Cruise packing may appear to be an easy task, but the fact of the matter is that when one is going on a cruise it comes with its own special set of rules, limitations, and unforeseen frustrations, which several other travelers never know until it is too late. As opposed to land vacations, you cannot simply go to a local store and run back to the ship when the cruise is already underway, and you cannot expect the cruise company to make an exception and supply you with the things you forgot. The things you carry on board a cruise vessel and particularly those that you fail to carry can either make or break your experience. There are those that will hold in the port, others that will be seized even before you can even set a foot on board, and others that will cause some real nuisance to your well-being, comfort, or your budgets as you traverse the seas.
What not to carry is as important as knowing what to carry. The safety measures of the cruise lines are stringent, and the companies do not tolerate them because a single misplaced item can endanger thousands of passengers. Meanwhile, other superfluous things might occupy valuable luggage space, increase weight or clutter your stateroom. In this guide, you will know all the most frequent packing errors you make when traveling, what should not be carried, what will inconvenience or stress you, and what will seem to be helpful but make your life on the cruise even more complicated. At the end, you will be able to know what to leave at home in order to have a hassle-free and stress-free vacation at the sea.
Why Packing Smart Is Important on a Cruise
Cruise holidays are one of a kind since when the vessel sets sail, it is there to stay. In case you forget something that you really need, you will end up purchasing it onboard at a very inflated price. You may want to carry something you are not supposed to and thus may end up waiting a long time at the security point or even have your baggage detained until the end of the cruise. And overpack it, and you will know it when you attempt to fit all your stuff into a small stateroom that has a small number of drawers and closets.
Cruises also sail across the borders, weather conditions, and types of activities and that is why it is not difficult to overpack or underpack. Eliminating unnecessary or limited items, you save time and money and also make your cruise trip significantly easier. A fuller suitcase will imply that you can relax earlier, have a vacation earlier, and save the stress that is caused by handling mistakes.
Do not pack the household appliances that are a must
Among the most frequent errors in packing for a cruise is the purchase of small domestic appliances, which are not allowed at all on a ship. Articles such as irons, kettles, coffee makers, steamers, hot plates, and any other apparatus that has an exposed heating component are rated as fire hazardous. Fire safety is very serious on cruise ships and it is with reason; fire presents the biggest hazard at sea.
Most of the travelers believe that they can carry a personal iron to iron their clothes or a kettle to prepare tea in the room. However, such objects are seized at the security level. Onboard laundry, ironing rooms, and free hot water in cafes and dining areas are the alternatives that are already offered by cruise lines. Carrying your own appliances is not only not needed, but also they are sure to be removed.
Rather, use the services of the ship or pack wrinkle-release spray, which is legal and is effective in an emergency. The trick is to keep in mind that anything that produces any heat is probably prohibited on board and carrying it will only cost you time in the line of embarkation.
Do not Pack Extra Towels and bulky linens
Most first-time cruisers bring their beach towels or their extra blankets, thinking that they will have them in case they are required in the pool or in the colder weather on the open deck. What they are not aware of is that cruise ships also include all the towels that you require, i.e. the pool, spa, and beach towels. In case you require fresh towels on a daily basis, the housekeeping will change them without question.
Carrying your towels is occupying vast space in your baggage, with no actual advantage. The same applies to bedding like such pillows and blankets. The ship has more support to offer in case of a medical need, but otherwise the normal linens are comfortable clean and changed regularly.
The cabins of cruise ships are very tiny, and the space is further reduced by carrying heavy objects to the room. Using simple luggage will allow your cabin to have a better appearance and move around.
Leave Costly Jewels and Valuables At Home
A cruise holiday is supposed to be a relaxing one and one should not be concerned with the costly jewelry or valuable stuff, as it brings about unnecessary stress. Most passengers would come with luxury watches, designer bags or heavy gold jewelry to use on their formal night only to have to worry about it all through the trip.
All the staterooms do have safes, which are not spacious enough to transport bigger objects, and moving the valuables around the ship adds to the chances of them going missing. Finding yourself without a priced item on a cruise will make your holiday an aggravating and expensive journey.
Rather, carry plain accessories that match outfits. Even when you are at a formal night, you can still wear jewelry that is beautiful and cheap without taking the chances. Leaving valuables in a house makes your life peaceful and enables you to enjoy the trip and not worry all the time.
Forget About Bringing Too Many Shoes and Outfits
One of the largest cruise mistakes made by passengers is the overpacking of clothing. Due to the themed evenings, formal one and numerous activities that cruises offer, a significant part of the travelers think they will require several outfits throughout the day. Yet the fact is that the cruise dress codes are flexible and casual and the majority of the passengers switch among a few comfortable clothes.
Shoes occupy a large space in the suitcases especially. You may think that you require heels, sandals, sneakers, water shoes, dress shoes, and flip-flops, but in reality, two or three pairs should suffice. Putting too many clothes into a bag can lead to your stateroom being cluttered and it is difficult to unpack it.
Put attention on multidimensional outfits that can be combined and used. Lightweight clothes are fast to dry, lightweight, and require less space. Smart packing also enables you to carry along what you need without carrying a lot of luggage.
No Perishable Food/Do NOT Pack Open Beverages
These things will be eliminated by security, particularly those that are liable to spill or spoil. The ship is already providing a huge selection of food and the majority of snacks 24/7. Although other cruise lines permit a small quantity of closed water or soda, excess weight will result when a large quantity is carried.
Do Not Carry Huge Bottles of Toiletries
Bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash come in full sizes and are very heavy and take up a lot of space. The cruise staterooms come with a free supply of toiletries, which may not be luxury brands, but they are all functional. Provided that you like certain products, then travel-size containers can last you a week-long trip.
Big bottles may spill in your backpack or litter your tiny washroom. Minimalism is essential, as there is limited counter space that can be used to maintain the room’s cleanliness. Traveling-sized products make sure everything is convenient but leave your baggage light and easy to carry.
Don’t Pack What Cruise Lines Prohibit
All cruise companies present a list of forbidden products, and their violation may result in the delays or seizures. Such objects can be extension cords, surge protectors, drones, candles, weapons, toy guns, sharp objects, and some sporting equipment.
You will not want to experience stress on the embarkation day because you forgot to check the policies of the cruise line prior to packing.
Don’t Pack Too Much in Your Carry-On Bag
The only bag you will get until your luggage is delivered to your stateroom (possibly hours later) is your carry-on. Most travelers commit this error of filling their carry-on bags with things they do not need and thus, they become too heavy and uncomfortable to carry around the ship.
Only essentials which include documents, medicine, a swimsuit, electronics and valuables, plus other fragile things, should be carried in your carry-on. All the other things can be carried in your checked bag. Carrying on a light bag will ensure that you will be able to savor the embarkation day without being burdened.
Bringing too many electronics is not good
Relaxation is the purpose of the cruise; however, most of the people carry numerous laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and tablets. Staterooms will have few outlets, and the number of devices will be hard to charge and store. They also cause nuisance and lower the serene environment of your vacation.
Conclusion
Packing for the cruise is not a stressful endeavor, but the majority of the travelers complicate the task without being aware of what they are supposed to carry and what to leave behind. The knowledge of what not to pack will result in an improved embarkation process, a more organized stateroom and a more relaxing vacation in general. All these are part of the cruise, including towels, toiletries and even food; hence, nobody has to come with a lot of luggage. Travelling with light and smart luggage will ensure that your trip begins in style and comfort.
You clear a place in your suitcase, not to mention your head, every time you leave something that you are not even supposed to have, such as the forbidden appliances, bulky garments, treasures or old-fashioned devices. Cruise is all about travelling, sea sightseeing and lifetime memories. Packing smartly means that you are nearly assured of liberty to live every moment without the unfortunate burden of messes, insecurities or inconvenience. Your cruise holiday starts the moment that you board the cruise and smart packing will help you to be sure that you board without any hitches.
