What to Pack to Work on a Cruise Ship
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Are you gearing up for your first cruise ship contract? Congratulations! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with new experiences, amazing destinations, and lifelong memories. As you prepare for this exciting journey, one of the most crucial steps is packing efficiently. Trust me, I've been there, done that, and learned a few lessons along the way
Let's start with the golden rule: pack light! I cannot stress this enough. When I embarked on my first contract, I made the mistake of hauling two bulky suitcases, and boy, did I regret it. Manoeuvring through the airport, especially on carpeted floors, was a real challenge. So, learn from my experience and opt for a backpack, a carry-on, and one soft-sided suitcase.
Your backpack should contain essentials that you'll need during your travels and embarkation day. Think of it as your survival kit. Here's what you should include:
Backpack
Passport and necessary travel documents
Cruise contract paperwork
Seaman’s Book, any certificates you have (medical, safety etc)
Wallet with identification, credit/debit cards, and some cash (enough for two weeks)
Medications and any essential toiletries
Lightweight jacket or sweater
Snacks and water bottle (don’t fill it up until after security)
Electronic devices, chargers and travel adapter
Itinerary (hotel info, airport transfer)
Emergency contact number
Top Tip : Make sure you take pictures of all your important documentation just in case.
Carry-On
Your carry-on bag should hold items you'll want easy access to during your flight and embarkation process. Remember, you might not have immediate access to your checked luggage upon boarding the ship. Here's what to pack:
Change of clothes (in case your luggage is delayed)
Swimwear
Anything you need for your uniform (For me it was shoes)
A week of underwear and socks
Necessary toiletries (keep it minimal)
Travel-sized snacks
Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones)
Chargers for your devices
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Travel-sized hygiene products
Top Tip : Remember to check what your airline allows you to take on as hand luggage
Hold Luggage
Now, onto your hold luggage. Opt for a soft-sided suitcase to ensure it can easily fit under the bed in your cabin. Hard cases can be cumbersome and take up valuable space. Here's what to pack in your suitcase:
Clothing for various occasions - Remember you will be in your uniform 90% of the time so don’t go crazy, it’s also worth mentioning that a lot of cruise lines don’t allow jeans in guest areas so make sure you have other options. I took a lot of dresses and skirts. Don’t forget your gym wear and swimming costume!
Underwear, socks, and tights - Repeat after me “I can never have enough underwear, socks, and tights”. Honestly, there is never enough! Remember that you might not be able to do your laundry when you want to so you want spares. It’s also important to remember that tights break so you want enough for your contract.
Shoes for different activities (flip-flops, sneakers, dress shoes)
Toiletries and personal hygiene items - Don’t take up too much space with these. I bought most of mine on the ship
Magnetic Shelf - I found this so useful! Your cabin will be metal so a magnetic shelf is perfect for going in your bunk to hold your phone, drink, snack, etc…
Makeup
Travel adapter and power strip
Gym Shoes + beach shoes
Hairdryer - Essential item, just remember to check what restrictions your ship has for them and make sure you get the right type
Over-the-door shoe hanger - This was essential, I hung it over my wardrobe door and was able to store all my work and personal shoes. My roommate also loved it!
Mesh laundry bags - These are perfect for keeping your underwear, socks, and tights safe while in the big washing machines
Dirty Laundry bag - Remember you may have to walk to the other side of the ship to find a washing machine so make it easy to carry
Period products - Being on a ship affects everyone differently so I would recommend bringing double what you think you will need
Earplugs - The ship is always making noise so if you are a light sleeper this is essential
Bedding - This is not essential but I took my pillow and a few extra blankets
Large towel - Your ship will provide towels, however, they are usually quite small so bring a big one if you want some extra coverage
Shoe insoles and blister plasters - You are going to be on your feet a lot so make sure you can stay comfy
Top Tip - Use vacuum bags to pack bulkier items
Lastly, don't forget about currency. It's essential to have local currency for every destination you'll be visiting. I recommend having at least £100 worth of currency for each country you'll be traveling to. Also, consider bringing some cash in small denominations for tipping and convenience.
Oh, and one more thing – a bum bag (fanny pack) can be a lifesaver for keeping your money and essentials secure while exploring ports of call.
With these packing tips in mind, you're all set for an incredible journey ahead. Bon voyage and happy cruising!
Remember that most ships allow you to get packages delivered and there will be opportunities to get off in some ports so don’t panic if you forget something!
