You’ve got your passport, driver’s license and cruise tickets on your person and a suitcase full of clothes – or maybe 4 suitcases. What else could you possible need to pack for a cruise? The answer is plenty. Sure, the cruise ship sells everything you need, but it may be expensive and not your preferred brand. We’ve included a few tips on packing for your cruise for those little extra to put in your suitcase or carry-on that will make you look like the ultimate prepared traveler.
Your Packing List
1. Clothes: You know to pack at least one formal outfit as well as a bathing suit or two. Beyond that, try to pack “dual purpose” clothing. A sarong that can be used as a swim cover-up as well as a long skirt for casual shore excursions. A simple dress that can be worn with sandals during the day and then, with the addition of accessories and different shoes, worn for dinner another night. Make life easy on yourself and go for wrinkle-free items if you can. NCL tends to be less formal than other cruise lines so if you just want to bring shorts and tee shirts, you can probably get away with it.
2. Electronics: Even if you promise not to check email and work on this vacation, you will need to pack your charging cords for any cell phones, laptops and iPods. Try putting them all in a plastic zip top freezer bag so they won’t get jumbled in your luggage. Most cruise ships do have internet cafe’s on board, and some have Wi-Fi in certain parts of the ship. It generally works to check emails, but uploading, downloading or anything over a few minutes in the real world is not likely to work well on a cruise ship. Usually it’s around a $1 per minute so try practicing some disconnected time now.
3. The Sun: Sunburns can ruin a cruise for many travelers. In fact, they can make a vacation downright unbearable. Pack sunscreen, obviously, but also pack aspirin and your preferred “cure” in case you do get burnt. Some people swear by vinegar, aloe or Noxzema; whatever you swear by, just be sure to pack it ahead of time. Also, if you are taking sea sick medicine – especially the patches, stay out of the sun. Not only will you get burned, you will probably get really sick.
4. Bug Spray: Stick some in a handy zip top bag and be prepared when you sign up for an excursion that takes you on a jungle hike. Bugs don’t bother the prepared traveler.
5. A Deck of Cards: Yes, the ship will have plenty of on-board entertainment and activities much more exciting than a plain deck of cards. All the same, a deck of cards can be a life-saver during any travel delays before arriving at your cruise.
6. Sea Sickness Prevention – there are a variety of over the counter medicines that you can take. Many people find “sea bands” or other accupressure devices work very well. They are cheap at your local pharmacy. Some of the new ones are decorative and go great with cruise attire. Don’t forget it when you are packing for a cruise.
6. A Suitcase: An extra, collapsible suitcase can be used for trips ashore and for carrying home souvenirs as well as for storing wet, dirty laundry. Invariably you will have more stuff than when you got on the cruise ship.
7. Walkie-Talkie: If you are traveling with kids or young adults, chances are they won’t want to spend every waking moment with you (or vice versa). A simple set of walkie-talkies can give you peace of mind and privacy. Try to get one that has 7-15 mile range. Note this is in flat terrain. In cities or on mountainous areas it will be much less. Cheaper walkie talkies will work fine on the boat, but if you are trying to keep track of people off boat, they may not work as well.
Being prepared when you are packing for a cruise is more than just grabbing a good book to read on your way out the door. Follow these tips, add a few of your own, and you will be on your way to becoming the prepared cruise traveler that everyone else aspires to be.
