettles
• Toasters
• Humidifiers
• Candles
• Power boards
• Coffee makers

Don't leave home without….

And finally, don't even dream about boarding a ship without your manners, a little patience and sense of adventure.

Life onboard isn't perfect, but the crew are hardworking and friendly. Be polite, be gracious and remember they are working long, long hours and are separated from their families for months. If your poached eggs aren't runny enough, it's not the end of the world.

Please take a few extra goodies, like chocolates, for your room steward or leave them a nice tip. They've earned it, they've cleaned your toilet.

Stay tuned for more expert advice in the next instalment of Cruising with 9Travel.