Outdoor adventurers and casual vacationers alike can appreciate the value of traveling, and a unique way to travel is via boat or cruise. Waterways and oceans have much to offer, and passengers aboard a seacraft can enjoy the experiences of salty air and ocean breezes - all while traveling to a planned destination.
Whether you’re traveling via boat/cruise ship in order to get to an exotic location or simply boarding a ship for the experience of a vacation on the water, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed your bags accordingly. Many boat and cruise travels can even be coupled with excursions that include a day of hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or even a multi-day backpacking and camping tour, so be sure to check out our other preparation lists respectively.
Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.
Boat/Cruise Basic Gear
Traveling by boat or cruise ship requires a few essentials, but if you’re merely going along for the ride, then you’ll likely have fewer travel requirements than the captain of a ship. This checklist will focus on the boat/cruise passenger as opposed to a navigator of the seas. Most times, PFDs are provided for you, but check to be sure (because otherwise, you’ll want to pack one in your gear).
Item | Why You Need It |
ID/Passport | Essential for Identification Purposes |
Store Travel Items Securely | |
Small Storage for Carrying on Boat | |
Organize Your Luggage | |
Great for Storing Dirty Laundry | |
Capture the Memories | |
Dry Yourself and Your Gear | |
Accessory Items
In addition to many of the essentials, you’ll want to consider a few of these accessories to help make your trip more enjoyable. Some of these are designed for organizational purposes while others simply are designed to make your life a little easier.
Item | Why You Need It |
Keep Luggage Secure | |
Weigh Luggage | |
Portable Energy Source | |
Passport Protection | |
Keep Small Travel Items Organized | |
Identification for Your Luggage | |
Keeps Water Out of Ears | |
Listening Instrument | |
Keeps Lips Hydrated | |
Personal Care Items
Remember that traveling via plane, boat, car, or bus will all require that one stocks their personal effects appropriately. Many personal care items can be purchased aboard a cruise ship (but at an extravagant cost), and some may be provided, but it’s always best to simply stock your gear ahead of time to ensure a comfortable trip.
Item | Why You Need It |
Store all of Your Toiletries | |
Dental Hygienics | |
Medications | Pack for the Duration of Your Trip |
Face Wash | Wash Your Face |
Soap/Body Wash | Cleansing |
Shampoo/Conditioner | Cleansing for Hair |
Shaving Kit | Grooming Tools for Men |
Store Your Liquid Toiletries | |
Deodorant | Anti-Perspiration |
Lotion | Keep Skin Hydrated |
Hair Products | |
Hair Straightener/Curling Iron |
Clothing
While much of your clothing will depend on your destination, you’ll still want to review this checklist to ensure that you’ve covered many of the essentials. Those with longer trips and more drastic climate changes during their trip will likely need to pack more than those going on a short, mild-temperature excursion.
Item | Why You Need It |
Protection Against the Elements | |
Protection Against Sun’s Rays | |
Good for Warm Weather Comfort | |
Light Insulation and Protection | |
Swimsuit | Essential for Warm/Beach Weather |
Galoshes | Shoes That Pair Well with Wet Suit |
Formal Outfit | For Captains Dinner |
First Aid Essentials
Even though large charter ships typically have a first aid station onboard, you’ll find that it may be easier to simply stock some first aid essentials as well. This way, minor ailments that don’t necessarily warrant a doctor can be handled with what you’ve brought on board, again saving you the expense of purchasing these items on the ship.
Item | Why You Need It |
Wound Coverage | |
Advil/Tylenol | For Minor Ailments |
Seaband | Reduce Seasickness |
Seasick Medication | Reduce Seasickness |
Aloe | Treat Sunburns |
Keep Bugs at Bay |
