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Written by Emily Jacobs
With multiple destinations, activities and temperatures, knowing what to pack for a cruise can be overwhelming. Beyond the obvious clothes, toiletries and passport, there is a whole collection of items that can elevate your cruise experience, ensuring a smooth and seamless journey. Here’s what to put on your cruise packing list.
Read on to find out what to pack for a cruise, no matter the journey or destination thanks to PassportCard.
Travel insurance card by PassportCard
Be prepared by ensuring you are covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy. PassportCard’s travel insurance includes optional cover while cruising, covering common claims like medical treatments while aboard, the loss, damage or delay of your formal wear, or even a missed port due to adverse weather. Should you miss out on prepaid shore excursions due to sickness or injury that confines you to your cabin, they’ll make sure you’re not too much out of pocket.
PassportCard’s instant payouts mean less time doing admin in your stateroom and more time exploring your ship, or the ports you stop at. So, if you had to visit the doctor on a cruise ship, simply call PassportCard and if the claim is approved, they put money onto the card so you can pay the doctor on the spot. No paperwork, no receipts, no hassle!
Extra hangers and over-door storage
Make the most of the space in your cabin or stateroom with some smart storage solutions. Counter space often comes at a premium so transform otherwise-unused areas (like the back of a door) with a compact over-the-door hanger. Store your toiletries, hair dryer, jewellery, sunscreen, make-up, shoes and other necessities, keeping them within easy reach without cluttering up your room.
Extra coat hangers keep your wardrobe looking fresh, while packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes organised while in transit and on board.
Power outlets can also be far and few between, so it may be wise to pack a power board for efficient charging.
Binoculars
From the untouched terrain of Antarctica to the fjords/fiords of Norway and New Zealand, cruises offer a chance to get up close and personal with otherwise unreachable natural landscapes. Soak up every detail with a pair of binoculars. With PassportCard covering the theft, damage or loss of your personal effects, confidently take your binoculars anywhere on the boat or on shore, ready for when dolphins start jumping, seals start swimming or whales breach to say hello.
Water bottle
As travel companies look to cut back on single-use plastics, a water bottle can be a great item to take on a cruise – especially if you’re off to somewhere warm. Opt for a collapsible one to throw in your day pack or an insulated option to keep your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
Coffee and tea drinkers may also want to throw a reusable coffee cup in their suitcase – it’s a great way to transport a hot drink on the ship without spillage and means you can take one with you when you pull into port.
Towel clips and magnets
If your ideal onboard activity involves laying by the ship’s pool, considering adding a towel clip to your cruise packing list. While hours spent on a lounger should be relaxing, you are still on a moving vessel so there’s a chance your towel and belongings may not stay in one place. With a couple of well-placed towel clips, you can focus on the most important thing – true relaxation!
The walls in cruise cabins are usually made of metal, making most of them magnet-friendly. Pack a couple of small magnets to keep shore excursion tickets, schedules and activity brochures handy, or for even more functionality, opt for magnetic hooks that you can hang wet swimmers, towels or clothing on.
A day bag and a bag for laundry/wet swimwear
In all the excitement of packing for your cruise, don’t forget a day bag. It is one of the most important items to pack on a cruise – how else will you carry your new purchases back to the ship after a day exploring?
A wet bag can be handy when cruising. During your trip, store wet swimmers or shoes while at the port. On the way home, pack dirty laundry or even bottles of wine to ensure that everything stays dry.
Cash for tipping
Many cruise adventures don’t operate with cash, so it may seem strange to bring some smaller notes. However, tipping culture exists both on board and during shore excursions so it’s worth having local currency (or if in doubt, US dollars) on hand. Show your appreciation to a porter helping with your bags, the crew who look after you during your journey, or the guides who lead your excursions off the boat.
This article is produced in partnership with PassportCard. Find out more about Australia’s only travel insurance with instant payouts for approved common claims using the PassportCard.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Read our guide on How to Pick the Perfect Cruise Cabin.
