Essential Items to Pack for a Cruise

Cruising has become one of the top vacation experiences. Not only are there plenty of entertainment and recreation activities onboard, but there are also many dining options and opportunities to schedule onshore excursions. If you’re planning on taking a cruise, it’s important to plan beforehand. In addition to a passport, birth certificate, or another form of ID, you will need a few more things to make your cruise stress-free and comfortable. Here is a list of essential items to pack for a cruise.

Comfortable Clothing

Cruising is all about relaxing in comfort. You should pack plenty of shorts, t-shirts, and polo shirts. Be sure to bring a light sweater because the temperature can drop significantly at night. No cruise wardrobe is complete without a Hawaiian shirt – the more colorful and gaudy, the better.

Nautical Footwear

While on a cruise, your goal should be to go sockless for the full duration of the trip. Some good choices include Converse All-Stars, Havaianas, and Sperry Topsiders.

Swimwear

You will spend many hours lounging by the pool, swimming, or relaxing in the hot tub. You may even take some time to sit on the beaches at the ports-of-call or take a snorkeling excursion. A couple of pairs of board shorts will be perfect for fun in the water.

Sun Protection

Try to avoid the sun or stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and dress right for the occasion. Wear a hat (you can’t go wrong with a Panama hat) and clothing that’s made from tightly woven fabric. Be sure to pack some sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and some sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Grooming Items

During your vacation, you may feel the urge to ditch the razor and grow a beard that would put a pirate to shame. Don’t do that. Pack a few Schick® Xtreme3® razors (they are light and deliver a clean, comfortable shave), some shaving cream, and skin moisturizer to keep your face looking fresh. Don’t forget to bring some lotion and toenail clippers to keep your feet sandal-ready.

Reading Material

Whether you download books to read on your tablet, listen to books on your smartphone, or go old school and get some paperbacks, you will need some reading material to keep your mind active during the long days at sea. Here are a few of our picks for deck side reading:

Medications

If you have any prescription medicines, be sure to bring them. Finding a pharmacy while at sea can pose a problem. It’s also a good idea to bring some over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Tums, and Pepto-Bismol. If you suffer from motion sickness, it is wise to bring some Dramamine.

Suit

You’re probably wondering why you would need a suit on a cruise. Most cruise lines have one formal dinner during the trip and it’s nice to dress up for the event. Pack a lightweight navy suit, a cotton shirt, and a tie. You may even be able to get away with the no sock rule with a pair of loafers.

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