What You Need and What You Should Leave Behind
Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but getting ready for a cruise presents even more challenges. Depending on your destination, your planned activities and the ship itself, you might need everything from sneakers to evening gowns. Further complicating matters is that unlike the travelers of days gone by, you won’t be able to bring a pile of trunks and cases onboard; you’ll probably be limited to one or two suitcases and a carry-on bag.
Whether you’re a minimalist packer – just a swimsuit and toothbrush for you – or an everything- but- the-kitchen-sink type, you can be prepared for your cruise without bringing a mountain of luggage. Just follow this guide.
Onboard Attire
For the most part, cruise ships tend to be casual environments, so shorts, T-shirts, sundresses and jeans are perfectly acceptable onboard. On some more formal ships, like the RMS Queen Mary 2, the attire might be slightly more upscale. Bring a change of clothes for each day of your cruise, plus an extra just in case. If you plan to take in some of the ship’s entertainment or hit the onboard clubs, you might want to pack a few dressier outfits for those nights out.
If you plan to take advantage of the onboard activities, bring a swimsuit or two, plus a cover up to wear between your stateroom and the pool, or when you grab a bite to eat. If you want to workout on board, bring your exercise clothes and footwear. Keep in mind that it can get cool out on the open water, especially on Alaskan or Northern European cruises, so pack a sweater or jacket. Consider bringing a rain jacket or poncho and a travel umbrella as well.
Depending on the ship, you might need more formal clothing for special dinners. Some cruise lines still host formal meals during the cruise, when guests are expected to wear cocktail or evening dresses, suits or even tuxedos. Before you leave for your cruise, check on the ship’s itinerary and dress code to avoid being unprepared. Most cruise lines offer tuxedo rentals, and if you get really desperate, you can buy a dress onboard for an astronomical price.
Onshore Attire
In most cases, whatever you wear onboard will be acceptable for shore excursions, especially in the laidback, casual Caribbean islands. In Europe, or if you plan to tour museums, churches or cathedrals, more conservative attire is appropriate, so pack sundresses or nice shirts to wear on those excursions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Before leaving on your cruise, check the descriptions of your planned excursions for any special dress code suggestions. If you’re planning to jet ski, for example, you might want to pack a one-piece swimsuit.
Carry-On
Since it can take several hours for your bags to arrive in your stateroom, pack your carry-on bag with a few necessities so you can get right to your vacation when you get onboard. Include a change of clothes, a swimsuit, your travel documents and any medications you need, so even if it takes all day for your bags to arrive, you aren’t in a tough spot.
Extras
While most ships stock basic toiletries, try to pack everything you’ll need from home to avoid paying a premium. Sunscreen is important; the sun on the ocean and in the islands is more intense than most people are accustomed to. Bring an extra bottle just to be prepared! Sunglasses and a hat are also must-haves.
Since relaxation is probably part of your vacation agenda, bring items that will help you relax, such as a novel or e-reader or a music player. Don’t forget your camera, and if you’ll be exploring destinations on your own, travel guides might be useful. An extra bag for any souvenirs you purchase is a good idea, and some veteran cruisers recommend bringing binoculars – you never know when wildlife will surface next to the ship.
What Not to Bring
Most cruise lines are very strict about the items that cannot be brought onboard – and most bags are scanned or searched when you embark, so don’t think you can hide anything. Given the high prices of drinks onboard, it might be tempting to bring a bottle of your favorite liquor from home, but if the ship staff finds it, it will be confiscated and not returned. You won’t be able to enjoy a nice bottle of rum in the islands either – you can buy it, but it has to be stored by the ship until you get back to port.
Other prohibited items include weapons, self-defense items, skateboards, surfboards and flammable items. Use common sense, and follow the ship’s rules.
Whether you’re cruising for a weekend or a week, you can bring everything you need without overpacking. Just consider your planned activities and follow the ship’s guidelines, and it will be smooth sailing.
This guest post was provided by Shannon Pierce, who is a freelance writer and cruise coordinator.  She helps hundreds of people book last minute cruises, and believes that whether you are booking cruises from San Francisco or visiting New York, it is important to get out and experience the world.
