Going on a cruise for the first time can be very exciting! You get to stay on a large boat that is practically like a resort, travel to new destinations throughout the week, and adventure with different activities/excursions.
There can be a lot of planning that goes into this and you don’t want to miss a thing!
No matter how many times you have gone on a cruise, you may forget one of the essentials. Since many of these items are important, if you forget it, you might need to buy it on the ship or at a port, costing you some money. So, make sure to use this list to know everything you need to pack for your cruise.
There are hundreds of cruises out there in a variety of locations. But we are going to assume this is a 7-day cruise to a warm weathered spot!
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This cruise packing list is available to be downloaded and printed at the bottom of this post.
Pack These Essentials
Photo ID- this may be a drivers license, passport, or some other form of identification- do not pack this…keep it somewhere safe and accessible in your extra bag/carry-on (so that you don’t have to go digging for it when you need it)
Wallet
Cash-many shops at the ports do not take cards so make sure to bring some emergency cash as well as some small change ($1, $5, $10 for tipping)
Emergency Contacts
Copies of these documents (listed above)
Clothing/Attire
Underwear
Socks
Bras/Undershirts
Pajamas/Sleepwear
Workout/Gym clothes- that is, if you are trying to stay active during this cruise/vacation
Medicines- All medicines are important but when it comes to a cruise, you are going to need to pack motion sickness prevention medicine. Some people get queasy and sick during the trip from the motion of the boat. I suggest bringing Bonine for the adults and Dramamine for the little ones. There are also different motion sickness patches that you stay behind your ear for up to three days!
Aloe vera
Lip balm
Hanging Toiletry Bag -this is the bag that I pack all of my toiletries in and hang it in the cruise bathroom (keeping my toiletries organized and out of the way)
Electronics
Camera (pack an extra battery/charger and extra memory card)
Wrist watch-great way to keep track of time (the ship’s time) without having to carry your phone around with you all week
Walkie Talkie– Great way of communication when separating from the group or letting your kids have their own independence. These Walkie-Talkie’s have 36-channels, with rechargeable batteries, a weather alert, and can even range up to 30 miles!
Wrinkle Releaser– you no longer have to worry about toting around an iron for your whole trip
Full Face Snorkel Mask-the best way to save money while snorkeling, no gear will have to be rented at all! And this full face anti-fog snorkel mask is perfect for seeing the whole 180-degree view, breathing freely without using a separate snorkel, and it has a secure lock and replacement ring included. What a deal!
Book
Pen/Highlighter
Lanyard– your stateroom card should be with you at ALL times throughout your cruise. These Safety Lanyards have an easy and safe strap with a set of vertical name/ID badge holders, perfect for your room key/card!
Extra packing tips
Do not go crazy and obsess over packing. The staterooms are not the largest. Just do your best by planning accordingly and adjusting to whatever happens along the way!
P.S. – Once you get on the ship, your suitcases most likely will not have arrived in your room yet. Make sure to pack an extra set of clothes, swimsuit, charger, etc. for the first couple of hours. If not, you might end up stuck there without any of your belongings!
And yes, I know…there is not much excitement about packing. But at least with this list full of essentials to pack, you will be set and have no worries!
Now, go pack and then enjoy that cruise of yours!
Have you ever been on a cruise before?
What are you looking forward to the most?
Was there anything on this list that you would have totally forgotten?
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