I’m a cruise expert: here’s what to pack before you board
If you’re not sure of what to take on a cruise, our expert shares her list of what to pack – and what to leave at home.
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If you’re not sure of what to take on a cruise, our expert shares her list of what to pack – and what to leave at home.
What to pack for a cruise is often a dilemma, especially among first-time cruisers. Too much? Too little? Not sure what’s provided?
But what to take on a cruise needn’t be a mystery – it’s a case of comfortable clothes for exploring ashore and some smarter outfits for evenings. If anything, so much is included on board that it’s more a case of what not to take.
One thing’s for sure: if you are a maximalist packer, excess baggage shouldn’t be a problem as most of Saga’s ocean cruises depart from British ports, so you’re not restricted by airline allowances. What’s more, you’ll be collected from home by a chauffeur-driven car or van, making the journey even smoother.
Sometimes, though, packing is about quality over quantity. I’ve made many mistakes over 25 years of cruising but here are a few things that mean smooth sailing all the way for me.
Rather than my usual big handbag (which has been cruelly described by friends as a “skip”), I stay organised on shore excursions with a compact travel handbag.
It’s cross-body, so harder for pickpockets to grab, it has pockets for credit cards (with RFID blocking that prevents cards from being scanned by data thieves), a zipped section for a passport, a padded part for sunglasses and enough space to carry all I’ll need for a shore excursion.
I’m still working on this but lots of versatile clothes that coordinate with other clothes is the answer, as I prefer not to over-pack.
If you are going the capsule wardrobe route, just don’t leave out the one crucial item on which it all hangs, as I did on a recent Danube cruise, resulting in a hasty shopping trip in Vienna.
A decent sun hat is essential for summer cruising, whether you’re headed to the Mediterranean or the Douro.
Ocean cruises can be breezy, so I pack a hat that won’t take off into the wind.
Because my capsule wardrobe items, including two dresses for formal nights, are quite minimalist, I take an assortment of bracelets, necklaces and sparkly earrings to jazz up the look and pack them in a soft leather roll that occupies very little space.
One good cashmere wrap has many functions: an accessory on formal nights, insulation for moonlit strolls around the deck, and a cover-up on excursions when visiting cathedrals or mosques.
I have a pair of trusty Clarks evening sandals – low-ish block heels, black patent leather – that look smart enough for a formal night but are fabulously comfortable. I can dance in them with confidence, even if the ship is moving.
I did once buy a pair of very expensive designer shoes for cruising but they were so high and so uncomfortable that they were good only for posing at the bar – and I don’t think anybody noticed them anyway.
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There’s a lot packed into a day on a Saga cruise, river or ocean, so a coloured highlighter is great for marking up events my travelling companions and I want to attend listed in the Today newsletter.
My husband and I have a Yahtzee habit and often have a game with a nightcap on a cruise. Fitting five dice into my luggage is nothing – and all you need in addition is a piece of paper and a pen.
There are boardgames on Saga’s ships, of course, but we’ve squeezed in a quick Yahtzee game anywhere from airports to train stations.
Elemis SPF 30 face sunblock is a non-negotiable luxury for me – it’s expensive but one pot lasts for ages. My husband swears by Kiehl’s factor 50. We stock up before setting off from home. If you love a specific brand, don’t rely on finding it on your travels.
Forget about a hipster tote – a roll-top dry bag is great for the beach as it keeps the sand out and is waterproof.
Mine has rucksack straps on it so I use it for shore excursions on river cruises, too, as it protects my camera if it rains.
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Prescription medication is a given but I pack a couple of other essentials: antihistamines, as I am a magnet for mosquitoes and jellyfish; and fizzy vitamin tablets, which seem to help if I’ve over-indulged at the bar.
I always join a cruise with the best intentions and even if I don’t make it to the gym, I do love cycling, kayaking and hiking excursions, so Lycra leggings, a yoga top and a pair of trainers are essentials.
As well as my passport, I pack my GHIC card (the new equivalent of the EHIC), my driving licence and a credit card that doesn’t charge commission for overseas use.
Saga’s ships are cash-free and crew tips are included, so you won’t need stacks of currency beyond loose change for trips ashore.
Every cabin on Saga’s ocean and river ships comes with bathrobes and slippers as standard.
You’ll find tea and coffee making facilities in your cabin, so there’s no need to miss out on your morning cuppa.
Every cabin on both Saga’s ocean-going and river ships has a hairdryer.
Saga’s ships are equipped with luxurious Prija toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soap, so there’s no need to bring your own.
These are provided for you, whether you’re relaxing by the pool (or hot tub on Saga’s river ships) or heading ashore to explore local beaches.
There’s a supply of umbrellas available at the gangway, although you may want to carry a smaller folding one for trips ashore.
Saga’s ocean and river ships have British plug sockets and USB ports, so there’s no need for a travel adaptor.
All cabins on Saga’s ships come with a Bluetooth speaker so you can stream music to your heart’s content.
I’m always amazed at what people stash in their luggage, from Marmite to tea bags and bananas (never a good idea).
Trust me: you really won’t go hungry on a cruise – and yes, you’ll find both Marmite and Twining’s tea on Saga’s ships!
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