Going on a cruise is so exciting! There are so many destinations to choose from nowadays, so first you need to figure out what exactly you are looking for. Do you want to head over to the islands of the Caribbean and soak up the sun, go snorkeling, scuba diving, enjoy the amazing sites, go on a shopping spree, or just relax on the beach? Or do you want to see the Fjords in Scandinavia, tour through ancient cities and epic landscapes? How about a cruise to Alaska with all the beautiful nature it has to offer. Want to see many different cities – and countries – in Europe without packing and unpacking at each stop? A cruise is a perfect solution for that.
If you have never been on a cruise before, you might wonder, what exactly should you pack or what do you need on board? The advantage of a cruise compared to a road trip is, you will stay in the same room the entire time. No need to unpack and pack, over and over.
You also have more luggage allowance than on an airplane. Cruise lines have different regulations, so make sure to check with them how much luggage is allowed. If you are going on a 3-5 day cruise, one suitcase and one hand carry-on should be enough per person. If your cruise is 5 days or more and you want to have your own fashion show on board, attend gala dinners, theater shows or just want to dress up, you should probably pack two bags.
If you are heading into warm climates, you might think that you will only need some bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses and flip-flops. Wrong! Don’t forget to bring extra bathing suits and clothing to change, as you might get drenched in that heat. Bring a baseball cap or any type of hat to cover your face from that sweltering sun. Sunglasses and suntan lotion are a must!
No matter if it’s a warm or mild climate you are cruising through, it will always be windy and the AC inside might feel cold compared to the heat outside. Bring a hoodie or a sweater to cover up. Make a list of all your destinations and check the weather forecast. Some places might be colder than others. Don’t forget: some cruise ships offer ice skating and it is freezing in there!
Even though things got way more relaxed on cruise ships regarding the dress code, there actually still is a dress code in place. Other than the pool deck you need to cover up if you want to grab something from the buffet or grab a drink from a bar that’s located inside.
If you plan to attend the gala dinner, you might be asked to wear more formal clothing. You won’t need a tux or a ballgown, but long pants and a cute dress will go a long way. This is your chance to dress up! Check your cruise line’s recommendations for dinner attire beforehand.
If you head to the buffet, it is definitely more relaxed than the formal dining room. At the buffet, you can wear shorts, shirts, and all that is comfortable for you. As long as you are not in your bathing suit, you should be good to go.
Before we talk more of what to pack, let’s talk about roaming charges on your ship. Cruise ships offer internet packages, some starting at $20/day and on some cruise lines you must purchase the package for the full length of your cruise. If you want a one-time 24-hour internet pass, it will be even more expensive. There are different plan options, such as video calls and social media only, or full packages to include streaming movies and music. Each cruise ship company has their own plans and packages, check ahead of time to compare options.
Great news! The eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE is available on cruise ships and ferries with the Telenor Maritime package. Please note, this package will only work on cruise ships and ferries. To purchase a land package please select the destination where you travel to.
Purchase an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Data and never worry about running out of data on your cruise again!
So, how does it work to get data on your cruise ship and avoid roaming charges?
It works with an eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE for land packages and Telenor Maritime for cruise ships and ferries.
Red Bull MOBILE is an app-based data plan for travelers. With the use of eSIM, it allows you to surf from anywhere around the globe. Whether you’re sightseeing, base jumping, climbing, or in fact cruising.
That means you never again have to worry about running out of data for your internet connection wherever you might travel, when you need it the most or about unexpected fees and invoices.
All you have to do is download the app, register, search for – or scroll down to your destination or the Telenor Maritime option, and purchase your package. Please note, the Telenor Maritime package will work on cruise ships and ferries only! To purchase a land package please select the destination where you travel to.
Set-up instructions for Android devices can be found here.
Set-up instructions for iOS devices can be found here.
In order to ensure proper functionality, you should purchase and install the eSIM before you start your trip or board your cruise ship. You will need a steady internet connection to set up your data plan, therefore it would be advisable to have your plan set up where you have a strong internet signal. The packages are valid for 30 days after activation. When you’ve used up 80% of your data, we’ll let you know — so you won’t get stuck without any data. You’ll get another notification once your data has finally run out.
In the Red Bull MOBILE App you will also see how much data you have already used.
Where does the Telenor Maritime package work?
The Telenor Maritime package currently works on many ships and ferries; get a full list of all vessels by clicking HERE to search for a cruise ship or ferry.
You should switch off data roaming for your primary SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Since streaming movies, videos and TV shows use a lot of data, it is advisable to download these ahead of time to minimize data usage.
Now that you won’t have to worry about roaming charges anymore, let’s go over necessary items and some tips.
Cruise ships will offer everything from mini golf, ice skating, rock climbing walls, on-ship surf simulators to jogging tracks. Pre-pick what you want to try your hand at and pack accordingly. Don’t forget your sneakers for the gym or other activities that require closed shoes.
Walking along on the outside of the ship, floors might be wet and slippery. Shoes should be non-slip and be careful with those high heels! Stairs can be tricky…. Flats, Sandals, comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops, dress shoes, and water shoes should be considered.
For all your electronic items, such as a cell phone, Kindle, laptop, smart watch, tablet, headphones, you will need a universal power adapter and a portable battery pack.
Things like underwear, socks, pajamas, T-shirts, a couple of bathing suits or swim trunks, gym clothes, hat, beach dress, casual and formal clothing, raincoat, sweater & hoodies, belts, sunglasses and jewelry are most likely in everyone’s suitcase.
If you plan to attend a religious site on one of the excursions, bring a head scarf.
Some cruise lines will offer shampoo and conditioner next to the soap dispenser, but if you prefer your own, you should do so. Remember, you can bring full size items on board, no need to refill into smaller travel size containers.
Sunscreen and after-sun lotion should definitely be full size. Other things you might want to bring along are body wash, moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties, razor and shaving cream, cotton swabs and cotton balls, mouthwash, floss, nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, wet or disinfecting wipes, and if needed – feminine hygiene products. Insect repellent can be helpful in some areas.
In order to board your cruise ship you will need your passport, cruise ticket & boarding pass, and a credit/debit card. If your cruise line asks for proof of vaccination, you will have to provide that as well.
Whenever you leave the ship at one of the foreign ports you will need your passport and your cruise ID. It would be advisable to bring along your travel insurance and medical insurance card, as well as your credit/debit card. If you booked an excursion, bring your tickets.
Don’t forget your prescription medication. Always bring enough of your prescription medication on board! Your medication might not be available at some ports. Pain relief medication, motion sickness tablets, cold & flu pills, allergy medication, antacids are all good things to bring along.
Reusable water bottles can be purchased on board or you can bring your own. If heading to the beach, a waterproof cell phone cover might be handy.
ATM fees can be steep in some places but why waste time finding an ATM? Check the currency for your destination. If you are visiting several countries, check if they use a different currency and get that accordingly ahead of time. Cash is always good when purchasing souvenirs from street vendors, needing small change for public restrooms or to tip.
Items you can NOT bring on board are alcohol, perishable food, weapons, fireworks, firearms, flammable liquids, knives, drugs, lasers, iron, candles, and more.
Now you have an idea of what to bring on board, but always check with your cruise line about necessary documents, luggage restrictions, recommendations for dinner attire, attractions and activities on board.
Look up the weather forecast, even if you are heading to hot climates. It might rain or temperatures might change within hours. Bring a raincoat and a hoodie!
Get the eSIM from Red Bull MOBILE Maritime package to avoid expensive roaming charges and enjoy your cruise!
