To Pack Or Not To Pack
It's hard not to overpack, especially if you're trying something new. After all, what if you get food poisoning every day of your cruise? However, you can save yourself the luggage space and the arm workout by getting the most out of fewer items.
1. Passport Copies
If you only remember to pack one thing from this list, make it copies of your documents. This is good practice when traveling anywhere, but can be especially helpful for shore excursions. Keep your passport in the safe and a copy on your person.
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2. OTC Medicines
In addition to prescriptions, you should also pack basic OTC medicines such as ibuprofen and antacids. While there will be a pharmacy on board, you'll be paying out the nose for it. Also, we recommend dramamine even if you don't normally get seasick. Better safe than sorry.
3. Nightlights
It can get dark out on the ocean, especially if you go the cost-effective route and book an interior cabin. A night light will keep you from turning on the lamp every time you get up to use the washroom. It will also save your shins from bruises.
4. Walking Shoes
Even if you plan on spending the majority of your time poolside, you should pack a good pair of walking shoes for shore excursions. You never know what sort of terrain you'll encounter on shore. Also, even exploring the ship can leave your arches aching without proper support.
5. Binoculars
Being out on the water will offer you nature experiences unlike any other. You may see a pod of humpback whales breaching portside, or a beautiful tropical bird. Besides, they're just fun to have.
6. A Jacket
Even if you're sailing around the Caribbean in July, temperatures will drop when the sun goes down, especially if you're far from shore. At minimum you should have a cardigan or hoodie to wear on deck in the evening. Depending on the weather, a lightweight raincoat or poncho may also be helpful.
7. Magnetic Hooks
Ask any seasoned cruiser what they recommend for your first voyage and 9/10 will say magnetic hooks. Even the roomiest of cabins won't have that much storage space besides hangers. Magnetic hooks make grabbing your back or aforementioned jacket a breeze.
8. Dry Pouches
Most new phones are waterproof to a certain depth, however, we don't think you want to test that. A dry pouch will keep your electronics dry whether you're by the pool on on the beach. You can also store papers, cards, and keys in there.
9. Towel Clips
There are few things more annoying than trying to work on your tan while the wind blows your towel around. Expect a near-constant breeze on deck and prepare for that with towel clips. They'll take two minutes to attach to your lounge chair and save you endless agony.
10. Outlet Adapter
We'll get into the outlet situation soon, but, for now just know that outlets are prime real estate. An adapter will allow you to charge multiple electronics using the same outlet. It will also come in handy if you're sailing abroad and the company uses different plugs.
Now that we've covered some essentials, let's look at a few items you'll be better off leaving at home.
1.Toiletries
Unless you have finicky and/or textured hair, you will be fine with the provided toiletries. All you really need is a toothbrush and some basic skin & hair products. Also, instead of buying expensive mini versions of your favorite products, buy travel-sized bottles and use what you already have.
2. Multiple Formal Outfits
Let's be realistic here, even if you're a fashionista who changes outfits multiple times a day, you'll be fine with one formal outfit. You'll probably spend more time in your swimsuit than in evening wear. And, it isn't as though the ship won't have laundry facilities.
3. Floppy Hats
A wide-brimmed hat is a must if you're going to be spending any amount of time outside, especially as the sunlight reflects directly off the water. However, you don't want your hat to be too floppy. Why? Because it can get easily smushed, soaked, or even blown away.
4. Towels
If there's one thing that cruise ships aren't short on, it's towels. Even if there are no beach towels available on the deck, you have a plethora of them back in your room. There's no reason to waste souvenir space in your suitcase on them.
5. Hangers
True, ships aren't known for their closet space or hangers, but, again, you'll wear less than you pack. There are laundry facilities on board! And, even if you're an overpacker, you can request extra hangers.
6. Irons
Travel irons and steamers are widely prohibited due to fire concerns. However, there are a few options for maintaining formal wear. You can either bring wrinkle-release spray, or take advantage of the ship's laundry services.
7. Hair Dryers
Your bathroom will already come equipped with a hair dryer. Even if it isn't the same quality as your beloved Dyson Airwrap, you'll survive with the standard equipment. Hairdryers take up more space than you think.
8. Hard Liquor
While a single bottle of wine or champagne is allowed per passenger on some lines, hard liquor is not. Essentially, you'd be bringing that good rum only for it to be confiscated. If you plan on drinking, it's easier to buy the drink package.
9. Snacks
Like with towels, there is no shortage of food on board. Many meals are buffet-style, and room service may or may not be included. If you have dietary restrictions, do what's best for your health.
10. Power Strips
While modern ships are slowly increasing their number of outlets, many older ships have only one or two per room. You may think that the solution to this is to bring a power strip with a surge protector. In reality, this is just another fire hazard.
