Pack light for a cruise (you can also read our general travel
packing
tips), but do not forget things that you may need on board.
Otherwise, you will end up buying them on the cruise ship at twice the
regular price! Below is a list of items that you may find useful to
have on a cruise:
CLOTHES
AND FOOTWEAR
Before you start packing, check your cruise ship policy
for formal dress code so you would know what attire to
bring. Some cruise destinations are more casual (Caribbean, Hawaii,
Mexico), some more strict (Bermuda, Europe). You can check out the
general
dress
code rules
for major cruise lines below.
Usually, casual dress is worn during the day and casual to
formal in the evenings. During the day, you can wear shorts, t-shirts
and even your swimsuit (women should wear a cover-up inside the
ship). The following dress code categories are used on cruise
ships:
Resort Casual - slacks and shirts
for men and
casual dresses or pant suits for women. Jackets and ties are optional.
Informal (or Smart Casual) - jacket (or a
sports jacket)
for men (tie is
optional), dresses or dressy slacks for women.
Formal - tuxedo or a business suit and a tie
for men and formal wear for women. Usually in effect
in public restaurants and rooms after 6 p.m.
Do not forget to pack your elegant shoes for those formal occasions!
Expect to have two formal nights and two casual evenings during an
average week-long cruise.
Almost every cruise ship has alternative dining areas where the dress
code is not followed.
Wearing swimming suits is usually allowed only at the cruise ship's
pool.
Hats and caps are necessary dress items when cruising in hot climate.
Want
to look sharp and stylish on a cruise? We offer you an infinite mix and
match of styles and trends that are not currently available in
traditional stores! Visit our Designer
Clothes page
to check out exclusive lines from international designers.
DOCUMENTS
AND VALUABLES
- all tickets and booking confirmations
- personal documents
- vaccination certificate (if needed for the particular cruise)
- medical insurance cards and medical history
- copy of doctor's prescriptions, list of all medicines you are taking
- cash, travelers cheques, credit & ATM cards in a wallet and
money belt
- pre-paid phone cards
- a copy of each of your travel documents and tickets in case if they
are lost or stolen.
ELECTRONICS
- plug adaptor and converter (if differet electrical standard on the
ship)
- extension cord (some cabins have very few electrical outlets)
- cell phone, charger
- camera/ camcorder with extra memory cards/ film and spare batteries
- battery charger
- CD player with headphones
- compact alarm clock
- binoculars
HEALTH
ITEMS
- regularly used supplements/ prescription medications
- first-aid-kit
- antibacterial hand cleaner/ liquid soap
- mosquito repellent (depending on your cruise destination)
- sunscreen lotion
OTHER
ITEMS
- reading glasses, contacs, contact lenses cleaner
- sunglasses
- guidebooks, maps, books to read
- TSA-approved luggage locks
- duct tape (for luggage repairs, waterproofing and holding things)
- plastic ziploc bags
- folding knife
- gear for your favorite sports
- sewing kit and scissors
- toiletries (on cheaper cruise lines free toiletries provided are of
poor quality, so you
may want to pack a botlle of your own shampoo).
Visit our online
Travel
Store to find these and other items for a cruise.
CRUISE DRESS CODES
USEFUL LINKS
