What to pack [cruise edition]
Packing is always that last big checklist item before finally departing on a much anticipated, much needed vacation! We always want to make sure we have everything we need without overpacking—especially if you are flying and checking your bag. How many of you spend half of the travel time to your vacation destination mentally going through everything in your suitcase, hoping beyond hope that nothing was forgotten? I know I do! Most of the time, we remember the basics: socks, shorts/pants, shirts, underwear, toothbrush, etc. What about those items that are easier to forget, though? Each type of vacation has a few “must pack” items that are either vital or will really come in handy if you remember to bring them along! Today, we’re going to talk about our favorite must pack items for your next cruise vacation.
All of us at ADJ Travel agree that your identification documents are THE top must-pack item for your cruise. They are vital to your travels; no ifs, ands, or buts about it! Depending on the cruise line and type of cruise, you’ll need either a passport (highly recommended) or your driver’s license and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Always check with your travel advisor for the specific guidelines for your cruise.
Adrian Jones, owner of ADJ Travel says that she won’t cruise without her lanyard, some cash, aloe, and chair/towel clips. If you’re not familiar with cruising, many cruise lines give you a plastic key card to use for unlocking your stateroom door, charging purchases to your room account, redeeming your drink package, and more. Lanyards with a clear I.D. holder are a great way to have your key card available for easy access. Cruise ships are cashless for the most part but a little cash can come in handy for baggage handlers at the port, room service delivery, tipping your tour guides on port excursions, and providing any extra tips to your dining servers or room steward. Sometimes, even if you reapply sunscreen throughout the day, you might get too much sun—aloe can soothe those painful sunburns and keep you from being miserable. If you’ve never seen towel clips or bands, take a look on Amazon! Sometimes, the pool deck on a cruise ship can be a little windy. Towel clips and bands can keep your towel from blowing off your chair while you’re enjoying the pool or getting another ice cream cone.
One of our ADJ Travel Advisors, Emma Bennett, says “If it’s a Disney Cruise, I always bring my pirate costume (for pirate night), my door decorations, and my Minnie Ears (not everyone thinks to wear these onboard). I always bring a lanyard, because they aren’t always provided. For any cruise, I always bring a collapsible bag. It’s great for laundry or souvenirs that won’t fit in my suitcase. I also bring one set of dress clothes for me and a pair of khaki or dress pants for my husband, since some nicer restaurants onboard have a dress code. I also bring a refillable water bottle so I can get water/soda, etc. from the pool deck and take it back to my room. Also, if you’re bringing any wine or beer onboard (permitted amounts vary by cruise line), be sure to bring a small corkscrew or bottle opener. The restaurants/bars onboard will open your wine/beer for you, but they will charge a corkage fee.”
I love Emma’s list of items, too! All of these are great to have along on a cruise!
I (Leah) always bring along a pack of magnetic hooks for the stateroom wall. These are great for hanging your lanyards or towels. On my last cruise, I brought a pack of clothespins, and these were great for hanging swimsuits from the retractable clothesline in the shower. A mesh beach bag is great for ports that include a visit to the beach. Then, you won’t dump any sand out in your stateroom floor. A waterproof pouch for your phone is also nice to have by the pool or on port adventures. If you’re going on a Disney Cruise, don’t forget your autograph book for all those character meet and greets!
Whew, that was a lot! I hope you’ve gotten some great packing ideas for your next cruise vacation, though. Don’t have a cruise vacation planned? Contact us at ADJ Travel!
