What you pack can make or break your cruise experience. While some items are prohibited onboard, others will simply take up unnecessary space in your luggage. At Hopperound Cruise & Travel we are experts in cruising. Using our experience we’ve put together this list of must-have items that we’re sure will come in handy, as well as those belongings that you’re better off leaving at home.
DO put together a well-stocked day bag
Bringing a separate day bag is a good idea for excursions and activities off the ship. Use this bag to hold items like sunscreen, a hat, water bottle and camera. It is also helpful for carrying any souvenirs or purchases you make while exploring ports of call.
DON’T pack any dangerous items
To get the obvious ones out of the way first, there are several items that simply cannot be brought with you on a cruise ship due to safety concerns. These include flammable materials, sharp objects, illegal substances and the like, but you’re also not permitted to BYO extension cords or power banks. So leave the fireworks at home and save some space for the ‘dos’ on this list.
DO bring your own everyday essentials
When you are packing fancy frocks for formal night or your favourite swimmers for lounging on the deck, it can be easy to miss items like toiletries, medications (including seasickness pills, of course) and other personal necessities. All these things can be conveniently packed in a carry-on, especially when purchased as a travel-sized product or transferred into smaller containers. While many ships offer onboard shops, prices tend to be higher, so if you want to save your spending money for more memorable purchases like shore excursions or a day in the spa, it’s best to bring the necessities with you.
DON’T overpack when it comes to outfits
Clothing is one of the most commonly overpacked items for cruise travellers. With various themed nights, events and activities to attend, it may feel like you need to squeeze your entire wardrobe into your suitcase. Instead, we suggest you start by packing versatile clothing that suits various activities and weather conditions. Consider layering options for cooler evenings and pack pieces that can be dressed up or down. A good note to remember is that you are surrounded by strangers – no one will notice if you outfit repeat every now and then!
DO remember all important documentation
We won’t dive into all the details here but, depending on where you are heading along your journey, you may need to carry a valid passport and possibly a visa. For more information, view our passport and visa checklist
here.
DON’T bring any alcohol onboard
This one may be a tough pill to swallow, but most cruises have strict alcohol policies that you will need to abide by. Regulations vary by cruise line: some ships prohibit any outside alcohol entirely, while others allow a single sealed bottle of wine or champagne per passenger. Be sure to check your cruise line’s specific policy before you board to avoid any surprises.
DO pack a positive attitude
It can be easy to get lost in the sea of advice from seasoned cruise travellers, YouTube videos and articles just like this one. You’ll soon start to find that they contradict each other - magnetic wall hooks may be a must-have for one person, while another will tell you don’t bother, claiming there’s plenty of hanging space in modern cabins.
The reality is most things can be procured during your cruise and, the more cruises you take, the more you will figure out what works for you. Of course, if you’d prefer tailored advice for your upcoming cruise, a seasoned travel agent from Hopperound Cruise & Travel can provide expert guidance to ensure you're fully prepared.
Contact us and we’ll help you plan the cruise of your dreams!