Cruise Trips

Discover essential advice on gear, clothing, and gadgets for unforgettable travel experiences

Cruise Trips Advices

Expert tips for gear, clothing, and gadgets to enhance your travel experience.

Layered Outfits: Pack clothing that can be layered to accommodate different temperatures. Cruise ships can be chilly inside, while the deck and shore excursions might be hot.
Daywear:
- Comfortable, casual clothing for days onboard (shorts, T-shirts, sundresses).
- Swimwear (at least two sets) for pool days, beach excursions, or spa use.
- Lightweight cover-ups, like sarongs or kaftans, for poolside lounging.
Evening Wear: Most cruises have formal or semi-formal nights. Pack versatile clothing:
- For women: Cocktail dresses, skirts, dress pants, or blouses.
- For men: Slacks, collared shirts, blazers, or suits (if formal nights are planned).
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for excursions.
- Flip-flops or pool shoes for deck use.
- Dress shoes for formal evenings.
Weather-Specific Clothing:
- Warm Destinations: Light, breathable fabrics, hats, sunglasses, and a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.
- Cold Destinations: Insulated layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof jackets.
- Rainy Destinations: A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket or poncho and waterproof shoes.

Luggage: Use lightweight, durable luggage that is easy to maneuver. A medium-sized rolling suitcase and a carry-on bag should suffice. Choose soft-sided luggage to fit more easily in small cabins.
Day Bag or Backpack: Bring a small, water-resistant day bag or backpack to carry essentials like sunscreen, a water bottle, a camera, and snacks during shore excursions.
Waterproof Dry Bags: Use waterproof dry bags to protect your valuables (like your phone, camera, or passport) from splashes during water activities or excursions.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated onboard and during excursions with a reusable water bottle.
Snorkeling Gear: If you plan to snorkel frequently, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel for comfort and fit. Fins may be optional depending on luggage space.
Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize your clothes and accessories, saving space and keeping your suitcase tidy.
Portable Power Strip: Cabins often have limited power outlets, so a compact power strip (without surge protection) can help charge multiple devices at once.
Travel Pillow and Blanket: A travel pillow and lightweight blanket can be helpful for long flights to your cruise departure port or for extra comfort on the cruise.

Sunscreen: Bring a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays during pool days and shore excursions.
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent is crucial, especially in tropical destinations, to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
Portable Charger: A portable power bank is essential for keeping your devices charged during excursions and for extended use while exploring.
Seasickness Remedies: Pack motion sickness remedies like wristbands, medication, ginger candies, or acupressure bands.
Camera or Smartphone: Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture memories. Consider a waterproof case for your device if you plan to do water activities.
Travel Guidebooks or Apps: Bring a guidebook or download apps that provide information about the destinations you'll visit, including maps, local attractions, and dining recommendations.
E-Reader or Books: Load up an e-reader or tablet with books and magazines for reading during downtime.
Lanyard or ID Holder: Use a lanyard or waterproof ID holder to keep your cruise keycard easily accessible at all times.

Choose the Right Cruise Line and Itinerary: Research cruise lines to find one that matches your preferences, whether it’s family-friendly, luxury-focused, or designed for adventure. Select an itinerary that covers destinations you’re excited to explore.
Book Early for the Best Deals: Book your cruise several months in advance to secure the best rates and cabin choices. Look for promotions and discounts that may include onboard credit, free excursions, or dining packages.
Check Passport and Visa Requirements: Ensure your passport is up-to-date and check if you need visas for any of the ports you’ll be visiting. Carry copies of important documents like your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.
Pre-Book Shore Excursions: Popular shore excursions can sell out quickly, so consider booking them in advance through the cruise line or reputable local providers.
Plan for Health and Safety: Check with your cruise line for any required vaccinations or health protocols. Bring necessary medications, including seasickness remedies, just in case.

Choose Versatile Clothing: Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Opt for neutral colors that work well together.
Limit Shoes: Pack only the essential shoes – one pair for walking, one for dressy occasions, and one for casual or beachwear.
Use Multi-Purpose Items: Bring multi-purpose accessories like scarves that can double as wraps, shawls, or even blankets.
Roll Clothes to Save Space: Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps save space in your suitcase.
Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries: Bring travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries to save space and weight. Most cruise lines provide basic toiletries, so only bring what you need.
Laundry Options: Check if the cruise ship has self-service laundry or laundry services, so you can pack fewer clothes and wash items as needed.

Practice Good Hygiene: Use hand sanitizers frequently, especially before meals and after touching high-traffic surfaces.
Secure Valuables: Use the in-cabin safe to store valuables, including passports, extra cash, and jewelry.
Stay Alert During Excursions: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in hot climates or after consuming alcohol.
Know the Ship’s Safety Procedures: Attend the mandatory safety drill, and familiarize yourself with the location of lifeboats, muster stations, and emergency exits.
Check Local Advisories: Before disembarking at each port, check for any local advisories or travel alerts, especially related to weather or political situations.