42 Cruise Hacks: Packing and Other Cruise Tips – 2024
Here are our personal cruise hacks (tricks) and other packing tips to make your next cruise easier and more enjoyable…
Each time you cruise, you’re likely to become a better cruiser.
You figure things out through your own experience, pick up a few tips from other cruisers, and learn about the different types of cruises (e.g., river vs. ocean) that can vary widely.
All that experience makes your next voyage easier and more enjoyable. These are some of the tips we’ve collected over the years. Maybe one or more will be helpful to you.
This short list of our favorite cruise hacks is broken down into three categories:
Cruise Hacks: Before You Go
Cruise Hacks: On the Ship
Cruise Hack: On the Shore
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Cruise Hacks: Before You Go
Check the cruise line website
Almost every cruise line has a FAQ section on its website with essential information about dress codes, prohibited items, health and safety protocols, and accessibility services.
Be sure to read it even if you have been on prior cruises. Rules change and vary from ship to ship and line to line.
Read your boarding documents before leaving home
Your boarding documents will likely include information about dress codes and special events.
Check Cruise Critic boards or Facebook groups
You’ll likely be able to find a group going on the same cruise as you. You can also find out helpful hints before you do. You may even want to make plans to meet a new friend who is going on the same cruise as you.
Make a packing list and check it twice
As soon as you book your cruise, start making a list of what you want to pack and take.
Putting items on the list will unclutter your mind and ensure you don’t forget something important. You can even create the list on your smartphone.
When you return from your cruise, look it over again, delete the items you never used or thought about, add what you forgot, and save it for your next cruise.
Below are some of the items on my cruise packing list.
Prepare for AC and ocean breezes
For women, always pack a shawl or pashmina. Most restaurants and theaters on ships are air-conditioned and those venues can get chilly in the evenings.
Shawls take up minimal space or weight in your suitcase and add a touch of elegance and color to evening outfits.
Be sure to pack a hat to protect you from the sun, whether on the ship’s deck or on a shore excursion. I love this whimsical baseball cap, perfect for a cruise.
Bring a whiff of home
Bring a small bottle of your favorite feel-good scent. It’s always nice to have a touch of home when you travel and a spritz of fragrance fits the bill; it also doubles as an air freshener in the bathroom.
Bring a bar of soap?
Most cruise ships offer liquid soap (as well as shampoo and conditioner). If, like my husband, you prefer bar soap for your shower, bringing one with you is no trouble.
And once it’s wet, throw it away so you don’t have to carry it home!
Bring a refillable water bottle
If you aren’t on a luxury cruise, bring a refillable water bottle to use at the gym or spa, where you’ll often find citrus-infused water that has been purified. Rinse it out each evening.
Purchase a hanging toiletry bag
Packing your toiletries and cosmetics in a hanging bag will keep items dry and your sink clear of clutter.
I like this large-size travel bag from Bagsmart Travel Toiletry Bag because it’s water-resistant and has zipped compartments to keep everything organized.
Forget the bling
Pack a few pieces of common sense travel jewelry to wear on the cruise that will make you feel glamorous—but free you of the worry about losing something precious while traveling.
I’ll never forget a shore excursion in Marseilles when I saw a brazen thief walk up to a fellow passenger and rip an expensive gold necklace off her neck.
Pack a “little black dress” for him
Buy your husband a nice dark-collared, short-sleeved polo shirt. To luck sharp, I would invest in one of high quality that will become a permanent part of his wardrobe. Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines are two brands that look crisp and wash well.
No matter where he dines on board, a black or nautical blue polo shirt (depending on his color preference) is comfortable and easily transitions into the evening once he’s run out of dress shirts.
Pack the right shoes for comfort and safety
For women, we recommend packing three different types of shoes:
Skechers Slip On Go Walk Sneakers
These are perfect for getting through airport security and comfortable enough to wear on shorter walks on your cruise.
They also have rubber soles so you will be less likely to slip if the deck gets wet. They can also fill in for a pair of slippers at night.
Frank Mully Round Toe Ballet Flats
These ballet flats are perfect for dinner at the ship’s restaurants. The round toe is uber-comfortable and they are soft and lightweight.
They are priced right and similar to the ones featured by a more expensive brand. I recommend tan or black to work with any outfit.
Rothy’s
If you want to splurge and go for the Real McCoy, you won’t be disappointed by these Rothy’s Ballet Flats.
They come in a rainbow of fun colors as well as neutral. I have a few pairs and always use them for travel because they are comfortable, lightweight and easy to pack.
The ones shown are in nautical blue, a great choice for a winter or summer cruise.
Vionic Slip-On Walking Shoes
You’ll definitely want a pair of supportive shoes for walking, jogging and biking.
These Vionic slip-ons are a great choice. They have orthotic insoles for arch support and come in a variety of widths, including extra-wide.
Flip-Flops (optional)
If you have extra room in your suitcase, you may want to pack a pair of flip-flops ( I like Havaianas). You can wear them when you go to the pool or spa, and they double for comfortable slippers in your cabin. (The terry ones, often provided on ships. can have slippery soles.)
After a lengthy shore excursion with lots of walking, particularly in warm weather climates that might cause your feet to swell, it’s great to be able to slip on a pair of non-binding shoes.
Stay powered
Bring a travel power strip (or two, one for each side of the bed).
It’s unusual to find all the outlets you need for electronic and electrical gadgets in most staterooms. Bringing an electrical strip allows you to charge all your gear and use a hair blower and curling iron simultaneously.
Just be sure the strip matches the voltage and plug format (which may require an adapter) available on the ship as well as your appliance requirements. Most computers, smartphones and camera battery chargers will work on 110-240V, but cosmetic appliances vary.
Both compact and lightweight, this highly-rated, round power strip (shown) is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Another charger we really like for cruising is this right-priced Travel Flat Power Strip. Specifically designed for cruises, it lays flat and doesn’t take up too much space on your bedside nightstand.
Although compact, it has three regular outlets, four USB ports (2 of them USB C), and offers no-surge protection.
The wide-space outlets, with 2.4 inches of space between them, are larger than the standard 1.5-inch socket. This allows you to fit the big adapters that often come with laptops and other electronic devices.
Hang on to the essentials
Bring a small purse or wristlet to take to meals on the ship. After you get your ship identification card and place your valuables in the safe, you will only need a keycard, cellphone and a tissue. A small purse can take a great deal of weight off your shoulders.
Men may prefer to wear a cruise lanyard around their neck with a plastic cardholder for the cabin key.
Don’t weigh yourself down
Invest in a medium-size cross-body bag.
You’re likely to have a large tote that you’ve brought on the plane, but you don’t want to be weighed down with a large bag when you’re walking or transferring to a tender.
A cross-body bag is easy to carry and also can be placed right in front of you, away from pickpockets who prey on tourists.
This right-sized MZ Wallace Metro Crossbody Bag is large enough to carry your wallet, keycard, cellphone, and sunglasses. It is extremely lightweight, with two convenient outside pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap. Perfect for excursions, I also use it all the time when I take walks at home.
Prepare for a dip
Remember to take a bathing suit on almost every cruise (even on an expedition cruise to the Antarctic, you may want to use a hot tub).
The one time I didn’t take one, the weather in Monaco unexpectedly turned unseasonably warm, and I couldn’t take advantage of the ship pool.
There’s a saying that you can buy anything you’ve forgotten to pack if you bring enough money.
But for me (and I suspect most women), a bathing suit is one of the most difficult items to find and purchase in another country.
Figure-flattering Miraclesuits are a favorite of mine. I especially love the two-piece models with tankini tops. On a cruise, you can wash the bottom with each wear but wear the top several times.
Think sunny thoughts
Don’t forget a pair of optical-quality sunglasses. Sun reflects off the water, and you want to protect your eyes. They can also add a touch of glamour. On the other hand, you probably can leave your umbrella at home because you’ll find one in your cabin.
Use a travel laundry bag
You don’t want to co-mingle your dirty clothes with your clean clothes. Especially on Caribbean cruises, clothes can get sweaty and musty.
Pack a featherweight, inexpensive travel laundry bag, or use one of the bags intended for shipboard laundry and stow it at the bottom of your closet.
Out damn spot
Nothing is more annoying than noticing that an item you want to wear on the cruise a second time has gotten soiled. I used to take detergent pods with me but always worried about them getting crushed and opening in my suitcase.
Spot Detergent Sheets are the perfect take-me-along for laundry. They are featherweight, eco-friendly, and have a lovely scent. You don’t have to pay for detergent in your ship’s self-service laundry room because you’ll have these with you.
You can purchase a 10-pack for less than $2, and you may decide to use them at home so you don’t have to lug big jugs of detergent home from the supermarket.
Cruise with Bounce
The perfect partner to Spot Detergent: Bring along some Bounce dryer sheets. These are also light as a feather, add a fresh fragrance to your suitcase, and are great for removing static.
Needless to say, they can be invaluable if you opt to use the ship’s self-service laundry.
Zip it
Ziploc bags can be handy for a variety of reasons. I always use them to pack my clothes; they keep them organized and neat. They are also great for storing a snack you’ve brought back from an excursion in your cabin. I previously wrote a post about the nine ways I use Ziploc when traveling.
Get your bearings
If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare ahead.
While large ships are usually stable, the tenders used to get to ports can be rocky, especially in bad weather.
In addition to seasickness, innocent cruisers can get felled by long bus rides during shore excursions over hilly terrains.
We like these anti-nausea Sea-Bands because they can be used to help prevent nausea and alleviate it once it’s started. Also, they offer relief without the use of medications (they can be used with Dramamine) and their potential side effects.
Some people swear by the use of ginger. You can usually pick up a pack of ginger candy at TJ Maxx. Check with your internist and see what they recommend.
Do your research
It’s a good idea to do some research on the ports you’ll be visiting before your cruise.
We use a multimedia approach: We check out YouTube videos and hit the library for books (novels, too) to familiarize ourselves with our destination and help us decide what we want to do, see and taste. (That’s what made me be sure to taste Pasteis de Belem tarts in Lisbon).
If you don’t have time to read up before your cruise, load a novel or two on your Kindle or download an audiobook. I recently finished reading The Good Left Undone, a historical novel set in Viareggio (Tuscany), and I can’t wait to retrace the author’s steps.
Don’t overdo it
Resist the urge to overpack. After you’ve decided what you want to take, carefully prune your suitcase and take out whatever isn’t necessary (except for the bathing suit).
Some people swear about the efficiency and sustainability of traveling with a capsule wardrobe.
Heavy bags are hard to manage, and an overpacked bag may be hard to stow under your bed in the cabin.
Pay it forward
It’s a nice idea to pack a few small gifts and/or notecards to thank the dedicated crew who served you during the course of the cruise.
No. It is not a substitute for tipping.
The gesture adds a personal touch that may be meaningful for people who work hard, usually far from home and family. Even a small souvenir from your hometown can make a hit.
Keep a copy
Of course. Be sure you have all your important documents (e.g., passport, proof of vaccination, airline tickets, and cruise documents).
Make copies of them to keep on your phone in case you lose them.
A few other hints
Whenever possible, reserve your table at the specialty restaurants before you embark. Depending on the ship and line, these reservations may be complimentary or available at a reasonable additional cost. They break the boredom of eating in the same places.
Spaces fill up quickly; if you didn’t book them in advance, do so on your first day onboard. And make sure that your dining reservations don’t inadvertently overlap with long shore excursions.
Speaking of shore excursions, also book them as early as you can. If you delay, popular ones may already be fully booked.
Cruise Hacks: On the Ship
Keep it handy
Hand carry a small suitcase or tote bag with essentials you’ll want to have at hand when you board (e.g. medication, change of clothes, etc.).
It’s tempting to let porters deliver all your baggage to your cabin, but depending on the size of your ship and when you board, it may take time, even hours, for your suitcase to reach you.
If you strategically pack a small carry-on with your valuables and essentials, you can feel secure and freshen up when you get to your cabin.
Pack, unpack
Unpack fully. One of the joys of cruising is having to pack and unpack only once. Do the job as soon as possible so you won’t live out of a suitcase.
Most cabins are so well designed that they offer a place for everything.
Don’t be left hanging
Don’t be shy about asking for extra hangers. There are never enough hangers in cabins (or hotel rooms, for that matter).
Since you’ll likely be staying for at least a week, ask your cabin steward for additional ones at the beginning of the voyage so you don’t have to hang layers of clothes on the same hangers.
Ask for extras
Maintain a good relationship with your cabin steward who can provide you with extra pillows, blankets or linens if you need them.
Don’t let it weigh on you
Weigh yourself when you board and whenever else you feel the need. Don’t bury your head in the sand if you worry about gaining weight from all the good food.
Most onboard gyms have a scale, so you can monitor any potential weight gain.
Take the stairs rather than wait for an elevator. Walk the deck each morning.
Weight loss while cruising seems to be a less common problem.:-) But don’t be too strict with yourself! Good food (and not having to cook) is one of the great pleasures of cruising!
Out damn spot
Make use of the laundry/dry cleaning service onboard.
If you find a stain on something you absolutely love, get it dry-cleaned as soon as possible.
Most dry cleaning services are only slightly more costly on board than they will be at home. The extra expense will be far less than the cost of a permanently stained garment.
In a pinch, I always carry a Tide stain remover pen.
Call room service
If you have an early morning excursion or like to wake up slowly, take advantage of free in-cabin room service (available on most ships).
Order a relaxed breakfast delivered to your cabin before you start the day.
Make efficient use of your space
Because staterooms tend to be much smaller than your space at home, ask your cabin steward to remove anything you aren’t using from your stateroom. Do you really need that large ice bucket on the counter if you drink all your drinks at bars and lounges?
Listen to the sounds of the elevator
If you are unsure which elevator in the bank will be next, listen to the rings. One ring means it’s going up; two means it’s on its way down.
Cruise Hacks: On the Shore
Hang back
Play hooky from shore excursions once in a while or create on-your-own excursions.
Especially on port-intensive cruises, there may be little time to enjoy all the onboard amenities. Allow yourself some time to relax at the pool, spa, or on your stateroom balcony.
Do it yourself
While we have had wonderful experiences on some shore excursions sponsored by cruise lines, both ocean and river, we’ve also loved getting away from the crowds who are following tour guides with lollipops. It’s always fun to explore and discover on our own.
Often, ships are docked within close walking distance of a town or city, or the cruise line has a convenient bus service to take passengers to and from.
Eat it up
Like many, we travel for food:-)
Make it a point to eat a few meals off the ship. Yes, meals are included (and can be very good), but no cruise can replicate the ambiance and authenticity of eating with locals and tasting local specialties.
If you are a food lover, do some research on Yelp or Tripadvisor before you go. If a restaurant is very popular, you may need to make reservations in advance, sometimes far in advance. We especially love to try specialty foods at each destination.
Many cruise lines also offer food-centric shore excursions, including market visits, wine tours, cooking classes, etc.
Avoid the port
Get away from the port, proper. If you have the time and opportunity, try to explore the more off-the-beaten-path places, either independently or on excursions offered by your cruise line.
Ports are notorious for their crowds, ticky-tacky souvenirs, and pickpockets. This is another instance when research can help you make good choices.
Grab the right seat on the bus
If you like taking photos (and who doesn’t?), avoid the bus seats with window stickers.
Before you choose your seat on the bus, look up and see if seatbelt and no-smoking reminder stickers will interfere with your views (and your photography).
CRUISE HACKS: STAYING HEALTHY
Cruise lines have ended earlier passenger capacity restrictions on ships, dropped masking requirements, and reduced the proportion of passengers/crew who must be vaccinated. Nevertheless, COVID isn’t over.
What follows is a short packing list of items to bring to help protect yourself from COVID when cruising:
1- Bring an adequate supply of antigen test kits.
If you’ve been exposed to someone with the virus and are experiencing symptoms, you may need multiple tests to ensure you haven’t become infected. The most recent FDA advice suggests repeat tests, spaced two days apart, to reduce the odds of false negatives.
2—Although almost all lines have eliminated masking requirements, bring an adequate supply of disposable high-quality masks when you’re near large numbers of people who aren’t social distancing, most likely at crowded ports. A mask can be handy if you come down with a respiratory virus onboard and want to ensure you don’t spread it to fellow passengers.
The decision of whether or not to mask (even when not required) has now largely been relegated to individuals. Here is some information on crafting your personal mask policy even if the cruisers around you are unmasked.
3—Use sanitizing wipes (like Lysol wipes) to minimize the possibility of the virus lingering on high-touch surfaces in your cabin (telephones, TV remotes, doorknobs, etc.).
4- Frequent hand-washing is another pillar of COVID-19 and norovirus prevention.
It goes without saying: Use soap and water whenever you return to your cabin. Take advantage of hand sanitizing stations placed throughout cruise ships. Additionally, bring along a bottle of hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) or, alternatively, hand wipes. These are useful when you’re in port.
You also will be protecting yourself from norovirus, which spreads quickly on ships and other congregate settings.
6- Bring extra underwear and download a few books on your Kindle in case you wind up quarantining before you get home.
Every trip requires a different packing strategy. Check out this glamping packing list.
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