The Ten Things You Should Never Cruise Without

Packing for a cruise holiday can be hard work, especially if it’s your first time! “What should I pack for a cruise” is one of the most frequently asked questions we come across, so we thought we would get the ball rolling with a list of the things we wouldn’t ever cruise without.

What must haves would you add to the list?

World Wide Plug Adapter

Is it the round pins or the flat ones I’ll need for Europe? Will I need two adapters if I’m planning a pre-cruise stay in Rome, followed by a cruise on board an American ship?

Take the hassle out of picking the right plug and invest a little extra in a worldwide travel adapter.

Portable Phone Charger

It doesn’t matter how much you want to show your friends and family how amazing the Caribbean is, if you have no charge in your phone then you’re out of luck. Portable phone chargers are really inexpensive, lightweight and small enough to slip into your beach bag.

Long Scarf

Many a seasoned traveller will preach the benefits of a long scarf. Wrap up on chilly airplanes, cover up at places of worship, eat picnics on the grass from it in Paris and stretch out and relax on it on the beaches of the Caribbean. It’ll need a wash by the time you get home but you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Coat Hangers

Most cruise lines provide around eight coat hangers in your cabin, barely enough for one person travelling for two weeks, never mind a family of four! Wire coat hangers take up very little room in your case and you’ll be grateful of the extra hanging space once you remember that irons aren’t allowed on board.

Wrinkle Release Spray

Speaking of irons, wrinkle release spray is another must-pack product for many cruisers. You can roll, fold inside-out and steam things in the bathroom all you like, but this wonder spray will take care of creases with far less effort.

Hanging Wardrobe Organiser

A hanging wardrobe organiser is a staple for the seasoned cruiser. When you’re trying to maximise space and keep your stateroom looking ship-shape for the duration of your time aboard, this extra storage is an absolute must. Opt for an over-door version and hang in the bathroom (careful not to damage the door!) or choose Velcro hooks that slip around the rail in the wardrobe.

Jacket

‘Pack a jacket’ may sound like the most obvious tip in the world, but you’ll be surprised how many people head to the Caribbean without one. Whilst your days ashore may be sun-soaked, your time at sea can come with some cool and windy nights. Come prepared if you don’t want to have to sacrifice scenic strolls on deck.

Extra Bags

The great thing about cruising from the UK is that you won’t have to worry about luggage restrictions and excess baggage charges. The downside is that, when you are sailing back to Southampton, you have no terrifying charges to force you to limit the amount of souvenirs you can bring back with you! Slip two spare bags in your case – one for all the fab things you’ve collected on your travels and another for your dirty laundry.

Night Light

Is there anything worse than needing the loo in the middle of the light and being temporarily blinded by the glare of fluorescent lighting in the bathroom? Save yourself and your cabin mate the pain and pack a battery powered night light.

Highlighter

Each cruise line has its own version of a daily newspaper and it is on here that you will find details of everything happening on board. Slip a highlighter pen in your bag and mark everything that takes your fancy.

Now that you’ve taken a cheeky snoop inside our cruise holiday suitcase, take a look at this one from P&O Cruises. If you’ve ever wondered what is included in a P&O Cruises holiday, what to do with your on board spending money or what the food is like on board the P&O Cruises ships, you’ll find out right here.