Before You Go: Packing & Preparation Tips

Packing for a cruise is one of the most important ways to make your vacation go as smooth as possible. However, there’s more to packing than simply throwing a few bathing suits in a suitcase and calling it a day. Making sure you are fully prepared for the vacation you’ve been dreaming of might seem overwhelming, but our cruise packing list and preparation tips make travel-prepping fast and easy.

Get ready to be fully relaxed on your vacation knowing you are prepared with all necessary items packed, reservations made, and pre-travel home accommodations taken care of!

Print out this handy 'What to Pack Checklist' for an easy way to ensure you don't forget any important items for your trip!

Not sure what to pack on your next cruise vacation? Here are a few of our favorite tried and true cruise packing tips that will help you whether it’s your first cruise or your twentieth…

1.Know the Weather & Pack Accordingly

When it comes to packing, the most important thing to keep in mind is planning for every type of weather and excursion you’ll encounter during your vacation. Your embarkation port may have temperatures that vary wildly from your ultimate destination, so pack accordingly to maximize comfort from start to finish:

• Keep in mind that your ship will also have a variety of climates and activities to pack for. From spending time poolside in the sun or breeze top-deck, to catching a show on the ship’s theater or getting a morning workout in, make sure you’ve packed appropriate attire for every activity you anticipate doing. Good ‘layering’ items can be a perfect last-minute suitcase addition.
• This also applies to packing for your ports-of-call. Have you booked a zip-lining excursion in the Caribbean? Will you be touring the Vatican in Rome? Make sure you’ve packed all necessary types of shoes and clothing to get you by each day!

Cruise Tips: Dress Code While cruise lines are much less strict than they used to be in terms of dress code, it’s worth double checking your itinerary for any optional special evenings (themed parties/events, black tie nights, etc.) you want to participate in that may require specific attire before closing your suitcase.

2. Outside-the-Box Items to Bring Along

Here are a few outside-the-box cruise essentials to bring along with you that may seem unusual, but have proven to be useful commodities for travelers over the years!

• Duct Tape – Duct tape can be used to repair everything from ripped luggage to a broken flip-flop, and can be used in countless other ways such as temporarily bandaging wounds and blisters or even to easily remove lint before stepping out!
• Pillow Cases – A pillow case can help keep luggage organized and double as a laundry bag during your trip. This is also a great tool to wrap up any fragile souvenirs acquired along the way for extra padding and protection.
• Small Waterproof Bag – This will eliminate worry about valuables such as money, identification, and keys getting splashed by the pool or on the beach during your vacation.
• Binder Clips or Clothes Pins – Pin curtains together to block the sun in the morning (because sometimes they don’t quite close all the way), secure shower drapes, or to hang up damp bathing suits. This small, easy to pack accessory can be a surprisingly helpful and versatile utility!

3. Prepare a Smart Carry-On Bag

Depending on the travel conditions, it can typically take up to a couple of hours to have your checked bags delivered to your cabin on the first day of embarkation. For this reason, travelers with a wisely-prepared carry-on bag won’t be left stranded without useful travel items as they wait for the rest of their luggage to arrive. Here are some smart carry-on items to keep close during your upcoming cruise:

Passport, Credit Card and Cash, Medications, Swimwear, Sunscreen, Camera, Cell Phone, Laptop, Change of Clothes, Kids/Baby Accommodations (Bottles, Small Toys, etc.), and Toiletries

4. Get Your Home in Order

Make sure your household is safe and secure before you head out on your vacation so you don’t have to worry about your home while you are away. Before you leave, tell a friend or neighbor that you are leaving, confirm pet, plant, and house sitters, unplug all appliances, notify necessary establishments that you are leaving (banks, post office, police dept.), and consider going above and beyond in-home safety by purchasing a light switch timer to create the illusion of the house being occupied.

5. Expedite the Check-In Process

Many cruise and airlines allow travelers to check-in online in advance so you can complete pre-trip documents such as immigrations and embarkation forms. Check to see if your travel provider allows this paperwork to be completed in advance so you can avoid waiting in long lines!

6. Make Necessary Reservations

Instead of waiting in long lines while you sail, make the most of your vacation time by reserving activities days before your journey begins via your cruise line’s website. Here are a few of the most common amenities that can be reserved days before you leave:

• Specialty Dining Reservations
• Shore Excursions
• Entertainment & Spa Treatments
• Celebration Packages
• Youth Programs (Reservations Not Required)

Cruise Tips: Flight Meals Most airlines allow travelers to request special meals no later than 24 hours prior to departure. If you need a special meal such as a vegan or gluten-free dish, refer to your airline’s website to see what options are available that align with your dietary preferences.

Don’t forget to make use of this guide so you can cross items off the list as you prepare for your journey. We hope these cruise packing tips help you as you get ready for your next cruise vacation, wherever you may be heading.

Happy Travels!