Firstly, you'll need to pack the usual holiday stuff: swimming costume, sun cream, hat, etc. Then there's the bits and bobs that will make your cruise sail that little bit smoother by helping you keep your cabin organised and ensuring you can make the most of every minute on board. So here's our 10 top items to pack on your next cruise.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
1 - Magnetic Hooks
Like most people, we had no idea on our first cruise that most cabin walls are magnetic! Most cruise ships are built with a steel frame to keep them light and fire retardant. Knowing this will help you organise your cabin with style! Make sure you pack some magnetic hooks to put up on the walls. These are ideal for coats by the door, swim suits in the bathroom or maybe your pyjamas next to the bed.
2 - Shoe Organiser
Most cabins are small, much smaller than you average hotel room. So with space at a premium, a shoe organiser on the back of the bathroom or wardrobe door allows easy organisation off the floor (so you're not tripping over your suitcase on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night!). These handy contraptions can be used to store shoes, hats or, if you get one with larger pockets, your outfits for the entire cruise.
3 - Extra Bags
Finally, level up your organisation game with some extra bags. These can be folded small in your suitcase for arrival and then used for numerous purposes once the holiday is underway; you could put one on a metal hook as a laundry bag or have space to bring home multiple souvenirs.
4 - Layers
You're heading to the Caribbean. You're imagining beautiful sandy beaches and relaxing days by the pool. This, hopefully, will all happen, but there will also be late nights on deck when the breeze is whipping through your hair, or the occasional unexpected morning rainstorm. It can get chilly on the top deck of a cruise ship, even in the sunniest of locations, so packing layers is essential. You also need to consider the air con inside the ship, which can often make the temperature significantly colder than that outside. So make sure to pack the cardigans and jackets, alongside the bikinis and shorts, to be prepared for every adventure.
5 - Towel Clips
Speaking of a windy top deck, we've given up counting the amount of times that we've seen someone's towel fly off their sun lounger. There's a simple solution to this - a towel clip. You can buy ones exactly for this purpose, or just bring a clothes peg - both will do the same job and mean that you can relax in the jacuzzi or splash in the pool with the kids knowing that you can find your towel when you get back!
6 - Water Bottle
Cruise ships are trying hard to be sustainable and you should too. Some, such as Virgin Voyages, no longer offer water in plastic bottles and we imagine that other companies will follow suit soon. So for water on the go as you travel around the ship, a reusable water bottle is key and you'll find plenty of places to fill it up. They can also, literally, be a lifesaver on excursions, where the water quality may not be great and you can be sure of a refreshing drink after each exciting adventure.
Check out more sustainability tips here.
7 - Ear Plugs
Not the coolest of items to pack, but these can make or break a holiday! Some cabins are just noisy - they may be near the generators or just underneath the ship's busiest restaurant. If you're wanting a good night's sleep (and who isn't?) ear plugs may be the smallest, but most important item that you pack.
Explore more ways to stay calm and relaxed with our cruise wellness guide.
8 - First Aid Kit
Again, not the most exciting of items, but really important for peace of mind. Making sure you one of your party has a full first aid kit ensures that you don't need to hunt for the medical room for minor injuries. Pack the usual plasters and antiseptic spray, plus some painkillers in case of a headache. Medication for anyone who suffers with seasickness can also be a good shout.
9 - HDMI Cable
You're on sea day number 3. It's raining. You've already been to the casino and the spa and you just want to relax in your cabin. There's nothing on the TV, but you do have the WIFI package! It's in this scenario (and many others) that a HDMI cable can really come in handy. Plug it into the back of your cabin TV and your phone or laptop and you unlock so many viewing options. Sometimes, the best afternoons are spent relaxing on the bed, watching a film and enjoying the view from the balcony - and this small wire is the key!
10 - Thank You Cards
A little goes a long way, especially at the end of a wonderful cruise. Many cruisers look to thank their servers with a tip or just some kind words. Whatever your choice, a beautiful card to deliver your sentiment in is a great way to show that you are truly grateful to those who have made your cruise relaxing and stress-free. They don't cost much, they don't take up much space in the suitcase and will make a staff member's day!
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
