I’m packing my bags … What do I need on a cruise? You know it too, right? Before every vacation the same question: What do I actually need, what is just dead weight?
On a cruise it’s especially important that you don’t forget something at home, since it’s hard to get a substitute in the middle of the ocean. Often times the only option is a small board shop with a limited selection. Buying replacements in ports is expensive and stressful. To make sure your cruise is as stress-free as possible we have created a list of things you definitely absolutely will need, coupled with a few insider tips that will save your vacation even in extraordinary circumstances.
Documents - What you'll need
- The cruise line will usually send you a ticket book with all needed documents or an online-ticket to print - definitely bring this.
- Please ask your cruise line or Ministry of Foreign Affairs which documents you need to enter your destination countries - passport, visa, or ID card - and bring those.
- Driver’s license if you’d like to rent a car during your cruise.
- Vaccination record, if required.
- Travel guide, language guide, dictionary, maps or similar books.
- Debit or Credit card, alternatively cash in local currencies
- Travel insurance certificate
Clothes - these should be in your bag
- Tops (T-Shirt, Pullover, Shirt, Blouse, Cardigan)
- Pants (long and short), dresses and skirts
- Jackets depending on the climate
- For cruises with dress code: Suits, Evening gown, good shoes depending on the cruise line (please read the cruise line’s agenda for more information)
- Swimming togs (swimming trunks, bikini, bathing shoes, flip flops, beach towel)
- Hats
- Underwear
- Shoes: Comfortable shoes for the day, if required good shoes for the evening, and solid shoes if you want to go hiking or on a long excursion
- Rain coat, umbrella - if necessary
- Accessoires, jewelry, watch, sunglasses according to your needs
- Sports attire, if you’re planning to exercise
Wash Bag for your cruise
- Shower gel, Shampoo, Soap, Toothbrush and -paste
- Face Cream and Lip balm
- Sunscreen - Important, the sun is more intense at sea
- Lipstick, Makeup, Face wipes/Makeup removers
- Shaving utensils
- Hair brush, Hair gel
- Nail care/Manicure set
- Deodorant, Parfum
- Glasses, Contact lenses and accessories
- Earplugs - important, the ship is always moving, it can get loud
- Home and travel medications - definitely add something against sea sickness
Electronics and miscellaneous
- Socket adapter
- Chargers
- Camera and Memory Card
- Backpack, Handbag etc.
- Something to read: Books, Magazines, Puzzle books, Comics
- MP3-Player
- Address list for post cards
- Binoculars
Insider tips
- Safety pins help if a button gets loose, but also to keep the cabin-curtain in place.
- Resealable plastic bags keep the camera safe at the beach or on a kayaking tour. They also guard against leaking sunscreen.
- Swiss Army Knife (preferably small and not in hand luggage) with a screwdriver can be useful to repair a cupboard door without having to wait for the ships technician. Occasionally we hear that cruise lines don’t accept Swiss Army Knifes and lock them away for the duration of the cruise, but usually they’re allowed.
- If you’re interested in the scheduled program on board a text marker will make sure you don’t miss any events that you spotted in the board magazine.
- If you want to be prepared for even the most unlikely scenarios bring a flashlight and fresh batteries.
If you have other tips don’t hesitate to write us! Our packing list is merely for orientation, you can and should add stuff according to your own wishes.