Cruise Packing Tips for First Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise is an exciting time! Of course, you have so many questions running through your mind about what to do, what to take, where to go, and what to expect. A good travel agent not only helps you to plan your trip, but can help you to understand what to expect, and make suggestions to help make your first cruise a memorable one. Aside from your passport, travel insurance and cruise documents, there is a lot to think about when packing for a cruise. The type of cruise you are taking certainly sets the tone for what to pack, and be sure to check the weather outlook before your pack. Here are some cruise packing tips that you should consider. Click Here to Purchase many of the items listed below that can certainly help make your trip a little bit easier!

1. Don't get bogged down thinking you must have an outfit for every step of your cruise, or even for each day. Many cruisers spend the cruise in the same shorts and skirts with a few different shirts for when they get too hot or after taking a swim. The same is true for a cold weather cruise as you will find yourself wearing the same warm weather clothing throughout much of the trip. As far as shoes go, DO NOT take several pairs as you will find yourself not wearing a few of them. Be sure you are taking comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking on the ship...not to mention even more when enjoying shore excursions or even just shopping in the ports.

2. Everyone wonders what to wear on those formal nights. Most cruise lines do not require tuxedos or suits be worn, but many people do enjoy dressing up for a night or two at dinner. Regardless of your preference, just know that what the cruise lines are trying to avoid is people showing up in swim suits and tank tops...it is dinner time with a lot of people in the same room so just be sensible. I often recommend booking a specialty dinner at least one night during your cruise that coincides with a formal night to avoid the extra set of nice clothes that might put your luggage weight over the limit! (On a 7-day cruise this is often either the second night or the night before last.)

3. On the topic of shoes, there are some things to consider depending on your destination. For the tropical cruisers, my earlier comment still holds true that you are mainly going to be wearing flip flops and comfortable walking shoes throughout much of your cruise. Sneakers are always a great idea for walking on the ship and in port, and of course they are ideal for the high-tech gyms onboard. If you plan on visiting any beaches or getting into the water, mesh water shoes are a must. You might even want to get closed-toe water shoes if you plan on ziplining as they are required. Alaska cruisers may want to consider waterproof boots for your trip to help keep warm and in the event it rains...remember Alaska is a rainforest!

4. It is true that the bathroom can be a bit tight on a cruise depending on your cabin type, so here are some ideas to help makes things a little easier. A hanging shoebag is a lifesaver as you create instant storage for clothes, sunscreen, kids toys, cameras or anything else that doesn't seem to have a place to stash. I would also consider a hanging toiletry bag on the back of the door as you will often find there is not much room on the bathroom counter to place all of your necessities. Not all cruise cabins come with an iron and ironing board, and you may not want to make a trip to the laundry facilities. Just take a small bottle of wrinkle release spray, spray your clothes and hang them in the bathroom. The steam from a hot shower and the spray can help to get those wrinkles out. If you are wanting to take a hair dryer, be sure to check with the cruise line first as they often have specific rules and restrictions. I would also recommend whether you place it in your bathroom or your closet, a pop-up hamper really comes in handy for storing dirty clothes. One last thing...a small bottle of Poo-Pourri is always a good idea for a small bathroom!

5. We all need need to power up our gadgets during trips, so here are a few items that you can use to make that happen onboard. Most cruise lines will not allow any type of surge protector, and some are even forbidding traditional plug adapters in the room. I would invest in a USB hub as it allows you to plug in several items at once...even different types. Just in case you do not have a plug near the bed, you might also want to consider a very long (10ft+) USB charging cable for items like your phone so that you can use your device while in bed. If you have multiple device types, you might also want to take along a portable charger with multiple connection types...perfect for the iPhone user who also needs their eReader! If you are an Apple aficianado, there is a great space-saving wireless charging station for all of your devices.

6. A backpack is a must as a hands free carry-on, for you and your kids during shore excursions, keeping valuables handy while onboard, and a perfect tote for the pool and beach. Backpacks are also a great way to take home all of the gifts you purchased along the way! Packing cubes can be your best friend when traveling...especially on a cruise! This is a great way to not only organize your things when packing, but they are also great for storage in your cabin.

7. Aside from bathing suits, flip flops, sunglasses and towels at the pool, you want to be sure and have sunscreen on hand along with some aloe vera just in case you get too much sun. While it can be difficult to find chairs at the pool, once you do be sure to take some towel clips which are very handy on windy days for keeping your towel from flying away. You might also want to take a look at adult rash guard tops if you plan to spend extra time on the beach or snorkeling.

8. Ziploc bags (gallon size) are also great for keeping things dry if it rains, taking items ashore with you, and are a great idea for your in-room safe so that if you place everything in the ziploc in the safe, you won't have to worry if you left anything behind like your earrings! It doesn't hurt to take a waterproof bag with you if you are planning any water activities, as well as a waterproof case for items such as your phone. These are great as most come with a lanyard style to carry with you and there is usually room for your money and ID as well.

9. If you are needing to take medicine on board with you, it is a good idea to take pill organizers instead of several bottles which are not only hard to pack and store, but can be easier to lose one or two! Be sure to bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need the medication. I would also take some disinfecting wipes for your cabin. Your room stewards work very hard for you and do a great job, but a little extra protection to clean things like your TV remote certainly can't hurt! For those with a CPAP machine, I would also take an extension cord to be sure it reaches the bed. Cruise lines often have distilled water available for CPAP machines which can be purchased pre-cruise or once onboard. If you don't already have one, you might consider a compact first aid kit for your trip just in case. Also...don't forget your bug spray which comes in very handy on shore excursions!

10. Just as some final tips and suggestions, here are a few more things that should help make your cruise that much more comfortable. A night light is a great idea for not only the cabin, but also in the bathroom so that you aren't having to turn on lights and wake anyone up. Be sure to use the space under your bed as this is a great place to store your luggage. A sleep or eye mask might also help to keep the light in an ocean view or balcony cabin from waking you up. I would strongly suggest getting yourself some cruise luggage tags. They are essential for keeping your information easily visible and are waterproof, as well as very durable so you won't have to worry about losing them or having them fall off. There will be a lot of paperwork that they give you during your cruise including activities, menu options, ports of call, and other information you may need so consider taking a folder to keep it all organized in your cabin as drawer space can be minimal. Last but not least, magnetic hooks can make all the difference in your cabin. They are great for putting the daily schedule on the wall, hanging up clothes to dry, storing lanyards and hats, or anything else that you need out of the way. Walls in cruise cabins are metal, so you can place them just about anywhere. You might also want to take post-it notes so that you can leave notes for each other, or to let your room steward know about something you may want such as extra pillows, blankets or towels.

*Many of the items mentioned above can be found on our Shopping Page so click here! Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Well, now that you have some good insider taps, be sure to make a packing checklist and get everything ready. Your countdown to cruising goes by quicker than you think, so be sure you are prepared for a great cruise and most importantly...have a wonderful time!!!