Heading off on the trip of a lifetime? Here’s your handy packing list that you’ll need for any cruise holiday.
Power bank/battery charger
You might be busy with an action-packed excursion on land; you might be making the most of activities onboard, or you might simply be taking so many photos that your battery drains fast. Either way, it’s a hassle to run out of juice mid-day. Prevent this by bringing a power bank so that you can charge on-the-go.
Day pack
You’ll definitely be taking trips off the boat, so make sure you bring a day bag that can fit all your essentials in. Pro tip: bring an extra cloth bag for any spur-of-the-moment shopping sprees. If you go on NCL cruises there’s a breakdown of the type of things you’ll be doing ashore, so definitely worth taking a cloth bag or two with you.
Sunscreen
Stay safe and un-sunburnt by bringing more sunscreen than you think you’ll need – lobster’s not a shade that flatters anyone. It’s often cheaper to buy in advance, especially if you’re heading to popular tourist destinations where prices can skyrocket. Stay planet-friendly by choosing a reef-safe sunscreen, which won’t cause harm to fragile coral reefs and marine creatures.
Passport
(well, duh. But just in case you need a reminder!)
No-spill cup
It pays to be prepared. A good thermos flask or reusable cup with a lid will prevent any spillages, no matter how choppy the water gets. It’s also handy for when you’re on tours or when you don’t know if they’ll be any refreshments on your excursions.
Waterproof phone case
If you’re planning to head to a beach destination or to take a boat trip, then a waterproof phone case is super useful. Just pop your phone inside, and boom! No more worrying. You can even take your phone into the sea for a swim (and it’s cheaper than an underwater camera). You can also use the case to hold credit cards, currency notes, and anything else that you’d like to keep on your person.
At least one fancy outfit
As nice as it is to wear a swimsuit every day, there’ll be at least one event on your cruise where formal clothing is required. Pack whatever clothes make you feel glam! Don’t forget the shoes.
Activity (and weather-) appropriate gear
If you’re going somewhere cold (a Northern Lights cruise, for example), pack extra layers and warm clothes. If you’re going somewhere hot (the Caribbean, Greek islands, South East Asia), pack clothes that will make you feel cool. It’s a good idea to have exercise clothes with you just in case – you might fancy a workout at the gym, have an unexpected chance to hike a mountain, or you might simply feel the need to be comfy.
Cover-ups
And if you’re going to somewhere hot, you NEED a cover-up. Whether you bring a big scarf, a sarong, a pashmina or just a giant t-shirt, make sure you have something to throw on when the sun beats down. Hats are good too.
Swimsuit
Always a good idea. If you’re planning to live in it, it’s worth bringing a few so that they can dry out properly before you put them on again.
Trainers
For some activities (zip-lining, rock-climbing), you’ll need closed-toed shoes. You might also be going on excursions to places with rocky terrain, or not-so-clean floors. Stay ahead of the game by bringing a pair of comfy trainers that you can wear to get active in.
