Packing

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise? 23 essentials to pack

In:

11 Oct 2023

What are things to bring on a Caribbean cruise that you might not bring on other cruises?

The Caribbean is a region that includes a multitude of beautiful islands and coastal areas, all near the Caribbean Sea and large systems of coral reefs.

The Caribbean is also known for balmy weather and comfortable temperatures, making the region a preferred cruising destination.

So, if you’re planning to join a host of cruisers who choose the Caribbean as their destination, how should you prepare?

No matter what area of the world you’re traveling to, it’s important to pack appropriately. We offer a full cruise packing list on our blog, but it’s important to be specific about the area of the world you are visiting.

Since every place is different, you’ll want to prepare specifically for your journey.

What items are important to bring to the Caribbean? We’ll go over a selection of 23 important things to pack on your Caribbean cruise.

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

1. Sunscreen

Places close to the equator, like the islands of the Caribbean, are subject to stronger UV rays.

And you’ll spend plenty of time in the sun on your visit: on the ship’s deck, at the beach or a pool, or exploring an island excursion.

The heavy exposure to the sun can leave you at right for a bad sunburn. Getting a severe sunburn could ruin even the best visit to the Caribbean, forcing you to stay indoors while you heal and miss out on the fun.

Be sure to plan ahead by protecting yourself with a strong, high-SPF sunscreen, such as Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 30.

It’s also best to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect local coral reefs from being bleached by the chemicals inside your sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are a great option to protect the environment around you.

2. Aloe vera

If you forget a high enough SPF sunscreen and end up with a bad sunburn, aloe vera gel is a natural healing method for soothing the burn, healing skin faster, and getting rid of that redness for any vacation photos.

This could be important for a visit to a Caribbean island, as you’ll likely want to make the most of your time on the island instead of heading home to grab a salve.

Amazon makes its own house brand aloe vera that should do the trick.

3. Insect repellent

You’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, so don’t forget an insect repellent.

Bringing your own bug spray to repel insects will prevent you from having painful bug bites and keep you focused on your fun excursions ahead.

You can buy a travel-size insect repellent to ensure it's handy to keep around.

4. Beach bag

A large bag, such as a tote bag, is a helpful addition if you're planning on seeing the beach on your Caribbean stop.

A beach bag should be big enough to hold towels, swimsuits, extra clothes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and more. We like the Tainehs Mesh Beach Tote Large Bag.

Make sure that you bring one with enough space to pack everything you need ahead of time.

5. Your seasickness medicine of choice

Whether you use Bonine, Dramamine, seasickness patches, or even ginger candies, it’s important to remember your seasickness medicine.

This is always helpful for your time spent on the cruise ship, but don’t forget that your boat adventures could continue in the Caribbean!

If you have a tender to take you ashore or any boat ride as part of your planned excursions, seasickness medicine will keep you feeling healthy.

6. Sunglasses or sunhat

Don’t only protect your skin from the sun—keep your eyes safe, too!

Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays and allow you to enjoy the beautiful sights on your trip.

If you wear glasses or would like to keep items off your eyes, try a sunhat instead for some extra shade.

7. Your own snorkel gear

If you’re planning on snorkeling at all in the Caribbean, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear.

This will save you money and time as you won’t have to purchase an extra set of gear. You’ll be able to jump right into the clear water and start searching for reefs and tropical sea animals.

Especially if you’re planning multiple trips to the Caribbean, having your own snorkel gear is a great investment.

9. Passport or ID

While some Caribbean islands are U.S. territories (like the U.S. Virgin Islands), most of them are separate countries.

Like with any international travel, this means that you will need to be prepared to deal with immigration on your visit.

To be properly prepared, bring a passport or at least a valid ID and make sure that you are allowed on and off the island.

10. Breathable clothing

It's most likely that the weather will be hot and humid on your trip to the Caribbean. You should be prepared to sweat!

The best dress for this type of weather is flowy, breathable clothing (not necessarily short and tight).

Look for casual and lightweight pieces such as palazzo pants, open shirts, skirts, and other light clothing.

Fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are best.

11. A swimsuit cover-up

Of course, you'll want to go swimming and spend a lot of time by the beach on your trip.

But don't forget about all the other fun excursions you can experience: shopping, tours, restaurants, parties, museums, and more.

To prepare for all the onshore experiences you'll have, be sure to at least bring a swimsuit cover-up or even a change of clothes.

Packing a simple cover-up like a T-shirt, jacket, or dress will ensure that you are appropriately dressed for any occasion you decide to join in.

12. Sandals or flip flops

If you’re not planning on doing much walking or sporty activities, I recommend some warmer, open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops.

Shoes that are easy to slip on and off are best for beach days. And open-toed shoes will help your feet stay cooler in the hot weather.

These Weweya sandals are very comfortable while still being stylish and should work well at the beach or in the sand.

Ultimately, pack a well-made, waterproof pair of open-toed shoes to help you stay dry, keep cool, and shake off sand.

13. Water bottle

We mention this item a lot in packing lists, but it's worth mentioning again for excursions out onto ports.

While you can, of course, purchase water from wherever you’re visiting, prices can be high in touristy areas. And it’s often inconvenient to stop your vacation to try to find a store.

Instead, keep yourself moving and saving money by bringing a packed water bottle ahead of time. You can fill it up at the Windjammer and other complimentary locations onboard, then bring it off the ship with no issues.

And since the weather will most likely be warm and sunny, it will be important to stay hydrated.

If you’d like to pack ice along in your water bottle, a Yeti or Hydroflask will keep your water cool all day long.

14. Walking shoes

Some of my favorite shore excursions have been tours of different islands.

On these tours, you can walk around and listen to the guy and explain some of the history and background while also seeing the sights and historical buildings around you.

It's a great way to get some fresh air and some much-needed exercise in the middle of a sedentary cruise.

However, you'll want to be sure that you have the right kind of shoes for this excursion. Picking out a good set of exercise or walking shoes will help you have a great experience and keep your energy up during your tour.

15. Waterproof bags

From disembarking the cruise ship to relaxing at the beach, you'll still be interacting with the water for most of your trip.

It's important that you keep your essentials safe by using a waterproof bag or at least a waterproof phone case.

16. Rashguard

A long-sleeved athletic shirt, like a rashguard, can serve as a multipurpose tool for many needs. It can protect you from rashes, sunburns, chafing, and even jellyfish stings!

This is also a great option for water sports like surfing or jet skiing, which you’ll want to take advantage of on a visit to the Caribbean.

17. Sweater

This option isn't quite so intuitive, but pretty soon, you'll understand why it’s on the list.

Tropical cruises can be quite warm during the day, but you'll find that the air conditioner pumps quite high on the cruise ship at night.

It can get surprisingly chilly indoors on your cruise ship, so be sure to bring a sweater or a cardigan so that you aren't too cold while indoors.

I find that the cabin and nighttime dining locations can be the coldest places on your cruise.

18. Long sleeve shirt and pants

Another lesser-known way of beating hot weather is by wearing long sleeves and long pants.

Light-weight, long clothing can be most effective for protecting you from the sun and fending off bugs like mosquitoes.

If you’re doing any hiking or climbing, especially into the rainforest, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.

Your skin will thank you later!

19. Poncho

Many tropical places experience a rainy season or a hurricane season that features heavy storms with lots of wind and rain.

In the Caribbean, this season could fall anywhere between May and October, with frequent, short thunderstorms on summer afternoons.

Considering that these storms arrive almost 6 months out of the year, it’s best to plan ahead by bringing a poncho or other rain gear.

You never want to be stuck inside your cruise ship because you didn’t prepare for the weather!

20. Umbrella

Personally, I don’t like wearing a poncho.

They get hot and heavy when you’re experiencing a humid tropical rainstorm.

If you’re like me and prefer something lightweight that you can hold, an umbrella is a great option to help prepare for the rain.

21. Water shoes

To help you prepare for all your possible water activities—from kayaking to boat tours—consider bringing a pair of water shoes.

This mesh footwear will protect your feet while allowing any water to flow through them instead of just pooling inside your shoe.

For more intense water activities, they’re a great way to make sure your feet are protected without getting soaked or slippery.

22. Power bank

Without a doubt, having a phone on you is important for any kind of travel.

You’ll be able to use it to find directions, get information on shore excursions, take photos of your beautiful surroundings, and even read books by the beach.

And having your phone go dead in the middle of a trip onto a foreign island could be the death toll to a lovely port day, depending on how much you were relying on it.

To prevent being cut off from your source of information, pack a phone charger or, even better—a power bank. I like this Anker portable charger as a good option.

Bringing a power bank will allow you to charge your phone anywhere without having to spend the time to find a compatible port.

Many power banks fit right into your bag. I like to charge my phone in my bag as I’m leaving the ship and then unplug it when the charge is high and I’m ready to use it on the island.

23. Portable fan

To help beat the heat, consider bringing a portable fan. Handheld fans that are small enough to fit in a bag still provide enough power to fan your face when it gets scorching.

Remember that you'll spend time on deck on the cruise ship on hot beaches, where you want relief from the heat.

A handheld portable fan can be a helpful addition that provides instant relief and cool air.

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23 essentials to pack for a Caribbean cruise

The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals for all your cruising essentials

In:

Packing

10 Oct 2023

Amazon’s October Prime Deal Day is finally here - just in time for your upcoming cruise travels this fall and winter! You can snag some awesome deals for all of your travel and cruising essentials.

Throughout the year, Amazon will host massive sales with steep discounts on thousands of items. You might imagine Black Friday as the best online shopping day of the year, but Amazon’s big October sale, called Amazon’s Big Deal Days, is one you shouldn’t miss. Thousands of travel and cruising essentials will receive substantial price slashes - up to 75% off.

If you’re in the market for new luggage or headphones for your cruise, there are some great options to consider during the October Amazon Prime Day sale. With so many options on sale, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed trying to find the best deals. In fact, I was also a little overwhelmed scouring deals for this article list!

Amazon’s Big Deal Days begins today, October 10, and will continue for 48 hours through October 11. This is a very quick sale, as most of Amazon's sales are, so you’ll want to make sure you purchase any items you're eyeing before they sell out.

For this big sale, Amazon Prime members receive the best discounts. However, you can also consider activating a 30-day free trial for Amazon Prime to take advantage of the good deals.

Here we have compiled some of the best deals on Amazon for our favorite must-have cruising products. These are items that we recommend for your upcoming cruise vacation - many of which are popular in the travel and cruise industry. Some are even beloved by our Royal Caribbean Blog followers!

As a note, we receive a small commission when you purchase any items during Prime Day from the links below. This costs you absolutely nothing extra, but the small commission helps support our site. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Packing Cubes

I am a huge fan of packing cubes. While I heard other rave about them for years, I just hopped on the bandwagon last year. Now, I won’t travel without them! You can easily stay organized while also squeezing more into your luggage. It’s also extremely easy to unpack when you get on your cruise, as you can just remove the cubes from your suitcase and place them in the cabin’s drawers and shelves.

These have been the best selling packing cubes for our Royal Caribbean Blog followers - and for good reason. Here are the best deals we found for packing cubes on today’s Amazon Big Deal Days.

If you’ve been holding out on purchasing packing cubes, consider snagging this 8-piece set of cubes from Veken. For 43% off, you can have an entire set of packing cubes for your next cruise. This is a highly-rated set of packing cubes. You can also find multiple colors. There is currently an additional 20% off coupon you can apply, which will bring down the price even more.

Link: Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials Bag Organizers for Carry on, Luggage Organizer Bags Set for Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Black
Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)
20% additional coupon also applicable

If you prefer the 6-piece set of packing cubes, Veken is also having another sale during Amazon’s October Big Deal Days. Some of the colors are not on sale, so be sure to look at the price before purchasing.

Link: 6 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Organizer Bags for Carry on Luggage, Veken Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes(Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small)
Price: $16.99 (Originally $27.99)
15% additional coupon also applicable

Another fantastic deal for packing cubes comes from OlarHike. highly-rated set of packing cubes comes from with 8 pieces. There is currently a 50% off coupon for the black set, with other colors available offering varying discounts.

Link: OlarHike 8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel, Luggage Organizer Bags for Travel Accessories Travel Essentials, Travel Cubes for Carry on Suitcases
Price: $12 (Originally $24.99)

Those needing extra space might want to consider these compression packing cubes. These I can personally attest to. I have a purple set and I absolutely love them - they’re currently packed in my suitcase for my next cruise laster this week. I am always shocked by the amount of space saved.

Link: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 3pcs/4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers. Organizers
Price: $23.99 (Originally $32.99)

There is another sale for a 4-piece compression packing cubes I found on sale for 45% off. This set includes 7 pieces and includes a toiletry bag for carry-on luggage too, so it’s a great deal for everything included.

Link: PFEYRPK Lightweight Compression Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Compressible Expandable Travel Packing Organizer with Clear Toiletries and Backpack Bag, Travel Essentials for Carry on Luggage 7 Set
Price: $19.99 (Originally $39.99)

Electronics

We’ve compiled the following best deals for Amazon Prime Day electronics for all of your cruising needs. Everything from organizers, chargers and converters are on sale.

One of the top deals for electronics is a set of Apple AirPods. Apple rarely has sales on their products so snagging this deal is a fantastic find! I also have a set of these Apple AirPods and they are the best headphones I’ve ever owned. Wireless headphones are an essential for cruisers and travelers these days.

The sale applies to Apple AirPod Pros with noise canceling for just $199, which is 20% off the original price.

Link: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, MagSafe Charging Case, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone
Price: $199 (Originally $249.99)

There is also a sale for 2nd Generation AirPods. These are being sold for just $89 during October’s Amazon Prime Day. This is 31% off the original price - another great deal for Apple!

Link: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case Included. Over 24 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup. Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone-
Price: $89 (Originally $129.99)

One of my cruise essentials is to bring a portable charger, which helps to keep electronics charged on the go. I’ve also found a portable charger can be useful overnight with the lack of outlets available on older ships. Most of the older cruise ships only have one or two outlets for everyone in the room to use, so this comes in handy.

Link: Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh, Ultra-High Capacity Fast Phone Charging with Newest Intelligent Controlling IC, 2 USB Port External Cell Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone,Android et
Compatible with iPhone,Samsung,Android.
Price: $19.99 (Originally $49.95)

Unless you’re sailing on a new cruise ship, again, you might not have enough outlets available to charge all of your devices. This is our go-to USB expander that plugs into European outlets on cruise ships. It provides 3 additional outlets and 2 USB port. Honestly, I take this on every single cruise and it works great - even better, it’s on sale for 28% for Amazon Big Deal Days!

Link: Cruise Power Strip No Surge Protector with USB Outlets - Ship Approved (Non Surge Protection) Cruise Essentials
Price: $17.99 (Originally $24.99)

Another cruise essential is an extra long iPhone cord. This one is on sale and measures 6 feet long! An extra long cord is perfect for your small cruise cabin, especially if there is only one available outlet on the vanity. This allows you to charge your device while using it in your bed or on the couch.

Link: 3 Pack Apple MFi Certified Charger Cable 6ft, Lightning to USB Cable Cord 6 Foot, 2.4A Fast Charging,Apple Phone Long Chargers for iPhone 13/12/11/11Pro/11Max/ X/XS/XR/XS Max/8/7/6
Price: $11.49 (Originally $18.99)

One of the best selling products for our followers during the last Amazon sale was this cheap electronics organizer. I am a huge fan of my electronics case as a place to keep all of my cords and chargers organized. This has helped so much with staying organized in my luggage and onboard in my cruise cabin. This one is on sale for just $7.54, which is 46% off the original price.

Link: Electronic Accessories Case, Universal Cable Cord Holder Organizer/Electronic Case, Waterproof Portable Cable Organizer Bag, USB Flash Drives Bag, Cable case Bag, USB Case Organizer,USB Charger Bag
Price: $7.59 (Originally $13.99)

Cruising Essentials

Here’s a list of all your favorite cruise essentials that are on sale for Amazon Prime Day this year. From magnetic hooks to beach bags and collapsable laundry baskets, you can find some of our favorite cruise essentials below.

One of the best selling products for our followers of all time is this set of cruise luggage tags. These allow you to print your luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise and place the tag inside a plastic holder. This prevents the tag from getting damaged or torn off, making it easier for your bag to make it to your stateroom. During this sale, the tags are 63% off!

Link: Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Essentials in 2023-2024
Price: $5.99 (Originally $15.99)

Another cruising essential is a set of Magnetic Hooks. In fact, these are considered a cruising essential for many people because the hooks are easy to use in your cruise ship cabin thanks to the magnetic walls. Now, you can easily hang jackets, hats, bags, etc. on your cabin walls. Even better, these are on sale for Amazon Prime Day at 31% off!

Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 25lbs+ heavy duty magnetic hooks cruise for hanging,
Price: $10.99 (Originally $15.99)

Finally, having a hanging travel cosmetic bag with a hanging hook is a huge space-saver in those tiny cruise ship cabins. These bags hang perfectly on the back of your cabin’s bathroom door, allowing you to save counter space. Bagsmart has one for 22% off.

Link: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook, Water-resistant Makeup Cosmetic Bag Travel Organizer for Accessories, Shampoo, Full Sized Container, Toiletries https://amzn.to/3O6MRUZ
- Price: $22.99 (Originally $29.47)

I find that the perfect shoes for cruising are Rubber sandals - like these on sale!. These sandals are very comfortable while still being stylish. They are also quick to dry when you’ve spent your day at the pool deck or the beach. In the evening, you can wear these onboard while you attend all of the events and entertainment.

Link: Weweya Sandals for Women and Men - Pillow Slippers - Double Buckle Adjustable Slides - EVA Flat Sandal.
Price: $21.98 (Originally $39.99)

Luggage Deals

Regardless of whether you are planning to fly to your next cruise or you live close enough to make the drive, you still need luggage regardless. This year, I’ve decided to invest in higher quality luggage (upgrading from the TJMaxx luggage section). Amazon’s Big Deal Days has quite a few different luggage options for sale, so be sure to check them out below. Here are some of the best deals we found.

One of the top luggage deals is this Samsonite Carry-On. This one is an expandable carry-on measuring 21 inches. The hard side spinner available for 17% off. We’ve taken many cruises with just a carry-on, so having a solid suitcase for cruising is a must!

Link: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Black
Link: https://amzn.to/3RMCTuo
Price: $149 (Originally $179.99)

If you need more than just a carry-on, it’s also a fantastic time to buy luggage sets so you can have matching pieces. This is a 3-piece luggage set from Coolife that has received rave ratings for 50% off. There are many colors available, although a brighter color will be easier for you to spot in the cruise terminal. Even better, these suitcases have TSA built-in locks. This means you can ensure your items are safely stored at the airport and cruise terminal.

Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock
https://amzn.to/3tmsLON
Price: $159 (Originally $300)

One of the best deal on luggage that we found is this 2-piece hardshell luggage set from Rockland. For 62% off, you can purchase this matching set with a 28-inch carry-on sized suitcase and the matching carry-on. The set comes with thousands of positive reviews, too.

Link: Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Blue, 2-Piece Set (20/28)
Price: $102 (Originally $340)

Another great deal from Coolife is this stylish 3-piece luggage set — which has some of the best luggage deals during Amazon’s sale. This set includes a carry-on spinner, along with a matching weekender duffel bag with a sleeve to attach to the trolley. The set also includes a matching cosmetic bag.

Link: Coolife Suitcase Set 3 Piece Carry On Hardside Luggage with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels (White, S(20in))
Price: $90 (Originally $299)

Cruise Accessories and Bags

You’ll definitely want to pack a variety of bags for your cruise vacation, including a beach bag, clutch for dinner and a bag to use for in-port exploration. Here are some of the best deals for Amazon Prime Day that would be perfect for your cruise!

For your cruise, you should consider packing a lanyard with an ID holder. Having this kind of ID holder will allow you to carry your cruise card around without needing to worry about it falling out. This one has a zipped pouch, so you can also put some cash, credit cards, hand sanitizer, ID and more. For Amazon Big Deal Days, you can get this one for 50% off.

Link: Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Zip Id Case and Lanyard Combo.
Price: $21 (Originally $42)

You’ll want to have a nice beach bag to use for your cruise if you’re heading somewhere beach, like the Caribbean. This is perfect for your excursions, beach days and pool lounging on the ship. For 42% off, this beach bag is a great purchase and comes highly rated!

Link: Tainehs Mesh Beach Tote Large Bag 2023 Upgrade for Women with Multiple Pockets for Family Travel Swimming Waterproof Pool Bag
Price: $11.49 (Originally $16)

You probably already know that fanny packs have been making a strong comeback! These pouches are perfect for cruising because they allow you to conveniently carry all of your belongings. This one is highly rated and comes in tons of colors - perfect for men and women

Link: MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack with 4-Zipper Pockets,Gifts for Enjoy Sports Festival Workout Traveling Running Casual Hands-Free Wallets Waist Pack Phone Bag Carrying All Phones.
Price: $11.99 (Originally $20)

Finally, for my cruising ladies, I always pack an evening clutch for nights onboard. I hate having to lug around a backpack or large purse. This one is super cute, partial and perfect for your upcoming Caribbean cruises.

Link: Aovtero Straw Clutch Purse Women Crossbody Bag Summer Beach Shoulder Bags Envelope Wallet Handbags.
Price: $12.99 (Originally $23)

I packed for a 7-day cruise and the bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

In:

Packing

20 Sep 2023

Packing for a cruise is no simple task, but if I could do it all over again, I know one thing I'd leave at home.

I took my first cruise last month on Wonder of the Seas, a 7-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In preparation for my first cruise, I did extensive research, planning everything down to the itinerary and my outfits.

What to pack for a cruise was, of course, a big part of my research.

When preparing for your cruise, you want to be sure to avoid overpacking but also to remember everything you may need.

It’s recommended you limit yourself to just two pieces of luggage while cruising, so it’s important to reserve space.

But on the other hand, if you forget an item, prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, I planned carefully and made a packing list.

I brought just enough clothes and the right toiletries. I even packed snacks and a water bottle—both turned out to be lifesavers.

However, there was one item I regretted bringing in the end.

I regretted bringing my laptop

Working remote on a laptop from a cruise ship

Since I purchased the Voom Internet plan for one device, I decided to bring multiple devices to use on my cruise.

When I’m at home, I often use my iPhone and laptop in tandem. I thought it would make sense to bring my laptop along on the cruise. However, I ended up only using my phone and the space I used by taking my laptop.

Here’s why it was a total waste of space.

I only bought Wi-Fi for one device

Prior to my cruise, I purchased Voom Wi-Fi for all seven days on one device.

I packed my laptop, thinking that I might want to use the Wi-Fi on my laptop alone, accessing everything I might need in one place.

However, once I arrived on the ship, I realized that using the Internet on my phone would be more helpful, since it is portable and gives me access to FaceTime, social media, and the ability to take and send photos.

I later discovered I could switch the internet package between devices: you can log out of one device and into another on the same WiFi package.

But in the end, it was more simple to stay logged in and keep everything on my iPhone.

We could use the TV in our room

When I feel in the mood to decompress, I enjoy watching TV shows. And when you’re traveling, a personal laptop is the quickest way to access your favorite streaming services.

While packing, I assumed that I would want to watch TV on my laptop.

But when we got to our cabin, I discovered that there was a TV in our room.

Not only that, but I could log into most streaming services using my phone and use Chromecast to stream shows on the TV. There was no reason to watch anything on my laptop.

However, it is important to note that not every ship has a smart TV with streaming abilities. If I had not sailed on Wonder of the Seas, I might have put my laptop’s streaming sites to use.

The Royal Caribbean app was more useful than the website

If I had been planning out my own itinerary and calendar, I might have preferred to use my laptop to access Google Calendar or another planning site.

However, I was surprised to find that the Royal Caribbean app was the most efficient way to save all my cruising information in one place.

The app lists all events available, and even has a feature where you can simply select an event and add it to your schedule.

Not only that, but the app also includes information on when and where each event is, any price included, what you may need to bring, and if there is any age limit.

Additionally, the app allows you to chat with other cruisers using their full name.

This works without WiFi, so I could still coordinate with my sister, who did not purchase the WiFi package.

The app also connects your schedules with other cruisers other the same booking, so my sister and I could create and access the same calendar.

In short, it was most convenient to use the app on my phone.

I risked it getting stolen or damaged

When it comes your valuables, being on a ship can be unpredictable. By bringing my laptop, I ran the risk of it falling in water, getting wet at the pool, or being dropped on a deck.

Traveling with a laptop is already a risk: I had to keep it safe in a bag and make sure it was secured at our hotel room. Considering I barely used my laptop, keeping it safe was more effort than it was worth.

It also turned out that the provided safe in our cabin was too small to fit my laptop, so I had to leave it in the cabin and hope for the best.

In the future, I would definitely leave any large devices and valuables behind, since they can’t be secured and I wouldn’t be able to guarantee their safety.

I ended up wanting to disconnect and relax

Although I was able to use WiFi on my phone, I ended up regretting the amount of access I had to the Internet.

A cruise should be an ocean vacation, with time spent at various onboard activities, the beach, or exploring ports.

But I found that the constant WiFi connection made the cruise feel less relaxing. Social media can be consuming—a beach vacation just isn’t the same if you can instantly pull up your email.

My sister, who traveled with me, only purchased WiFi for one sea day. This allowed her to check any important notifications for that day and then continue to disconnect and unwind for the rest of the cruise.

In the future, I would want to follow a similar plan and bring fewer devices. Being connected to every aspect of the Internet made it hard to relax.

It took up space in my carry-on

To ensure that my laptop was secure, I had to keep it in my carry-on bag at all times.

This meant that I kept it with me at the hotel, on the shuttle to the cruise terminal, while boarding the cruise, and even while we explored the ship and waited for our luggage to arrive.

Holding my laptop took up valuable space in my bag. I also had opted not to bring a laptop but rather a large purse that hung off one shoulder. With all the items I had to pack in it, the purse got pretty heavy!

Before my cruise, I also noticed that Royal Caribbean advises you to pack any medicine or essential toiletries in your carry-on bag. I also saw many cruises recommend doing so, just in case your baggage is missing or delayed.

But since I filled up my carry-on space with my valuables, ID, and my laptop, I wasn’t able to pack important medication and toiletries in my purse.

I later regretted this, as our luggage wasn’t delivered to the room until about 4:00 p.m. I wished I had been able to take my medication and apply sunscreen while we waited for our bags to arrive.

If I hadn’t used up valuable space with my laptop, I probably could have packed everything necessary in my carry-on purse.

We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

In:

Packing

15 Aug 2023

Have you ever realized in the middle of a trip you’d forgotten an essential item?

Packing for a cruise means trying to anticipate all your needs before you leave home, because there isn't an opportunity to just run to the store once you get on the cruise ship.

That realization always leads to a panic of making lists and reminders so you know you won’t forget it the next time.

While traveling, you may be far from home and unable to find exactly what you need. Remembering to pack all the right items will ensure a relaxing vacation prepared for all your needs.

We asked followers on our Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook what is one thing they wish they’d packed on their last cruise. We received well over 200 responses and sifted through them all to find the top items that would be beneficial to a lot of people.

1. A fan

“A travel fan,” Deanna Poljanowski said, “I’ve learned and have one this time.”

Whether you want a portable fan to hold on a hot beach or a bedroom fan for some white noise, a travel fan could always be a helpful addition.

Remember that you may spend time on deck or beaches where you’ll want a little relief from the heat. A handheld portable fan could provide some instant relief and cool air.

A small bedroom fan will provide white noise and stir up any stale air in your cabin. If you have trouble falling asleep onboard, a small fan will be a big help.

Some readers liked this portable rechargable fan to bring with them.

2. Sneakers

“I forgot to pack my sneakers! Couldn’t play on the sports court without them,” Angeline Deshazo wrote. If you’re looking forward to playing any sports on board, bring proper footwear.

Royal Caribbean ships boast many sports activities, such as over 30 options on Oasis Class ships, including golf, badminton, ping pong, surfing, basketball, ice hockey, pool, and tennis.

While people may think of cruises as only involving pool and beach activities where they might need flip-flops or sandals, remember the need for sneakers and sports footwear.

3. Binoculars

Carolyn Groves Pierce said she wished she brought binoculars.

Your cruise will likely travel through beautiful stretches of sea or even land. Although you can view some sights with the naked eye, being on a cruise in a beautiful location such as Alaska may leave you wishing for a closer view.

With a quality pair of binoculars, you will be able to view any islands, nature sites, or even wildlife from the comfort of your ship. This binocular model is highly rated for an Alaska cruise.

4. Wine

Kodi Moskorisin commented she wished she’d remembered her own wine.

Royal Caribbean does offer an all-inclusive drinks package, but did you know you can bring your own wine onboard? Having a taste of your favorite wine from home can help you save money and feel comfortable.

If you’re the type that enjoys a glass of wine at night, or you don’t need the abundance of drinks available in the daily package, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and pack some wine of your own!

5. Entertainment

“More books,” wrote Julie Phelps.

Your cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation, so much sure you have plenty of entertainment available for your downtime or any waiting periods.

For any fast readers, bring extra books and magazines. Or if you want a lot of entertainment options, invest in an onboard WiFi package. In addition, be sure to reserve time to check out the ship’s award-winning live shows!

6. Magnetic hooks

The cruise ship walls and ceilings are steel,” Lenee Jorgenson said, “I use magnets with hooks for everything!”

Although your cabin will have storage available, cruisers often need more space than is provided.

If you think you may need extra cabin storage, you can purchase magnetic hooks to hang on the walls and ceilings. This is a valuable way to hang clothes, accessories, decorations, or curtains in your cabin without compromising your storage space.

You could bring these magnetic hooks, which worked well as one of our inside cabin hacks.

7. Sunscreen

“Higher SPF sunscreen,” wrote Sarah Keough.

You will spend plenty of time in the sun on your cruise—whether on deck, at the beach or pool, or exploring your favorite island excursion.

This heavy sun exposure can leave you at risk for severe sunburns. A bad sunburn could ruin even the best cruise, forcing you to stay indoors while you heal and miss out on the fun.

Make sure to do your research and prevent this by protecting yourself with high SPF sunscreen. This also leads to our next submission:

8. Aloe vera

Nicole Armendariz commented she wished she’d brought “aloe vera gel. My husband was as red as a lobster at one point!”

9. Snacks

“Little things like pretzels, nuts, M&Ms,” wrote Carla Belin. “I don’t always need pizza at midnight.”

Little snacks can fit just fine in a suitcase and help tide you over between meals.

While your ship will have snacks on deck, complimentary options can be harder to find between meals, especially later at night. If you are a midnight snacker, having small options on hand can save you money and the stress of finding something available.

Additionally, for anyone with dietary restrictions such as gluten sensitivity, packing personal snacks ahead of time can also be a relief from searching for something that fits your needs. Your snacks will already be planned out, ready for you to enjoy.

10. Nausea medicine

Mary Torres commented that she ended up needing nausea patches or medicine.

While most ships are large and relatively stable, some passengers are still prone to motion sickness. You could still suffer from seasickness while on board, so plan ahead and bring what you need for your cruise.

Read more: Dramamine vs Bonine

You can also consult your doctor beforehand for the best options to cure onboard nausea. Get a prescription ahead of time to avoid an uncomfortable trip—and carry extras! You never know who may end up needing some relief.

11. Glasses

“If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair,” said Lynn Creef Snyder. “Or one of those eyeglass repair kits.”

While this may seem common sense, glasses-wearers should remember to bring an extra pair of glasses or a toolkit to repair any broken parts. For those who wear contacts, extra pairs are also important.

The last thing you want is for something to go missing and take your eyesight with it—and the right prescription could be hard to find! Make sure you can enjoy all the beautiful sights, and protect your eyesight by planning ahead.

12. Ziplock bags

Sandy Yearsley-Swink wished she brought “various sizes of Ziplock bags” for “wet clothes and leftovers.”

For anything you want to store away separately without using up too much space, consider a Ziplock bag. You can put dirty or wet clothes away in them, keeping them separate from your clean, dry clothes.

You can also keep leftover food in your Ziplock bags, ensuring it is secured for later, without any spilling or smells.

Ziplock bags are useful for organizing and carrying all your toiletries, too—if any liquids spill, they will still be contained in the bag.

13. Liquid soap

Janice Meyer Mori said she “brought liquid hand soup on our last cruise, going forward always on the list!”

Complimentary bar soap will be available in your cabin bathroom, but if you prefer the texture of liquid soap you’ll want to bring your own. For those with sensitive or dry skin, a soap from home is also the safest option.

14. A small bag

Pen Jud Tolman said he wished he’d brought “a lightweight drawstring pack to carry my workout gear to the gym every the morning.”

If you’re planning to use the gym, sports court, or go on any excursions, you’ll want a lightweight bag to carry any essentials with you. This will ensure you can carry all the most important items without losing them or needing to dump out a larger bag.

For any excursions you make, having a smaller drawstring or sling bag will be most convenient option.

15. Body lotion

Kelli Parks wrote: “There was none in the cabin and I had to buy the only one I could find on ship at the spa. Expensive mistake.”

If you’re looking for your own body lotion, bring some from home to avoid spending extra. With all the sun and salt water drying out your skin, you’ll definitely want some lotion on hand.

Keep your skin smooth and happy with some body lotion from home.

16. Adjustable shoes

“Shoes that were more adjustable,” Alexis Ham wrote. “I suffer with cruise swelling.”

Cruise swelling is a phenomenon people experience when their feet or ankles swell while on board. This may be due to the increased salt in the air, the changed diet, or dehydration while on board.

Cruise swelling can often be prevented by watching your diet, exercising, and drinking water. But if you’re still struggling to get that swelling down, plan on bringing loose or adjustable shoes so you still have something to wear.

17. Water bottle

Danielle Zieger commented: “A Yeti to fill up and keep water in my room!”

Water is, of course, complimentary onboard, but what about your cabin room? It is essential that you stay hydrated outside of mealtimes, too: you’ll want water before bed, in the middle of the night, and right when you wake up.

Bringing your own water bottle ensures that you can fill it up anytime and bring it back to your room when you’re ready.

You can also collect and refill the water bottles given to you at mealtimes, but bringing your own water bottle is an easier, more sustainable option to carry your water. People love Yeti water bottles, in particular, for their large size and ability to keep drinks cold for long periods of time.

18. Swimsuits

Tara Samm suggested “more than 2 bathing suits.”

On your cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in pools, beaches, and waterparks. Bringing extra bathing suits will help you choose the most suitable one for each occasion.

Maybe you’ll want a bikini for lounging on the deck and a sleeker suit for diving in the pool. If you’re sensitive to the sun, you also could pack long-sleeved options to protect your skin at the beach.

Packing extra swimsuits will also save you time, as you can let wet pairs dry while you go swimming in the extras.

19. A carry-on

“A roll on bag or backpack for boarding the ship, carrying a bag was horrible,” said Susan Hayes.

Much like on an airplane, you’ll pack a larger bag and a smaller carry-on bag to hold while you board. Consider packing a carry-on with back straps or wheels so you don’t have to hold it the entire time you’re boarding.

20. AirPods

Many commenters, including Suzie Olsen Miller, wished they had remembered a pair of AirPods.

Any noise-cancelling headphones will be a big bonus for your trip, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts while blocking out any noise around you.

AirPods are a great option as they are smaller than typical headphones and connect through BlueTooth, saving plenty of packing space.

21. Shampoo and conditioner

“My own hair conditioner,” commented Kim Schwartz.

You will be provided with complimentary shampoo and conditioner in your bathroom, but many people find that the provided options don’t always suit their hair needs.

We recommend travel-sized versions of your favorite brands if you want something from home.

The best Amazon Prime Day deals for all your cruising essentials

In:

Packing

11 Jul 2023

Amazon Prime Day is among us - and there are some incredible deals to snag for your upcoming cruises and travels!

Forget Black Friday because Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. In fact, the company stated that this year’s Prime Day is bigger than ever before. Thousands of items will receive substantial price slashes - some up to 80% off!

Everything from 3-piece luggage sets to packing cubes and AirTags will be on sale. You will find some of our favorite must-have products that are on steep discount during the highly-anticipated Prime Day sale on Amazon.

Of course, with thousands of items on sale this year for Prime Day, you might be overwhelmed trying to find the best deals. I was even a little overwhelmed while compiling this list! Lucky for you, we’ve researched all of the best cruise items on Amazon that you’ll find on sale this year during the Prime Day event.

Prime Day begins today, July 11, and will continue for 48 hours through July 12. The sale is quick, so make sure to purchase those items you're eyeing before they sell out. As you can guess, Amazon Prime members receive the best discounts, but anyone can access deals for Prime Day, even without a membership. You can also elect a 30-day free trial for Amazon Prime if you want exclusive access to the best deals this year.

Here are the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your upcoming cruise vacation that we found. As a note, we receive a small commission when you purchase any items during Prime Day from the links below. This costs you absolutely nothing extra, but the small commission helps support our site.

Luggage Deals

Whether you plan to fly to your next cruise or you live close enough to drive, you will definitely need luggage to bring onboard. Investing in solid luggage has been a lifesaver for me, as I have been cruising more frequently. Amazon Prime Day has a slew of luggage with incredible deals on luggage sets and suitcases. Take a look below at some of the best luggage deals we found.

One of the top luggage deals is this Samsonite Carry-On. This one is a 20-inch, hard side spinner available for 44% off. We’ve taken many cruises with just a carry-on, so having a solid suitcase for cruising is a must!

Link: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Teal
Price: $89 (Originally $159.99)

It’s also a great time to buy luggage sets so you can have matching pieces. This is a top rated, 3-piece luggage set from Coolife. Brighter sets will be easier to spot at the baggage claim as well, which are available for the sale too! As a bonus, these have TSA built-in locks so you can ensure your belongings are safe at the airport and cruise terminal.

Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock.
Price: $159 (Originally $300)

Check out this 29-inch large spinner from Swissgear - one of the top names in the luggage game. This soft-sided, expandable luggage is perfect for checked baggage or a 7-night itinerary for a week's worth of clothes. It's on big sale during Prime Day too for 37% off and comes in multiple colors!

Link: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, Black, Checked-Large 29-Inch
Price: $107 (Originally $149)

Perhaps the best deal on luggage is this 2-piece hardshell luggage set from Rockland. For 70% off, you can snag this matching set with a carry-on sized suitcase and matching 28-inch suitcase! You won't regret snagging this set, which also comes highly-rated from thousands of reviewers.

Link: Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Blue, 2-Piece Set (20/28)
Price: $102 (Originally $340)

Another fantastic deal is from American Tourister with this 4-piece, upright luggage set. At 58% off the original price, this set could be perfect for your upcoming cruise if you are needing multiple pieces.

Link: American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Softside Upright Luggage, Black, 4-Piece Set
Price: $80 (Originally $189)

If you’re someone who loves to souvenir shop during your cruise, it’s not a bad idea to pack an expandable duffle bag to ensure you can get all of your new treasures home. This is especially important if you are someone who struggles to leave room in your packed suitcase for souvenirs. In fact, I've started to always pack an expandable duffle because I don't want to feel limited on cruises when it comes to shopping.

Link: adidas Unisex Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag.
Price: $31 (Originally $45)

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have been all the rage for a while, but I didn’t start using them until last year. Now, I haven’t looked back. Not only can you stay more organized with your cruise packing, but you can usually squeeze more into your suitcase. Once you arrive to your cruise cabin, you can simply place your cubes in the drawers and shelves - unbelievably easy!

I’ve also invested in compression packing cubes, which save a ton of space in my carry-on. Here are some of the best packing cubes for Amazon Prime Day.

Those waiting to jump on the packing cube bandwagon will want to take advantage of this amazing deal on an 8-piece set of cubes from Veken. For 37% off, you can have an entire set for your next cruise. This highly-rated set of packing cubes also comes in multiple colors.

Link: Veken 8 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes for Carry on Suitcase in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Accessories, Travel Bags Organizer for Luggage
Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)

If you prefer the 6-piece set of packing cubes, Veken also has another sale during Amazon Prime Day. This is an absolute steal!

Link: 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Veken Packing Cubes for Carry on Suitcase, Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Must Haves
Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)

Another highly-rated set of packing cubes comes from BAGAIL with 6 pieces and 3 different sizes is on sale for Prime Day.

Link: BAGAIL 6 Set Packing Cubes,3 Various Sizes Travel Luggage Packing Organizers
Price: $20 (Originally $27.99)

If you’re looking to save extra space in your luggage, consider these compression packing cubes. I can attest personally that these are fantastic - I used them on a recent trip and I was shocked by the amount of space saved.

Link: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 3pcs/4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers. Organizers
Price: $23 (Originally $33)

Here’s another set of 4-piece compression packing cubes I found for 25% off during Amazon Prime Day. This set includes 7 pieces and includes a toiletry bag for carry-on luggage too.

Link: PFEYRPK Lightweight Compression Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Compressible Expandable Travel Packing Organizer with Clear Toiletries and Backpack Bag, Travel Essentials for Carry on Luggage 7 Set
Price: $29 (Originally $39)

Electronics

We’ve compiled the following best deals for Amazon Prime Day electronics for all of your cruising needs. Everything from organizers, chargers and converters are on sale.

Apple AirTags have become increasingly popular since the airport chaos has continued to ensue. Being able to place an AirTag in your luggage allows you to track in real-time where your suitcase is, which is invaluable during flights. It’s also been proven helpful to see where your luggage is at the cruise terminal.

Also, Apple rarely has sales on their products so snagging this 4-pack for 10% off is a great deal!

Link: Apple AirTag - 4 Pack
Price: $89.99 (Originally $99.99)

Apple AirPods are also an essential for cruisers and travelers. Wireless headphones have encouraged travelers to ditch their wired headphones and not looking back. For Prime Day, or

The sale applies to Apple AirPod Pros with noise canceling for just $199, which is 20% off the original price.

Link: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, MagSafe Charging Case, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone
Price: $199 (Originally $249.99)

You can purchase 2nd Generation AirPods for just $89 during Amazon Prime Day for 30% off the original price.

Link: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case Included. Over 24 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup. Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone-
Price: $89 (Originally $129.99)

Everyone setting sail on a cruise should bring a portable charger packed to keep electronics charged on the go. I’ve also found a portable charger can be useful overnight with the lack of outlets available on older ships. This one has built-in cables and it’s 40% off for Prime Day.

Link: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables,10000mAh USB C Power Bank, LED Display Slim Portable Charger,5 Output 2 Input Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone,Samsung,Android.
Price: $19.99 (Originally $32.99)

We all know cruise ships might not have many outlets available to charge all of our devices. My favorite go-to USB expander plugs into European outlets on cruise ships and provides 2 outlets, 3 USB ports and a USB-C plug-in. I take this on every single cruise and it’s fantastic - even better, it’s on sale for 28% for a 2-pack.

Link: [2-Pack] European Travel Plug Adapter, VINTAR International Power Plug Adapter with 1 USB C, 2 American Outlets and 3 USB Ports, 6 in 1 Travel Essentials to Most of Europe Greece, Italy(Type C).
Price: $17.99 (Originally $24.99)

Another great deal for Prime Day is this extra long iPhone cord, measuring 6 feet long. This is perfect for your small cabin when there is only one available outlet on the vanity, so you can charge your device and still use it in bed.

Link: 3 Pack Apple MFi Certified Charger Cable 6ft, Lightning to USB Cable Cord 6 Foot, 2.4A Fast Charging,Apple Phone Long Chargers for iPhone.
Price: $13.49 (Originally $18.99)

I am a huge fan of my electronics organizer. Keeping all of my cords and chargers in a single place has helped immensely with keeping organized both in my luggage and onboard in my cruise cabin. This one is on sale for just $7.64, which is 45% off the original price.

Link: Electronic Organizer Travel Cable Accessories Bag,Electronic Organizer Case,Waterproof Electronic Accessories Organizer Bag for Power Bank,Charging Cords,Chargers,Mouse,USB Cable,Earphones Flash Drive.
Price: $7 (Originally $13.99)

Link: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook, Water-resistant Makeup Cosmetic Bag Travel Organizer for Accessories, Shampoo, Full Sized Container, Toiletries https://amzn.to/3O6MRUZ
- Price: $18.39 (Originally $29.47)

Cruising Essentials

It can get very hot onboard your cruise, especially if you’re heading to the Caribbean in the summer. While the ship will be air conditioned just fine, you might want to invest in a portable, small fan to keep yourself cool.

Link: JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 Hand Fan, Portable USB Rechargeable Small Pocket Fan, Battery Operated Fan
Price: $14.39 (Originally $24.99)

An absolute must for any cruise packing - LiquidIV hydration packets. I am truly obsessed with these. Between drinking, traveling and being in the sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated. These LiquidIV hydration multiplying packs help you stay hydrated. Just add to water! They come in tons of flavors and they’re easy to pack.

Link: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Strawberry - Hydration Powder Packets | Electrolyte Drink Mix | Easy Open Single-Serving Stick | Non-GMO | 16 Sticks
Price: $17.49 (Originally $33)

Rubber sandals are the perfect shoes for cruising! These are comfortable, stylish and quick to dry after days spent at the pool onboard. You can easily wear these to the beach during the day or onboard in the evening.

Link: Weweya Sandals for Women and Men - Pillow Slippers - Double Buckle Adjustable Slides - EVA Flat Sandal.
Price: $26.55 (Originally $39.99)

Magnetic Hooks are considered a cruising essential for many. These hooks are easy to use in a cruise ship cabin because of the magnetic walls. You’ll have plenty of new hooks in the cabin for jackets, hats, bags, etc. Even better, these are on sale for Amazon Prime Day at 22% off.

Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 25lbs+ heavy duty magnetic hooks cruise for hanging,
Price: $11.99 (Originally $15.99)

There’s nothing worse than staining your clothes on vacation. These Tide To Go Stain removing wipes are easy to travel with and quick to remove stains during your cruise.

Link: Tide to Go Instant Stain Removing Wipes, 10 Count Wipes (Pack of 2)
Price: $7.20 (Originally $12.99)

Cruise Accessories and Bags

Packing a pair of sunglasses is essential on a cruise vacation regardless of your destination. I love these sunglasses from Amazon because they are comfortable and classic! For Prime Day, they are 44% off - can’t beat that.

Link: SOJOS Trendy Round Sunglasses for Women and Men
Price: $12.74 (Originally $27)

For your cruise, you’ll want to consider packing a lanyard with an ID holder. This will allow you to carry your cruise card around without worrying about it falling out of your pockets. The zipped pouch also allows you to put some cash, hand sanitizer, credit card, ID and more. This one is 50% off for Prime Day!

Link: Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Zip Id Case and Lanyard Combo.
Price: $21 (Originally $42

Packing a swim-up cover up is an essential for women on a cruise, as you’ll want something quick to throw on for the pool deck, buffet or excursion. I have this one from Amazon and it’s on sale for 31% off for Prime Day. It’s easy, comfortable and classic - it also comes in a ton of colors.

Link: Yincro Womens Chiffon Swimsuit Cover Up Beach Coverups for Swimwear
Price: $19 (Originally $36)

Belt bags are everything right now and extremely popular for both men and women. This one is perfect for your upcoming travels. It’s the perfect size for onboard and ashore! For Prime Day, you can snag this one for 33% off.

Link: ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap Small Waist Pouch for Workout Running Traveling Hiking, Black.
Price: $15 (Originally $23)

Link: Navy Beach Bag, Mesh Beach Bag Oversized Beach Tote 9 Pockets Beach Towel Bag.
Price: $15 (Originally $26)

Along with belt bags, fanny packs have been making a comeback in recent years! These pouches are perfect for cruising so you can conveniently carry all of your belongings without needing to carry a purse. This one is highly rated and comes in tons of colors.

Link: MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack with 4-Zipper Pockets,Gifts for Enjoy Sports Festival Workout Traveling Running Casual Hands-Free Wallets Waist Pack Phone Bag Carrying All Phones.
Price: $12.77 (Originally $20)

For women, I also love to have an evening clutch for nights onboard the cruise ship so I don’t need to lug around a backpack or beach bag. This stylish one is perfect for Caribbean cruises and it’s on sale for 26% off.

Link: Aovtero Straw Clutch Purse Women Crossbody Bag Summer Beach Shoulder Bags Envelope Wallet Handbags.
Price: $14.99 (Originally $23)

Finally, I always pack my tinted moisturizer with SPF to wear during my cruises. It's easy and comfortable while protecting my skin from the sun. The light tint adds the perfect amount of color! This tinted moisturizer from Neutrogena with SPF is on steep discount for 50% off.

Link: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturizer and Retinol Treatment with Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide, 20 Fair to Light, 1 fl. oz.
Price: $9.79 (Originally $20.99)

Woman on TikTok shares planning hack for her Royal Caribbean cruise to make packing easier

In:

Packing

17 May 2023

Packing for a cruise vacation can be stressful. Some people will put it off until the last minute, while others start planning their outfits as soon as the initial deposit it made. Regardless of when you choose to begin the process, trying to visualize what you want to bring can be difficult.

TikTok user Alexandra Goeders shared a planning hack for her Royal Caribbean cruise that she claimed was "sooo helpful."

The eight-second video, which has amassed over 8 million views and 540,000 likes since being posted in February, illustrates how Goeders utilizes the notes app to help plan her outfits.

"decided to try this hack I saw from @Ashley Lopes," reads the caption, "and it’s sooo helpful for planning out what to bring on vacation! I’m heading to Miami on Saturday and then going on a @Royal Caribbean cruise 🚢 ☀️ perfect timing since it’s supposed to snow here this weekend."

Here is a breakdown of the packing hack just in time for your next cruise!

Copy and pasting into the iPhone notes app

In the TikTok video, Goeders shows a screen recording of her phone where she has taken various pictures of herself in a full-length mirror wearing different outfits.

She holds down the image of herself and copies it, effectively cropping out the background. She then pastes the image into her notes app to help her plan when she will wear each outfit, whether it is for "sports/gym/activities," "casual/beach/pool," or "dinners/shows/dancing."

Of course, your itinerary might mean that you make some adjustments to the categories. If, for instance, you are sailing to Alaska, you will want to think about what layers you want to bring. You will be less focused with beach and pool attire!

When on the ship, it is easy to refer back to the notes app with the pictures, rather than wasting precious vacation time trying to figure out what you want to wear and trying on different outfits. You also do not want to have to scroll through a photo album trying to remember how you styled a specific outfit.

While it is helpful for all outfits, thinking ahead to evening wear might be the most important, especially if you want to partake in any of the themes. It would be harder to throw together an outfit for White Night or 70s Disco at the last minute!

Piecing together what you have and figuring out what you need to buy in advance will let you redirect your focus to important check-in and travel logistics as the cruise approaches.

Shrinking the pasted image

When I went to try the hack out myself, I noticed that when I pasted a copied image of myself into the notes app, the image was pretty large, so I had to do some research to figure out how to shrink the image!

Once the copied imaged is pasted, you have to hold down on it until a menu appears with the options "copy," "share," "small images" and "delete." Selecting "small images" will help you be able to use this hack for your next cruise vacation! Otherwise, the images will be too large for you to organize into categories like Goeders did.

Reactions

royal-caribbean-comment-packing-hack-tiktok

TikTok users are a fan of Goeders' video. Even Royal Caribbean's official TikTok commented, "Pack smarter, vacay harder."

User @mommypleaseagain said, "As a person who LOVES lists…. You have just made my heart so happy," while user @jetnerd737 wrote, "I thought I was doing good writing them out day by day for vacations!! Like I’m jaw dropped!! Game changer!!!"

@katiana_maz commented, "Super helpful when I’m trying to pack light! Someone thought I was crazy when I showed them I did this lol," meaning that even if you are packing for a weeklong cruise in a carry-on, there is nothing wrong with trying to stay organized during the packing process.

Other helpful packing tips

Bring a carry-on bag

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted by a porter who will check in your larger luggage; you will not see it again until later that afternoon. To ensure that you are prepared for embarkation day, make sure that you have a carry-on bag to hold your travel documentation and other valuables, such as electronic devices, medication, jewelry, etc.

You do not want to accidentally pack your passport in your suitcase!

Do not pack any prohibited items

Read up on what items are prohibited onboard Royal Caribbean ships. If you try and bring something on that is not allowed, it will be confiscated and kept until disembarkation. Sometimes, they will discard the item and provide no compensation.

Some things -- such as candles, weapons, drugs, and hard liquor -- make sense. Others, however, might slip your mind! You cannot bring steamers or electrical extension cords.

Use packing cubes or compression travel bags

Packing cubes or compression travel bags will help you organize your suitcase when you are in the middle of packing. Plus, they help you to pack more, which is great if you are limited on space.

They help make unpacking a breeze when you get on the ship, too. Simply take the cubes out of your suitcase and place them in the dresser and/or closet and get back to doing the fun sail away activities!

15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on

In:

Packing

04 Apr 2023

Boarding your cruise ship is one of the most exciting parts of a cruise vacation, and you want to ensure you’re prepared for embarkation day by placing valuables and documents in a carry-on bag.

Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, you can choose to leave large suitcases with porters who will then deliver your luggage onboard. This service is extremely convenient, as it allows you to board the ship without lugging around a heavy suitcase.

However, a few hours typically pass between the time you drop your luggage with the porters and the time at which your suitcase arrives in front of your cabin door. Because of this, you must have everything you need for the first day of your cruise in a carry-on bag.

Here are the top 15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on on embarkation day, from your passport to a swimsuit and bottles of wine.

Travel documents and identification

Perhaps the most critical items to pack in your cruise carry-on are the identification documents you’ll need to board the ship.

Whether you’re traveling with a passport or a birth certificate and driver’s license, keeping your identification documents on hand will be necessary in order to successfully board.

The last thing you want to happen is to put your passport in the luggage you drop off with the porters at the cruise terminal! This can severely delay your boarding as you will have to track down your luggage among the thousands of other suitcases in the terminal.

Aside from your identification, you might need the following documents handy:

Name change form or marriage certificate (if traveling with a birth certificate and driver’s license with mismatched names)
Authorization for a minor to travel without a parent form (if you’re cruising with a minor of whom you’re not a legal guardian)
Printed SeaPass boarding pass (if you’re not using the Royal Caribbean app)

Money and credit cards

You should always keep your money and credit cards with you in your carry-on bag on embarkation day. Although the chances are extremely slim that your luggage gets lost at the cruise terminal, there’s always a small possibility of delays in receiving your luggage.

Because of this, keep your wallet in your carry-on bag to avoid added stress if you cannot promptly find your suitcase.

Prescription medication

Traveling with prescription medication? Make sure to put it in your carry-on bag instead of the luggage you drop off at the cruise terminal.

There’s no guarantee when the luggage you dropped off at the cruise terminal will arrive in front of your stateroom door. It could arrive at 3PM, but it could just as easily arrive at 5 or 6PM instead.

If you have medications you need on the first day of your cruise, no matter the time, be sure to keep the medication with you at all times during the embarkation process.

Swimsuit

One of the best times to enjoy time on the pool deck during your cruise is on embarkation day.

With all the excitement and chaos found on the first day of a Royal Caribbean cruise, many passengers forget to bring a swimsuit in their carry-on bag. This means far fewer guests are using the pools and jacuzzis, as they have to wait until their luggage arrives to change into a swimsuit.

Beat the crowds on the pool deck by packing a swimsuit in your carry-on bag. You can change into the swimsuit in one of the public bathrooms on the pool deck and enjoy nearly empty pools for the first few hours of your cruise.

Sunscreen

In addition to a swimsuit, don’t forget to pack sunscreen in your carry-on!

By the second day of your cruise, you’re almost guaranteed to see several passengers with shockingly bad sunburns. More often than not, these passengers spent the first day of their cruise in the sun without applying sunscreen.

Don’t forget to put sunscreen in your carry-on bag. Even if you forget and want to buy sunscreen onboard, all shops will be closed until your cruise ship sets sail, leaving you to either risk getting burnt or spend the whole day in the shade.

Phone and electronics

Before entering the cruise terminal, make sure you have your cell phone! It’s far easier to board a Royal Caribbean cruise with a phone handy. You can easily open the Royal Caribbean app to scan your SeaPass card, which will be scanned several times during the boarding process.

Make sure you don’t accidentally leave your phone in your car (or worse, at home) en route to the cruise terminal!

In addition to your phone, make sure you pack any other important electronic devices in your carry-on bag. Laptops, cameras, and tablets are just some of the items you should keep with you instead of in your suitcase.

Not only is it better to keep valuables on hand, but you may want to use these items on embarkation day before your checked luggage arrives.

Chargers

In addition to electronics, we recommend keeping chargers in your cruise ship carry-on bag.

Your phone or other electronic devices may run out of juice on embarkation day, and it’s always better to have easy access to a charger rather than wait for your luggage to arrive with a dead phone!

If you travel with several electronics, you may even want to use a handy organizer (this contains an affiliate link) to keep your electronics and cables in one place.

Sunglasses and glasses

Most cruises visit sunny destinations, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Because of this, sunglasses are a necessity for most passengers to remain comfortable throughout the sailing.

We advise packing sunglasses in your carry-on bag, as you will likely spend significant time outside in the sun on embarkation day. Whether relaxing at the pool or watching the sunset during sailaway, you’ll want access to sunglasses before your luggage arrives to your stateroom.

Additionally, if you occasionally use glasses but aren’t wearing them in the cruise terminal, make sure to keep them in your carry-on bag to avoid damage in your checked luggage.

Wine, water, and non-alcoholic refreshments

Do you plan to bring drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Be sure to bring drinks with you into the cruise terminal rather than dropping them off with the porters.

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise are permitted to bring select beverages onboard:

One 750ml bottle of wine per adult in stateroom
Up to twelve 17 oz. cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages
Milk and distilled water for infant, medical, or dietary use

If you have drinks in the bag you give to the porters, it will get flagged by security when it goes through the scanner. Security has the right to check luggage for prohibited liquids like hard liquor, beer, and seltzer.

If they check your bag, there’s a good chance it will be delayed and you may find yourself at Guest Services in the afternoon inquiring about when your bag will arrive.

It may be a hassle to carry drinks with you during the embarkation process, but it’s the best way to bring these beverages onboard.

Supplies for kids

If you’re cruising with kids, a little more preparation is necessary in order to ensure you have everything you need in your cruise carry-on.

To account for several hours without your main pieces of luggage, place items like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, baby food, formula, and a sippy cup in your carry-on.

You might also want to consider packing snacks for your kids on the first day of the cruise. While the embarkation process is usually relatively quick, a small delay could cause kids to get irritable and hungry. Having a granola bar or bag of chips on hand can avoid any potential temper tantrums!

Tennis shoes

We always recommend wearing tennis shoes on the first day of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Tennis shoes take up more space in your luggage than most other footwear, and wearing them on embarkation day (and the preceding travel days) can save room in your luggage for extra clothes or cruise ship necessities.

Not only does wearing tennis shoes save luggage space, but you might need tennis shoes to participate in select onboard activities on embarkation day. The zip line, for example, requires guests to wear closed-toed shoes, so your trusty pair of flip flops won’t cut it.

Other activities, like the Sports Court, also require closed-toed shoes, and the rock climbing wall requires guests to wear socks.

Change of clothes

If you have space in your cruise carry-on, pack a change of clothes in case your luggage does not arrive promptly to your cabin.

Packing a change of clothes is particularly important if you have an early dinner time. If your dinner in the Main Dining Room starts at 5:30PM, there’s a good chance your luggage will not make it to your cabin by the time you’re getting ready for dinner.

Without fail, you’ll see a number of passengers wearing exceptionally casual outfits to dinner on embarkation day. Most of these passengers had likely packed something different than flip flops, ripped jeans, and a tank top, but their luggage failed to arrive in time for dinner.

In addition to changing before dinner, you might want to pack an extra change of clothes in case you feel uncomfortable in the outfit you wear to the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, sweating in warm temperatures and high humidity is common on a cruise vacation, and you’ll appreciate a clean set of clothes if you find yourself breaking a sweat.

Valuable jewelry

If you are cruising with expensive or treasured jewelry, put the items in your carry-on instead of your checked suitcase.

If your luggage is delayed, you don’t want to ruin the first day of your cruise by worrying about whether or not your jewelry is missing or damaged. Plus, you may want to wear the jewelry to dinner on your first evening, and there's no guarantee your luggage will arrive in time.

Toiletries

It’s a good idea to pack small toiletry items in your cruise carry-on, such as a toothbrush, deodorant, and travel-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles. You never know when your luggage will arrive, so you’ll want important toiletries in case you have to get ready for the evening without the rest of your luggage.

You might also want to consider packing a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer to use on embarkation day. We recommend, for example, using hand sanitizer after touching the tongs in the buffet to avoid coming into contact with germs.

Lanyard

Many cruise passengers carry their SeaPass cards in a lanyard around their neck. This helps prevent the card from being lost and is convenient when making purchases around the ship.

If you plan to use a lanyard while onboard, we recommend putting it in your carry-on bag so you can place your SeaPass card in the lanyard as soon as you get to your cabin.

Cruise packing: 15 things to add to your cruise carry-on

15 things you don't need to bring on a cruise

In:

Packing

03 Mar 2023

Packing for a cruise can be stressful, especially for first-time cruisers, and many passengers are worried they aren’t packing enough for their cruise vacation.

More often than not, however, they’re packing too much for their cruise! From beach towels to hair dryers, there are many items better left at home.

Having an idea of what you should and should not bring on a cruise can help tremendously in the packing process.

Some items, like walkie talkies, are allowed onboard, but we recommend against it. Others, such as power strips, are prohibited by Royal Caribbean and will be confiscated in the cruise terminal.

Before packing for your cruise, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you don’t need to bring with you onboard. No one wants to waste precious luggage space on things they don’t end up using during their vacation—or worse, aren’t allowed onboard in the first place!

Here are the top 15 things you don’t need to bring on a cruise.

Towels

Packing beach towels is unnecessary on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as the cruise line provides towels at no extra cost to guests. These towels can be used both onboard and in port, but make sure you return your towels by the end of the cruise. If you misplace a towel, you’ll incur a $25 per towel fee!

Towels simply take up way too much space in your luggage, so it’s recommended to use the cruise line’s towels instead.

Currency of every port you visit

Depending on your cruise destination, bringing local currency may be unnecessary. Many popular cruise ports accept US dollars, especially those in the Caribbean. With so many visitors each day, these ports expect cruise ship tourists to use US dollars.

If you’re visiting Nassau, for example, US dollars and Bahamian dollars have a 1:1 ratio. There’s no problem paying with US dollars, although change may be given back in Bahamian currency.

Of course, US dollars are unlikely to be accepted in ports on cruises from Europe, Australia, and Asia, and we recommend taking local currency with you when booking itineraries outside of North America.

One of the easiest ways to handle paying in different currencies is by traveling with a debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees. Many establishments in your cruise port will accept credit card payments, especially restaurants and shops.

Using a card avoids the hassle of figuring out which currency to use and can be a safer option compared to carrying around a lot of cash.

Snacks

In most situations, you don’t need to pack snacks on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s no surprise that there is an abundance of food onboard, and you won’t need bags of pretzels, trail mix, and candy from home.

If you’re looking to bring a snack on a shore excursion, consider taking a few extra cookies from the buffet and placing them in a Ziploc bag. Alternatively, you can order snack-sized boxes of cereal from room service at no extra cost, and these make a great snack option while in port.

The one time we do see the value in packing snacks for a Royal Caribbean cruise is if you’re traveling with kids. If cruising with kids, it might be a good idea to pack a few of your child’s favorite snacks to have handy onboard.

Whether chips, granola bars, or fruit snacks, it can be handy to have snacks available both on the ship and in port.

Valuable jewelry

As much as you may love wearing sparkly jewelry, we recommend leaving your most expensive items at home or only wearing them while onboard.

While it’s unlikely anything will happen to your jewelry on a Royal Caribbean cruise, wearing valuable jewelry in port can draw unwanted attention to yourself and your travel party.

In addition, we also recommend leaving your Apple Watch in your cabin while in port, or at the very least putting it in your daypack. Wearing expensive items in port is, more often than not, not worth the risk.

Bulky stroller

Cruising with kids? It’s best to leave your big, bulky stroller at home.

Cruise ships are confined spaces, and it can be tough to navigate the ship with a large stroller. Not only that, but taking a bulky stroller into port can be complicated, as many cruise ports may have narrow, uneven sidewalks that make pushing a stroller difficult.

Instead, bring an umbrella stroller onboard. Umbrella strollers pack down easily and are much more lightweight, making travel with these strollers a breeze. Royal Caribbean does not provide these strollers onboard, so be sure to bring one with you from home.

Computer

Packing a laptop for your cruise? Unless you’re working remotely on a Royal Caribbean cruise, we advise leaving your computer at home.

While some travelers think they may want their computer to check emails and connect with friends and family onboard, bringing a laptop is an unnecessary hassle.

Instead, use your cellphone for any technology needs onboard, from checking in to a flight to researching ports of call. If you really need to use a computer while onboard, you’ll find public computers available around the ship.

Brand new shoes

A pre-cruise shopping trip can be fun, but rethink those brand-new shoes you bought for the trip. Although cruising is relaxing, it often involves a lot of walking, and no one wants to deal with painful blisters on vacation!

If you buy new shoes for a cruise, be sure to wear them a few times at home before the cruise begins. This will help ensure you break the shoes in properly before your trip, which can alleviate the risk of blisters and feeling uncomfortable on vacation.

It’s usually a better idea to only pack shoes you’re confident will be comfortable throughout the sailing. After all, no one knows if you’ve worn a pair of shoes 200 times before, so bring your trusty pair of sandals as opposed to a brand-new pair.

Walkie talkies

Not only are walkie talkies an unnecessary item to pack for a cruise, but the noise they produce can be annoying to other passengers. Plus, they don’t work very well onboard, as the metal walls on cruise ships produce significant interference.

Instead of bringing walkie talkies on your cruise, use the Royal Caribbean app. Royal Caribbean’s app has a complimentary chat feature where you can message others in your travel party.

Communicating via the Royal Caribbean app works much better than walkie talkies. It’s completely free even if you don’t have a wifi package for the sailing.

Over the door shoe organizer

A popular cruise cabin hack is bringing an over the door shoe organizer to provide extra storage space in your stateroom. Many cruisers like to bring these to store not only shoes, but toiletries, snacks, and other accessories.

When we tried an over the door shoe organizer on a recent cruise, though, we deemed it to be more of a hassle than it’s worth. While you can fit many items in the organizer’s spacious pockets, we didn’t feel the extra storage space was necessary.

Most Royal Caribbean cabins—especially those on newer ships—have more than enough storage in the room. In fact, there’s often more storage space than you’ll need, so wasting packing space with an over the door shoe organizer isn’t needed.

Hair dryer

All Royal Caribbean cabins are equipped with a hair dryer, so in most cases, there’s no need to pack your own. For most passengers, a hair dryer will take up too much luggage space and isn’t worth the trouble.

However, if your hair requires careful styling, you may want to consider bringing your own hairdryer. You can find several travel-sized hair dryers on Amazon, which may work well for those with limited luggage space.

Flowy dresses

So you’ve found the most chic dress for your cruise and can’t wait to wear it onboard. The only problem? The outdoor decks on cruise ships can be extremely windy, and you definitely don’t want to put your underwear on display for everyone onboard!

Before packing short, flowy dresses, it’s important to understand that there’s a (strong) possibility these dresses will fly up in the wind. While you can certainly still pack flowy dresses, bring a pair of shorts to wear under the dress and/or avoid windy outdoor decks while wearing the item.

Prohibited items

Now that we’ve discussed the items you don’t need to bring on a cruise, let’s move on to the items you can’t bring on a cruise. Like all cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has a list of prohibited items.

If you bring a prohibited item on a cruise, the item will be confiscated at the cruise terminal and you can pick it up once you pass through the terminal on disembarkation day.

Here are the most common prohibited items cruisers try to bring onboard that you should avoid:

Clothing iron

Clothing irons pose a fire hazard and thus are prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise (and there aren't any irons in your cabin either). Unfortunately, this means your clothes may sport more wrinkles than you’d prefer during your sailing.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean offers dry cleaning and pressing services onboard, although it comes with a per item cost. You can expect to pay around $6.99 to have a long sleeved shirt dry cleaned and pressed, and $13.99 for a dress.

Alternatively, you can pack wrinkle release spray for your cruise, which may help to remove any unwanted wrinkles in your outfits.

Pool floaties

While pizza and unicorn-shaped pool floaties are all the rage on Instagram, they’re not permitted on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Inner tubes, pool noodles, floating mats, and other floating devices are not permitted in the pools on Royal Caribbean.

Arm floaties for kids are tolerated, but your best bet if traveling with kids is to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s complimentary swim vests. These are available on the pool deck and come in four sizes: infant, children, youth, and adult small.

While floating devices (outside of swim vests) are not allowed onboard, you may be able to use them in beaches or pools in your ports of call.

Power strips

Cruise ship cabins, especially on older ships, have limited outlets. This leads many first-time cruisers to pack power strips in their luggage, but this is prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Power strips with an extension cord are a fire hazard and will be withheld from your luggage on embarkation day.

Instead, consider packing a USB hub or outlet extender. Unlike power strips, these items are permitted onboard and can drastically increase the amount of outlet availability in your cabin.

Alcohol

Bringing alcohol onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships is strictly prohibited, aside from one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult in your cabin.

Beer and spirits are prohibited, and sneaking liquor on your ship is not recommended.

If you’re hoping to save money on alcohol on your cruise, you have a few options:

Book a drink package early and reprice it if the cost goes down
Save money by drinking in port instead of onboard
Ask for the drink of the day, which is usually a few dollars cheaper than other cocktails
Take advantage of bringing your own wine onboard

Do not, under any circumstances, bring liquor onboard. It's not worth the risk!

Complete list of prohibited items:

Firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas
Sharp objects (shaving products and scissors with a blade less than 4 inches are allowed)
Illegal drugs and substances
CBD oil and products
Candles and incense
Coffee makers
Clothes irons and travel steamers
Hot plates
Hoverboards
Martial arts, self defense, and sports gear
Flammable liquids and explosives
Hookahs
HAM radios
Baby monitors
Electrical extension cords
Dangerous chemicals
Perishable food and meat products
Alcoholic beverages (except permitted amount of wine)

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15 things you don't need to pack for a cruise

40 essential things to bring on a cruise

In:

Packing

18 Feb 2023

Packing for your cruise might be a little stress-inducing. There’s nothing worse than getting onboard your cruise ship and realizing you forgot something back home.

As such, I always have my go-to list of essential things that I bring on my cruise vacations. While packing, I go through my list of everything essential that I need to bring. I am always grateful to have everything on this essential list, even if some of these items are just preventative (like band-aids, seasickness medication and stain remover pens).

Here’s my list of 40 essential things that I always bring on my cruises, along with links to some of our favorite Amazon products.

1. Packing Cubes

I didn’t understand the hype around packing cubes until I tried them for myself last year. Now, I am the biggest fan of these little packing cubes and literally never travel without them.

Packing cubes help keep your suitcase perfectly organized. I’ve also found that I can simply pack more because they slightly compress everything. Since I often cruise with just a carry-on, optimizing the small space is important.

The best part of it all? Once you get onboard your cruise ship, packing cubes make it SO much easier to get settled into your stateroom. You can whip out your packed cubes and simply place them in the drawers and shelves of your stateroom.

Link to Amazon

2. Compression Travel Bags

In addition to packing cubes, I’ve also started to utilize these compression travel bags that are super convenient and easy to use.

Simply pack your clothes inside and roll the bag to release air. These types of compression bags truly save so much space, especially for bulkier items that you need to pack, like your winter coat for an Alaskan cruise! Another reason I love these compression bags is that they will protect your clothes from any water that gets inside your luggage.

Link to Amazon

3. Portable Phone Charger

If you’re going on a cruise, it’s essential to pack a portable phone charger, especially if you’re sailing on an older ship with limited outlets and plugins. Older ships might only have one or two outlets in each stateroom - and they likely won’t be near your bed.

A portable charger is also great for long days spent in port exploring or on an excursion. You won’t want your phone battery to die, so having a portable charger is a must.

Link to Amazon

4. Apple AirTags

Easily track your cruise items with Apple AirTags - I never travel or cruise without one these days.

Apple AirTags are tiny tracking devices that you can use to monitor the location of your belongings; you simply use the Find My app on your iPhone to do this. Utilizing Bluetooth technology, these AirTags are the perfect solution for you to place in your suitcase to bring on your cruise.

After experiencing airport chaos last year and hearing horror stories of bags getting left behind at the cruise port, having Apple AirTags allows me to track my items accurately and in real-time.

Link to Amazon (or link to 4-pack)

5. Travel Jewelry Organizer

For ladies, packing jewelry can be unnecessarily difficult for cruising. There’s nothing worse than having tangled or damaged necklaces.

I absolutely love cruising with my travel-sized jewelry organizer. Having a small case for my jewelry makes it easy to travel with. A hard-sided travel organizer like this also ensures that your jewelry will not get damaged while packed away.

Link to Amazon

6. Electronics Organizer

If you’re like me, you travel with quite a few electronics. I probably cruise with more electronics than the average cruiser if I am doing work for Royal Caribbean Blog or Cruise.Blog because I need to pack multiple cameras.

As such, I purchased this electronics organizer for traveling and cruising - it’s been a total game changer! This organizer has tons of pouches and mesh pockets to keep everything perfectly organized in my carry-on bag and even in my stateroom.

Link to Amazon

7. Collapsable Duffle for Souvenirs

A new essential thing that I’ve started to bring on a cruise is an empty duffle bag. I’ve learned that I always love to shop on a cruise, especially in more unique destinations where I want a lot of souvenirs. I also don’t want to spend my last cruise night strategically stuffing my belongings back into my suitcase.

This collapsable duffle is perfect because it takes up very little space but it can come in handy when we’ve really helped support the local economies.

Link to Amazon

8. Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on your cruise is very important. It’s super easy to get dehydrated when you’re drinking alcohol and spending a lot of time in the sun. In general, traveling dehydrates our bodies.

It’s essential to pack a reusable water bottle for your cruise. I never cruise without mine and I bring it everywhere from my stateroom to the pool deck and off the ship for excursions.

Link to Amazon

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

There are a few different cosmetic bags that I travel with, but I absolutely always cruise with my hanging toiletry bag. The bathrooms are so tiny on a cruise ship and counter space is limited. I prefer to have my toiletries hanging in a cosmetic bag on the door to keep the counter less cluttered.

I've cruised with these hanging cosmetic bags for decades; it especially saved space when I cruised with my family having four of us share one bathroom!

Link to Amazon

10. USB Outlet Extender

If you’re cruising with multiple people in your stateroom, you will likely want more available plugins in your cabin. While newer ships are starting to incorporate more outlets in each cabin, older ships are still limited to just one or two outlets.

Consider packing this foldable power strip with multiple outlets and USB plugs. This will allow you to charge many more devices.

Link to Amazon

11. Pop-Up Hamper

This is another cruise essential that I absolutely love! Packing a pop-up hamper takes up very little space in the bottom of your suitcase and fits perfectly in your cruise ship cabin closet when it pops up.

As you have dirty clothes throughout the week, toss them into the hamper so they don’t overtake your closet and clean clothes.

Link to Amazon

12. Lanyard with Key Holder

Onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will have a SeaPass card to use, which is how you will purchase items onboard and access your stateroom. As such, you have to carry it everywhere!

(Here's a candid shot of my sister and Royal Caribbean Blog social media manager, Angie, wearing her lanyard with our dad)

I prefer to have a lanyard with a card holder that I can take around the ship. This can easily go over my neck as I wander around the ship without having to bring my purse or wallet.

My favorite brand is the Vera Bradley lanyard with a zip ID case; I've used this same lanyard for probably 10 years and it's the perfect balance between functional and cute.

Link to Amazon

13. Luggage Tag Holders

Printing off your luggage tags is an essential step for preparing for your cruise, but I always find that I never have a stapler or tape to properly add them to my luggage.

These plastic tag holders are perfect for cruising and it protects the tag from getting ripped off at the cruise terminal.

Link to Amazon

14. Magnetic Hooks

Your cruise ship cabin is made of magnetic walls, so you should definitely pack these handy little magnetic hooks for your stateroom!

These magnetic hooks are very strong and perfect for a variety of uses, from holding your hats, towels and jackets to decorating your cabin or door.

Link to Amazon

15. Sea Bands

As much as we all hope not to get sick onboard our cruise, it can happen to the best of us. I lived on a cruise ship for 100 days and relied on these Sea Bands to keep me healthy and help with potential sea sickness.

Calista tried the best seasickness remedies

These bands rely on acupuncture practice as a simple and effective way to provide nausea relief.

Link to Amazon

16. Motion Sickness Medication

In the way of seasickness, it’s essential that you always pack motion sickness medication for your cruise. You never know when nausea will strike when you are sailing at sea.

I prefer to cruise with these travel-sized containers. Dramamine makes a less drowsy formula, which is perfect for during the day when I don’t want to get too sleepy from the medication. The small container is easy to keep in my purse or bag while ashore too - as bus, boat and taxi rides can all induce motion sickness.

Link to Amazon

17. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

Keeping healthy is a top priority when cruising. Illnesses can spread in a variety of ways, especially on a cruise in close quarters. I keep these hand sanitizers attached directly to my lanyard that holds my SeaPass card.

I find myself sanitizing frequently while I cruise, especially after using the tongs in the Windjammer before indulging in my plate of food.

Link to Amazon

18. Pack of Laundry Detergent

On a longer cruise, another essential that I always bring is a travel-size packet of laundry detergent. Even though I get a free laundry bag onboard the ship, I am leery of handing off my dirty clothes to be washed onboard because I’ve heard horror stories.

I lived at sea for 100 days and did my laundry exclusively in the sink and shower with these little Tide laundry detergent packets. It gets the job done!

Link to Amazon

19. Liquid IV Hydration

Staying hydrated is so important when you cruise. In addition to bringing a reusable water bottle, I absolutely always pack these Liquid IV packets - I am obsessed! These are hydration multipliers that you can add to water to boost your electrolytes.

Personally, I love the strawberry flavor (linked below), but all of the Liquid IV flavors that I’ve tried have been excellent. I can truly tell a difference in my hydration when I use these on a cruise, as I know those mojitos are not doing my hydration any favors!

Link to Amazon

20. Variety of OTC Medication

One essential that I never cruise without is my tiny ‘pharmacy’. In a small pouch, I bring a variety of over-the-counter medication just to have on hand. Because medicine is so expensive onboard and I do not want to buy medication in port, I cruise with a small amount of medication.

It’s essential for me to bring a multi-symptom combo pack of daytime/nighttime cold and flu because it covers a variety of symptoms. Other essential OTC medication that I always cruise with in my tiny pharmacy includes laxatives, Imodium, sleep aid, nasal congestion spray, antihistamine, and cough drops.

Link to Amazon

21. Mini First Aid and Emergency Kit

You never know when an emergency will strike, even on your cruise vacation! For this reason, I always travel with a mini first aid and emergency kit.

This mini emergency kit includes band-aids, gauze, alcohol wipes, a mini tweezers and so much more. I have peace of mind cruising with this little kit - and it’s the perfect size to fit in a backpack.

Link to Amazon

22. Wrinkle Release Spray

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to wear a wrinkly dress on a cruise ship! Without an iron onboard due to fire hazard, it’s not uncommon to have very wrinkly clothes.

For this reason, it’s essential for me to pack wrinkle release spray. This travel-sized bottle is perfect for cruising and really helps get out those big wrinkles after I stuff my suitcase full of cruise clothes.

Link to Amazon

23. Swimsuit

This might seem like a no brainer when it comes to essential things to bring on a cruise, but some might not think if they are cruising to cooler destinations, like Norway, Iceland and Alaska, that they do not need a swimsuit.

However, it’s essential for me to pack a swimsuit - even to cooler destinations! Most of Royal Caribbean’s ships sailing to these cooler destinations have a covered Solarium with a heated pool. Additionally, there’s never a bad time for a hot tub. If you’re cruising somewhere cool, consider packing a long sleeve swimsuit to keep warm.

Link to Amazon

24. Swimsuit Cover-Up

Along with a swimsuit, it’s essential to pack a swimsuit cover-up, or at least something that you can wear between the pool deck, deck and around the ship.

You’ll also need to cover up before you can grab food in the Windjammer on Royal Caribbean ships, so it’s best to always have one on hand.

Link to Amazon

25. Travel-Size Sunscreen

If you’re planning to spend any amount of time in the sun on your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s essential to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.

If I am driving to the cruise port, I pack a bigger bottle of sunscreen for my husband and I; but if we are flying to a cruise, I don’t always check a bag so I love to pack travel-sized sunscreen lotion. In my experience, lotion goes further than spray.

Link to Amazon

26. Moisturizer with SPF

Similar to my travel-sized sunscreen, I always travel with an SPF moisturizer. Even if I am not basking in the sun or actively on the beach, I prefer to wear an SPF moisturizer to keep my skin protected.

Personally, I prefer this tinted moisturizer, as it’s perfect for cruising because it’s protective, easy to travel with and adds a little color to my skin.

Link to Amazon

27. Beach Bag

It’s essential to pack a beach bag or small backpack on a cruise. Even if you plan to spend most of your time onboard, you will still be hauling things from your cabin to the pool deck, like flip flops, books, sunglasses, cover ups, towels, sunscreen, etc.

I prefer to use a beach bag or some sort of canvas tote around the ship. A small backpack also works great if you are going ashore as well.

Link to Amazon

28. Kindle

Gone are the days of lugging around old fashioned books on your cruises. Cruising is about the only time I catch up on books that I’ve been wanting to read.

I prefer to travel with my Kindle these days because it takes up way less space in my suitcase than hauling around big books.

Link to Amazon

29. Sunglasses

Regardless of where I am cruising, it’s essential that I pack sunglasses. Even the Alaskan snow can be bright enough to require sunglasses.

I’m a budget traveler, so I prefer to cruise with a cheap pair of sunglasses so I won’t be heartbroken when I, inevitably, lose or break them.

Link to Amazon

30. Ziplock baggies

It’s essential for me to pack a few empty ziplock baggies for a cruise. These are so versatile, from keeping cash dry at the beach to packing a snack for excursions. You can bring a variety of bag sizes, but sandwich is my preferred.

Link to Amazon

31. Converter with USB Plugs

Most cruise ships have limited outlets in each stateroom, but it’s common to find European outlets in your cabin. I hated seeing these go unused, so I started to bring a European adapter with USB ports.

These work great for cruises and it's an essential thing for me to bring now.

Link to Amazon

32. Chapstick (with SPF)

Cruise ships are always very dry, so I’d rather be buried alive than be stuck on a cruise ship without chapstick. I lather my lips multiple times a day, especially when I am cruising. I prefer to bring chapstick with SPF so my lips stay moisturized and protected from the sun.

Link to Amazon

33. Poo-pourri

This one goes without much explanation, but you know all of that food you eat on a cruise has to go somewhere. That tiny bathroom can really hold a stench for longer than you'd imagine.

It’s essential for me to travel with a travel-sized air freshener to keep in the cabin.

Link to Amazon

34. Liquid Hand Soap

This one might seem unnecessary, but it’s essential for me to bring a small bottle of hand soap to keep in my stateroom bathroom.

I hate using that little bar of soap and I feel like it’s just a small luxury that’s worthwhile; this is especially true if it’s a longer cruise where I will be planning to spend more time in my cabin.

Link to Amazon

35. My own shampoo and conditioner

That mystery liquid in the shower onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise? Definitely not my favorite. It leaves my hair stringy and dry. It’s absolutely essential for me to pack my own shampoo and conditioner.

In addition, if I have enough space, I like to pack my own body wash. If it’s a last resort, I will use the 3-in-1 product for body wash, but I will always have my own shampoo and conditioner packed for a cruise.

Link to Amazon

36. Rubber Birkenstocks

Since moving to Florida, I purchased a pair of rubber Birkenstock sandals for the beach because my regular Birkenstocks weren't loving all the sun, sand and water. This was a nice upgrade from my $1 Old Navy flip flops.

Now, I never cruise without them! These rubber sandals are perfect for the beach or pool because they dry quickly, but they’re also very comfortable for walking in port too.

Link to Amazon

37. Onboard Clutch

Ladies will know that it’s essential to have a purse that’s dedicated for evenings onboard a cruise ship.

I don’t want to lug around my daytime purse or backpack when I’m out and about on the cruise ship, so having a small clutch is the perfect solution.

Link to Amazon

38. Tide to Go Stain Remover

These handy little stain removing pens are perfect for cruising. It comes in clutch to have a Tide to Go Stick when my husband or I inevitably stain our cruise clothes.

Link to Amazon

39. Passport and Vaccination Card

Closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same US port allow cruisers to sail with just a birth certificate in leu of a passport. It is essential for me to always bring my passport when I cruise, as I never want to be stuck outside of the country without my passport.

Likewise, I always bring my COVID-10 vaccination certification when I cruise. It might not be required anymore, but I plan to bring it for the foreseeable future.

40. Extra prescription medication

Itineraries can change at anytime; it’s on the dotted line we all sign every time we book a cruise. Because you never know what could happen, I always cruise with extra doses of my prescription medication. I don’t want to ever rely on the cruise ship or a local port to accommodate my health needs.

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40 essential things to bring on a cruise

What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

In:

Packing

16 Feb 2023

Knowing what to pack for your upcoming cruise can be stressful, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser with Royal Caribbean. From beach days to formal nights, there’s a lot to consider when you're packing for your cruise vacation.

For example, you’ll need to consider where your cruise is sailing to, as certain destinations will have different weather and climates. Also, you’ll want to consider how long your cruise is to pack appropriately for your sailing’s dress codes. The number of sea days can impact what you plan to pack, as you’ll either be spending more time onboard the ship or exploring ports of call.

In addition, the amount you plan to pack can be impacted by whether you plan to fly or drive to your cruise departure port. If you are flying to your cruise departure port, you will need to consider airline restrictions on luggage. Also, you will need to decide if you plan to check your luggage or travel solely with a carry-on.

At the end of the day, what you pack for a fun 3-night sailing to the Bahamas will be totally different than what you plan to wear on a 12-night cruise to Norway or 7-night cruise to Alaska.

Here’s what to wear on a cruise that works for all of Royal Caribbean’s dress codes, including destination-specific ideas. We've also included outfit ideas from Amazon with links to every item within each section.

Please note, these are affiliate links, meaning Royal Caribbean Blog receives a small commission if you purchase any items through the links below, which does not cost you anything additional. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

Overview of Dress Codes

Overall, Royal Caribbean’s dress code is fairly laid back with just a few general rules to keep in mind. It’s important to remember that these dress codes apply only to the main dining room. If you plan to eat in the Windjammer buffet for most of your meals, you don’t need to follow these guidelines.

Royal Caribbean outlines their dress code requirements online. You can expect to find three different dress codes on your Royal Caribbean cruise: Casual, Smart Casual, and Formal (or Dress Your Best).

Shorts are not permitted in the main dining room for dinner for any of the dress codes on Royal Caribbean cruises, other than breakfast or lunch meals.

Here are a few basic definitions of each dress code according to Royal Caribbean standards.

Casual: Exactly as it implies - you are on vacation, after all! Casual dress code implies jeans, sundresses, blouses, and polos are all aligned with being laid back on vacation. Swimwear needs to be kept to the pool deck. Shorts are acceptable for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room.
Smart Casual: Consider this a step up from typical dinner wear. Outfits for this evening could include collar shirts, dresses, skirts, and blouses or pantsuits. For men, snazzy jackets, sports coats, and blazers are welcome.
Formal or Dress Your Best: This is the night you’ll want to dress your fanciest. Consider packing cocktail dresses, evening gowns, ties, tuxedos, or suits for your best black-tie look.

Packing for your sailing’s more formal evening depends on how long your sailing is. Shorter sailings (3- to 5-night cruises) will have a "Dress Your Best" evening dress code while longer sailings (6+ nights) will have Formal Night onboard. If your cruise is even longer (11+ nights), you could have up to 3 Formal Nights.

Formal Night and Dress Your Best are essentially synonymous. Since shorter sailings are typically the most casual, Royal Caribbean tries to use more laid-back nomenclature. It’s up to each ship’s discretion to determine how many Formal Nights will take place onboard.

In all honesty, the formal evenings onboard have become more and more casual over the years.

While I used to go all-out and pack ballgowns and high-heels, I’ve gravitated more towards versatile dresses that can easily be dressed up or down. Perhaps I will curl my hair and wear a little extra makeup on formal night these days. For my husband, he prefers to wear his sports coat or casual blazer rather than a tuxedo or suit.

This isn’t to say that you can’t dress to the nines in black-tie or evening gowns; rather, it’s truthfully no longer the standard. This is especially true if you’re sailing on a shorter cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas.

Now that you have a basic idea of how Royal Caribbean defines its dress codes, let’s take a look at what you can wear for each. We’ve broken these down by destination, along with including outfit ideas for sea days.

What to wear on your European cruise

If you’re cruising to ports of call around Europe with Royal Caribbean, you’re most likely sailing during late spring, summer, or early fall. The vast majority of Royal Caribbean’s European sailings start in April or May and end in September or October.

European style features more neutral colors with muted patterns and bright colors.

Therefore, you can plan to pack casual wear for warmer weather. In my experience, generally, Europeans dress a bit nicer and follow the dress codes more strictly. Even on casual evenings, most guests look very polished and fashionable.

Depending on where you are cruising in Europe can also impact what you pack. Itineraries to the Mediterranean will have warmer weather with higher temperatures, especially in places like Italy, Greece, Spain, and France.

Northern Europe, including the Baltics, Norway, Iceland, and United Kingdom, will have cooler weather with more chances of rain. Cooler climates can add layers, such as a jean jacket or light sweater.

Casual Wear

Women can look to wear casual dresses, light-wash jeans, and rompers with blue hues to add a pop of color, this is especially perfect for the Greek Islands! These are great outfits that can also be worn during the day while you explore incredible ports like Rome, Paris, and Athens.

Men should pack a variety of polos and t-shirts for casual nights on a European cruise, along with either dark or light jeans. Similar to women, we've picked hues of blue and white to perfectly align with your Mediterranean cruise.

Women’s Links to Casual Outfits:

Casual Summer Short Sleeve, Black Dress

Tie Back, Ruffle Strap A-Line Flow, White & Blue Striped Dress

White Blouse with Sweetheart Neckline and Puff-Sleeves, Smocked

Summer Short Sleeve Romper, White Stripes

Short Sleeve, V-Neck Casual Midi Dress, Light Blue Tie-Wrap Dress

Levi’s Women’s Premium 501 Skinny Jeans, Light Wash

Men’s Links to Casual Outfits:

Men’s Casual Front Placket Basic Short Sleeve Henley T-Shirts

Men’s Classic Nautica Short Sleeve Performance Polo Shirt: Light Blue

Men’s Dark Wash Levis, Straight Fit

Men’s Light Wash Levis, Slim Fit

White Striped Golf Polo, Quick Dry Casual

Smart Casual

If you are packing for a European cruise with Royal Caribbean, you’ll want to ensure you’ve packed outfits for evenings onboard the ship. Picture sailing away into the sunset from Italy, Spain, or Greece after you’ve had an incredible day exploring in the sun.

Again, in my experience, Europeans dress more polished and on-trend than anywhere else I’ve cruised. It’s best to pack appropriately with dresses for women and a few button-down shirts for men.

For women, mid-length dresses are perfect for Smart Casual evenings onboard, along with summery skirts or capris. The whites and blues are perfect for Mediterranean cruises while cooler climates can consider adding a blazer or stylish jacket for Northern Europe.

Most of the time, men can wear a variety of button-down shirts for Smart Casual nights on European cruises with Royal Caribbean, especially breezy shirts made of linen for warmer sailings. Linen pants are great to pack for warmer months because it's very breathable.

Women’s Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Casual Summer Flutter Sleeve Navy Dress, Smocked Waist

Off Shoulder, Casual Midi Dress with High Waist, Light Blue

Bohemian Floral Printed Blue Maxi Skirt with Pockets

Women’s Casual V-Neck Blouse, Bell Sleeve, Royal Blue

Women’s Ease Into Comfort Capri with buttons, White Capris

Men's Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Black button down smart casual shirt

Khaki Dockers, Classic Fit 360 FlexPants

White and Blue Stripped Button Down

White Linen Matching Set for Men

Formal Night

Of all the destinations you can cruise with Royal Caribbean, you can expect the most participation on Formal Night if you’re sailing on a European itinerary. This has been consistent across all of my European cruises and continues to be the trend.

Similar to other European outfit ideas, I would encourage you to stick to more neutral colors and save the bright colors and bold patterns for your Caribbean sailing. Of course, these are just ideas for what you could consider wearing on formal night.

Women can wear full-length evening gowns or maxi dresses. I’ve chosen a variety of dresses in the image below with differing necklines, material, sleeve length, and style. Keep in mind, a more casual dress can be dressed up with heels, accessories, and some bolder makeup.

Men should consider wearing a suit and tie on Formal Night, according to Royal Caribbean’s guide. A long-sleeve collared shirt with a tie, paired with nice dress pants, can also work well on Formal Night.

Women’s Links to Formal Outfits:

Navy Women’s Evening Formal, Long Dress

Black Women’s Elegant Dress, Off Shoulder, Fitted

Velvet, Dark Green Dress for Women, Bell Sleeve

Royal Blue, Elegant Loose Chiffon Dress for Women

Alex Evening Women’s Mesh Sleeve Dress, Embellished

Men's Links to Formal Outfits:

Docker’s Men’s Classic Fit, Long Sleeve Signature Comfort Flex Button Down Shirt

Men’s Casual Sport Coat, Suit Blazer

Men's 3-piece, Slim Fit Suit Set, including Blazer, Suit Vest and Dress Pants

What to wear on your Caribbean cruise

Packing for your Caribbean cruise will include bright colors, tropical patterns, and plenty of swimsuits. You’ll be sailing in warm climates and spending your day in the sun or at the beach, so you can plan to wear most of your summer and spring clothes.

Also, shorter Caribbean sailings, or those with less than 5 nights, will have the most casual atmosphere on a Royal Caribbean cruise - so keep this in mind while packing. Generally speaking, Caribbean cruises are all about relaxing, letting loose, and having fun.

Here’s a breakdown of what to wear on your Caribbean cruise that works well for each of Royal Caribbean’s dress codes.

Casual

To pack for casual nights onboard your Caribbean cruise, women can look to bring bright sundresses, tropical patterns, and colorful outfits. I love to pack my dresses that are bright colors, like pink and yellow - these are just quintessential Caribbean cruise outfits for me.

For men, this is your time to pack those Hawaiian shirts or fun patterns! Although shorts aren’t permitted in the dining room, pairing these fun patterned shirts with jeans is perfect for a casual night on a Caribbean cruise for men.

Women’s Links to Casual Outfits:

Women’s Ditsy Floral Plunge Deck, Tie Back

Strapless Casual Summer Dress, Tropical Pink

Women’s Wrap V-Neck Sleeveless Sundress, Red Floral

Women’s Smocked Romper, Tie Sleeve, Smocked Bodice

High Waist, Pattern Beach Linen Pants for Women

Men's Links to Casual Outfits:

Nautica Men’s Coral Polo, Cotton Stretch

Men’s Casual Hawaiian Shirt, Palm Trees

Amazon Basic, Men’s Athletic Stretch Jeans in Black

Men’s Duo-Pattern, Flamingo Button Down Shirt for Summer

Amazon Basic, Men’s Athletic Stretch Jeans

Smart Casual

In all honesty, most Caribbean cruises are very casual for the entirety of the sailing. It’s a fine line between Smart Casual compared to just Casual night, especially on a sun-filled Caribbean cruise.

For Smart Casual evenings on a Caribbean cruise, consider packing outfits that are just a bit more dressy than what you’d wear for casual night. I've selected a jumpsuit, versatile blouse, floral skirt, and two dresses that would work well with Royal Caribbean's dress code.

Similarly, men can look to pack some khakis or grey slacks with a button-down shirt. The pink linen shirt is the perfect option for a Caribbean cruise!

Women’s Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Yellow Puff-Sleeve, Smocked Dress

Women’s Puff Sleeve, Off Shoulder Pink Dress

Women’s Teal Floral Wrap Midi Skirt

Women’s Ruffle Chiffon Sleeveless White Tank

Women’s One Strap Jumpsuit with Wide Leg

Men's Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Amazon Basic, Men 5-Pocket Khaki Stretch Twill Pants

Men’s Grey Slim Fit Casual Stretch Khaki Pants

Long Sleeve Men’s Linen Blend Shirt, Button Down

Men’s Navy Button Down, Short Sleeve Shirt

Formal Night / Dress Your Best

During your Caribbean cruise, you can count on having at least one Formal Night or Dress Your Best. Shorter cruises will call this evening Dress Your Best while longer sailings will call it Formal Night.

Either way, it’s essentially the exact same dress code and implies you should wear your fanciest outfit packed. Caribbean cruises are very casual, so you can probably leave the tuxedo and ballgown at home, if you prefer!

It’s likely going to be warm; this might be perfect for tanning on the beach or the pool deck, but not great for heavy, satin ballgowns. A shorter, more elegant dress is perfect for a Caribbean cruise on Formal Night

For men sailing on a Caribbean cruise, opt for a collared shirt and dress pants for men. You could also include a tie to dress up the look.

Women’s Links to Formal Night Outfits:

Women’s Tie Back, Black Summer Formal Dress, Long Sleeve, Elastic Waist

Women’s Long Sleeve V Neck Cocktail Dress, Elegant

Women’s Pink Off Shoulder Pleated Midi Dress

Sleeveless Lace Dress for Women, Blue, Knee Length for Party

Jumpsuit Romper for Women, Tie Front and Ruffle Sleeve, green

Male's Links to Formal Night Outfits:

Casual Men’s Blazer, Sport Coat: https://amzn.to/3YJ3fxt

Men’s 3-Piece Suit Set with Pants, Jacket and Vest, Slim Fit

Men’s Long Sleeve, Button-Down Collared Dress Shirt

Black Dress Pants for Men, Amazon Essentials, Slim Fit

What to wear on your Alaska cruise

Alaska is known for its stunning scenery - and it’s one of our favorite places to cruise! However, you can almost guarantee that you will run into cooler weather during your cruise. Even in the heat of summer, you can be hit with cold and rainy weather in Alaska.

Plan to pack layers for your Alaska cruise so your wardrobe is versatile for whatever weather you encounter. It’s going to be colder than any Caribbean cruise you’ve done, so packing requires a bit more planning.

Casual

For Alaska cruises, women should plan to pack casual outfits that can be versatile for daytime outfits or evening attire. You'll be packing bulky clothes and most of what you wear during the day would pass for evening casual wear.

Women should look to wear sweaters or turtlenecks with jeans or leggings. A long-sleeve dress in the evenings is also acceptable for casual night.

Men should also plan to pack versatile outfits that can work well as evening outfits for Casual Night. Consider packing half-zips, long-sleeve shirts, and crewnecks paired with jeans.

Women’s Links to Casual Night Outfits:

Grey Long Sleeve Dress for Women with High Waist

Women’s Casual Turtleneck Sweater Tunic Pullover

Long Sleeve Green Dress for Women, Empire Waist, Loose Fit

Amazon Essentials, Women’s Light Wash Jeans, High Rise

Women’s Striped Turtleneck Dress with Button Detail

Men's Links to Casual Night Outfits:

Black Long Sleeve T-Shirt for Men

Men’s Wrangler Jeans, Regular Fit, Comfort Flex, Dark Wash

Men’s Half-Zip, Long Sleeve Athletic Pullover, Lightweight

Long Sleeve Henley Shirt with Buttons for Men, Cotton Shirt

Smart Casual

When it comes to Smart Casual during your Alaska cruise, you’ll also want to consider the weather for your sailing. Again, it’s more than likely going to be pretty cool so you’ll want to pack more of your winter and fall clothes.

For women, you can look at wearing long-sleeve dresses; even a sweater dress would be perfect for Alaska. You can pair this with leggings if it’s especially chilly. Women can also pack dress pants with a long-sleeve blouse for dinner.

Men should also pack for cooler weather when thinking about Smart Casual Night, such as plaid button-down flannels and crewneck sweaters. Jackets can be layered at dinner or outside during port exploration in the cool Alaska weather.

Women’s Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Long Sleeve, Sweater Ribbed Dress with Turtleneck, Green

Long Sleeve, Midi Women’s Dress with Black Top and Pattern Bottom

Green Cocktail Dress with Long Bell Sleeve and Tie Front, Green

Black Jeans by Levi’s for Women, Traditional Jeans

Long Sleeve Blouse for Women, Pleated Sleeves, Sage Green

Men's Links to Smart Casual Outfits:

Men’s Crewneck Sweater, Soft Casual, Long Sleeve

Casual Jacket for Men, Sportswear Bomber Jacket

Amazon Essentials Men’s Athletic, Casual Fit Chino Pants in Navy

Snap Button, Flannel Shirt for Men, Regular Fit, Green Plaid

Formal Night / Dress Your Best

Most Alaska sailings will be seven nights long, so you can expect to have two Formal Nights during your Royal Caribbean cruise. Keeping with our theme of packing for cool weather, we’ve selected a few outfits that would be perfect for Formal Night on your cruise.

Women can look at packing floor-length dresses with long sleeves. Alaska is also the perfect destination for a jumpsuit with pants or pantsuit to keep warm.

Similarly for men, consider packing dress pants with a long-sleeve collared shirt for the Formal Nights on your Alaska cruise. Suits and tuxedos are also welcomed during these nights onboard.