My Top Packing Tips, Things To Take On A Cruise

Any one that knows me knows I am cruise mad, I honestly don’t think there is any other feeling like standing on your aft balcony watching the surf and feeling the warm sea breeze in you face. It’s that feeling of freedom being at sea gives you. Looking out over all that stunning open water just clears the mind and makes you feel calm.

 The moment I set foot onto a cruise ship I feel all the tension leave my body.  I don’t know if it is the overwhelming reception which gets me every-time, the promise of visiting a new and exciting land every day or the thought of all that incredible delicious food and cocktail you will spend the foreseeable future enjoying.  Ooh or that precious hour in the evening when the boys go off to the club and we get to play a game of roulette or enjoy a cocktail.

I wanted to share my top tips, Things To Take On A Cruise because if you pack right its a whole lot easier. 

 When asked me what packing advice I would give to first time cruisers I felt I was well and truly up to the job. The opportunity to talk about one of my favourite subjects?  The challenge is getting to the end of the post without rushing off and booking one myself. Because trust me I spend my life on the edge of booking my next cruise. Also consider, when you go on a luxury cruise holiday you’ll have so many of the comforts taken care of, meaning you’ll likely get away with packing lighter.

Here are my top tips on packing for a cruise.

Check out the dress code before you travel; whilst it is not compulsory, most ships operate formal nights. The most we have experienced during a cruise is 3, but the norm for a week cruise is usually 2. For me, it is a cruise highlight; Chris grumbles a bit but always enjoys the whole event. I like to take a couple of evening dresses.

Top tip for men’s dress shirts take one a get it laundered and ironed on board, so much easier.

Can you take an iron on a cruise ship?

Irons are strictly prohibited and may be confiscated. I usually take most of our clothes ironed apart from hard to iron mens shirts. A great tip is to hang outfits that have creased in your case in the bathroom whilst you are in the shower. The steam makes the creases drop in no time. 

Don’t iron men’s shirts before you cruise

Lets face it they only get creased once packed? Get them ironed onboard. It is not expensive at around $4.50 per shirt, and saves so much time. Click here for Royal Caribbeans laundry prices.

Take a wrap or section of cardigans, I love evening walks on deck and it can sometimes be a little chilly.

Consider the ports you are visiting

Are there any religious restrictions such as covering your shoulders in certain areas? It is better to be prepared to avoid these situations.

Pack comfy shoes and smart but casual clothes for port days

We have walked miles in port, I generally wear my shoes in before traveling so they are super comfy when we are exploring.

Choose an outfit for a family photo-shoot

There are generally lots of opportunities to get family photo-shoots taken on board. I like our family shots more casual, or at the very least not in clashing colours. The photographers are fantastic, and for $100 dollars you  get a great selection of family portraits. If you check out the cruise planner certain nights the photographer will run a session with black or white backgrounds for a contemporary shoot. 

Take trainers and your gym gear

All that food, afternoon tea, cakes, cocktails, rather than restrict yourself. And do a brisk daily walk, jog around the promenade deck  or hour in the gym to work those calories.  You may even fancy a round of golf or feel brave enough to scale the climbing wall, but wow what a view.

Have a shore bag packed ready in you cabin with supplies you will need when in port

Pack things such as sun cream, mosquito spray, hats, sunglasses, a small packet of hand wipes, travel guides, plasters and currency. If you wear glasses, it is also worth considering whether contacts might suit you better for port days. Exploring in the heat with sunglasses over prescription frames is far less comfortable than it sounds, and there are plenty of modern contact lens options available online that work well for full days out in the sun and sea air. 

We generally have this packed and ready for visiting shore and use a separate bag for on board.

A thermal coffee mug is something I never cruise without

Have you ever tried walking 4 decks to you cabin after a lovely dinner with wine with a cup off coffee? I take a thermal mug to fill up if I fancy a coffee, it has a lid and its stays hotter for longer. Yes, you can order room service, but sometimes I like to grab a coffee and go for a wander.

If you are traveling with kids take children travel sick pills, our two very rarely suffer. But we did once hit rough seas. Concierge had adult tablet but not kids; with Jack suffering from diabetes sickness can be a nightmare. The travel pills resolved this in no time. And the next day the sea was calm and the sickness was nothing but a distant memory.

Do your research on cruise ports before you go

I always take pocket-sized travel guides for the cruise ports we are visiting. Although there is always lots of information available on board. But sometimes a little preparation goes a long way. We have found some real gems thanks to being prepared and taking travel guides.

I could go on all day, but I think the rest is obvious, what I will say is for the family cruising is such a great option, a way to get quality time together, but also get a little chill time away from the kids, there is so much for them to do, the kids activities are so well-managed, our boys always have a wonderful time, which means we do too.

Please note this is a collaboration.

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