What to Pack for Your Next Cruise: Essential Packing List and Tips
Congratulations on booking your cruise! As you prepare for your adventure on the high seas, the big question is: what should you pack? In this blog, I’ll share a comprehensive packing list filled with cruise essentials and Amazon must-haves. Plus, stick around for two bonus tips—one about what you should never pack and another packing tip for embarkation day! Cruise Packing Essentials Let’s dive right in with five essential items you’ll want to include in your cruise packing list: 1. Magnetic Hooks If you’ve done any research on cruise essentials, you’ve likely heard about the wonder of magnetic hooks. These clever little devices are invaluable for keeping your cabin organised since most cruise cabins feature metal walls, ceilings, and doors beneath their decorative finishes. As someone who values organisation – as my regular readers will know – I can’t recommend them enough. Just be sure to select strong hooks! For example, the magnetic hooks I use have a capacity of 110 pounds (approximately 50 kg). However, bear in mind that their weight-holding ability decreases when attached to walls compared to ceilings. You can utilise these hooks in numerous ways—hang bags, caps, wet swimmers, and even backpacks. They also work well for drying clothes or hanging over the door organisers. Additionally, consider using them to manage electrical extension cords or even hang blackout curtains! The potential uses are nearly limitless. I also suggest packing magnetic clips, which can be lifesavers for organising important documents such as the daily cruise schedule. 2. Your Cruise Card Your cruise card is another vital item. It functions like a credit card: serving as your cabin key, identification, and your method of spending money or using your drinks package while onboard. It’s crucial to keep this item with you at all times! Many cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, have begun using medallions instead of traditional cards. However, for now, let’s focus on the classic cruise card. It fits conveniently in your pocket, but for those prone to misplacing it, a lanyard is a practical solution. You can easily find lanyards with clips or protective sleeves. Because lanyards irritate my neck (autism = sensory issues), I prefer a magnetic iPhone card holder that also works as a phone stand. This dual-purpose item means I always have my phone handy while keeping my cruise card secure. If you’re using a Princess medallion, there are various fun accessories available, including Air Tag holders that can help you keep track of your items. I use an Air Tag holder with a round carabiner, which I clip to my phone case – it has loops for a cross body strap, another travel essential! 3. Travel Medication Kit Next up is the all-important travel medication kit. While taking over-the-counter medicines is a wise decision for any trip, it’s especially crucial on a cruise. Two key reasons for this: When packing, consider including the following items: painkillers, antihistamines, antacid tablets, seasickness medication, Band-Aids, anti-diarrhoea pills, extra prescription medications, blister patches, antiseptic spray, and even hydration sachets. I store my travel pharmacy in a folding jewellery organiser to keep things neat and easy to access while taking up minimal luggage space. 4. Dress Code Considerations There’s often a misconception that formal attire is a must for cruise evenings. While some cruise lines maintain dress codes requiring tuxedos or evening gowns, this is not universal. Always check your cruise line’s website for specific dress codes as many casual venues still welcome guests in relaxed attire. If dressing up is part of your cruise experience, ensure you pack a nice outfit that you feel great in. Personally, I prefer not to lug around an evening gown—I dress up a nice outfit with accessories and appropriate shoes. Dressy flats or wedge heels are my go-to shoes for added stability on the ship, particularly when the ocean gets choppy. Depending on your cruise itinerary, there may be themed parties, such as “White Night” or “80s Night.” These events can often catch guests by surprise, so checking forums like Cruise Critic for insider information can be helpful. 5. Drinks Policy A delightful surprise for many first-time cruisers is that several cruise lines permit guests to bring their own wine and soft drinks onboard! Typically, this involves a restriction of one bottle of wine per adult. Make sure to check the specific policy of your cruise line to avoid issues. Always pack any drinks in your carry-on luggage since security will be inspecting all bags. Steer clear of trying to sneak spirits onboard; if caught, you risk confiscation and potential fines. Bonus Tip #1: Items You Should Never Pack Now for a critical piece of advice: one item you should absolutely avoid taking on a cruise is a power board with surge protection! These devices can interfere with a ship’s electrical systems and could potentially lead to fires in extreme cases. If you attempt to pack a surge-protected power board, it will likely be confiscated during security screening, and there’s a chance you won’t get it back. Instead, look for power adapters that allow multiple devices to plug in; these are typically permitted on board. Always double-check your cruise line’s list of prohibited items, as you may be surprised by what else might be included! Breaking news September 2024: Royal Caribbean have just banned multi-socket adapters. Having multiple USB A or C ports appears to be fine but not having multiple electrical sockets. Bonus Tip #2: Strategic Packing for Embarkation Day As for the second bonus tip, let’s discuss embarkation day packing. Just like when flying, you’ll have options for checking in luggage that will be taken to your cabin for you. However, if you choose to check your bags, ensure that you don’t pack anything you may need during the first few hours onboard the ship. Often, you won’t see your luggage until after dinner, and there might be times when you don’t have immediate access to your cabin upon boarding. Therefore, pack your carry-on strategically to
Avoid these cruise booking mistakes
Are you considering booking a cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? You’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cruise lines for your next adventure and discuss how to avoid common booking mistakes. Choosing the Right Cruise Line If you’ve read my previous post on Unlocking the Secrets to Your Dream Cruise Vacation you might recall my brief overview of different cruise lines. Today, we’ll delve deeper, focusing specifically on ocean cruise lines catering to diverse travel styles, budgets, and preferences. Within the English-speaking market, I’ve identified 23 cruise lines! Yes, 23! And there’s probably more I don’t know about. These cruise lines fall into three main categories: These percentages are the number of cruise lines in each category. However, if we looked at it by the number of ships, total passenger capacity, or gross tonnage, mass-market lines would dominate due to their massive ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Generally, the higher you go on the luxury scale, the smaller the ships get. And more often than not, the higher the fare, the better the inclusions! So, don’t overlook luxury brands! By the time you add in the costs of meals, drinks, entertainment, wi-fi, and shore excursions, the differences may not be that significant—especially if you fancy a premium cabin or a ship-within-a-ship experience on a mass-market vessel! Mass-market ships are usually geared towards vibrant late-night entertainment, kids’ clubs, and activities for multi-generational families. They typically offer more restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, along with fun activities like water slides, go-karts, and laser tag! But just because these ships are vibrant doesn’t mean you have to be a kid or a party animal to enjoy them! There’s something for everyone on these ships. That’s why they’re often the larger vessels sailing the oceans—well, they need to be to accommodate all that fun onboard! Premium cruise lines also boast multiple dining options, bars, entertainment, and some activities, but they tend to have a more subdued atmosphere. Think singers and musicians rather than big Broadway-style productions. Evening venues close earlier, too, creating a more relaxed vibe. Luxury lines, on the other hand, have the smallest ships, meaning fewer restaurants and activities. Activities may include classic shuffleboard and table tennis, and you might find they attract an older demographic, leading to a quieter atmosphere. But don’t be fooled—this doesn’t mean younger travellers should shy away! A big bonus is that smaller ships can access more ports without the need for tendering, and a greater variety of ports, unlike larger vessels. For me, the choice between these lines often hinges on whether you’re keen on exploring ports or soaking up relaxation. Port-heavy itineraries can be tiring but rewarding, with walking tours and sightseeing galore. Alternatively, if you’re yearning for a chill getaway, consider a cruise with more sea days or one where you stay on the ship while in port. When everyone else is in port you can enjoy the peace of a quieter ship! Michael and I are heading to North America later this year, and we’ve planned two cruises. We’ve selected a higher end premium line in a smaller ship for our Canada and New England trip, focusing on the ports. For our Bermuda cruise, however, we chose a mass-market ship because it’s heavy on the sea days, and we want to experience the amazing variety of onboard activities. We’re particularly hoping that Michael will be allowed to drive the go-karts, since his vision impairment means he doesn’t drive in real life, and he loves driving! And if you’re a beach lover, many mass-market and some premium lines have their own islands in the Caribbean where you can spend a blissful day during your cruise! And the bonus? Most meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi are included if you have a package—just like on the ship! So think about who’s coming along, what everyone loves, and whether you’re all about exploring ports or just unwinding on the ship! Consider your needs—are you more inclined to explore ports or unwind on the ship? Knowing this will help determine the best cruise line for you. For instance, if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a more relaxed cruise might be ideal. However, if you’re keen on sightseeing, opt for a port-heavy itinerary. Avoiding Common Booking Mistakes Now, let’s discuss some pitfalls to avoid when booking your cruise! Overlooking travel insurance Planning a holiday is exciting and fun, and let’s be real: no one wants to think about negative scenarios. However, it’s crucial to prepare for contingencies! Overlooking travel insurance can be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll make. In 2013, Michael had a major retinal detachment while we were in New York. Michael is nearly blind in one eye, and his so-called good eye is extremely short-sighted, with about 5% vision. The detachment occurred in that good eye! Had it not been fixed he would have been completely blind. Luckily, we were in New York—home to one of the best retinal surgeons in the world. Even now, over a decade later, Michael’s specialist in Australia still praises the incredible job that surgeon did. But let me tell you, it didn’t come cheap. The hospital alone was going to cost us over $30,000 US dollars, and then there was the doctor’s fees and medication. Thankfully, we had travel insurance, so we ended up paying very little out of pocket. But if we hadn’t? We would’ve needed to find that money, and there was no alternative—Michael had to undergo surgery immediately to save his sight. Now, picture yourself onboard a ship in the middle of the ocean and needing urgent medical care. You might be having a heart attack, a stroke, or have sustained a serious injury. And this can happen to anyone, regardless of age! If you require emergency treatment, not only will you (or your family) need to cover the medical costs, but you may also need to be airlifted off the ship—and trust me, that
Unlocking the Secrets to Your Dream Cruise Vacation
Have you ever dreamed of booking the perfect cruise but felt overwhelmed about where to begin? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll reveal all the secrets to crafting your ultimate dream holiday at sea. Understanding the Cruise Lines When I first booked a cruise, I was utterly bewildered by the multitude of cruise lines. I once thought they were all just big ships sailing the ocean! That couldn’t be further from the truth. Cruise lines generally fall into three categories: mass-market, premium, and ultra-luxury. I’ll focus primarily on ocean cruising for this post, but it’s worth noting that there are also river and expedition cruises. Each cruise line features various ships, some accommodating just over 2,000 passengers, like the Grandeur of the Seas, while others, like the colossal Icon of the Seas, can host around 7,500 adventure seekers. The newer ships are often larger and packed with thrilling activities and venues! Choosing the Right Cruise Line So, how do you decide which cruise line is right for you? It all boils down to your holiday style and your group’s preferences. My top tip? Narrow your choices to two or three lines, then explore YouTube for real reviews. Search phrases like “MSC cruises for families” or “Viking Voyages for older travellers.” Understanding Cabin Options Next up: cabins! When I first heard “inside cabin,” I assumed all cabins were inside the ship. Wrong! This term refers to cabins without windows. Most ships offer six cabin types: Choosing the right cabin depends on your budget and preference. If you enjoy fresh air, a balcony is perfect. However, if you’re cruising somewhere cooler, you may want to rethink that decision. Destination and Itinerary Considerations Now that you have cabin options in mind, it’s time to consider your destination and cruise duration. Are you seeking a quick getaway or a grand adventure? To save costs, look for cruises departing from your home port or a nearby location. Once you have your port, check available itineraries for your desired travel month. Ideally, aim for at least five days at sea, as anything less might leave you wanting more! However, if this is your first cruise, stick with shorter options so you know it’s the right fit for you. Additional Packages and Shore Excursions Most cruise lines offer add-on packages for WiFi, drink packages, daily gratuities, and more. Be sure to explore the cruise line’s website for the full breakdown of optional offerings to understand the total costs involved. Considering shore excursions? You can often book through the cruise line for convenience but independent providers may offer similar trips at lower prices. Platforms like What’s in Port and Viator are excellent resources for exploring alternatives. Independent excursions can offer smaller groups and unique experiences, but do keep in mind that booking through the cruise line ensures the ship won’t leave without you! Onboard Activities One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is the staggering number of onboard activities available! Your bonus tip: thoroughly research what’s happening on your ship! Even quieter vessels boast hidden gems and exciting activities just waiting to be discovered. Some ships offer so many dining options and venues that you could spend an entire week onboard and still not see everything. Be sure to look up ship reviews, deck plans, and YouTube videos to make notes on what you’d like to experience during your time at sea. Once onboard, don’t forget to check the daily activity newsletter to stay updated on everything happening—many cruise lines now have apps for this purpose! Final Thoughts As we dock, I encourage you to explore even more of our travel tips and share your favourite cruise secrets in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting travel content! Until next time, happy sailing! Products used in this post These may be Amazon affiliate links. Sunrise alarm clock https://geni.us/QguI Sunrise alarm clock alternative – Philips Hue 2 bluetooth https://geni.us/3KW0C Drink package calculators Port Planner (Carnival Cruises Australia, P&O Australia, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.portplanner.com.au/dpc Cruise Mummy (Ambassador, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/cruise-drinks-package-calculator/ Cruzely (Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/ What’s in Port https://www.whatsinport.com/ Viator (affiliate link) https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00213240&mcid=42383&medium=link Cruise Critic Forum https://boards.cruisecritic.com Even more links We use the following for our travel and YouTube needs. These may be affiliate links that will earn us a small commission. Viator (affiliate link) https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00213240&mcid=42383&medium=link Alosim eSims use code 7NBZZYI to get $3 off your first purchase https://alosim.com/ NordVPN to protect our data and equipment https://refer-nordvpn.com/TzKdKQRYawt ClickUp to organise our filming projects https://app.clickup.com/signup?utm_source=in-app&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=inapp_owned_ar_ref_x_promo_all-devices_x_lp_in-app-referral_all-departments_x_settings&utm_term=9016429597_96844571&promo=SHARE10
