Title: What to Bring When Working on a Cruise Ship
So, you’ve scored a job on a cruise ship? Congrats! Now you’re probably wondering what to take with you, right? Packing for such a prolonged period might feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time leaving home for months. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Based on my experience, they’ll provide uniforms for you, but you have to think about what else to include. Often you’ll be flying to the ship’s location, and remember, hauling multiple overweight luggage items can be a royal pain, so plan accordingly.
Here’s a simple way to pack: separate your items into “essentials” and “extras.”
Your Essentials:
– Enough Socks and Underwear for Two Weeks: Trust me, you don’t want to run out of these after a 16-hour shift, or when everybody else is doing their laundry onboard.
– Travel Sized Toiletries: If your cruise starts in the USA, you can restock later. But if you’re leaving from other countries, bring your favorite full-sized items.
– 4-6 T-Shirts and 2 Pairs of Jeans: Yes, you’ll wear a uniform most of the time, but casual clothes for the crew bar are a must.
– A Sweatshirt and a Bathing Suit: Between the chilly ship A/C and beach destinations, you’ll get use out of both.
– Footwear: Pack steel-toed shoes (useful for heavy-duty work), sneakers, and flip-flops.
– Formal Dress and High Heels: For formal nights if you can visit public areas.
– Workout Clothes/Pajamas: Try choosing outfits that can serve multiple purposes.
– Other necessaries: Uniform pants, polo shirts, a black cardigan, a belt, stockings, and a pair of shorts.
– Work Tools: Think travel-friendly sizes – a flashlight, gloves, and a multi-tool.
– Entertainment: Hard drives with TV shows and movies can help you relax after work and make friends onboard.
– Winter Jacket: Essential for chillier itineraries, like cruising in Alaska during summertime.
Extra Items:
– Additional Shirts, sundresses and possibly another pair of high heels.
– A Gaming Console: Something like a Wii might help you to wind down after work, but remember to respect the shared spaces.
– Tea or Coffee Maker: But remember, this isn’t officially allowed in cabins, so it’s at your own risk.
– Keurig pods, Books, Notecards and Stamps for Writing Home: For brewing your favorite drink, reading, and keeping in touch with loved ones.
– Hand Soap, Laundry Detergent, and a collapsible Laundry Basket: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
– Finally, put a bottle of water in your luggage. You’ll appreciate it when you finally get to your cabin and need to hydrate.
Check if there’s a shopping center or grocery store near your cruise ship’s home port in the USA to pick up any necessary last-minute items.
Welcome to the cruise life! Don’t stress, you’re going to do great. Keep calm and happy sailing!