SamYour first cruise is a super exciting adventure. However, it is incredibly difficult to know what to pack, how to plan, and exactly what to anticipate. After embarking on my first cruise, I have compiled all of the advice I wish I had before I set sail!
You have all of this cruise advice in your back pocket. You will surely have a fantastic time on your first cruise!
Disclaimer: While many of these tips are applicable to all destinations that you can cruise, many of them are specific to tropical and warm weather locations.
Pack Light
You’re on vacation somewhere sunny and warm! You will be mostly rotating through swimsuits and cover-ups.
Save yourself from overpacking by focusing on the staple items you know you will be wearing every day: swimsuits, cover-ups, and dinner outfits.
Plus the extra space in your bag just means more room for souvenirs on your way home!
Research, Research, Research!
There are so many options for excursions at each port that it can be overwhelming. If you are trying to save money and want to do excursions at only select ports, look into the safety of each port. You may want to consider doing excursions at the less safe destinations. This will help you stay with a group and avoid trouble.
And even if you want to do an excursion at every port, look into reviews and make sure you will be getting your money’s worth and what you are hoping out of the experience! The listings can be very deceiving.
While doing all of this, consider your own comfort exploring in foreign countries. Some people are super comfortable exploring on their own, while others like the security that excursions offer.
If you are opting to explore on your own, I advise that you to research things such as transportation, popular destinations, and safety. If you have any questions about the port, a good point of contact once on board the cruise are the excursion desk workers. They are the experts on everything there is to do in the area, not just the paid excursions.
Board last!
Despite everyone telling me to book the earliest boarding time possible, I went against their advice and booked the latest I could. This was the best decision ever.
As soon as I got on board, our room was ready and we could put our stuff down, relax, and unpack! It was refreshing to wander around the boat without having to carry around our carry on luggage.
Ditch the Drink Package
While some people go on cruises to eat and get drunk, I actually enjoy the travel and adventure of cruises. I took a chance and tried a cruise without the drink package, and it was definitely worth the money I saved.
I spent nearly all of my time off of the ship, limiting the time I would even be able to get drinks on the ship to a couple hours a day. To make the drink package worth it, I would have to drink an obscene amount, especially with the ships weak drinks. Some of my excursions included alcohol, and if I wanted a drink on the boat I would just buy one.
But it saved me money (and my health) by avoiding the drink package! I never felt like I had to be drinking to break even on my purchase.
Get off the boat!
I can’t say this enough, get off the boat at every port! The best way to enjoy your cruise to its fullest is to get off the boat early. Then, explore until the last minute. Don’t waste your limited time in these beautiful destinations on board the cruise ship. Go out and enjoy the sunshine. Relish the beautiful scenery.
You don’t need a bigger boat
Some people love the amenities of a bigger boat. However, being on a small boat is just as much of a bonus. A lot of ports are only accessible to smaller boats, meaning you are able to go to more unique destinations on your cruise if you avoid the mega-ships.
Additionally, if you are anything like me, you will be spending as much time off of the boat as possible. And the time spent on the boat will be spent relaxing, resting, and eating. All activities that don’t require fancy amenities!
Save on Sunscreen and Pack Your Own
Sunscreen is an essential on a tropical cruise. However, it is important to note that a majority of cruise destinations have laws in place that restrict the type of sunscreen you can use in order to help preserve marine life. And even if it is not required by law, I highly encourage you to use reef safe sunscreen anyways to help keep our oceans healthy! Reef safe sunscreen can be very expensive in tourist locations and also on board the cruise ship, so I highly suggest packing enough for the entire trip.
And don’t forget your other forms of sun protection! Hats, SPF shirts, sunglasses, and more!
I suggest you pack a small bottle of aloe. It is helpful if you are prone to sunburn and for keeping your skin moisturized after sun exposure. This has saved me on every cruise I have gone on.
Clothing for All Weather
While it is unlikely that you will need it on a tropical cruise, be sure to pack one outfit to stay warm. Sometimes the boat can get chilly, and windy days can cause quite a chill as well.
I also make sure to always bring my rain coat! I’ve been fortunate enough not to need it often. In my mind, bringing it wards off the rain. And you never want to miss out on fun because you don’t have the proper gear for the weather.
Hydration
On a tropical vacation, hydration is key! Especially for those that like to enjoy a cocktail or two, the heat and the sun will drain you of all hydration so quickly.
I make sure to bring my own refillable water bottle. If available, I also purchase a water bottle package that will have waters delivered to my cabin on the first day of cruising. I find it is so convenient to have extra water in the room to stay hydrated. And it is perfect for adding into your day bag before you leave the boat to adventure for the day!
Along with water, I also brought electrolyte packets. These help the body retain hydration, which is critical in hot weather conditions when the body is sweating so much and losing so much water.
My personal favorite are Liquid IV hydration packets. You can add this to water and feel replenished so quickly. I also enjoy Buoy, which are electrolyte drops that you can add to any drink to help your body retain hydration and recieve those essential salts and minerals.
Bring your own microfiber towels
Yes, the ship does provide towels. However, they are traditional pool towels that are bulky and scratchy. Instead of dealing with the nuisance of carrying around a half-decent towel, opt for a microfiber towel that is much easier to travel with.
My favorite microfiber towel is from Nomadix. I find these to be the most absorbant while still being quick drying and lightweight. And not to mention, there are tons of fun patterns to choose from.
Bringing your own towel also comes with the added bonus of not having to check your towels in and out to ensure that the cruise line won’t charge you for the towel.
Fanny Pack
A lot of people choose to travel with backpacks for the ease of carrying and the amount of space. However I highly recommend investing in a good quality and decent sized fanny pack.
When I am traveling in an unfamiliar place, I feel much more comfortable when I have my valuable items close to me and within my sight. I would hate to store these valuables in my backpack and fall victim to pickpocketing. The fannypack helps me feel safe and secure about my belongings, and gives me a peace of mind.
My favorite fanny pack that I’ve traveled with is the Baboon to the Moon 3L fanny pack. This one is a decent size that fits a lot of belongings.
