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First Time Cruisers – What To Pack For A Cruise
We are first time cruisers, just back from our very first cruise across the mediterranean. So yes, we may not be the most experienced cruisers, but we can definitely tell you what you definitely need to bring with you. And what you definitely don’t need to bring on a Mediterranean cruise!
For starters there are a ton of different blogs out there recommending items such as hand soaps and separate bags for the pool. However, we like to pack a little lighter and make life a little easier by only taking what is really required and you will actually make use of!
How Much Luggage To Take With You
First of all you need to check the tickets for your flights. These are usually booked as a package through the cruise line and often include checked luggage, cabin bags and small under-seat bags. If you are travelling as a family you are certainly not going to need all that! It’s just too much hassle trying to find all the bags and if it’s only a 7-10 day trip you won’t fill it all anyway.
Our cruise bags would allow a 23kg checked in bag for each of the 4 of us, 4 overhead cabin bags and 4 small bags. That’s an insane amount of luggage for one family of 4 for 7 days. So instead consider just 4 cabin bags and a small bag each with essentials. Think a swim costume, kids favourite soft toys, expensive tech and medicines for the small bags. These are just to keep you going/keep items safe until you get your other luggage delivered to your room. The swimming costumes are in case you want to use the swimming pool during the afternoon before your luggage is delivered.
We also took one checked in bag for bulkier items such as shoes and sandals, plus the larger liquid items that aren’t allowed in hand luggage. I’m annoyingly fair in complexion and burn a little too easily. So I need several bottles of 50+ suncream to keep me and the kids safe during a 7 day holiday!
Best Types of Cabin Bags
We chose to take these Rock cabin bags as luggage, they are surprisingly roomy and can easily store the kids belonging for a 7 day holiday abroad. Ours are a little more bulky, so it can keep most of our clothes and accessories. But there are a few items that don’t quite fit, so they are going in the main suitcase instead. These particular cabin bags have a zipped off section that provides a separate space for items. So you can keep clothing and other accessories separate. it also means your knickers don’t fall out when you have to inevitably open it up at airport security! For this reason I’d also recommend packing cubes to keep everyone’s items separate. There are lots of packing cubes on the market to choose from, but make sure you have different colours each when you pack for a cruise.
The kids were rather excited with having their own wheels cabin bags. They’ve had scooter bags before, but they didn’t fit much in at all. So these are fantastic!
No matter what cabin bag you decide to take, check and double check that the dimensions fit the airlines restrictions. All airlines have different restrictions, with Ryanair and EasyJet having some of the smallest dimensions for cabin bags.
Packing List For Cruise
So, what do you actually need to bring with you? Here is my list of items that you need to bring!
Useful Items To Pack For A Cruise Holiday
I’ve also recommended a few things to pack for a cruise that you may be wondering ‘why’? So here’s a little explanation for those items!
Clear Luggage Tags – Cruises send you labels to print out and attach to your luggage before you go. However, as they are paper they could easily get ripped off when travelling to your starting port. Instead use these clear luggage tags to put on your luggage just as you get to port. No need for ripped tags or searching for a stapler at port!! You can buy luggage tags here.
Lanyards – Lanyards may seem a little strange for a cruise. But let me explain! When you’re not he ship you will need to use your Sea Pass to get around the ship, open your room and pay for items. So it’s important that you keep it with you at all times. If it’s in your pocket it can easily get lost when being taken in and out, but have it on a lanyard and you’ll know where it is at all times. You can find lanyards with clear plastic card holders here.
Magnetic Hooks – Cruise ship walls are magnetic so bringing a few magnetic hooks gives you somewhere to hang up items such as kids swimwear or an outfit for the evening, or even your Sea Pass lanyard. You can buy magnetic hooks here.
Other Useful Mediterranean Cruise Posts
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