Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive guide on what not to pack for a cruise, highlighting common mistakes that can lead to confiscation of items, wasted space, or unnecessary expenses. It covers prohibited items like irons and surge-protected power strips, and offers alternatives and updates on cruise line policies. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of packing essential items in a carry-on bag, avoiding expensive jewelry, and being mindful of dress codes and reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Irons and steamers are prohibited due to being fire hazards; use Downey Wrinkle Release instead.
- Surge-protected power strips are not allowed, and Royal Caribbean prohibits even cruise-approved power cubes; multi-hub USB outlets are a good alternative.
- Pack first-day essentials in a carry-on bag to avoid delays accessing checked luggage.
Introduction
The video introduces common cruise packing mistakes that can waste time, space, and money, or even lead to confiscation of items. It aims to provide solutions and updates on recent policy changes, making it useful for both first-time and experienced cruisers. The presenter encourages viewers to like the video and subscribe to the channel for more helpful content.
Irons and Steamers
Irons and clothing steamers are not allowed on cruise ships due to being potential fire hazards with heating elements. Confiscated items can be retrieved at the end of the cruise. As an alternative, Downey Wrinkle Release combined with shower steam can help reduce wrinkles.
Extension Cords and Power Strips
Surge-protected power strips are prohibited on all cruise ships due to recent policy changes. While many cruise ships allow cruise-approved, non-surge-protected power cubes, Royal Caribbean does not, recommending multi-hub USB outlets instead. The presenter provides links to recommended products in the video description.
Liquor and Beer
Liquor and beer are generally not allowed to be brought on cruise ships. However, most cruise lines permit one bottle of wine or champagne per person on embarkation day, but it's important to check the specific policy of the cruise line. Notably, MSC Cruises does not allow this.
Everyday Toiletries
Cruise ships typically provide shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap, similar to hotels. However, the quality may vary, with some cruises offering 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 products. It's recommended to bring travel-sized bottles of preferred shampoo and conditioner, using silicone covers to prevent leaks. Bar shampoos are also a good alternative to liquids.
First Day Essentials
It's a common mistake for first-time cruisers to pack first-day essentials in checked luggage. Instead, these items should be kept in a carry-on or personal bag. The presenter recommends packing a pre-cruise bag with the same items needed for the pre-cruise hotel and embarkation day. Nomad Lane sponsors the video to showcase their Bento bag, which is designed for efficient organization. The bag features a clamshell design, a laptop compartment, and multiple pouches for liquids and electronics.
Expensive Jewelry
It is advisable to leave expensive jewelry at home and avoid wearing flashy items in cruise ports. Instead, consider buying a travel ring or affordable jewelry from places like Amazon. This helps protect valuable and sentimental jewelry from potential loss or theft.
Wrong Clothes and Shoes
Cruise lines have dress codes, so it's important to check for theme nights and formal nights and pack accordingly. Closed-toe shoes or sneakers are necessary for some onboard activities, even for children. While casual wear like flip-flops is acceptable at the buffet, sit-down restaurants, especially in the evening, may not allow pool wear. Camouflage clothing is illegal in several Caribbean cruise ports and should be avoided. It's also wise to wear tighter clothes early in the cruise due to the abundance of food and drinks.
Snacks
While cruise ships offer plenty of food, snacks like candy, chips, gum, and chocolates can be expensive onboard. Bringing these items from home is a good idea for those who enjoy them.
Sunscreen
Many Caribbean cruise ports have banned regular sunscreens, requiring visitors to use reef-friendly alternatives. It's also recommended to bring aloe vera, as the sun's reflection off the water can be intense, and purchasing it on the ship is more expensive.
Bluetooth Speakers and Walkie-Talkies
Many cruise lines have started to ban Bluetooth speakers, either on the ship or on their private islands. If allowed, speakers should only be used in cabins and not in public areas. Norwegian Cruise Line no longer allows walkie-talkies, but most cruise lines offer messaging apps for a nominal fee, which are more effective on a ship.
Cash
Large amounts of cash are unnecessary on cruises, as most purchases are linked to the cruise card. However, small bills (ones, fives, tens, and twenties) are useful for tipping bartenders, porters, and shore excursion guides, as well as for bargaining in local markets.
Towels
Cruise ships provide towels for use at the pool and for excursions in port, so bringing personal towels is unnecessary. However, some may prefer to bring a thinner, sand-free towel.
Bathrobes and Hangers
Most cruise lines provide bathrobes upon request in cruise cabins, eliminating the need to bring one. If additional hangers are needed, cabin attendants can provide them, though they are typically thin wire hangers. Foldable travel hangers can be brought for immediate unpacking.
Hair Dryer
The quality of hair dryers on cruise ships is similar to those in hotel rooms. If this is sufficient, there's no need to bring a personal hair dryer.
Other Fire Hazards and Exceptions
Items with heating elements are generally prohibited, but hair straighteners and curling irons are typically allowed on most cruise lines, although security can remove them if deemed unsafe. Electric heating blankets and coffee makers are not allowed.
