Amy Reynolds Cruising is entirely different to a traditional holiday. Spending almost your entire trip on, near, or in the water brings a whole new set of rules, so here are my tips for what to bring:
Clothing
I’m typically a big fan of cutting down on your luggage, but cruising is the time to pack all your swimwear. Swimsuits barely take any space in your bag and there’s nothing worse than having to squeeze into a wet costume. In the same vein, I usually pack some wet bags, which keep the moisture from seeping into my other clothes.
Many cruises have theme nights, during which guests may choose to dress up and celebrate. Some common themes include attire specific to decades past and colour themes. Be sure to check these before you cruise so you can join in on the fun!
While daytime is all about casual wear and swimwear cover ups, there are often many lovely places to dine onboard. These establishments often have stricter dress requirements than the rest of the ship, and you’ll be banished to the buffet if your outfits don’t fit the bill.
Prepare your entertainment
Disconnecting and relaxing is often the main appeal of a relaxing cruise holiday, but swimming and sunbathing can become monotonous when they’re your only entertainment for hours on end. Many become worried about boredom and invest in internet packages, but I can sometimes become too tempting to spend your getaway scrolling. While there are usually a host of onboard entertainment options like shows and bingo, here’s what I’d recommend to fill some of your leisure time while maintaining relaxed holiday energy:
- Bring reading material: the feeling of soaking up sun and watching the vast ocean on a deck lounger – book in one hand, cocktail in the other, and not a worry in the world – is almost unbeatable. If possible, eReaders are a great option as they can hold hundreds of titles and remove the worry of physical books being damaged poolside.
- Download movies in advance on your streaming apps: many companies charge rental fees for movies onboard. While you absolutely should be exploring all the ship has to offer and making the most of the scheduled activities, it’s always a good idea to be prepared if you feel like winding down for a quiet night.
- Don’t be afraid to get old-school: wordsearches, crosswords, and sudoku, and even colouring books are all excellent ways to pass the time.
Prebook your packages
Everything from shore tours to drinking packages tends to be cheaper prior to departure, meaning preparedness pays off (literally). Regularly check your cruise line’s website or portal for the best deal, as prices do fluctuate.
Stay in the know
Reading all the information packs you are sent prior to departure is truly invaluable. Your cruise line’s website should be your first port of call for any questions, ensuring smooth sailing from embarkation to the end of your trip.