A Comprehensive Guide to Packing for Your Cruise Adventure

Embarking on a cruise, especially if it's your first time, can raise questions about what to pack to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Concerns about essential items, formal nights, and specialized itineraries like Alaska can leave you wondering. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our expert recommendations for the ultimate cruise packing list.

General Cruise Packing Tips:

1. Lightweight and Comfortable Clothes: Pack a variety of lightweight clothes, such as swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops, as well as a pair of pants and a sweater for evening breezes and chilly theater spaces.
2. Formal Attire: Most cruise lines have formal nights. Opt for business attire or above, like slacks and a button-up shirt, a dress, or even a full suit.
3. Essential Documents: Remember to bring your travel documents, certified birth certificate, passport, ID, COVID vaccine/testing documents, and any other relevant identification.
4. Cash: Have at least $200 for tipping and other expenses. This comes in handy for luggage assistance, drivers, tour guides, and more.
5. Medications and First Aid Supplies: Keep these in your carry-on as it may take a while for your stateroom and luggage to become available.
6. Chargers & Plugs: Staterooms usually have limited outlets, so bring chargers with multiple outlets and USB ports, but be sure they are cruise ship-approved.
7. Hat, Flip Flops, and Comfortable Shoes: Essential for sunny days and excursions.
8. Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies: While the ship provides shampoos, conditioners, hair dryers, towels, and more, pack your personal toiletries.
9. Sunscreen and Aloe: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays with a high SPF sunscreen to keep you safe during sun-soaked days on deck and ashore. A soothing must-have for those accidental sunburns is aloe. It provides instant relief and hydration to your skin after a day in the sun.
10. Camera and Portable Charger: Capture memories and keep your device powered.

Items Not to Worry About:
Don't stress about shampoos, conditioners, hair dryers, and towels – these are generally provided on the ship.

Bonus Extras to Consider:

1. Hair Styling Tools: Straighteners or curlers if you desire.
2. Minimal Jewelry: Consider leaving expensive items at home to minimize unwanted attention.
3. Poo-pourri or Similar: A handy addition to keep things fresh in close quarters. Reminder: Anything with an open flame is not permitted.
4. Book: Perfect for relaxing by the pool or on your balcony.
5. Night Light: Useful for navigating your cabin at night.
6. Luggage Tag Holders: Keep your cruise documents organized.
7. Beach Towel Bands: Prevent towels from blowing around and mark your chair.
8. Magnets: Utilize the magnetic walls in your stateroom to hang items. You can also use these to decorate your cabin door for easy location in the long hallways.
9. Rubber Duckies: A fun and unique way to connect with fellow travelers. As your Vacation Navigator for more details.

Alaska Packing Considerations:
For an Alaska cruise, pack:

1. Comfortable Walking Waterproof Shoes
2. Layered Clothing: Thin, lightweight layers to stay warm without overheating.
3. Lightweight Rain Jacket
4. Cold Weather Accessories: Beanie, gloves, and scarf.
5. Small Waterproof Bag or Purse: Ideal for excursions and shopping.
6. Medications: Weather changes can affect your health and options are limited in port.
7. Binoculars: Perfect for spotting wildlife.
8. Swimsuit: Suitable for spa facilities or jacuzzis.
9. Sweater and Sunscreen: Be prepared for varying conditions even in Alaska.

Where to Find Medicine in Ports:

Medical supplies are limited and priced at a premium in Alaska. If you need emergency supplies you can check out local stores like the Tongass Trading Company in Ketchikan or Alaska Commercial Company in Skagway for medical supplies.

Beverages & Snacks (Carry-On Only):
Different cruise lines have varying policies, but consider packing a few essentials:

1. Beverages: Wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic drinks, as allowed by your cruise line. See below for details.
2. Wine Opener: Don't forget this essential tool.
3. Sealed Pre-Packaged Food: Granola bars, candy, and similar snacks for quick bites.

Cruise Line Beverage Policies:
All items below must be packed in your carry-on item only.

1. Royal Caribbean: 1 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (sangria, port, etc. is fine). 12 (17oz) cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks (like water bottles, sodas, bubbly, etc.). Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.)
2. Norwegian: 1 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult. Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.).
3. Disney: 2 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult. 6 - 12oz beers. Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.)
4. Celebrity: 2 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (sangria, port, etc. is fine). Cans or boxes of non-alcoholic drinks (like water bottles, sodas, bubbly, etc.). Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.)
5. Virgin Voyages: 2 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (sangria, port, etc. is fine). Non-alcoholic drinks (like water bottles, sodas, bubbly, etc.). Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.).
6. Carnival: 1 - 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (sangria, port, etc. is fine). 12 (17oz) cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks (like water bottles, sodas, bubbly, etc.). Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.).
7. Holland America: 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750 mL in volume or less) per Guest per Voyage may be presented to security during embarkation. A US $20.00 corkage fee will be applied to each bottle. Six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less), or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity
8. Princess: 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750 mL in volume or less) per Guest per Voyage may be presented to security during embarkation. A US $20.00 corkage fee will be charged should Guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas. No charge for in-room enjoyment. 12 (17oz) cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks (like water bottles, sodas, bubbly, etc.). Sealed Pre-packaged food (in limited quantities - granola bars, candy, etc.).

Items to Avoid Packing on Your Cruise:

1. Illegal Substances: It goes without saying, that any illegal drugs or substances are strictly prohibited on cruise ships.
2. Weapons: Firearms, knives, and other weapons are generally not allowed. Check the cruise line's specific policy for any exceptions.
3. Candles and Incense: Open flames pose a safety risk on ships. Leave candles and incense at home.
4. Flammable Items: Avoid packing flammable materials such as fireworks or lighter fluid.
5. Large Amounts of Cash: While it's advisable to carry some cash, avoid carrying excessive amounts. Use onboard accounts or credit cards for transactions.
6. Hair Dryers and Towels: Most cruise ships provide hair dryers and towels, so you can leave these items behind.
7. Iron and Ironing Board: These items are typically not allowed due to fire hazards. Ships offer laundry services or irons in common areas.
8. Illegal Items: Items that are illegal in the embarkation and port countries should be left at home.
9. Excessive Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry or items you can't afford to lose at home to minimize the risk of loss or theft.
10. Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on cruise ships, except for service animals.
11. Extension Cords and Surge Protectors: These items might be restricted due to fire safety regulations.
12. Banned Items: Each cruise line may have its own list of banned items, so be sure to review their policies before packing.

Whether you're cruising to sunny destinations or embracing the unique challenges of an Alaska itinerary, this packing guide ensures you're prepared for every adventure that awaits you on the high seas. Bon voyage!