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When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will hand your larger bags over to a porter, and they will be delivered to your cabin later on embarkation day. Trade “sea days” for “see more” days on an all-around all-star - Freedom of the Seas®. Experience more to do onboard the ship, with fewer days between some of the world's most exotic travel destinations. Remember the Flight When PackingWhile cruise lines are more relaxed in what you can bring, many people fly into port cities like Vancouver or Seattle to head to Alaska. Due to their location in the northwest, driving simply isn’t an option for many travelers. Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so.
Must-Have Tips for Cruising With Babies, Toddlers, or Small Kids (From Someone That’s Done It)
You will not usually be able to bring your travel iron onboard, but most ships have laundry services of some kind where you can pay to have your clothes laundered for you. A 7-, 10- or 14-day cruise should require several outfit changes. Unlike similar vacations on land, you will not always have access to laundry facilities so you will need to make sure you have enough clothing to see you through. As a general rule of thumb, bring one checked bag and one carry-on per person for a 7-day cruise. ☑️ Flying out the day before the cruise, pack the clothes you need for the night and first thing in the morning at the top of your suitcase for easy access.
Daytime clothes and accessories
If you’re planning to engage in fitness activities or join excursions that require physical movement, be sure to pack activewear like workout clothes, yoga pants, or athletic shorts. Don’t forget to bring comfortable athletic shoes that provide proper support for your feet. Having the right footwear is crucial for enjoying your activities without any discomfort. Of course, how much you’ll bring depends on how many days you’ll be at sea. For evening events, the dress code varies, but cruisers are less formal than they use to be.
Upcoming Carnival Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
Upcoming Carnival Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:30:46 GMT [source]
Destination-Specific Items to Pack on a Mediterranean Cruise
Some cruisers love these pop-up laundry hampers but I personally prefer a simple plastic store bag hooked over a hanger clip. If you do pack in a carry-on suitcase, you can often bring your luggage on and off-board yourself, which can save you time and keep you from waiting for luggage delivery. But you should be willing to navigate stairs with your bag in case the elevators are backed up. Not to mention that the standard lights in cabin bathrooms are bright and unforgiving, which can lead to disrupting your sleep or waking up your entire party.
Port day gear
In other words, if you have four tops and four bottoms that can be combined with each other, you could have 16 unique outfits. The good news is most cruises have a laundry service and some dry cleaning, with generally about a 24-hour turnaround time. Note – wondering if you can bring a corkscrew on a cruise ship – check out this post for more information. If you are allowed to bring alcohol on board we recommend using your allowance as this will be cheaper than drinks on the ship. But be sure to check your cruise ship rules before travel so it meets current requirements.
Clothes
Fire is the most serious hazard at sea, so anything with a heating element, including irons, is banned from passenger cabins. Most cruise ships offer laundry pressing and dry cleaning services, or even self-serve launderettes with an ironing board. But, I am lazy and prefer to spritz out my wrinkles with this handy Bounce spray, using the steam from my shower as a de-wrinkling catalyst. By now, I’ve been on dozens of cruises, and I admit that I once cringed at the idea of using a towel clip. Whose idea was it to bring oversized plastic clips on their vacation that look like they should be keeping a bag of potato chips fresh?
Evening clothes and accessories
Reusable travel bottles are a good solution, especially if you don’t need a large quantity of product. For those who love camouflage clothing, it is important to note that it is illegal in some Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia, as it is reserved for military use. For example, in Rome, there is no access to the Vatican or St. Peter’s Basilica with exposed shoulders or knees. Planning ahead can be a great time-saver, as no one wants to use valuable vacation time doing detours while in port in a search for a forgotten item.
Pajamas – of course, you’ll want to pack your coziest PJs, but also keep in mind luggage space and perhaps leave the fleece jammies at home. It might sound weird, but compression socks are currently having a bit of a moment. They’re no longer considered a stocking for the elderly, instead gaining momentum as wellness wardrobe essentials for all ages. I’m in my thirties, and let’s just say I can’t stand on my feet all day like I used to.
When thinking about the right luggage for your cruise vacation, think of it more like staying at an upscale hotel, rather than cramming your belongings in a carry-on. Although most ships provide toiletries I will always pack some on my own as I think they are better quality than those you get on board most cruise ships. It is important to remember that you need this to be in your embarkation day carry on as is required for boarding. For more information on how to pack for embarkation day on a cruise check out this post.
THE 25 BEST February 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST February 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 01:08:27 GMT [source]
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer – this is one of the tried and true items we’ve used on all of our cruises. It is a great way to organize all those little items that might pile up on counters. We have a clear plastic one, but mesh ones can be easier to pack. Keep in mind you’ll hang this with magnetic hooks, most cruise lines forbid using over-the-door hooks. Reuseable Water Bottle – bottled water isn’t included on most cruises except for in some premium beverage packages.
Just remember that the best time to take a pill is before you even feel sick. Don’t be fooled by how thin this Ridge Cuff Beanie from Minus33 is — it’ll keep your head warmer than you’d ever imagine. That warmth comes from the 100 percent merino wool, which helps wick moisture away so you stay dry, even when sweating through winter-weather activities like glacier hiking or ice fishing. It’s machine-washable, comes in an array of neutral and fashionable hues, and will hardly take up any room in your suitcase. Unless you buy an unlimited streaming internet package, don’t waste your expensive onboard internet minutes trying to download anything…it’s nearly impossible anyway. Another advantage of using little bags – I can roll them up and stuff each one inside my shoes and save a ton of space.
While you need to prepare for lots of different situations — everything from hanging out by the pool to formal night — we actually think it can be easier to pack for a cruise than other trips. That’s because the rules for packing are more relaxed than if you are flying for a vacation. Cruises to Alaska don’t draw as many families as trips to the Caribbean but it’s certainly an awe-inspiring place for a family vacation. If you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. Remember, you can’t easily run out for something you forgot to pack, so having a full checklist to serve as a reminder of what to bring on an Alaska cruise is ideal.
Some evenings take on a dressier air aboard the ship, so be sure to consult with the dress code to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Don’t be afraid to recycle your more gently worn outfits—rest assured that your fellow cruisers will be none the wiser if you don the same pieces twice. Remember that there’s an onboard launderette and a laundry service, too.
Having it hanging around my neck won't make me look like the coolest cat, but if I’m being splashed and bounced around and still getting the shot, I'll feel like a smart cookie. Sunscreen has had somewhat of a glow-up in recent years, offering high SPF protection in reef safe and more skin-friendly formulas. These are just a few of the qualities that keep me reaching for Supergoop’s Play Sunscreen, which offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 for the body and face in a non-greasy lotion.
Of course, the destination and weather will dictate what exactly makes it onto your cruise packing list. For a Caribbean cruise, you'll want plenty of beachwear; for an Alaska cruise, you'll want rugged clothes for hiking and warm layers for the frequently changing weather. In the Middle East and Asia, you might need an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites. Break up with your weekly routine with a weekend cruise from Miami and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships — no days off required.
Protein and granola bars can be great options, as well as favorites like goldfish or cheerios that can calm down a tired toddler. Whether it is a beach day, bicycle tour, or snorkeling, there are a few things you should probably include for your port days. As with most trips, clothing is going to your primary focus and take up the bulk of your suitcase. If you are bringing on wine or champagne, this will also need to be packed in your carry-on.
