Figuring out what to pack for a cruise can be challenging at times so that is why we are giving you the best “Top Packing Tips” to make sure that you are fully prepared for your next or even first ever cruise!
Make a list
Figuring out what to pack can sometimes be a pain! Why not make a list with the amount of clothes, toiletries, shoes, and more that you may need when you are on your cruise. This will allow you to plan your outfits out and not panic you do not have the correct items a week before you set sail!
Keep your ID on you and not in your checked luggage
This probably sounds obvious and you are most likely wondering why we are telling you this but it does happen! Make sure that you bring with you the correct form of ID that you will need when embarking, you do not want to bring the wrong type and not be allowed to board!
What to put in your hand luggage
Sometimes it can take time for the crew to load suitcases onto the ship and deliver them to your cabin that is why we recommend you to pack a carry-on with essentials such as a a portable charger, a reusable water bottle, a reusable mug, a change of clothes including underwear, swimming costumes for those who want to dive right into the refreshing pool water, deodorant, medication that you know that you will need, plugs (Don’t forget to check which plugs are used onboard. Just because you are sailing in Europe it doesn’t mean the plugs are EUs), and your ID for when you are boarding the ship!
Pack a Multi-USB Adapter / An extension lead
In some staterooms plug sockets may be limited just like in a hotel room, so we recommend to bring a Multi-USB adaptor or an extension lead (check that this is allowed on board as some restrict you from taking an extension lead!). This will then allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without fighting who will be using the plug socket first.
Bring a portable charger
If your phone is anything like ours then we would recommend you to bring or buy a portable charger! You do not want to be by your sun lounger and want to take a picture of the view to find out your phone has run out of battery and you have to run back to your stateroom to charge it. To prevent this from happening we highly recommend you bring one a long so that you do not need to worry about your phone ever running out of battery. BUT, make sure that your portable charger is always charged as that will be even more disappointing!
Dress Code On Board
Before you embark on your cruise adventure, make sure to check what the dress code is on board. Lots of cruise lines have changed what you need to wear when on board. Some cruise lines will be wear what you want, smart casual, or smart. So make sure to check as you do not want to be under or overdressed.
Speciality or Formal nights
Make sure you check before if there is going to be any speciality or formal nights on board. We can tell you for certain that if you are heading on a Virgin Voyages cruise, you will definitely need to bring at least one red item for Scarlet Night! You do not want to be the odd one out and not be wearing the right dress code for the evening.
Prepare a day bag for shore excursions
To avoid stressing on the you are going on a shore excursions day, pack a bag the day before with essentials as you most likely will not be going back onto the ship for some time. So what should you pack? We would recommend taking a portable charger, water, suncream (depending on the destination), essential medication, snacks and a hat!
Other essentials
Have you ever thought that you have lost your room key, fear not, before you embark purchase a lanyard that you can place your key in. This will allow you to easily find your key card weather you wear it around your neck or keep it in your bag!
Another thing we would recommend you to bring is a waterproof phone case. This will allow you to capture everything on your shore excursions without damaging your phone as we all know that most phones are now waterproof but they still can be damaged so why not get this case as an extra preventative.
The most important thing you should bring on board with you is sea sickness tablets or bands. This is important as usually you will not feel it but some people do, so as a preventive take it anyway so that you are prepare.
Make sure that you bring towel clips to put on your sun lounger as it can get windy when on deck and no one wants to be running after their towel!
