Top 10 Must-Haves and Handy Tips for Your Cruise Vacation + Packing List

27 February 2024
Travel

Ah, the salty breeze, endless buffets, and exciting ports of call – a cruise vacation beckons! But before you set sail, ensure smooth sailing with these handy tips, top-10 must-pack items, our downloadable packing list, and our favorite items to take on a cruise vacation:

Tips:

Watches & Jewelry: Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home; they’re not worth losing or having them stolen. That said, take a watch. In some ports, the time is different than “ship time.” You might hear we are opening on ship time, which means you better be back at the right time to board your ship.
The State Department – STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) For US Passengers: If the worst occurs, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency. Register here: https://step.state.gov/
Copy of Passport(s): A common question is, “Should I take my passport during excursions?” I generally put my passports in my stateroom safe and don’t remove them until I leave the ship; however, when I leave the ship on an excursion I take a photocopy of our passports and a state-issued ID with me.
Facebook Group: For every cruise I’ve been on, someone has created a dedicated Facebook group for that trip. It’s a great way to ask questions, learn, and connect with others before the trip. Our Disney cruise vacation Facebook group organized meet-and-greets, fish extender family gifts, pin trading, and more. I highly recommend searching for the Facebook group for your next cruise vacation.
Disney Cruises: Disney cruises are magical for families. Be prepared for the pirate night; bring costumes and glow sticks, and have a great time. Learn about the fish extenders for outside your stateroom door, purchase pins, and trade with your new friends.
Ducks: If you are new to cruising, learn about hiding and finding ducks. My kids love it, but so do I, and we have a blast hiding the ducks throughout our cruise and searching for them. There are even Facebook groups where you can publish and track your findings.
Room Location: If you believe you may be susceptible to being seasick, think about your room location while planning your cruise. The lower and more mid-ship you are, the less you will feel the boat move.
Don’t Change Too Much: This might be my favorite tip. We tend to want to buy new things and change things about ourselves before going on vacation. Don’t! Don’t buy those new shoes, clothes, camera, etc. You’re going to walk a lot & do activities you don’t do often (in some cases.) I’ve heard so many people complain about foot pain or something not working correctly that it sticks out In my mind. You’re on vacation, be comfortable and just enjoy!
Laundry Detergent Sheets: I credit my wife for this hack. Depending on your cruise line and ship, there are self-service laundry facilities. We tend to pack light and reuse a few of our outfits, and doing a quick load or two of laundry isn’t a big deal to us. Rather than buy detergent or dryer sheets on board, bring some detergent sheets that melt away in the washing machine. They are easy to carry, light, and they don’t leak. We have them linked in our favorite products listing below. Here are our favorites.

Must-Haves:

Swimsuit & Cover-up: Dive into poolside fun and beach adventures. Pack extras for spontaneous dips!
Sunscreen & Hat: Protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Reef-safe sunscreen is a must!
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Explore ports and onboard activities without foot fatigue.
Formal Attire: Dress to impress for elegant dinners and shows (check dress codes!).
Casual Outfits: Relax in style with versatile pieces for daytime fun and casual evenings.
Essentials Bag: Pack a small bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and medications for easy access.
Power Adapter & Converter: Stay connected with the right plugs for your destination.
Waterproof Pouch: Keep your phone and valuables safe during water activities.
Deck of Cards & Games: Enjoy evenings with friends and family with some onboard entertainment.
Book & Journal: Unwind with a good read or capture memories in your personal log.