I’m off on a little mini cruise with the family soon, and thought it would be fun to look at some of the mistakes you can make in terms of packing for a cruise. I’m also considering a winter cruise at Christmas time, and have been reading Bolsover Cruise Club blog for destination inspiration. I’m loving the idea of winter fun in the sun!
Cruise holidays are for me a chance to discover new shores, sample gorgeous food and wine and experience new people and cultures. I’m a huge fan of a holiday on board a ship, but packing has its strict do’s and don’ts I believe. The best advice I was ever given was to do my research before I packed. Each company can have very different restrictions so its imperative to find those out before you start your journey.
Guidebooks
Honestly, I’m a huge guidebook fan, but I don’t think you need to bring a stack of them on a cruise. You are going to potentially visit many places on you holiday. All you really need is a smartphone with some travel guide apps and information from the ship. This can come in the form of the daily newspaper/magazine that most cruise companies deliver to your room each day, about the country or area that you are visiting. Or even better do an onshore excursion with a local guide, to really get a true flavour and drink up the atmosphere.
An Iron
Lots of cruise companies don’t actually allow irons in the room or suite, because they are a fire hazard. So you need to look this up before you get there. I actually would just leave the iron at home, you are on your holiday you really don’t need to iron. With careful packing (I use the roll-up method) and hanging up your clothes straight away, believe me it will be fine. You can always use the ships laundry service if you really need to.
Laptop
I’m saying yes to a great camera, smartphone, even a tablet, but honestly leave your laptop at home. If you really need to do some work, lots of cruise lines have full size computers available for you to use in a designated area. The internet is generally quite expensive too, to purchase so beware!
Spirits
Lots of cruise lines, will not allow you to bring alcohol on board. Some may just have restrictions, for example 2 bottles of wines can be bought to take on ship per port, but these can only be enjoyed in your cabin. Do your research would be my recommendation, and if in doubt ask about the drink packages that you can purchase. I particularly like the ones where they will pair wine to what you are eating in the dining room each night, such a great idea!
And my suitcase of choice? Well it’s the Samsonite – Cosmolite in pearl. It not only looks beautiful, it is the most stylish, lightest but hardest wearing suitcase in my travel arsenal.
Here is a post I wrote on what to expect if you are planning to cruise for the first time which you also might find useful.
So that’s my top things not to pack on a cruise, can you think of any others?
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