The days when travellers had their servants haul a dozen steamer trunks onto their cruise liner have long gone. These days, ships’cabins have modest storage space, so travel light.
Check the local climate before you sail. You might need an umbrella, sunhat or mosquito repellent. Think ahead to shore excursions. For example, you may want to pack binoculars for wildlife spotting in Antarctica or the Galapagos, or a snorkel if you’re bound for tropical islands. Some cruise lines provide these, so look online for what’s included in your cabin or on excursions.
Use our what to pack checklist so you can pack for your cruise like a pro!
What to Pack Checklist:
CLOTHING ESSENTIALS:
With limited space in mind, be smart about the clothes you pack. Check your ship’s dress code to see if you need a jacket, suit or formal evening dress.
- Everyday casual clothing for day wear
- Resort casual clothing for restaurants, bars & public areas
- Formal wear (if necessary, make sure to check the Cruise Line Dress Codes)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Pyjamas
- Underwear
- Jewellery (optional)
- Sandals & jandals
- Cruising in cooler climates? Swap the swimwear for scarves, gloves & jackets!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Holidaymakers can be so focused on their clothes that small items, and typically the most important items, are overlooked in the packing process. The absolute must-haves when you pack are your:
- Travel documents/ reservations / itineraries
- Passport/ Visas (if necessary) – contact your Flight Centre consultant to confirm what you need
- Personal ID
- Cash
- Credit/ATM cards
- Travel insurance documents
- Emergency contacts and important addresses
ON SHORE PACKING:
You might not have immediate access to your cabin or luggage on embarkation day, so a small backpack or shoulder bag is useful. This will also come in handy for shore excursions and tours.
- A small day time backpack
- Important documents (for embarkation day)
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Comfortable walking shoes/ sneakers
- Water bottle
TOILETRIES & HEALTH ITEMS
- Tooth brush & tooth paste
- Deodorant
- Shavers or razors
- Shaving gel
- Hair Brush
- Sea Sick tablets (optional)
- Insect repellent (optional)
- Personal medication (optional)
- Ships provide basic toiletries but, if you’re fussy, bring your own.
ELECTRONICS & ENTERTAINMENT
- Mobile phone & charger
- Laptop/Tablet
- Camera or GoPro
- Ipod/mp3
- Headphones
- Books or e-readers
- Playing Cards/Games
- Travel Journal & Pen
WHAT NOT TO PACK
Items banned on ships are similar to those banned on planes, such as
- Firearms,
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- Flammable items
- Beach towels - these are provided!
- Duty-free purchases will likely be held during the cruise and returned on disembarkation