Cruise ship passengers may be faced with a variety of considerations as they prepare to set sail. From theme nights on board to a variety of land-based excursions, passengers may be faced with a variety of considerations as they prepare to set sail. Many cruise ships have onboard shops that stock basic items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, and certain over-the-counter medications.
How travelers pack depends on their destination and how they're getting there.
Cruise passengers deserve to pack with the ship in mind as much as the destination. “Packing for a cruise can be quite different from preparing for a land-based vacation,” says Deborah Banks, a travel advisor and franchise owner of Cruise Planners with her husband, Isaiah.
From theme nights on board to a variety of land-based excursions that leave the ship for hours at a time, passengers may be faced with a variety of considerations as they prepare to set sail. Here are five items to pack for your next trip.
1. What to wear on a cruise
While a cruise might equate to flip flops and Hawaiian shirts, clothing guidelines vary.
For formal evenings, the atmosphere is becoming more relaxed, but guests may want to dress up. Depending on the cruise line and venue, attire can range from tuxedos and evening gowns to collared shirts and blouses (learn more about cruise line dress codes here). Many cruise lines also host themed parties, such as all-white ensembles or 1980s-focused events.
Don't forget your swimsuit, as cruise ships have plenty of pool decks.
Banks also recommended bringing comfortable shoes, especially if you're going to the port: “If you're going to be doing a lot of walking, it's better to wear comfortable tennis shoes than sandals,” she said.
Also check the weather at the ship's destinations. For example, the type of jacket you'd bring on a New England cruise may be different from the type you'll need in the Arctic. Weather can vary from port to port, especially on longer itineraries that pass through multiple climate zones.
2. Travel documents
Banks urged travelers to make sure they have all the necessary travel documentation with them. Some cruises don't require a passport, but many do. The U.S. State Department also recommends bringing a passport even if it isn't required.
“Your passport may be needed in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks in another port,” the website states. Banks also recommended making copies or photographs of your passport as a backup.
Depending on your destination, you may also need other documents, such as a visa, so Banks recommended bringing a copy of your travel insurance information with you.
3. Medication
Many cruise ships have medical facilities and staff who can prescribe medications on board. However, supplies are limited, so it is important to bring along any medications you take regularly or may need during the voyage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers traveling internationally bring enough supplies to last the duration of their trip, plus “extra in case of travel delays.”
4. Rechargeable Devices
Portable chargers and extra rechargeable batteries are helpful if guests' electronic devices run out of juice, especially when they're away from their cabins in port. “If you're taking a camera or an iPhone, make sure you have a rechargeable device because on shore excursions you might be outside for eight hours a day and your phone will die,” Banks says. “So you need extra batteries.”
Cruise Booking Tip: It's Not Just About Picking Your Travel Dates
5. Sunscreen
Sundecks and lounge chairs are a big attraction of any cruise, so don't forget to bring sunscreen. Some destinations where the ship calls may prohibit the use of sunscreen, so check beforehand.
Sunglasses are also important, and this is true not only in the balmy Caribbean waters but also in places like Antarctica, where the glare from the water, snow and ice can be hard on the eyes.
But if guests have left something at home, they're not necessarily out of luck: Many cruise ships have onboard shops that stock basic items like toothbrushes, deodorant, and certain over-the-counter medications, though Banks warned that the selection may be more limited and more expensive than what travelers find on land.
“Understanding these important differences will help you pack more effectively for your cruise vacation, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free experience,” she said.
Nathan Diller is USA TODAY's consumer travel writer based in Nashville. He can be reached at ndiller@usatoday.com.
