Packing for a trip is rarely a pleasant experience, but it's especially stressful with cruises.
When traveling by plane or car, you can usually get what you may have forgotten to bring at a store. On a cruise ship, though, you're stuck with what you have until the ship docks.
It can be harder to anticipate what you'll need, especially if you're embarking on your first one. Follow these simple cruise packing hacks to save money on travel and enjoy a stress-free trip at sea.
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Pack your documents separately
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Pack all your important documents somewhere separate and easily accessible. This includes your ID, passport, and all other necessary documents. This will make each step of the process, from the plane to the boat, quick and painless.
Make sure to print out your cruise boarding documents, too. Even if you have your pass on your phone, print out a copy to be safe.
Make use of your carry-on
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Be prepared for anything by packing your carry-on bag with purpose. If you're planning to stay in a hotel before boarding the ship, pack accordingly so you don't have to unpack your whole luggage set just for some pajamas.
Even if you're not staying in a hotel, pack overnight clothes just in case. Inclement weather, delays, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events may leave you with just your carry-on for a few days.
Know your plans ahead of time
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To avoid overpacking, review your itinerary ahead of time.
While it's not a bad idea to pack for a couple of surprise excursions, there's no need to pack tons of formal dresses if you're primarily going on outdoor adventures.
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Consider a capsule wardrobe
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If you're having a hard time whittling down the clothes in your suitcase, give yourself more options by preparing a capsule wardrobe.
There are plenty of ways to design a capsule wardrobe. Generally, it includes a couple of shirts, blouses, sweaters, dresses, pants, and one to two dressy options that are interchangeable when putting together outfits, making it a great option for lengthy trips.
Over-the-door shoe bag trick
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Living out of a toiletry bag may be okay for a day or two, but it can be a nightmare for long cruises.
Instead, consider packing an over-the-door shoe holder and storing your toiletries in that. They also make over-the-door makeup bags that are waterproof.
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Bring your own power strip
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With phone, laptop, tablet, and smartwatch chargers, plus hair tools and other electronics, the number of outlets onboard your cruise may not cut it.
If you plan on bringing your own power strip — a smart move — make sure it's cruise ship-approved. This generally means it's non-surge protected.
Bring your own wine (and corkscrew)
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If you plan on drinking onboard, come prepared. Many cruise ships will allow you to bring your own wine (usually for a nominal corking fee, especially when compared to cruise ship wine prices). Plan ahead and bring your own.
Make sure to also pack a (cruise ship approved) corkscrew so you can actually drink it!
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.
Bring reusable drinkware
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Don't waste your money buying overpriced water bottles during your trip. Especially if you plan on exploring and adventuring, bring your own reusable water bottle.
It's not a bad idea to bring a couple of bottles, including a thermal mug. If you enjoy tea or coffee, you can stock up during breakfast and have enough for the rest of the day without having to pay extra.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Bring reusable food storage containers
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The same can be said for food. Avoid having to pay expensive prices for midday bites by bringing your own bags or containers and stocking up when possible.
These containers and bags can also be used in other situations, including extra organization.
Bring a laundry bag/bin
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For longer cruises, it's unreasonable to pack something new for every day of the trip. Even if you can, no one wants to unpack a suitcase full of sweaty, dirty clothes when they get home.
Bring a small, foldable laundry hamper or bag with you so you can keep your room clean, sequester your dirty clothes, and make laundry easier.
Stock up on sunscreen
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Coming home with a tan is one of the best parts of a vacation. Coming home burnt to a crisp is less ideal.
Pack more sunscreen than you think you'll need, including lip balm with SPF. Especially if you're traveling to a hotter climate with a stronger sun, be prepared to reapply more than usual.
Don't forget the aloe vera
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If you forgot to diligently apply your sunscreen, make sure to bring something to alleviate the pain.
Alongside aloe vera gel, other common home remedies for sunburn relief include oatmeal and baking soda, chamomile tea, and for some, vinegar.
Medications
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Aside from bringing any necessary daily medications you take, be sure to bring along some common, over-the-counter medications.
Bring along ibuprofen, acetaminophen, digestion aids, allergy meds, and anything else you commonly reach for in your medicine cabinet at home. Make sure to toss in some seasickness medication, too.
Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke
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When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.
Here are some tips on how to find that balance:
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
- Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
- Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
- Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
- Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
- Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling
Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.
Emergency kit
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Put together your own mini-emergency kit for all other random instances. Along with a true emergency first-aid kit, pack other random bits that may be handy in a pinch.
This includes stain-removing pens for your clothes, duct tape for random items breaking or needing to be patched, tampons, a sewing/mending kit, and more.
Pack some cash
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It's never a bad idea to have some extra cash on hand, especially if you're traveling somewhere that accepts U.S. currency.
Don't bring so much that it would be upsetting if it were lost or stolen, but some small bills are handy for tipping or smaller purchases you'd rather not use with your top travel credit cards.
Bottom line
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Make the most of your next cruise by being as prepared as possible with these packing hacks. While they may require some more time and money upfront, they'll help you avoid wasting money down the road.
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