The Ten Things You Should Never Cruise Without

Booked the trip of a lifetime, but aren’t sure how to pack for a cruise? At Bolsover Cruise Club, we know it can be challenging to understand how to make the most of your suitcase space if you’re looking for what cruise essentials to pack (and what you ought to leave at home). Stay right here as we cover the cruise essentials to pack​!

Sail Without Stress: 10 Cruise Essentials To Pack

First and foremost, let’s cover the top 10 things that all cruisers need to pack for a comfortable cruise experience. Of course, clothes are sure to come top of any list of things to pack, but this list covers some of the equally essential items that guests might forget.

1. Travel Documents

Before travelling, ensure you have the necessary documents to travel abroad. If you’re heading out on a fly cruise, this might seem obvious, but you will also need to ensure you have your passport, visa if required, boarding pass, and travel insurance documents, whatever cruise you book.

2. Plug Adapters

To keep your phone battery topped up, or to charge a laptop or tablet, you will need to take plug adapters. European, Australian, North American and Asian plugs differ from those in the UK, so check your cruise ship details to determine which adapters you will need. Check out our guide to learn more about the types of plugs on cruise ships.

3. Portable Phone Charger

Days in port are sure to be the highlight of your cruise. To ensure you can take photos, utilise satellite maps, and research sites while exploring the destinations on your itinerary, be sure to pack a portable phone charger!

4. Long Scarf

It may sound strange, but many a seasoned traveller will preach the benefits of a long scarf. Wrap up on chilly evenings on deck, cover up at places of worship, or relax on it on the beaches of the Caribbean. There’s no limit to the occasions a long scarf can come in handy on a cruise. 

5. Extra Bags

Leaving for a cruise, you’re certain to cram your suitcase full of everything you could possibly need, and we don’t blame you! The only problem with this is that you might not have the space to bring back the souvenirs you’ve picked up along the way. The solution? Pack a few extra bags, ideally rolled up in the corner of your suitcase, that you can use to take home your new treasures.

6. Jacket

This may sound like the most obvious tip in the world, but you’ll be surprised how many people head to destinations like the Mediterranean or Caribbean without one. While the sun might be out in the day, making for glorious walks along the coast or exciting afternoons splashing in the sea, evenings can get cool or even windy. Don’t miss out on magical evenings of exploration – bring a jacket!

7. Sun Protection

When you jet off on a summer holiday, one thing you always bring is sun protection, and setting sail on a cruise is no different. Days cruising along the coast of Mexico or between the islands of Hawaii are sure to involve hours of soaking up the sun, so stay protected by packing sun cream and aftersun.

8. Suitable Footwear

Whether you’re exploring the cityscapes of Northern Europe or taking a long stroll along one of the beaches of the Pacific Islands, cruise essentials to pack must always include appropriate footwear. Of course, pack a pair of sandals, but also ensure you have supportive shoes or boots that you can walk in for several hours without getting uncomfortable.

9. Waterproof Coat

Sailing the world comes with the risk of unpredictable weather. Journeying from one port to another, you may get caught out by the rain, especially when it comes to European and British Isles ports, so be sure to pack a waterproof coat. These can be tightly rolled up and stuffed into the corner of a suitcase, and they’re essential for keeping the fun rolling no matter what the weather chooses to do.

10. Highlighter

Yes, we’re being serious! Many cruise lines have a daily newspaper in which you can find details of everything happening on board. By slipping a highlighter pen in your bag, you can mark everything that takes your fancy and plan exciting days at sea with ease.

Save the Suitcase Space: What Not to Pack for a Cruise​

Perfecting the art of how to pack for a cruise isn’t just about knowing which cruise essentials to pack. Making the most of your suitcase space also comes down to knowing what not to pack for a cruise. Here is our quick guide to avoiding the most common pitfalls:

• Speakers or Boomboxes: While you may wish to have fun in the privacy of your cabin, playing music loudly is prohibited due to the potential to disturb other guests, so please leave all speakers, radios, or boomboxes at home.
• Drones: Many cruisers want to capture their experiences through photographs and videos, but operating a drone on board a cruise raises safety and privacy concerns. Therefore, it’s best not to bring your precious technology where it can be confiscated or accidentally damaged.
• Alcohol: The only alcohol that can be consumed on board a cruise is that purchased through regulated onboard vendors.
• Candles or Incense: To prevent fire risk, candles and incense cannot be lit on board, so leave even your smallest scents at home.
• Electric Vehicles: For the safety of other passengers and in consideration of local residents at each port, scooters and bikes are not permitted on deck or in port.

Other strictly prohibited items include weapons, illegal drugs, fireworks, flammable substances, handcuffs, compressed air containers, and appliances like irons or kettles.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Whether you’re a veteran cruiser or looking for your first adventure at sea, get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.