You might wonder, why is it important to pack additional items for a cruise? Don’t they supply everything you need?
Well, let me tell you, bringing a few essential items can actually save you a ton of money in the long run.
Hi, I’m here to share some practical tips on what to bring on a cruise to save money. As someone who loves cruising and has been on multiple voyages, I’ve learned a thing or two about being resourceful and making the most of my vacation budget.
From packing snacks and drinks to bringing your own toiletries, there are plenty of ways to cut down on unnecessary expenses while still enjoying a fantastic cruise experience.
So, if you’re ready to be savvy and make your money go further, keep reading for some valuable insights and insider tips. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
Key Takeaways
- Packing strategically and efficiently can help save space and avoid excessive luggage fees.
- Researching and comparing prices for excursions can help find the most affordable options.
- Booking excursions in advance can help secure spots and take advantage of early bird discounts.
- Setting a budget for excursions, prioritizing activities, and looking for free or low-cost options can help save money while still enjoying the port experiences.
Pack Snacks and Drinks
Don’t forget to pack your favorite snacks and drinks to save money and satisfy your cravings while enjoying your cruise!
Bringing snacks on the go is a smart way to avoid spending a fortune on expensive treats onboard. Fill your bag with granola bars, trail mix, and portable fruits like apples and bananas. These snacks will keep you energized during excursions and prevent you from splurging on pricey snacks at every port.
As for drinks, consider making your own DIY drinks. Pack powdered drink mixes or individual drink packets that you can easily mix with water. This way, you can enjoy refreshing beverages without constantly buying expensive sodas or cocktails.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about bringing your own toiletries and saving even more money on your cruise.
Bring Your Own Toiletries
Remember to pack your own personal hygiene products for the cruise to cut down on expenses and make sure you’re not caught empty-handed. Bringing your own toiletries can help you save money and avoid the high prices charged on the ship. Here are some toiletry alternatives and DIY options to consider:
- Shampoo and conditioner bars: These solid bars are compact, lightweight, and last longer than liquid versions.
- Refillable travel-sized bottles: Fill these bottles with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from home.
- Toothpaste tablets: These small tablets eliminate the need for toothpaste tubes and can be found in eco-friendly packaging.
- Reusable cotton pads: Instead of disposable cotton pads, opt for reusable ones that can be washed and used again.
By packing your own toiletries and using these alternatives, you’ll be able to save money and reduce waste.
Don’t forget to also bring your medications and a first aid kit to ensure a worry-free vacation.
Don’t Forget Medications and First Aid Kit
When embarking on a cruise, don’t forget to prioritize your health and well-being. This means packing necessary medications and a well-stocked first aid kit.
First and foremost, make sure to bring an ample supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications. These should be stored in a secure and easily accessible location.
In addition to medications, it’s important to pack a first aid kit. This should include essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and pain relievers. Be sure to include any other items you may need for minor injuries or illnesses.
Alongside medications and first aid supplies, consider bringing motion sickness remedies and sunscreen. These will help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent any discomfort caused by motion sickness.
By being prepared with a comprehensive medication storage and first aid kit, you can ensure a worry-free cruise experience.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about packing a power strip and extension cord.
Pack a Power Strip and Extension Cord
To ensure you have enough outlets for all your electronic devices, pack a power strip and extension cord. This will allow you to easily charge your phone, tablet, and camera while still enjoying the breathtaking views from your cruise cabin.
By bringing a power strip, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Convenience: Having multiple outlets in one place saves you from searching for available plugs.
- Space-saving: With limited outlet options in your cabin, a power strip allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without cluttering the room.
- Cost-effective: Instead of purchasing multiple charging adapters, a power strip allows you to charge multiple devices using a single outlet.
- Sharing with others: If you’re traveling with friends or family, a power strip ensures everyone can charge their devices at the same time.
- Versatility: Some power strips also come with USB ports, making it easier to charge devices without needing a separate adapter.
By packing a power strip and extension cord, you can save money on your cruise and ensure all your devices are fully charged.
Speaking of saving money, another item to bring is a reusable tote bag for excursions, which I’ll discuss in the next section.
Bring a Reusable Tote Bag for Excursions
Don’t forget, a reusable tote bag is a must-have for excursions. It allows you to carry essentials while reducing plastic waste. Using a reusable bag can save an average of 500 plastic bags per person each year. That’s a significant reduction in waste!
When going on a cruise, packing essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and towels is essential. Having a reusable shopping bag makes it convenient to carry these items without the need for disposable bags provided by the cruise ship or local shops. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
Speaking of staying cool, another great item to bring on your cruise is a portable fan or mini-fan. It can provide you with some much-needed relief from the heat, especially during outdoor excursions.
Carry a Portable Fan or Mini-Fan
Carrying a portable fan or mini-fan on your cruise can provide much-needed relief from the heat, especially during outdoor excursions.
The benefits of having a portable fan are numerous. First and foremost, it helps keep you cool and comfortable in hot and humid weather conditions. Whether you’re exploring a tropical island or lounging by the pool, the portable fan can be a lifesaver.
Secondly, it is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your bag or pocket. When choosing the right mini fan, look for one that has adjustable speed settings and a rechargeable battery for convenience.
With a portable fan in tow, you can beat the heat and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Speaking of convenience, another essential item to pack is a travel clothesline and laundry detergent. This will allow you to save money by doing your laundry onboard instead of using the ship’s expensive laundry service.
Pack a Travel Clothesline and Laundry Detergent
Packing a travel clothesline and laundry detergent is like having a laundry room in your suitcase. It allows you to freshen up your clothes and keep them clean throughout your trip.
When it comes to travel clothesline options, there are compact and lightweight choices available. Look for ones that are easy to set up and have secure attachment points, such as suction cups or hooks. These clotheslines can be hung in your cabin or on the balcony, providing a convenient place to air dry your clothes.
As for laundry detergent alternatives, consider packing travel-sized laundry soap sheets or laundry pods. These are compact and easy to use, requiring no measuring or mess. They are also TSA-friendly, making them perfect for air travel.
By bringing a travel clothesline and laundry detergent, you can save money on expensive onboard laundry services and have fresh clothes throughout your cruise.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about bringing your own entertainment.
Bring Your Own Entertainment
Having your own entertainment options can greatly enhance your cruise experience. It provides a personal touch and ensures you never get bored during your journey.
One way to keep yourself entertained is by bringing portable gaming devices. For example, a Nintendo Switch or a handheld console. These devices are compact and can provide hours of fun, whether you’re playing solo or with friends and family.
Don’t forget to pack outdoor activities like a frisbee or a beach ball as well. These can be great for enjoying some active time on the deck or at the beach ports.
By bringing your own entertainment, you can save money on expensive onboard activities and have a more enjoyable time on your cruise.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about not overpacking clothing.
Don’t Overpack Clothing
After bringing my own entertainment on the cruise, I realized how much space it saved in my luggage. It got me thinking about other ways to save space and money. That’s when I realized I was overpacking clothing.
Instead of bringing a different outfit for each day, I decided to mix and match clothing items. This allowed me to create multiple outfits with fewer items, saving space and reducing the need for extra luggage.
Additionally, I made sure to choose versatile footwear that could be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. This way, I didn’t have to bring multiple pairs of shoes, which saved even more space.
Now that I had my clothing situation sorted, it was time to research and book excursions in advance.
Research and Book Excursions in Advance
To make the most of my trip, I started researching and booking excursions well in advance, ensuring I wouldn’t miss out on any incredible experiences. Here are some excursion planning tips and ways to save money on cruise activities that I discovered.
Firstly, I made a list of the activities and attractions that interested me the most. Then, I researched each one to find out if booking through the cruise line was the cheapest option. In some cases, I found that booking directly with local tour operators was more affordable.
Additionally, I looked for group discounts or package deals that included multiple activities. Another tip is to consider booking excursions independently instead of through the cruise line, as this can often save money.
Lastly, I made sure to check reviews and ratings of the excursions to ensure they were reputable and worth the price. By following these tips, I was able to save money on cruise activities and have an unforgettable trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restrictions on the type and quantity of snacks and drinks I can bring on a cruise?
Yes, there are restrictions on snacks and drinks you can bring on a cruise. It’s best to check with the cruise line for specific guidelines. To save money, consider purchasing a beverage package and bringing non-perishable snacks in your luggage.
Can I bring my own toiletries in full-sized bottles or do they need to be travel-sized?
I always pack my full-sized toiletries when I go on a cruise. It’s like having a little piece of home with me. As for snacks and drinks, I find that bringing my favorite treats helps me save money onboard.
Are there any specific medications or first aid items that are recommended to have on a cruise?
I recommend bringing essential medications like pain relievers, motion sickness pills, and any prescription medications you may need. Additionally, having first aid items such as band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and a thermometer is a good idea for any unexpected emergencies on a cruise.
Is there a limit on the number of electronic devices I can plug into a power strip or extension cord?
There may be limits on the number of devices you can plug into a power strip or extension cord due to safety concerns. It’s best to check with the cruise ship beforehand for their specific guidelines and charging devices etiquette.
Are there any restrictions on the size or type of reusable tote bag I can bring for excursions?
There are usually no restrictions on the size or type of reusable tote bag you can bring for excursions. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to carry your essentials and comfortable to carry around.
Conclusion
In conclusion, packing the right items for a cruise can help you save money and make your trip more enjoyable. By bringing snacks and drinks, toiletries, and medications, you can avoid spending extra money on these items onboard.
Packing a power strip and extension cord will ensure you have enough outlets for all your devices. Bringing a reusable tote bag and travel clothesline will come in handy during excursions and for doing laundry onboard.
Lastly, researching and booking excursions in advance can save you money and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions. According to a recent study, travelers who pack their own snacks and drinks save an average of $100 on a week-long cruise.
So, don’t forget to pack smart and save money on your next cruise adventure!
Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.
Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.
