Packing for a cruise is slightly different to packing for a standard holiday. If you’re at that crucial but oh-so-stressful ‘what on Earth should I pack’ stage, don’t sweat. Here’s our guide to what you definitely do and don’t need to pack for a singles cruise.
What to pack for your singles cruise
Appropriate clothes
It might seem obvious, but many cruisers often forget to check their port stops and the temperature of the destinations their ship is visiting.
Take a look at your itinerary to check each port of call and pack your clothes to suit the culture, temperature and activities. Wherever you’re going, comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Carry-on bag
You don’t need to wait around for the cruise line to bring your luggage to your room. Pack your essentials (swimsuit, suncream, sunglasses and some reading material) in a carry-on bag so you can get settled straight away.
Formal attire
Cruises almost always offer the opportunity to dress up. On formal nights, a cocktail dress or nice pants suit is expected of the ladies, and gentlemen should wear a smart suit.
Many cruise lines also host on-board themed nights, from black and white parties to 90s themed dos, so make sure you check beforehand and pack something suitable.
Small bag
Pack a small beach bag for port stops, big enough to fit in all your essentials while leaving some room for any souvenirs you might pick up in town.
Motion sickness tablets
You might not think you suffer from motion sickness, but being at sea for prolonged periods of time can take its toll on even the most hardened sailor!
Err on the side of caution and pack motion sickness medication and Sea Bands – soft bands which you wear on your wrists to help combat sea-sickness.
Cash for tipping
Tipping is customary on many cruises, so make sure you bring some change for your waiting staff, cabin stewards and for when you’re off the ship.
Binoculars
Look out to sea for dolphins and sea-birds, and be the first to spot your next destination!
Light jumper or cardigan
Even if you’re cruising the Caribbean, don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll be warm all the time.
Nights at sea can get windy and chilly wherever in the world you are (and the air-conditioning inside can be pretty fierce too!) so bring a cover-up to wear when the sun goes down.
Kindle or eReader
However much you love reading, don’t be tempted to fill your suitcase with books. Save space and pack a Kindle or eReader and enjoy as many books as you like for a fraction of the weight!
What not to pack for your singles cruise
Beer or liquor
Most cruise lines don’t allow you to bring beer or liquor on board their ships. Wine, however, is often allowed in moderation.
Too much baggage
Storage space is generally limited in a cruise cabin, so you don’t want to be tripping over suitcases and bags when you’re trying to get dressed.
It’s best to only pack one medium-sized suitcase, one carry-on bag and then a smaller beach bag to take with you on port stops.
Household appliances like irons and travel kettles
Irons have been banned from cruise lines across the whole industry but many ships now provide self-service launderettes with ironing boards.
If not, get yourself some wrinkle release spray to keep your favourite clothes crease-free.
Hairdryer
There’s really no need to weigh your suitcase down with your hairdryer; on most ships, you’ll find one in your cabin.
Towels
Towels take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and cruise lines always provide towels in your cabin, and sometimes at the poolside and inside the spa too.
