One of the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make is packing for a cruise like they’re going camping.
Cruises can feel unfamiliar, so people often panic and bring a huge number of “just in case” items that are already provided onboard.
The reality is that cruise ships are basically floating hotels.
Cabins are stocked with far more than many people expect, and bringing duplicates often just wastes suitcase space.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t bring these items if you genuinely need them, I know some people have medical issues or other reasons why they might want to bring something from this list. This post is for the vast majority who don’t need these items, but might have been told that they do.
#1. Pillows
Some people like to bring their own comfortable pillows from home, but this is absolutely not something you have to do.
This seems like incredibly hard work to me. Cruise ships already provide pillows, often one soft and one hard to suit everyone.
I have even seen more premium cruise lines give you a “Pillow Menu”!
If you need more pillows, just ask your cabin steward.
Bringing your own full-size pillow takes up a huge amount of space.
The exception to the rule would be travel neck pillows for flights. If you have a long flight before your cruise, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. You might be able to buy an inflatable one to save on space.
#2. Bedding And Blankets
Cabins come fully made up with high-quality sheets and bedding.
Extra blankets are usually available on request.
Bedding is changed and laundered regularly.
Some people worry that cruise cabins will be more basic than hotels.
There is no need to bring your own bedding or blankets from home.
In my experience, cruise cabins have some of the most comfortable beds I have slept on!
If you travel with a more luxurious line, you might even find they have soft blankets in the theatre or on open decks, in case you feel the cold!
#3. Towels
Cruise ships provide bathroom towels and pool towels.
On the more budget cruise line, pool towels will be in your cabin, and you will be charged if they aren’t returned at the end of the cruise. Cruise lines must “lose” an awful lot of towels.
You can exchange these towels for new ones any time during the cruise.
On more expensive cruise lines, you will find containers full of pool towels on the pool deck. You can just help yourself to them, and then put them in the towel drop bins when you have finished.
If you bring your own towels you will have to find a way of drying them after every swim. The last thing you need is extra wet towels hanging around your cabin bathroom.
Cruise ships are designed for swim-heavy holidays; they are never going to run out of towels!
4. Hairdryers
Most cabins already have hairdryers. They may not be salon-quality, but they work perfectly well for most passengers.
Some cruise lines, like Disney, only allow you to bring hairdryers if they are under a certain wattage. (How they would know what wattage they are, I’m not quite sure!)
Many people pack duplicates of things they will find in their cabins anyway.
You need to check the rules and regulations of the cruiseline you are sailing with – but if I were you, I just wouldn’t bother packing one.
#5. Hangers
I have often seen posts in cruise Facebook groups that make it sound like cabins never have more than about two coat hangers!
Cabins usually already have plenty, and you can ask the cabin steward if you need more.
Online cruise advice sometimes makes cruising sound far more difficult than it really is.
I can honestly say I have never been on a cruise where I have thought “I wish I had more coat hangers!”
Other Things You Might Not Need
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Many cruise lines provide good-quality shampoo and conditioner in the cabins. Taking two large bottles full adds extra weight and takes up space in your case.
- Magnetic Hooks
- I have read so many articles saying you should bring magnetic hooks to attach to the cabin’s walls. This gives you more places to hang things.
- I have never felt the need to create extra hanging space and honestly have no idea what everybody else is sticking to their walls. I’m sure it’s useful for some people, but I definitely wouldn’t say its essential.
- Pop Up Laundry Baskets
- Some people swear by taking their own laundry basket, but I just put my dirty stuff straight back into my case under the bed. It keeps things simple and makes packing to go home easier.
Before You Go
I always sleep far better on a cruise than at home – and I never feel the need to bring my own bedding! Find out why I sleep so well here:
Why I Sleep Better On A Cruise Than At Home
Someone once smuggled a cat onto a Royal Caribbean ship! Find out what happened to him here:
Cat Smuggled onto Cruise Ship in Sweatshirt – Discovered by Authorities
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