If you have an exciting cruise holiday planned, it’s likely that you are already pondering your cruise packing. You may have even started writing your cruise packing list. After all, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your cruise holiday!
However, there is always the conundrum of what to pack for a cruise; you want to avoid over-packing, but you don’t want to forget essential items.
We’re here to ease those worries with our cruise packing guide, where we’ll share our 11 top tips on packing for a cruise. We’ll also let you in on our cruise packing hacks that will add ease and organisation to life onboard a cruise ship.
So, get ready to take note as we reveal how to make cruise packing a breeze.
When to Start Packing for a Cruise
So, first things first – when should you start packing for your cruise? We recommend beginning the cruise packing process around a week before departure to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Create a comprehensive list of essentials considering your cruise length and activities. One of our top cruise holiday packing tips is to lay out items a few days before, gradually packing non-essential clothing first.
Doing this will help you identify any gaps or duplications in your packing. As departure approaches, add daily necessities. Then the day before, finalise your cruise packing with travel documents and last-minute items, ensuring a hassle-free start to your cruise adventure.
Our 11 cruise packing tips and tricks
When it’s time to get packing, follow our 11 top tips on packing for a cruise and ease the worry of what to bring with you on your holiday:
Choose the best suitcase for a cruise
Selecting the right suitcase can significantly impact your cruise packing success. Opt for lightweight, durable luggage with ample compartments, sturdy wheels and security locks.
A hard-shell suitcase provides better protection for fragile items, while expandable options offer flexibility for bringing back souvenirs. Choose a distinctive colour or attach a unique tag to easily spot your bag among the sea of luggage during embarkation and disembarkation.
Choosing the best suitcase for a cruise will ensure your belongings stay organised and secure and makes your journey smoother from start to finish.
Coordinate your wardrobe
Planning your outfits in advance can save you from over-packing. Pick mix-and-match clothing items that can be styled in different ways. Also, choose versatile pieces that can transition from daytime explorations to evening dinners, reducing the number of things you need to pack.
Cruise guests often ask if cruise ships are warm. With the internal spaces and cabins controlled by air conditioning, temperatures are usually comfortable. However, it will be hotter or colder out on deck and at your port stops depending on where you’re sailing. Therefore, remember to bring layers so you are prepared for every eventuality.
Consider cruise laundry service
Many cruise ships offer laundry services, which can be handy if you’re looking to pack light. Research your cruise line’s laundry options and prices in advance, so you can weigh up how much to use this service and what items to bring.
Pack a carry-on with overnight necessities
Even if your cruise holiday does not include a hotel overnight stay before setting sail, it’s always wise to pack a small carry-on bag with overnight essentials. This precautionary measure ensures that even if your main luggage is delayed, you’ll have the basics to freshen up and change clothes.
Simplify suitcase organisation with cruise packing cubes
Cruise packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. These rectangular zipped bags or cubes come in various shapes and sizes, all lightweight and compact.
Cruise packing cubes allow you to neatly separate your clothing items and efficiently use every inch of your suitcase. Place similar items together in each packing cube and use smaller ones for underwear, socks or accessories.
One of the great things about cruise packing cubes is how easy they make unpacking, with all your items visible and well-organised. You can even simply place your packing cubes directly into the drawers, unzipping the cubes as and when you need your items.
Embrace a variety of bags for easy organisation
Using a combination of different bags to help organise and protect your clothes and items is another handy cruise packing idea. For example, separate footwear into shoe bags to protect your clothes and use laundry bags to separate clean and dirty clothes during your trip.
Another helpful cruise packing tip is using zipped plastic bags to store toiletries to prevent leaks and organise small items like jewellery. Meanwhile, vacuum-sealed bags are great for compressing bulky items like jackets.
Packing without creases: roll, don’t fold!
Packing without creases can be challenging, and no one wants to spend their time onboard in the ship’s laundry room using the iron. (For safety, you’re not allowed to bring your own, nor will you find one in the cabin.)
So, to avoid creases, think roll, not fold.
Rolling your clothes not only helps to save space but also minimises wrinkles. It’s a simple yet effective cruise packing tip that optimises your suitcase’s capacity while keeping your outfits looking fresh.
Bring magnetic hooks to increase cabin storage
Cruise ship cabins can be compact, often with limited space for storing your things. Therefore, we love the cruise packing hack of bringing magnetic hooks!
Cruise ships are basically made of steel, meaning that your cabin walls are magnetic – even if they don’t appear to be. This provides an excellent opportunity to make more of your cabin space by using magnetic hooks.
Attach them to the walls for hanging hats, bags, or jackets. You could also use magnets to display information, such as cruise ship timetables and news.
Give your bathroom a storage upgrade
You’ll often find a similar storage problem in the bathroom, with limited shelf space for your toiletries. Bring lightweight suction shower baskets and hooks to provide extra storage for your items and to hang your towels, a simple cruise packing idea for solving this storage situation.
Power up with extensions leads
Most standard cruise cabins will only have one or two plug sockets, creating a dilemma when you want to charge more than one thing. Bringing an extension lead with multiple outlets is an easy cruise-packing hack that will give you better flexibility for using your electrical devices.
Also, remember to check what type of plug sockets are on your cruise ship. Some cruise lines use US and European sockets, so it’s helpful to have travel adapters if your appliances are equipped with UK plugs.
Find your way with night lights
Packing a battery-powered night light is another handy cruise holiday packing tip. Cruise cabins can get quite dark at night, especially if you’re sleeping in an interior room without a window or are using blackout curtains.
A small night light placed in the bathroom or by your bed will help you navigate during the night without disturbing others asleep.
What should be on a cruise packing list for kids?
Packing for a family cruise requires a bit more strategic planning.
When creating a cruise packing list for your family, involve your children in the packing decisions to create holiday excitement. Think about things to keep them entertained when travelling or during quiet moments, such as colouring books, puzzles, and electronics.
Remember to bring a personalised first aid kit that also includes sunscreen and insect repellent. To add ease to your travel, pack a separate bag for each child with their essentials, including extra outfits, snacks, and any comfort items they may need.
As you prepare for your cruise holiday, keep these cruise packing tips and tricks in mind to ensure a stress-free and organised experience. By packing smart and efficiently, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the adventures and relaxation that your cruise holiday has in store.
If you have any questions about what to pack for a cruise holiday, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
