When packing for a cruise it can be quite stressful especially if its your first time.
If you are like myself you generally leave packing to the last minute and end up throwing everything into your suitcase, or like my mum who packs weeks in advance. Majority over pack for the holiday and bring home clothes that didn’t even leave the suitcase.
I do a few things the day before to help get myself organized and leave the day of embarkation to making sure I don’t forget anything. Allowing yourself to be excited and not stressed for embarkation day.
Charge electronics
When I travel I always take a battery pack, headphones and a camera with me so, the day before I always chuck them on charge. My battery pack has been a life saver for when I am exploring and my phone battery is low. I cant miss any amazing photos or video opportunities for you guys! I have my headphones to listen to music whilst at the gym and I listen to podcasts whilst sunbathing.
Print off any important documents
I do tend to do this a number of days before embarkation however, I always triple check I have the correct paperwork printed. Some paperwork you may need are; Luggage labels, boarding pass and insurance.
There seems to be less paperwork you need now as most cruise lines get you to check in online and scan a QR code which is checked against your passports before allowing you onboard. I always like to print the relevant paperwork just incase there is a error with the signal or system. You can print off your luggage labels at the terminal if you are unable to do so at home.
(I use plastic covers for my luggage labels, they are more sturdy and don’t rip off and they protect the labels from getting wet) Link below to purchase on amazon.
Check insurance
Travel insurance is so important whether you are on a cruise or flying abroad, bills can add up fast if you need medical help whilst on holiday. When you are cruising you need to have cruise specific insurance, otherwise if you are airlifted to hospital your insurance may refuse to pay out. I always get annual cruise insurance as it is cheaper and covers land holidays too.
When I was on a Mediterranean cruise in August 2024, I contracted meningitis and was in the medical center for the last 3 days which the bill came to around £1,500, thankfully my insurance covered the cost once home.
Pack my carry on bag
No matter the length of my holiday or if I fly, I always bring my rucksack as it contains all my valuable items as well as any medications and electronics. Even if you are embarking at a local port, you will hand over your suitcase and you might not see it until it is delivered to your cabin.
In my carry on I will pack my passport, important documents, travel money and cards, electronics, medications and anything else I will need if my suitcase is lost. The most important thing to NOT pack in your suitcase is your passport, I have seen people at the terminal on their knees digging through their suitcase to try to find the passport. Without your passport you wont be getting onto the ship.
On my recent cruise my bag was the last to arrive but I wasn’t too worried as I have my important documents and items with me. I also wasn’t worried about clean clothes as when travelling in a group we often spread our clothes out so if one suitcase gets lost for ever then we have some clean options.
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