I have been lucky enough to go on a cruise and it was very good as you get to see a huge range of places within a good amount of time. They are so different from other holidays as I got to see so many places, my cruise was around the Mediterranean. I thought I would do a blog post on the essentials as when I went on a cruise I felt quite lost as I didn't know what to pack and then sometimes not knowing what kind of outfits I wanted to wear.
Black Tie outfits
I would recommend having at least two outfits because I only took one and regretted it as it makes it more exciting to change up the outfits. I would recommend a cocktail dress kind of outfit and dresses must be worn on this evening. But I would say that this is an occasion where you should only spend a small amount of money for this occasion unless you go to events that are similar to this. I have found that I have not worn this dress since. I got my dress from Quiz as they are fairly cheap for occasion dresses and they are still really pretty and last a while.
Books
Now, if you are not a big reader then I would skip this part. I am a big reader now and you would understand this if you read my After Series Books Review. I love to read on holiday as I struggle to make time for it in day to day life. If you are a big reader so I would say to bring at least two more books than you think you need as it will allow you to read books at the speed you want to.
Hair dryer
If you can bring your own hair dryer and other heat appliances like straighteners if you want to because the hair dryer's they provide isn't very good as they have to provide a lot of them so they aren't the best quality. I didn't bring my own and I regretted it as it would take a few extra minutes and it would make my hair a lot drier than it was.
Back Pack
This one is so important as when you are leaving the boat you need something to hold everything in and I didn't really think about it so I took a flat handbag that didn't have room for much. When you leave the boat you are so likely to buy souvenirs from the place and this means you need something to carry them in and I really do think it is crucial to carry a backpack anyway.
Portable Charger
This is also quite important as if you are using your phone as your camera for memories and social media's then you definitely need a portable charger this is due to the fact that no ones phone battery can last that long especially if you are taking any opportunity to take photos and I highly recommend you do.
Appropriate shoes
With this it depends what cruise you are going on. But plan shoes to work around where you are going, for me this is flip flops and any type of breathable trainer for the gym. Also, don't forget a pair of dress shoes.
Bring your own toiletries
For me, I went through my toiletries fast so I wouldn't rely on using the small ones they provide as for me I was on the ship for two weeks and the moisturiser is used fast if you are trying to get a tan.
Ear Plugs
A fact, the walls are super thin. So, any noise anyone makes in the room next to you will be heard. I would take them just in case you are next to a loud snorer or a sleep talker. I would buy a couple pairs just in case the people you have come on holiday with ends up needing a pair as well.
Change of clothes.
This is one I have heard from others. They say to pack a spare change of clothes because sometimes it can take awhile for your luggage to be delivered to your room so in case you feel grubby from the drive up to the port then you can get changed and feel fresh for the start of your journey on the boat.
Camera
This one may seem kind of obvious but I would say to bring a camera of some sort because you will be lucky enough to enjoy some of the most stunning views and can have them to look back on. This can either be your phone or an actual camera, my family brought both and this was quite handy to do so as it means you have the option to where you want the photos and how long it will take to transfer it. It is all about what will make it easier for you when it comes to what you want to do with your photos.
List of emergency contacts
This can be the emergency contacts within the boat, family on the boat or family still at home. This therefore reduces the risk of becoming lost and not knowing what to do within an emergency and also so that if you were to become hurt other people within the boat will know who to contact for you.
Chargers.
This is an obvious one as you will need a couple chargers for your phone, camera, e-reader etc. You will be so annoyed if you forget any chargers as you will not have that for the rest of your holiday.
Range of clothing
You will need a huge range of clothing, which is something I didn't realise. You will need a smart outfit for the nights where it isn't black tie but you go to a fairly fancy restaurant, you will also need outfits for walking a while due to exploring the new places you are seeing and also you will need to have an outfit for casual days when you are on ship all day and the day isn't that warm, this could be jeans and a jumper.
Headphones
Now, as the walls are so thin you can't listen to music that loud so if you need to zone out you will definitely need some headphones. Also if the ear plugs aren't quite working you can watch a film on your phone instead using your headphones. They are Crucial!
Money for tipping
Now, I am quite young so this wasn't something I did but I have heard that it is seemed like cruise etiquette to tip the waiters etc. at the end of the trip or the end of your meals. It would be wise to bring cash on board in preparation for this so you don't have to worry about it last minute.
Map of the boat
Finally, this is something you will get when you first step on the boat but it is so handy to keep this on you as it will take a couple days to get used to where everything is on the boat. However, if you lose it don't worry as there are a few maps around the boat and there are many staff you can ask.
I hope this has helped you guys if you are going or looking to go on a cruise. All these things are very beneficial so I hope you take these things into account.
Many thanks,
Jessica-Jayne.
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