It’s the international cruise season and the best time of year to be out on the seven seas. Whether you’re just planning a trip or about to go, there are many things to consider, with one of them being what to pack!
Packing for a cruise can be tricky as there are so many amenities on board however if you need something, it can be difficult to get exactly what you want, so some prior planning is necessary! We’ve made a list of the 16 items you absolutely mustn’t forget on a cruise holiday.
Read more: 10 mistakes first-time cruisers make
When the ship docks, you’ll want to get off and walk around. Make sure you pack a shower cap so you can re-pack your sandy shoes without getting it everywhere!
Some cruise ships don’t have coat hangers, or very few. Bring some extra to hang up your best outfits.
This is a must for a cruise if you’re bringing electronics. There’s nothing worse than needing to charge something and you only have one power plug in the room!
Bring a small bottle to treat little bites, freshen up, and curb itchiness.
Most cruise lines will allow 1 to 2 bottles of wine per stateroom, although most charge a corking fee. This varies from cruise line to cruise line so ask your travel consultant for details.
When doesn’t a highlighter come in handy? This will be helpful to organise your daily plan so you don’t miss out on any cruise fun. And having pens saves you having to borrow someone else’s!
Trust us: buying sunscreen on board could be very costly indeed. Instead, pack more than you think, and apply liberally.
Bring along something that folds flat in your suitcase for port days! You’ll thank us later.
Of course you’ll want to capture the great memories of your amazing cruise, but you need to be prepared. Make sure you bring your charger and a spare memory card should you fill up your original.
This is not just good for water – it means you can bring your juice or coffee out to the pool or in port with you.
These great accessories can really help you scope out your surroundings, especially in the Pacific Islands. You may also do a spot of bird watching, which can also be improved with binoculars.
Many expert cruisers recommend bringing along duct tape, and for good reason. This handy tape can do just about anything: it can remove lint, seal curtains, fix luggage, repair shoes or bags and even heal blisters.
Not every cruise has an alarm in the room, and your phone might not be charged, so it’s good to remember to bring a small alarm along so you can rise and shine when you like!
Seasickness isn’t pretty and it can make or break a holiday. To ensure you aren’t hanging over a toilet bowl all day, bring along some motion sickness remedies so you can be prepared.
The walls on cruise ships aren’t as soundproof as some would like, meaning you could lose a bit of sleep if you’re on a particularly raucous cruise! Do yourself a favour and bring along ear plugs.
You may see some cruise veterans wearing a lanyard and it’s for good reason: you can put your key on it and it won’t go missing! They can be found cheaply at $2 stores.