Top 5 Tips...To Pack or Not to Pack

You are so excited to go on your perfectly, virtually planned cruise vacation, but now you need to pack. Packing the right way can definitely make or break your cruise.  

my favorite 5 tips what to pack: 

​1.  Pack Shoes in XL (2-gallon size) Plastic Zipper Bags. Not only does this protect your clothes when packing for your trip, but provides a great place to store sandy or wet swimsuits and shoes for the trip home.

2.  Waterproof passport ID case for passports. I'm not a fan of carrying my passport off the ship when exploring, but I realize it's recommended. I make sure to keep it in a waterproof pouch to protect it from rain or any water activities that I may be doing. Depending on your style, look for a waterproof passport ID case with a neck or wrist strap for extra security and easy access. Also, don't forget to make 2 copies of your passports and important documents. Leave one copy at home with friend or family member, and bring the other with you to keep in your cabin whenever leaving the ship. 

3.  Small Bills and Coins. Easy to grab and always appreciated when tipping porters or even bartenders on your cruise or at a port. Most Caribbean islands use U.S. money and will accept it for small souvenirs. Some ships will even take coins in the arcade and for slot machines in the casino.

4.  Sweatshirt or sweater.  Yes! Even in the Caribbean, it can get chilly in the dining rooms, theater or late nights on deck. 

5.  ​Prepare in case of minor injuries/medical needs. You don’t want to leave the pool or beach for a small cut or headache. Bring along your own first-aid supplies and it will save you time and money. I always pack:

• • Band-Aids and Neosporin
  • Motrin and/or Tylenol
  • Cold medicine
  • Aloe gel for sunburns
  • Prone to seasickness? I carry along Bonine, SeaBands and ginger candy or supplements. (Confession...Yes, I wear SeaBands. I wear them from the moment I get up to when I go to sleep. My family laughs at my SeaBand "jewelry" on formal nights. But I don't get seasick, so I'm not changing a thing.) 

On the flip side, don’t waste valuable luggage weight and space on items not necessary to bring on a cruise. 

​My favorite 5 Tips what NOT to pack:

1.  Umbrella. Most cruise ships will provide an umbrella in your cabin. Feel free to bring them off of the ship in case of an unexpected tropical storm.

2.  Pool/Beach towels. They will always have an abundant supply of clean towels by the pool. Often, they will even provide you with towels to take off of the ship if visiting the beach. But don’t forget to bring them back, otherwise, you might find an unexpected charge on your statement.

​3.  Hair dryer. These are usually provided in the cabins, although check the cruise website if unsure. But if you like to bring your own, I'll bring an older one and then dispose of it before the trip home (great way to make room for extra souvenirs, too.)

4.  Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Many people have distinct preferences (especially if you have treated hair), but the quality of toiletries that I find on cruise ships typically surpasses what you find in a hotel. They have wonderful brands, scents and are usually generously sized bottles. 

​5.  Too many clothes! Granted, I’m always the first to over pack. But when cruising, your cabin, drawer and closet space is typically very minimal. Take advantage of laundry service on board. Wear your favorite outfit in the beginning of the cruise and then get it cleaned to wear for another occasion.
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Visit my FAQ section for additional favorite things to pack that are perfect for your cabin, as well as a helpful customizable packing chart.