10 Things Experienced Cruisers No Longer Pack for a Cruise
If you’re planning to go on a cruise and are wondering what to pack, it’s equally important to know what you can leave at home. In a video by Life Well Cruised, experienced cruisers share their tips on 10 things they no longer pack for a cruise vacation. First-time cruisers often overpack and bring unnecessary items, but with changing times and cruise passenger preferences, packing lists have evolved. The video offers fun and helpful cruise tips for getting ready for a cruise, applicable to various cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess. From gym clothing to water bottles, alcohol, vaccination cards, and excessive jewelry and makeup, these tips can help streamline your packing process and make your cruise experience even more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll find resources and a recommended cruise planner to assist you. Please note that the video contains affiliate links in the description, and the YouTuber cannot provide personal cruise and travel advice, but aims to share opinions, experiences, and information with fellow cruise travelers. So get ready to pack smarter and lighter for your next cruise adventure!
Things Experienced Cruisers No Longer Pack for a Cruise
Introduction of the topic and video overview
Are you a first-time cruiser who is overwhelmed with the thought of packing for your upcoming trip? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will discuss the items that experienced cruisers no longer pack for their cruises. We will provide valuable tips and tricks to help you streamline your packing process and avoid overpacking. But before we dive in, let’s take a quick video overview to get you inspired and excited for your upcoming cruise!
Why first-time cruisers tend to overpack
It’s no surprise that first-time cruisers often tend to overpack. With endless possibilities and limited luggage space, it’s easy to fall into the trap of packing unnecessary items “just in case.” However, seasoned cruisers quickly learn that the luxury and convenience of cruise ships provide most of the essentials, minimizing the need for excessive packing. By understanding why first-time cruisers tend to overpack, we can help you avoid making the same mistakes.
Evolution of cruise packing lists over the years
Over the years, cruise packing lists have evolved as seasoned cruisers share their experiences and learn from one another. Initially, the lists were filled with items that novices believed were essential for their cruise experience. But as cruise lines have expanded their offerings and improved onboard amenities, the need for certain items has diminished. Today, experienced cruisers have refined their packing lists, leaving behind items that are often readily available on the ship or easy to live without during the voyage.
Tips from experienced cruisers on what not to pack
Let’s dive into the valuable tips from experienced cruisers on what not to pack for your upcoming cruise:
Gym clothing
Unless you have a strict fitness routine that you cannot compromise, experienced cruisers recommend skipping gym clothing. Most cruise ships have well-equipped fitness centers with clean workout attire available for use. Packing gym clothes only adds unnecessary weight to your luggage.
Jewelry
While it’s tempting to bring all your favorite jewelry pieces for every occasion, experienced cruisers advise leaving the expensive and sentimental pieces at home. Cruising involves a lot of activities and water-based adventures, which can increase the risk of losing or damaging your precious items. Save yourself the stress by opting for minimal and inexpensive jewelry pieces during your cruise.
Makeup
Experienced cruisers often find that they don’t utilize all the makeup they bring on board. Cruises tend to have a relaxed atmosphere, and many travelers prefer a minimal makeup look while enjoying their vacation. Limiting your makeup items will help reduce the clutter and save space in your luggage.
Technology
With the advancements in technology, cruises now offer a wide range of onboard entertainment and communication options. Instead of packing multiple electronic devices and chargers, experienced cruisers advise bringing only the essentials, such as a smartphone and a camera if desired. Utilizing the ship’s amenities will provide you with countless entertainment options without the need for excessive technology.
Multiple pairs of shoes
Experienced cruisers have learned that they can easily get by with just a couple of pairs of shoes during their cruise. Most cruise vacations involve a lot of time spent on deck or near the pool, making flip-flops or sandals the go-to footwear. Additionally, one pair of comfortable walking or athletic shoes is usually sufficient for onshore excursions and exploring the ship.
Formal wear clothing
While there may be a few formal evenings during your cruise, experienced cruisers suggest reconsidering the need for extravagant formal wear. Many cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, and alternative options like smart-casual attire or even elegant resort wear are now acceptable. By scaling down your formal wear, you can save valuable luggage space for other essential items.
Overview of the video content
In our accompanying video, we provide a visual representation of each item discussed by experienced cruisers. This video serves as a guide to show you firsthand the items that are commonly left behind by seasoned cruisers. We hope that seeing the visual examples will better assist you in understanding what is and what isn’t necessary to pack for your upcoming cruise.
Applicability of tips and tricks to various cruise lines
While the tips and tricks provided by experienced cruisers are generally applicable across many cruise lines, it’s important to note that each cruise line may have its own specific guidelines and requirements. It’s always recommended to check the policies and guidelines of the cruise line you will be sailing with to ensure that you are adequately prepared for your trip. The tips provided in this article should serve as a general guide, but ultimately, the cruise line’s policies should be followed.
Provided resources and recommended cruise planner
To assist you further in your cruise planning process, we have included a list of resources that you may find helpful. These resources can provide additional information on packing essentials, cruise line policies, and other travel tips. We highly recommend utilizing these resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. Our recommended cruise planner also offers valuable insights and tailored recommendations to help you plan the perfect cruise.
Inclusion of affiliate links in the video
To support our content creation efforts, affiliate links are included in the video description. These links allow us to earn a small commission when viewers make a purchase through the provided links. Rest assured, our recommendations are based on the expertise and experiences of seasoned cruisers, and the commission earned helps us continue to provide valuable content to our viewers. Thank you for supporting our work!
Limitations of personal cruise and travel advice
While the tips and recommendations provided in this article are based on the experiences of seasoned cruisers, it’s important to recognize that personal circumstances and preferences may vary. The advice given here should be taken as general suggestions and adapted to your specific needs. It’s always recommended to consider your individual requirements and consult with professional travel advisors when necessary.
Acknowledgment of video footage sources
We would like to express our gratitude to the following sources for providing the video footage featured in our accompanying video: [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]. Their contributions have greatly enhanced our ability to visually showcase the items that experienced cruisers no longer pack for their cruises.
Items Related to Clothing and Accessories
Gym clothing
experienced cruisers suggest skipping gym clothing since most cruise ships provide well-equipped fitness centers with clean workout attire available for use. Instead of wasting valuable luggage space on gym clothes, you can utilize the ship’s facilities and save yourself the hassle.
Jewelry
Cruising involves various activities and water-based adventures, increasing the risk of losing or damaging expensive or sentimental jewelry. Leaving behind the precious pieces at home and opting for minimal and inexpensive jewelry during the cruise will help alleviate your concerns and ensure a worry-free vacation.
Makeup
With a relaxed atmosphere on most cruises, many travelers prefer a minimal makeup look. Experienced cruisers have found that they often don’t utilize all the makeup they bring onboard, making it an unnecessary item to pack. Limiting your makeup to the essentials will help declutter your luggage and save space.
Technology
cruise ships offer a wide range of onboard entertainment options, reducing the need for excessive technology. Instead of packing multiple electronic devices and chargers, experienced cruisers recommend bringing only the essentials, such as a smartphone and a camera if desired. Embrace the ship’s amenities and enjoy the entertainment available onboard.
Multiple pairs of shoes
Experienced cruisers have learned that they can get by with just a couple of pairs of shoes during their cruise. Opting for flip-flops or sandals for deck activities and one pair of comfortable walking or athletic shoes for excursions is usually sufficient. This saves space in your luggage and reduces unnecessary weight.
Formal wear clothing
While some cruises may have a few formal evenings, many cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes. Elegant resort wear or smart-casual attire is often acceptable, reducing the need for extravagant formal wear. By scaling down your formal wear, you can pack lighter and still meet the cruise line’s dress code expectations.
Items Related to Personal Care
Over-the-door organizers
Experienced cruisers find that over-the-door organizers are often unnecessary on cruise ships. Most cabins offer sufficient storage options, including drawers, shelves, and closets, eliminating the need for additional hanging organizers. Save the space in your luggage for more essential items.
Towel clips
While towel clips may seem essential for securing your towel on deck, many cruise lines now provide clips or clamps to their passengers. These clips are readily available on the ship and eliminate the need to pack your own. Leave the towel clips behind and utilize the provided ones during your cruise.
Shampoo and conditioner
Most cruise ships offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner in their cabins or have dispensers available in the shower areas. Packing your own can take up valuable space in your luggage unnecessarily. Check with your cruise line to confirm what toiletries are provided and pack accordingly.
Excessive medication
It’s important to pack necessary medications for your cruise, but experienced cruisers advise against packing excessive amounts. Having a sufficient supply for the duration of your cruise, along with a few extra days, is typically recommended. Packing excessive amounts can add unnecessary bulk to your luggage.
Travel iron
Cruise ships often forbid the use of personal irons due to safety concerns. Ships usually provide laundry and pressing services, making personal irons unnecessary. Leave the travel iron at home and take advantage of the ship’s laundry services instead.
Other Miscellaneous Items
Water bottles and soda
Cruise ships have strict policies regarding bringing beverages onboard, including water and soda. Experienced cruisers suggest reviewing the specific policies of your cruise line before packing these items. Some cruise lines allow limited quantities or provide beverage packages that include water and soda, eliminating the need to bring your own.
Sneaking alcohol on board
While some passengers may attempt to sneak alcohol onboard, experienced cruisers advise against it. Cruise lines have strict policies regarding bringing alcohol on board, and attempts to circumvent these policies can lead to penalties or confiscation. Familiarize yourself with your cruise line’s alcohol policy and opt for purchasing beverages on board instead.
Vaccination cards and negative test results
In light of recent events, vaccination cards and negative test results have become essential travel documents. It’s crucial to pack these documents securely and ensure easy access if required during your cruise. Check with your cruise line for any specific requirements or guidelines related to documentation.
Diapers
If traveling with infants or young children, packing a sufficient supply of diapers is essential. However, experienced cruisers suggest limiting the number of diapers packed to what is necessary for the duration of the cruise. Excessive diaper packing can take up valuable luggage space. Additionally, some cruise lines may offer diapers for purchase onboard, saving you the hassle of bringing a bulky supply.
Traveling with kids or certain family members
Experienced cruisers offer advice for those traveling with children or certain family members who may have specific requirements. It’s essential to pack any necessary items or medications related to their needs. Review the cruise line’s policies and amenities for children or individuals with special requirements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable voyage for all family members.
Extra hangers
While cabins generally provide a sufficient number of hangers, some experienced cruisers find that packing a few extra hangers can be beneficial. This is especially true if you’re planning to bring formalwear or have specific preferences for organizing your clothing. Consider the available storage space in your cabin before deciding to pack additional hangers.
Leaving troubles and worries behind
One of the most valuable items experienced cruisers no longer pack is their troubles and worries. Cruising offers a unique opportunity to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. Leave behind the worries and anxieties, and embark on your cruise with a positive and carefree mindset. Embrace the experience and enjoy every moment of your vacation.
Conclusion
Packing for a cruise can be a daunting task, especially for first-time cruisers. By following the advice of experienced cruisers, you can streamline your packing process and avoid overpacking. Leave behind unnecessary items such as excessive clothing, jewelry, and technology. Opt for minimal makeup and pack only the essential personal care items. Consider the specific policies and amenities of your cruise line when deciding what to pack. And most importantly, leave behind your troubles and worries and embrace the carefree nature of cruising. Have a wonderful and memorable cruise experience!
