A Look at Planning a Cruise: Packing List

There are two ways to attack packing for a cruise.

1. Minimalist

2. Prepare for anything

Forget #1. I am a prepare for anything kind of packer.

That being said, I do strive to pack as lightly as possible, which is why, after my second cruise, I created this Ultimate Cruise Packing List. I have added a few things for this cruise, thanks to changing needs and the geniuses behind Cruise Tips TV (Towel Clips, Magnet Hooks, Magnets, Water Bottle).

Take a look at the list and I will give some explanation below.

Cruise Gear

Magnets and Magnet Hooks-While I knew that the walls of the staterooms are mostly metal, it never occurred to me to bring magnets to give some order to the MASSIVE AMOUNTS of paper that you will accumulate on a cruise.

Nightlight or Flashlight-This is especially necessary if you book an interior stateroom. Those rooms are DARK.

Clothespins-In most showers, you will find a clothesline and the best way to hang all of your wet swimsuits is with clothespins.

Watch-Cruise ships do this kind of annoying thing where they pick a time zone and stay in it. So sometimes, Ship Time does not match Shore Time. It is easiest to keep track of if you have an analog watch.

Water Bottles-Cruise ships provide small glasses for drinks, but it is NEVER ENOUGH. I am anticipating an increased quality of life with my water bottle.

Highlighter-Every day, you will get a "Newsletter" that lists all the activities, things you should know about that port and the ship schedule. A highlighter just makes it easier to draw attention to the activities you want to attend.

Hangars-I'm torn about this. I'm not sure we will bring them, but we are always double hanging things on a cruise, so I want to bring them if I can figure out how...

Alarm Clock-Back to Ship Time and Shore Time, there won't be an alarm clock in your stateroom, so it is best to bring an analog alarm clock.

Towel Holders-To keep your towel from flying away at sea or on the beach.

Hand Soap-just a preference.

Lanyards-I always harshly judged people who wore their Sail and Sign card around their neck, but I'm giving in. I found some cute ones.

Power Strip-Be very careful about this. Make sure it is not a surge protector and be aware that some cruise lines will confiscate them.

Laundry Gear

Before packing laundry gear, make sure it is available on your ship. I like to bring some laundry detergent just in case, though I don't plan on doing laundry on this trip.

Pop Up Hampers-Its just a nice convenience to be able to put your dirty clothes in a hamper and keep them away from your clean clothes neatly.

Dryer Sheets-I don't use them (I have very sensitive skin and can't use a lot of things like that) but they make the room smell fresher.

First Aid

My list is fairly extensive. Bring what works best for your group. Please be aware that medications on the ship are very overpriced and they do not usually carry children's varieties.

Cruise Documents

You will want to make sure to have all of these items on your person when you arrive at the port. DO NOT PUT THEM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.

Swim Gear and Tech Gear

Bring what you need, but remember to have a bag to carry some items on shore for excursions.

Hygiene Gear

This is a semi extensive list, but remember to bring just the stuff you need.

Clothes

I am not a fly by the seat of my pants packer. It always results in forgetting underwear or packing 97 items of clothing that I will never wear.

Here is a screenshot of my packing list for our upcoming cruise. (Ignore the cell color fills, those are indicators for me on what I still need to buy or items that need to be packed in my carry-on).

One note, its a personal preference of mine, but I bring an excessive amount of underwear on vacations (I also don't need to buy 15 pair, just a few pair). We take a lot of showers on cruises. Sorry for the TMI.