What to Pack For a Cruise – Ultimate Guide
If you’re going on a cruise and not sure what to pack, This guide has a complete packing list for you to be organised and enjoy your cruise.
In this is I guide I will show you what to pack for a cruise.
Going on your dream cruise or have been cruising for many years? If you’re going on a cruise but not sure what to pack this guide is for you. I will show you what you will need to pack for your cruise to give you piece of mind and you can look forward to setting sail.
When you’re considering what you will need to pack, consider you will need at least two outfits per day, something you can where during the day for days by the pool or beach, an outfit for excursions and outfits that can be worn in the evening. Which could be a formal dinner or a more casual evening.
As you are choosing your what to pack, try to think about staple items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks for different occasions.
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This post is all about what to pack for a cruise
SWIMSUITS
When it comes to packing swimsuits make sure you pack more than one, you are more than likely be wearing a swimsuit every day of your holiday. It’s lovely to have different choices of styles and colours. Also it can be hard to get your swimsuit dry from the previous day!
COVERUPS
Coverups are an essential when on a cruise, you may be at the pool and fancy a snack or just want to wear it over your swimsuit for those beach days. Pack a few different options to throw on over your swimsuit.
TOPS AND T’SHIRTS
T’shirts and tops are a staple when packing or your trip, they can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Throw on a t’shirt and pair of shorts and you ready for an excursion round the places of interest or shopping in the markets.
SHORTS
DRESSES
If you’re like me you may sometimes want to wear a casual dress for exploring the ship or relaxing in the day. I always take a couple of dresses with me when going on a cruise as it’s nice to be casual and still feel a little dressy. A sundress is good for shopping days at port or when the evening attire is a little more casual.
EVENING WEAR
When on a cruise I love getting dressed up for the evening. Some cruises offer a black tie night, a chance to go all out glam! You may want to pack a cocktail dress for these nights. When you’re deciding what to wear for your formal dinner consider choosing something that makes your feel comfortable. Something that will be wrinkle free when your unpacking.
EVENING COVERUPS
On an evening it can get a bit chilly with the sea breeze so it’s important to remember to pack a lightweight jacket or cardigan that you can layer up with your other outfits.
SANDALS AND FLIP FLOPS
During the day wether you are having a day at the beach, lazing by the pool or exploring the ship, its nice to be able to throw on a pair of sandals to pair with your favourite sundress. On an evening the dress code is more relaxed, you’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of sandals that you can team up with a pair of shorts or summer dress. I love flat sandals as they are easier to walk around the ship, especially if it’s a bit choppy! If your taking flip flops bring more than one pair as they have a tendency of breaking and then you find yourself searching for a replacement pair instead of relaxing by the pool.
EVENING DRESS SHOES
When considering which is the best evening shoes to take with you, it’s a good idea to wear a lower heel because sometimes it can be a little choppy and there is nothing worse than trying to find your balance in a pair of high heels! You want to find a pair that makes you feel glam, but also comfortable. There are o many beautiful pairs of evening shoes with a lower heel that will give you that elegant look so you can dance the night away.
TRAINERS
It’s a good idea to pack some trainer, they are great for days when you are exploring places of interest or shopping in the markets. Some excursions you may be walking all day. You want to walk around in comfort so a pair of lightweight pumps or trainer are ideal. Often on cruise ships there is a gym so you may also want the option to workout on your trip.
SUNGLASSES
Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses as it gets pretty bright on deck. A cute pair of sunglasses can add a touch of glam and complete your outfit.
SUN HATS
Hats are a great way to feel stylish and also protect yourself from the sun. It get really hot on the sun deck or when you are walking around exploring the tourist attractions, such as the ruins or the markets, you’ll want to make sure your head is protected.
BEACH BAGS
A beach bag can double up as a bag you can throw your suncream and sunglasses into for pool and beach days or travel bag for your travel/flight day to hold your important documents and a change of clothes until you get your luggage.
EVENING BAGS
A simple clutch can elevate your evening outfit. For a formal evening you may want to take with you an evening bag that is a little more dressier. There are some really versatile clutch bags that can be paired with a formal look.
JEWELLERY
When planing your outfit and considering which jewellery to pack, choose pieces that are versatile that can be worn with more than one outfit. That way you won’t overpack but still look cute. One of my favourite parts of packing is choosing jewellery to make an outfit. whether that’s a hoop pair of earring or a beautiful necklace.
EXTRAS
Before you travel download the app for your cruise and check the schedule as some cruises offer special theme nights. It is not a requirement that you dress up for the theme night but it’s fun to participate. For example, it could be a colour theme party, a Gatsby party, pyjamas party or flower party.
Essentials
- Passport
- Travel documents
- Cash for tipping
- ID
- Medication
Electronics
- Phone
- Camera
- Chargers
- Adapter
- Extension plug
- Batteries
Other items
- Suncream
- Towel clips
- Beach towels
- Snorkel gear/goggles
- Landyard
- Zip lock freezer bag for wet clothes
- Laundry bag
POOL DAYS
You’ll want to pack some outfits to wear for the pool days. This outfit is perfect for lazy days on deck by the pool. A swimsuit, a maxi sundress to throw on and a pair of sandals.
EXCURSION DAYS
For exploring the markets, places of interest or new cities, it’s important to wear something comfortable. You may do a lot of walking so bring the right footwear. Also you may be exposed to the sun a lot to a sun hat will protect you. A t’shirt is also a great idea as it will be loose and cool while you explore.
DAYS AT THE BEACH
Beach days are so much fun! Choose a swimsuit that makes you feel stylish and comfortable and team it with a lightweight maxi beach dress. Take a beach bag with you to put your suncream and sunglasses.
CASUAL DINNER
Most evenings on board will be casual, a but a little more dressier than in the day. You may want to see a show or nightclub after dinner. Take a cover up with for the evening, like a light weight jacket or cardigan as it can get chilly.
FORMAL DINNER
You may want to check if there will be a formal evening on your cruise. It’s so exciting getting glammed up for a special night. a simple cocktail dress and pair of heels is perfect.
I hope that this guide for what to pack for a cruise is helpful. I would love to know where you are going on your cruise. If you find this useful you may like 20 of the best travel toiletries.
This post is all about what to pack for a cruise
