Packing for a cruise is a little bit like packing for a resort holiday. Expandable suitcases are a handy way to bring back the things you purchased along the way. Here are some suggestions to get your packing list started:

General Packing Items:

Packing for a cruise is a little bit like packing for a resort holiday. Expandable suitcases are a handy way to bring back the things you purchased along the way. Here are some suggestions to get your packing list started:

General Packing Items:

Marked with a * suggests you should place in your carryon luggage.

• YOUR TICKETS and other travel documents (passports if going
  internationally)*
• Camera (don’t forget the charger!)*
• Carry bag or backpack
• Quiet time activities – ipod/books/laptop etc
• Sunscreen and hat
• Medical supplies (pain killers/aloe vera/bandaids/motion
  sickness medicine)*
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner,
  soap, shaving goods, creams, makeup etc.)
• Travel clock (unlike hotels these are not found in your
  room)

Packing Tips:

• It is a good idea to pack clothing that is either disposable, or light and easy to wash (and dry) in your bathroom. You can wear the new things you purchase along the way.
• Bring a power board so you can charge your electronic equipment in your room. Make sure you find out what sort of power outlets they have and bring an adapter if required.
• Thongs or deck shoes are a great idea so you have something easy to slip on as you roam around the ship. Keeps your feet safe from bacteria.
• Small wallet or ID pouch – this is handy if you don’t carry around your entire purse or wallet. Onboard you don’t need money and credit cards but you do need your cruise card and a handy way to tote it around.
• Pen/Highlighter – a great way to highlight what you want to do on the daily itineraries.
• Pad of paper or post-it notes – A clever way to leave messages for others in your party should you want to meet them later or tell them where you have gone to.
• A watch – many rely on a mobile or electronic device for telling time during the day and you might not have those while you are roaming the ship.
• A waterproof container is handy when you visit the pool or sun deck. While the cruise card can handle getting splashed not everything you have can. This gives you peace of mind while you are splashing around or near water.
• A laundry bag for storing your dirty clothing in is handy.
• Laundry detergent is a good idea if you plan to sink-wash.

Other items:

Of course you will also need these usual suspects:

• Dressy outfit for formal dining
• Casual wear for the remainder of the time
• Comfortable shoes should you plan to leave the ship and explore ports
• Swimwear
• Underwear
• Sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen)
• Gym wear should you plan to do exercise
• Remember to dress for the season and location(s) you are headed to. Even if you are going in the middle of summer it is a good idea to take a light layer of warmer clothing in case it gets cooler in the evenings or during poor weather.

Remember, as long as you don’t forget your travel documents you can purchase any other forgotten items on your journey.