Ever wondered what kind of items should make it in your cruise luggage? A few things are obvious, but there are also some great recommendations that will make your cruising experience so much more plain-sailing.
Let's take a look…
Passport and ID:
Not only do you need your passport to leave the UK, but you also need it at check-in at the cruise port along with your ‘set sail pass’ and a credit card to set up your onboard account. We also recommend that you take another form of photo ID such as a driving licence for use at some ports of call as reduces the risk of you losing your passport whilst ashore.
Prescribed Medications:
Please remember to pack any prescribed medications in your hand luggage, and bring enough to last you for the duration of your cruise.
Travel Insurance:
As with any kind of holiday, we advise that you take out travel insurance to cover you for every eventuality during your time away; from lost luggage and illness through to trips and falls. Make sure you take details of your insurance with you, including the numbers to call if you need to make a claim and the policy number.
Mini Wheelie Case:
It might sound like a weird one, but this will have triple purpose. Not only will it serve as your hand luggage on your flight, but it will come in handy to keep all your documents and bits and pieces close to hand for your first few hours aboard until your main case arrives at your cabin later in the day. The mini case is also useful on the final night/last morning of your cruise to pack your nightwear and toiletries as your main case will need to left outside your cabin late the previous evening to be sent down to the quayside for your disembarkation.
Mix of Shoes:
A cruise is the perfect excuse to pack shoes for every occasion! From flat/comfy shoes for sightseeing and flip-flops for by the pool to shoes/sandals to match your evening outfits.
Portable Chargers and International Adaptors:
Don’t forget your chargers for your phone, Kindle, iPad and any other electrical items you might plan to take along and don't worry; there’ll be plenty of plug sockets to plug them in. You may also need an international adaptor or two, especially if you are travelling on an American-owned cruise line.
Pashmina:
Even in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, it can get a bit chilly when you’re out at sea in the evening. With that in mind, a pashmina (or similar) comes in handy to keep you cosy on a walk around the promenade deck, whilst you are enjoying alfresco cocktails with a view, or whilst joining in the evening entertainment on the pool deck. Also, public areas are air-conditioned and what is cooling to some is cold to others, so a pashmina staves off draughts.
Binoculars:
Something else that you might not have considered, a pair of binoculars can be a worthy addition to your luggage so you can get a closer view of the sights you’ll encounter ashore. They're especially useful for a trip to the likes of Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords, where the scenery really is the star of the show.
Mini First Aid Kit:
It doesn’t go amiss to be prepared! From pain relief for any possible hangover, plasters to cover blisters or cuts, and diarrhoea/rehydration medication for upset tummies to motion sickness tablets or patches, etc.
Sunscreen and Aloe Vera:
The sun at sea can be hotter afloat than ashore, especially if it is reflected off the sea and with nothing to filter its passage to your skin. So don’t forget to pack your sunscreen to protect you on sunny and semi-cloudy days and also aloe vera - which comes in useful to cool your down if you do get a little burnt by mistake.
