You got the job! Now how to pack your luggage for a cruise ship? Whether it is a short or long contract, my luggage is almost always the same. This is mostly due to the fact that I am a minimalist. I just cannot have too much “stuff” around me. And guess what, it worked out great for me. So, in this post I will explain my view on how to pack your luggage in preparation for a cruise ship job.

Truth is, many will over pack, mostly packing for the “what ifs” or “just in cases”. My advice, do not do that. In other words, just pack light and if you need (yes, “need” not want) something, then you can purchase it.

I know, you are thinking, What exactly will I need? Do I need swim wear? (obviously), Will I have time to party and do I need clothes for that? What will I wear to go outside? Do I need gym clothes? (who am I kidding, I am not going to the gym), Will I need a jacket or a sweater? If yes, how many and what kind? Will I meet my one true love and want to dress up for him or her? And the list goes on. Do not worry too much about it, because furthermore, you will have the opportunity to get a few things if the need arises.

Hand luggage and/or Carry-on

My hand luggage is also my carry-on item. So essentially, I only travel with two pieces of luggage, the carry-on and one checked piece. The bag that stays with me at all times will have the following:

1. Money – ultimately the amount is up to you. It is recommended you travel with at least USD200 or its equivalent, just in case of an emergency on the journey or to last until the first salary.

2. Passport, Certificates and Medical Report – valid Passport (with all required visas), Seaman’s Book (if you need one), and all applicable documents like, original medical results and certificate (to include yellow fever vaccination and immunization records), STCW training certificates, signed contract. If your company will re-reimburse you for visas and other fees, remember to take all your original receipts as well. Above all, please double check, then triple check that you have all these items.

3. Personal items – it is always a good idea to have a change of clothes, underwear and allowed toiletries. For instance, 3ml or less toothpaste, soap and toothbrush. This will be useful if ever the checked luggage is misplaced.

4. Electronics – mobile phone, laptop and a hard drive – if you have one (point is, get some movies to entertain yourself) – no pressure, if you do not have a laptop, at the very least, try to take a few videos on your phone or tablet (if you have one). There will be a television in the room, but you might want more options.

Checked Luggage

Luggage – storage space in the cabins is usually limited , so try to use a luggage that can be folded or stored away easily under the bed.

Toiletries – only pack small amounts of what you will need for the first month. After you get paid, then you can buy additional items ashore (believe me there will be plenty options, at ridiculously low prices). If you do not need to wait for pay day, then you can take enough for the first week, then take some time to go ashore and purchase. In other words, large size toiletries take up a lot of space in the luggage and tend to be heavy. So avoid them.

Socks and underwear – pack enough at least for 2 weeks.

Outfits – consider packing dark coloured clothing that are easy to mix and match and do not put too many bulky items in the luggage. For example, assess the outfits and wear the bulkier clothes on the journey. This way you will save on space in the luggage. For instance, I always wear my jeans and my sweater for travel. This way, all the lighter items like leggings, t-shirts and such can go in the suitcase.

Footwear – some companies will provide you with work shoes (check with your company). If they do not provide shoes, then purchase your own and keep it in your carry-on. In case the checked luggage is misplaced, at least you have safe shoes to work in. For safety reasons, when you are not working, it is best to wear closed toe shoes on the ship (some companies directly require that you to wear them). For me, instead of taking several pairs of shoes I generally just have one running shoes. Seems odd, yes? but it works for me, because I walk a lot and extremely fast, so it is just not practical for me to ever wear flip flops or anything but running or walking shoes.

Quick notes:

• Check the itinerary for your ship and the weather in the area. This way, you have an idea as to what type of clothing you might need.
• Sweater and jackets are bulky, so instead, try to pack clothes that you can layer, for example a slim fit t-shirt and a turtle neck thick cotton shirt.
• Some crew have several connecting flights, so knowing how to pack your luggage for a cruise ship will help remove some of the hassle of connecting flights.

Do you think I am missing something or do you have any questions? Let me know, via comment or private email message.