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    Home » Travel

    What To Pack For a Cruise

    November 25, 2014 by Jenn 37 Comments

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    In my recent 12 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise article, I mentioned that one of the most frequently asked questions I hear about preparing for a cruise is: "What do I wear?" While my answer was simplified in the interest of brevity for that article, I want to delve a little deeper in today's vacation planning post, which is sponsored by Carnival. I'll not only tell you everything you need to wear, but what to pack for a cruise in general. I'm a big time planner and I have found that a well-packed suitcase makes for a much more enjoyable cruise vacation!

    What to pack for a cruise

    1. Bring activity-appropriate clothing and shoes.

    Before you begin packing for your cruise, take a look at the itinerary on the cruise line's website. Where are you going? What shore excursions have you booked? Do you plan on dining in the formal dining room, or only hitting the casual buffet each night?

    Formal Attire

    For most cruises, you'll want to bring at least one formal outfit for "formal night." For women, this can mean anything from a nice dress to a ball gown. Men will want to wear a collared, button up shirt and tie with trousers and dress shoes. On Carnival cruises, ties aren't required, but many men choose to wear them, as well as sport coats, on Cruise Elegant Dining nights. While men can wear a suit or tuxedo, it is not a requirement on most cruise lines. Think "Sunday Best" at the very least.

    Bathing Suits and Cover Ups

    Most people take a cruise vacations in the Caribbean because they want to spend time at the pool and on the beach during their shore excursions. Make sure to bring at least two bathing suits, as it can take a while for them to dry out! While you are allowed to wander around in your bathing suit, clothes and shoes are required when entering the restaurants and casinos, so bring along at least a few bathing suit cover-ups, sundresses, or shorts and tee shirts.

    I recommend that women wear a bathing suit cover up that looks like a sundress, or actually IS a sundress, when going on shore excursions. You may be going to the beach, but there may be other stops along the way and you'll want to look like you're dressed.

    Shore Excursion attire

    Flip Flops and Close-Toed Shoes

    You can wear flip flops or casual shoes in the casual restaurants, but keep in mind the shorts, tank tops and flip flops are NOT allowed in most dining rooms. You'll also need a pair of close-toed shoes if you plan on doing certain shore excursions. Activities like zip lining and horseback riding require close-toed shoes - and you won't receive a refund if you aren't dressed appropriately!

    Don't Forget to Bring a Sweater

    While you're cruising to a Caribbean island, you might not think you will get chilly, but it can get downright cold on the open water at night. Restaurants and the casino can also be a bit chilly, and you'll want a lightweight sweater or pashmina to keep you warm.

    2. Bring a Back Pack or Beach Tote

    When you leave the ship for a beach-day shore excursion, you'll want something to carry your beach items in. Bring a tote bag or back pack from home so that you aren't stuck juggling towels, sunscreen and your book!

    A tote bag also comes in handy if you want to do a little shopping at the cruise port. It's much easier to throw everything you purchase into a tote bag than struggle to carry around several shopping bags.

    tote bag

    3. Bring Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion

    I recommend bringing at least one bottle of sunscreen/sunblock per person in your party. Whether you're spending the day at the pool or laying on the beach during a shore excursion, you'll go through more sunscreen than you can imagine! Remember to apply sunscreen liberally and often - especially if you are cruising somewhere sun-soaked like the Caribbean, where the heat and humidity cause you to sweat more often that you would elsewhere.

    I always bring a bottle of after-sun soothing aloe gel, just in case we get sunburned. If you burn easily, this is a must to help you heal quickly. You don't want to waste your vacation stuck indoors because you're in too much pain to go have fun!

    While talking about sunburns, consider packing another important wardrobe article, i-e, a UPF 50+ bandana. Readily available online, shop for it as a last-minute purchase at 4inbandana, and have it delivered on time. The brand produces each bandana with a unique Coolnet fabric that gives off a cooling effect and provides up to 98% protection against UV rays. When heading off to a beach destination, carry this incredible travel gear for ultimate sun protection and an enjoyable tropical holiday!

    hawaiian tropic

    You might also want to bring along a sun hat or a visor, especially for children who will spend all day in the sun! It's much easier to prevent a sunburn than it is to deal with one.

    4. Bring Your Own Toiletries 

    While many cruise lines offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner in stateroom bathrooms, they aren't likely to be the products you use at home. I always bring my own shampoo, conditioner and of course, my hair care products.

    I also recommend bringing a travel-sized air freshener for the bathroom - there isn't a lot of ventilation and you can't simply open the window like you would at home.

    Don't forget to bring a razor and shaving cream if you're going on a longer cruise!

    5. Bring Medications for Upset Stomach and Motion Sickness

    I recommend packing a small first aid-style kit full of your common medications like pain relievers, upset stomach medication, anti-diarrhea, Benedryl (if you suffer from any allergies), and a motion sickness medication. You can also buy Sea Bands, which you wear on your wrists to help combat motion sickness. Most of these things are sold in the cruise shops, but they're quite expensive compared to what you'd pay at home. Plus, who wants to trudge down to the cruise shops when feeling under the weather?

    what to pack for a cruise vacation

    6. Bring an Underwater Camera

    If you are going on a cruise and plan to go snorkeling, scuba diving, or to a water park, I suggest bringing a waterproof camera (or, if you're cruising with Carnival, you can rent one onboard the ship from the shore excursions desk). Angeline and I went snorkeling in Grand Cayman once and I was so disappointed when I realized that I had forgotten our waterproof camera at home! It's so much fun to be able to take photos not only under water, but just while you're on the beach or splashing in the waves! You can also purchase a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera bag, which will cost you less than a camera. 

    snorkeling in grand cayman

    7. Bring Cash for Tipping

    If you plan on doing shore excursions, it is customary to tip your tour guides, bus drivers, etc. Bring cash so that you aren't left feeling awkward when it's time to go back to the port and the tour guide makes a speech about how much they appreciate tips!

    8. Bring a Portable Back Up Battery Charger

    While you are out at sea, I recommend turning your cell phone on airplane mode to avoid incurring roaming charges. I usually use my phone to take a lot of photos while cruising, and my battery tends to die fairly quickly. Most staterooms only have one US electrical outlet and one European outlet, and taking turns charging your electronic devices means that you won't always have a full charge. Bring along a portable back up battery charger so that you have a back-up plan when that low battery light starts flashing!

    You can also bring along an outlet adapter to make using the European outlet easier. 

    These are the essentials that go into my suitcase whenever I begin to prepare for a cruise vacation. Do you have any additional suggestions?

    This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.

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    About Jenn

    Jenn, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a single woman who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible. Whether it be through sharing new recipes, sharing her dating stories, or encouraging people to embrace adventure and travel, she aims to inspire people to live full, happy and authentic lives.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robin (Masshole Mommy)

      November 25, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      SOunds good to me. I don't know when I will be on one again, though 🙂

      Reply
    2. LauraOinAK

      November 25, 2014 at 3:34 pm

      Love all these tips! I haven't been on a cruise, but remember a friend saying that they always pack a light jacket.

      Reply
    3. Jennifer

      November 25, 2014 at 4:19 pm

      I wish I'd read this before I went on my first cruise. I didn't know what to pack, so I packed EVERYTHING. It was a lot....

      Reply
    4. Melissa Pezza

      November 25, 2014 at 5:43 pm

      Thanks for these great tips. Packing for a cruise is really tough.

      Reply
    5. tammileetips

      November 25, 2014 at 6:32 pm

      Great list!! I can never seem to be able to pack enough sunscreen. I always seem not pack enough sunscreen when we travel.

      Reply
    6. Jennifer Sikora

      November 25, 2014 at 7:32 pm

      I want to go on a cruise so bad. When I do I am definitely coming back to your blog to get some tips cause you have been on SO many cruises girl!!

      Reply
    7. Amber Edwards

      November 25, 2014 at 7:43 pm

      I dream of going on a cruise vacation with the husband one day! This list is definitely going into my dream vacation list to help me plan for that! Great tips! I never would have known a lot of this.

      Reply
    8. Shauna

      November 25, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      What great tips. Hubby and I were just talking about booking a cruise for next year. Thanks so much.

      Reply
    9. Lisa Bristol

      November 25, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      These are all great tips for packing to go on a cruise. I am hoping to be going on my first cruise in the next few years.

      Reply
    10. Kayla @ TheEclecticElement

      November 25, 2014 at 9:32 pm

      I've never personally taken a cruise before and I'm not that interested in one however I know several people who have done many different kinds of cruises and they've had the times of their lives (many are bloggers like you)! I guess to each their own 🙂

      Regardless you have one heck of a fantastic list that can essentially be applied to ANY vacation!

      Reply
    11. Paula

      November 25, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      These are great ideas!! I will have to keep this in mind if/when I get to go on a cruise.

      Reply
    12. Toni

      November 25, 2014 at 10:23 pm

      Great list of items to bring. I definitely learned the importance of bringing anti-nausea on my first (and only so far) cruise.

      Reply
    13. Liz Mays

      November 25, 2014 at 10:39 pm

      I haven't been on too many cruises but these tips definitely apply. I'm glad you included the "bring a sweater" tip because I would forget about that.

      Reply
    14. Marina @ Mommy Snippets

      November 25, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Great list! That underwater camera shot is very neat! Closed toes shoes are probably something I'd forget.

      Reply
    15. Dawn

      November 26, 2014 at 1:03 am

      My husband and I are going on a cruise in January. Since this is our first cruise, this post was very helpful.

      Reply
    16. Stacey- Travel Blogger

      November 26, 2014 at 1:04 am

      I have never been on a cruise sadly. After reading this post, I really want to and wouldn't mind leaving tomorrow LOL!

      Reply
    17. Lauren

      November 26, 2014 at 1:48 am

      This is an amazing list. I would have never thought to pack after burn products. So smart.

      Reply
    18. Margot C

      November 26, 2014 at 2:54 am

      An underwater camera! It seems like of course but I wouldn't have thought of it and what fun that would be !

      Reply
    19. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos

      November 26, 2014 at 8:27 am

      Great post! I agree that a good beach tote is a must, I have a couple that I love!

      Reply
    20. Brandy

      November 26, 2014 at 9:17 am

      I have never been on a cruise, but if I do ever go these are great tips. I am sure I would need something for motion sickness. I remember my Mom going on a cruise, it was a long one and when she came back it took her forever to get her land feet back!

      Reply
    21. Ann Bacciaglia

      November 26, 2014 at 11:00 am

      Thanks for sharing such great tips. I have not been on a cruise before. I would have no idea what to pack. I am hoping to go on my first cruise in the next year or two.

      Reply
    22. Rosey

      November 26, 2014 at 12:20 pm

      I love the tip to bring a sweater. It can get chilly on the water at night, but that's definitely not the first thing you think of when you're packing for a tropical cruise. 🙂

      Reply
    23. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations

      November 26, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      Oh, we love cruising, this is a great packing list. Bookmarking this for later!

      Reply
    24. Amy

      November 26, 2014 at 8:29 pm

      I would love to go on a cruise! These tips are so helpful too!

      Reply
    25. Remy

      November 28, 2014 at 11:45 am

      Thank you for this great reminder and insights. I will surely take a note of them.

      Reply
    26. Kristen Volpei

      March 07, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      What's the price for cruise which I dearly want go on I am deaf I want go on with my long relationship to be special on cruise and may get married . We been tog almost 9 yrs

      Reply
    27. bobbie

      March 09, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      I always bring a small power strip , also at the dollar store I bought plastic hooks to go over the closet doors. That I can hang my hats on or a wet bathing suit they come in handy. A dry eraser board to leave notes for cabin steward or for the family

      Reply
    28. John M.

      April 05, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Bring cash for tips: baggage handlers, bus drivers, tour guides etc. bring $5's, $10's as well. Binoculars, bandana, extension cord. Bring a store courtesy card as the newer ships need a card, any card, in the inside door area to keep lights on. The cruise line tells you to use your ship card but if you do that you run the risk of leaving the room without it. Power up your devices at night. Wash your hands with HOT water and soap in your room before meals. Hand sanitizer is second best at fighting bugs on ship. Before you go get reservations for the hot places to eat. Otherwise you will be looking in at those folks who did so....hungry.

      Reply
      • Skip Everitt

        April 14, 2015 at 7:45 am

        Your idea about the store card for the key slot in your stateroom is super!

        Reply
    29. Susan

      April 17, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      Bring a night light if you are on a lower inside deck. Getting up in the middle of the night and having to navigate the room in pitch black can leave you with skinned knees and stubbed toes. A night light helps!

      Reply
    30. Dina

      April 18, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      And don't forget a small umbrella.

      Reply
    31. Betty

      April 29, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      I also always take an attractive lanyard. They can usually punch a hole in your seacard (ID card) at one of the onboard gift shops, and I just attach the card on the lanyard and wear it around my neck. That way you don't have to dig it out when exiting the ship, buying drinks or entering your room. An added bonus for ladies, no need to carry a purse!

      Reply
    32. Arreguina

      May 10, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      I would also take a walkie talkie set to keep in contact with family members at other locations on the ship.

      Reply
      • Jenn

        May 10, 2015 at 5:13 pm

        Awesome idea! We did this a few years ago when my daughter was younger, it was a great way to keep track of her while still giving her a little freedom!

        Reply
    33. Patricia Hyde

      May 21, 2015 at 9:51 am

      Those are all great ideas-- and I have used them all. BUT -- don't forget - bring snacks/drinks to have in your room or to take with you on the excursions. A can of mixed nuts -- granola bars - pringles - cookies - a bag of snack size chocolate candy all come in handy when you are back in your room and feel a little munchy and do not want to go all the way to the Lido deck to get something to eat and it is too early for dinner. And please, don't forget to bring something to drink, bottled water, gatoraid, poweraid, or soda if you like. On Carnival each person can bring up to 12 16oz drinks.

      Reply
    34. Arnetha

      June 02, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks for the help. We are going on our first cruise and didn't know how to pack.

      Reply
    35. Valerie Hogan

      December 10, 2015 at 6:31 am

      Thanks for the tips! I always relay on packing more casual clothes and for the night more special items. I like to be prepared for what is coming, not to be surprised by accidents, so I know exactly what to pack.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a Miami native and I love sharing easy dinner recipes, baking recipes, travel ideas and general Miami Lifestyle fun! Follow along for inspiration on how to make the most our of life!

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