What To Pack In Your Suitcase For A Cruise Holiday

So your going on a cruise! Congratulations! A cruise holiday is absolutely my favourite type of getaway and I am feeling totally jealous right now. You will get to visit and explore so many different places.  There’s going to be plenty of time for chilling out by the pool with your favourite cocktail too.  You can also be out every night painting the town or should I say cruise ship red if you fancy.

A cruise holiday is back to back fun, activities and entertainment but what on earth do you pack in your suitcase to ensure you have everything you need.  There are so many different elements to a cruise holiday, getting what you pack right will ensure you are prepared for the all the fun and activities in store.

Your cruise holiday provider will have some advice and maybe even policies on dress codes for your holiday so this is a great place to start before writing your packing list. Before you book your cruise, I would definitely recommend making sure your happy with the dress code in place.  It’s your cruise, so you want to be comfortable with any rules the cruise ship has in place.  Not all cruise holidays are formal these days, so if you want something more relaxed speak to your travel agent or search online.

Next, think about what you are likely to be doing when you visit each port. If you opt for cruise excursions they will have helpful information about activity levels etc.  Also think about whether you will be inside or outside. Will you be exposed to the sun a lot or will your day trip be a little more on the chilly side. Even if you plan to do your own thing, thinking about these things is still going to help with your cruise packing list.

What to Pack for a Cruise Holiday

Clothes for Day Trips

• Good walking shoes and/or sandals
• Light trousers
• Shorts
• T shirts
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Jacket
• Cardigan
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Travel rucksack or shoulder bag
• Night wear/pyjamas

By The Pool/Day at Sea

• Flip flops
• Swimming suits/ bikinis Sarong or similar
• Bag for the pool

Evening Wardrobe

• Evening wear (dresses, tuxedo etc )
• Smart shoes
• Evening bag
• Jewellery

Toiletries

• Sun cream
• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• Hairbrush
• Straighteners
• Moisturiser
• Perfume Body spray/deodorant
• Day and evening make up

As well as day trips and excursions, you need to think about what you will do when your on the ship.  There will be at least one day at sea if not more, so think about how will you be spending your time. Look at what is available on the ship like is there a spa, what about sports and activities.  Often they provide a running track and sports courts if you want to make use of those.  These days there are climbing walls, water parks and extreme activities that you might want to prepare for.

During the evening will formal dress be required or will you have a few relaxed nights on board the ship. Look at the dining options and evening activities that you might enjoy.  There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy fine dining and a show, but some nights you might enjoy the themed buffet and a quiz night.

You will probably need your biggest suitcase for a cruise holiday, and I’ve seen some people embark their cruise ship with several pieces of luggage for what looks like a relatively small travel party.  I guess they might be thinking, what if I need this dress or that dress and have packed every pair of shoes they own just in case.

Personally, I prefer to keep my packing in check with a well thought our packing list for a cruise holiday. And lets not forget there’s all that washing to think about when you come home.  If you really can’t face the thought of it, send your dirty washing to the ship’s laundry before you come home, and save yourself a mammoth job.  It’s a holiday after all!

You can download the cruise packing list here!

If your still planning your cruise here’s some posts you might enjoy:

6 Reasons Going On A Cruise Is A Great Holiday For Busy Families

What Is Cruise Food Like?

Things To Do For Kids On Norwegian Cruises

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review

Tips For Cruising With Norwegian Epic + Room Tour