First-Time Cruiser Guide
What Should I Pack for a Cruise?
If you packed four outfits for a four-day cruise, we need to talk. 😂
A cruise vacation is not one outfit per day.
Some days feel like you attended five completely different events before midnight.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
I recommend packing at least two outfits per day.
No, I am not saying you need to pack your entire closet.
I am saying cruise days have RANGE.
You may start the morning at brunch.
Then change for the pool.
Then end up at a Lido deck party.
By 5 o’clock, we are getting dressed for a nice dinner.
After dinner, you might go to a theater show, listen to live music, hit karaoke, or end up in the club.
And no, I personally am not wearing my brunch clothes to the club. 😂
So a four-day cruise does not automatically mean four outfits.
Pack for What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Look at the type of cruise you booked.
Do you have elegant nights?
Beach excursions?
A nice birthday dinner?
Theme nights?
Pool days?
Nightlife?
Pack around the activities instead of packing random clothes and hoping something works once you get onboard.
Bring a Tumbler
This one stays in my cruise bag.
Cruise cups can be SMALL.
I like having my own tumbler that I can refill with water throughout the day.
It is especially convenient when I am sitting outside, walking around the ship, or spending time on deck.
Just follow your cruise line’s rules about filling personal containers at beverage stations.
Bring a Lanyard
Your cruise card is one of the most important things you will carry onboard.
Depending on the cruise line, it can be your room key, charge card, and identification when getting on and off the ship.
You are going to use that card all day.
A lanyard makes it much easier to keep up with.
And if you are my client, you already know I like giving my people lanyards because I refuse to watch y’all dig through the bottom of a beach bag every time you need your card. 😂
Keep Important Things in Your Carry-On
Do not put everything in your checked luggage.
Keep your travel documents, medication, valuables, electronics, and anything you may need during your first few hours onboard with you.
Your larger luggage may not arrive at your cabin immediately.
If you want to hit the pool as soon as you board, throw that swimsuit in your carry-on too.
Do Not Forget the Basics
Comfortable shoes matter more than people realize.
Cruise ships are big.
You may spend all day walking from one end of the ship to the other without thinking about it.
Also pack sunscreen, medications, chargers, toiletries, and any personal items you would be irritated trying to replace once you are onboard.
Want My Actual Cruise Must-Haves?
I keep an Amazon list of cruise essentials I actually recommend, from cabin organization to those little things that just make life onboard easier.
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Still need help choosing the right cruise?