When I was recently writing my page about cruises, I mentioned that I would supply a cruise ship packing list. Others have pre-printed forms with check boxes. This is different. I hope to be able to show you a simple, easy way to gather what you need and save tons of time when you are on board trying to figure out what to wear.
Of course, there has to be some flexibility due to inclement weather, etc. but basically this is what I do. Get out your trip itinerary and a tablet of paper. We will take it one day at a time. Write down the day and the activities that you think you will be doing. Then decide what you want to wear that day for that activity. Write it down. Then let’s review it based upon some other considerations.
The Special Case of Day 1
Let’s start with Day 1 with your cruise ship packing list,. Going aboard. First know that your luggage probably won’t arrive in your stateroom until after dinner. So whatever you are wearing to board will be your outfit for the day and for dinner. It should be comfortable and should include flat, comfortable walking shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking this first day exploring, attending a mandatory lifeboat drill, watching the sail-away, and finding meals among other things.
Your Carry-on
Let’s backup just a little. First of all you are going on a vacation not a fashion show. While lovely formals and cocktail attire are wonderful while at home, they take up a lot of packing room and really aren’t necessary. Secondly, you will be traveling and getting settled onto the ship during almost a 48 hour period of time. The drive or flight from home to the debarkation port, usually an overnight stay and then boarding. As you have read above, your luggage once checked at the airport will not be accessible for that period of time. So you need a bunch of stuff in your carry-on.
Mandatory things like medications, cell phone charger, toiletries, sleepwear and boarding clothes. And at least a change of underwear. But I do recommend at least one complete change of clothes, just in case your luggage gets lost. Also you will want your boarding documents, your passport and other identification. Have a good size roll-on carry-on bag compliant with the airline regulations.
Footwear
Let’s start with footwear. Men are usually more sensible about this, but women are accustom to matching shoes to outfits and they love their sexy high heeled sandals. However, these sexy shoes are very impractical on board the ship. First of all, they are dangerous for you. In the evenings when you would be inclined to wear them, the ship will most probably be moving. And while these ships are extremely stable, an occasional bump or sway is not unusual. You want to always be sure footed. Secondly, the very high heels are extremely damaging to the beautiful teak decks. You want to be able to take that moonlight stroll on deck. Be safe.
For women, I recommend no more than four pairs of shoes. A pair of flip-flops, a pair of good tennis or walking shoes, and a plain pair of black (or other neutral color) pumps with a 2″ heel. If absolutely necessary, one pair of very dressy evening shoes, again with a lower heel. Be sure that your long dress is tailored for these lower heels to avoid dragging and tripping. That is, if you plan on a long dress for the one formal night. A simple black skirt and a pretty blouse or jacket is just as appropriate and easier to pack. For men, the three pair applies also. A pair of flip-flops, a good pair of running/walking shoes, and one pair of black dress shoes.
While we are talking about the men. One dark suit, a sport jacket and a pair of slacks are sufficient for dining requirements. Check the cruise line requirements about white shirt and tie versus polo shirt and/or jackets for the formal dining room.
Packing for the Beach
Ok, now let’s look at the rest of the trip. Look at each day and plan what to wear. A pair of shorts or slacks. A blouse or a polo or tee shirt. Knit shirts pack easier and don’t wrinkle. You really can wear the same pair more than once, but you need probably three pair of shorts and/or slacks. Maybe three of each in case it turns colder or hotter than expected. Tops five or six should be enough. Also one sweater and/or jacket in case it does turn cold.
Will you be going to the beach? Swimming or snorkeling? You need one bathing suit, a cover-up of some sort, perhaps a hat, and snorkeling or scuba gear. And then you need a change of clothes for dinner and the evening. Here, for women, I recommend finding two or three outfits that can be interchanged – skirts or dressy slacks and tops. If you really want dresses, limit yourself to two or three. You really can wear the same one more than one night.. Are you really going to remember what everyone wore on night two or three when you get to night six or seven? If your cruise has seven nights – write down what you will wear each of those nights. You may also want to include a nice evening sweater or wrap, in case you are chilly with the air conditioning.
Expensive Jewelry
As for showy, expensive jewelry, it is best to leave it at home. One or two small pieces should be enough. While there are usually small safes in the cabins and I’ve never had a problem with theft on any ship, it is just one more thing to worry about and take time from your enjoyment of the cruise experience.
And, if you really need it, a small evening purse, if your husbands pockets won’t do. You don’t need anything more.
Of course, you will want an ample supply of undergarments, pantyhose (if you really need them), and socks.
Some other items to consider
Some other nice items that you might want to add to your cruise ship packing list are mentioned in other articles.
- Ziploc bags. Bigger ones big enough for your wet swim suit, if you have to pack on the last day before it can dry. These are also useful for taking item to the beach to keep them dry and sand free.
- Waterproof Cell Case. This might even be considered a necessity if you are going to be swimming. You don’t want to leave your phone unattended on the beach and you probably want it for pictures and emergencies. They are quite inexpensive and available at Walmart, pharmacies and Amazon.
- Again your phone charger, but it should be with you in your carry-on. I mention it here again because it seems to be the most easily forgotten item.
- Maybe a night light, if you chose an inside cabin. But I’ve never found I needed one with an outside cabin. They don’t take much room, so take one it you want.
- Sunscreen, certainly, and maybe some sort of bug repellent. I’ve never needed that.
- One list suggested an over door shoe rack – not so much for shoes, because we’ve already determined that we don’t need too many pairs of shoes, but more for organizing miscellaneous items. Optional but may be handy.
- Since we now mostly use the cell phone for pictures, I am not going to include all the extras that were once necessary with a camera. If you have an avid photographer with you, let them make up their own list for this.
Packing for Alaska
Your cruise ship packing list is for an Alaskan cruise, it does not vary that much from a cruise to beaches. Most of what is written for the beach applies also to Alaska. Of course, you might leave your snorkeling and scuba stuff at home, but you still may want a swim suit to enjoy the on board pools. These will be covered and warm for the trip into Alaska. But you will want to pack warmer day wear -sweaters and/or sweatshirts, heavier pants or jeans, and a heavy jacket. Maybe warm boots and even a warm hat and gloves will be appreciated on days when you are near the glaciers.
So using this method of packing you should be able to limit yourself to one large bag (hopefully not too big to go under the bed) and be able to save additional airline baggage fees.
More Travel and Cruising Topics
Cruise and Vacation offers information to know in making the decision of your next vacation as a cruise. Things to know, things to ask.
Flying for Free offers insight to getting low cost or free air flights and Suforia offers a Travel Club type membership for discounted hotel rooms. You could save on your overnight before your cruise departure,
