Packing for a World Cruise

Planning Clothing for a World Cruise

A world cruise is essentially a series of 14–21 day cruises, but with one major difference: you will travel through a wide range of climates. Most itineraries spend significant time in the warm, humid tropics, but many also include cooler regions such as the Mediterranean or the North Pacific. Planning ahead ensures you are comfortable in all conditions.

Clothing Categories to Consider

• Daily clothes for sea days
• Daily clothes for warm-weather ports
• Daily clothes for cold-weather ports
• Evening wear for dinner
• Gala night attire
• Pool attire
• Workout or gym clothing
• Water shoes for snorkeling or rocky beaches
• Snorkel mask and fins
• Underwear, sleepwear, and socks
• Rain gear or a poncho (umbrellas provided onboard)
• Hats and sunglasses
• Backup prescription glasses and a small repair kit
• Extra shoelaces
• Theme night attire — HAL will release a theme-night schedule about a month before the cruise.
  Participation ranges from simple (green for St. Patrick’s Day, red for Valentine’s Day) to elaborate costumes worn by 25–50 guests.
  Some events include ship-provided accessories such as hats or masks.
  The Black & Silver Ball and the All White theme typically have the highest participation.

How to Plan Your Wardrobe

• Decide how often you want to do laundry versus how much clothing variety you prefer.
• Use your experience from a typical 14-day cruise and adjust for additional climates.
• Create a simple packing spreadsheet with columns for day, evening, and expected temperature.
  This makes it easy to plan outfits for each port. ChatGPT can help look up average temperatures.
• When uncertain, pack less. Clothing is easy to purchase along the way if needed.

Tip from Judi

After gathering clothes for a specific category (such as excursion outfits), take a photo and add it to your packing list. It provides a quick visual reference and makes packing for future trips easier.

Example Packing Plan from Jo “Writer on Deck”

Gala Nights: 3 dressy pants or skirts, 2–4 tops, 1–2 dresses, and comfortable dressy sandals.

Other Evenings: About 8 outfits, mixing slacks, skirts, dresses, and nice tops. Bring 2 sweaters or shawls for cool dining rooms.

Daytime: Around 12 tops for varying weather, 3–4 shorts, jeans, 3–4 cotton sundresses, sandals, and closed-toe shoes for cool or wet days.

Outerwear: Rain jacket, hoodie, packable windbreaker, warm hat, and gloves.

Swim & Beach: 2 swimsuits, cover-up, beach shoes, snorkel and mask (fins optional).

Managing Prescription Medications for a World Cruise

You will need a 4–5 month supply of all your prescription medications for a world cruise.
Most insurance companies recognize the term “Vacation Override.”
Start early with your doctor and insurance provider to determine the process and any limitations.
This is not something to leave until the last minute, but most travelers have been able to work out a solution with persistence.

If your medication requires refrigeration, special handling, or coordination with the ship’s medical team,
involve your travel agent and Holland America Line (HAL) well in advance.
We use TRICARE / Express Scripts and were able to obtain all needed medications ahead of time,
though it did require multiple calls. Be politely persistent.

Prescription Discount & Alternative Services

Some travelers use GoodRx to find lower prices for common medications.
You do not need insurance to use it.

We have also used TelyRX to obtain certain antibiotics for contingency use.
Your primary care physician or travel clinic may also prescribe standby medications.

Consumer Reports published an informative article covering discount prescription services
and evaluating which options offer good value. Though several years old, the overview is still relevant.

Consumer Reports Article

Tip from TR – Know Your Insurance Limits

Some insurance companies allow only one vacation override per year.
This can cause issues if your previous override was processed in December for a January departure,
and you request another override the following January.
You may be forced to pay out of pocket if the system counts this as two overrides within the same year.

Tip from Jo “Writer on Deck” – Medications Requiring Refrigeration

Many modern medications require refrigeration, but stateroom “coolers” are not reliable medical refrigerators
and may hold temperatures around 40°F. HAL’s Medical Center will store these medications for you.

Best practices for refrigerated medications:

• Remove items from their boxes but keep at least one prescription label.
• Place everything in Ziploc bags labeled with your name and cabin number (Sharpie on the outside).
• Include a spare label inside the bag.
• Pick up doses as needed during Medical Center operating hours.

Additional Medication Tips from Jo

• Order 90-day refills as early as possible to gradually build an extra supply.
• Request a vacation override as soon as your insurer allows it.
• Use prescription discount cards when appropriate.
• Ask your doctor about alternative dosages or equivalent medications if supply is limited.
• Continue routine refills during your cruise if your insurance plan permits forwarding prescriptions.

Over-the-Counter Medications to Bring

Cruise ships carry only a limited supply of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
The ship’s Medical Center will have more options, but they are typically much more expensive than what you’d pay at home.
Bring enough to manage at least one cold or similar minor illness.

Recommended OTC Items

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve)
• Cough drops
• Cold medications
• Band-Aids (multiple sizes)
• Antiseptic cream
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Decongestant
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• Seasickness remedies (wristbands, patches, pills)

Tip from “The Sailing Parrots”

As long-time sailors who lived aboard for 12 years, they strongly recommend
Motion Eaze for seasickness prevention.
A drop or two placed behind each ear is often effective, and because the product does not enter your bloodstream, it does not cause drowsiness.
Available on Amazon.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Lotions, creams, make-up, razors, toothpaste, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, shampoo, and hair color products can all be packed in advance.
A good way to estimate what you’ll need is to track your usage at home for one month and bring the appropriate amount for a long cruise.
If you’re not particular about specific brands, many modern ports will carry suitable replacements.

Other Helpful Items

• Sharpies
• Paper clips
• Post-it Notes
• Pens and pencils
• Scissors
• Clear packing tape
• Cellophane tape
• Rubber bands
• Stapler and staples
• Small binders

If small indicator lights on electronics or TVs bother you at night, bring black electrical tape or masking tape to cover them.

Storage & Utility Items

• Ziploc bags (various sizes)
• Zip ties
• Battery-operated clock (we use one with a suction cup for the mirror)

Laundry

If you plan to hand-wash clothing, bring the laundry supplies you prefer.
Some ships do not offer self-service laundry, so hand-washing in the sink may be your only option.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Bring business cards to easily share your contact information.
• The front desk will usually provide a few sheets of paper and envelopes free of charge.

Tip from Marty and Gail

Bring a small assortment of greeting cards—birthday, anniversary, thank-you, and others.
You’ll meet many peopl

Snacks, Treats, and Popcorn

You won’t go hungry on a cruise ship, but if you can’t live without a particular treat—Snickers bars, a specific brand of peanut butter, gum, candy, etc.—it’s best to bring a supply from home. Some items (like Snickers bars) can be found in many ports, but others may be difficult or impossible to track down.

Keep in mind that many ports prohibit taking food ashore. We always pack something like fig bars (or a similar snack) in individually sealed wrappers; they’re handy on long bus rides and generally allowed when kept sealed.

On my recent Legendary Mediterranean cruise on the Volendam, Holland America served popcorn in the Wajang Theater. Availability can vary by ship and sailing—on some cruises, movies are shown in the World Stage and popcorn may not be offered.

I brought a small Rubbermaid tub with a tight-sealing lid to store popcorn from the theater and keep it fresh in the cabin.

Bottom line: if popcorn is important to you, don’t count on the ship to provide it—be prepared to bring your own.

Electrical Outlets and Charging Tips

Cabins have a limited number of electrical outlets. In addition to the standard North American outlet at the desk,
there may be one or two additional plugs nearby, though they may require a little effort to access.
A multi-plug outlet extender without a surge protector is allowed onboard, and versions that include European plug options
help you make use of the ship’s 220V outlets.

Using the 220V Outlet

Next to the 110V outlet, most cabins have a 220V European-style outlet.
Many modern electronic devices accept both 110V and 220V, but always check the voltage specifications carefully—especially for items that produce heat,
such as curling irons or hairdryers. Dual-voltage devices typically have a switch or clear labeling.

USB and Bedside Charging

On the Volendam, there are no USB charging ports at the bedside.
Be prepared to use the desk outlets or run an extension cord if you prefer to charge devices near the bed.

Hidden or Extra Outlets

If your cabin does not have a refrigerator, you may still find an accessible outlet where one used to be.
Since many TVs were initially placed on desks or inside cabinets and later moved to wall mounts,
you may find usable outlets behind or near the TV.

Charging Devices

Bring enough chargers and cables for all your devices.
A multi-port USB charging station (such as a six-port hub) is an excellent way to reduce the number of individual adapters you need.

Adapter plugs are also helpful for any overland travel during your trip.

Power Banks

A portable power bank is extremely helpful on long shore excursions.  

Smartwatch Charging

If you have an Apple Watch, don’t forget the charging puck.
Many cruisers purchase a second charger and keep it stored with their cruise gear to avoid leaving it behind.

Batteries

• AA/AAA batteries
• Button cell batteries (CR2032, CR2016, etc.) for AirTags and small electronics
• Camera batteries and any required specialty chargers

These items can be challenging to find in smaller ports, so it’s best to bring what you need from home.

Games, Hobbies, and Entertainment

If you enjoy certain games, bring them with you. Dominoes, Mah Jongg cards, Sudoku books, crossword puzzles,
and other favorites can make sea days more enjoyable.
Be sure to download any digital games for your phone or tablet before you leave home,
and update all apps the night before sailing—downloading updates over the ship’s Wi-Fi can be slow and unreliable.

Hobbies

If you knit or crochet, bring enough yarn and projects to keep you busy for the duration of the cruise.

Some world cruises may include a boat-building contest, though this is not guaranteed.
If this activity interests you, consider bringing a small assortment of lightweight materials just in case.

Watching Your Own Movies & Shows

Cabin televisions do not provide usable HDMI or composite inputs.
Some guests bring a small portable projector to connect to their laptop and project movies or shows onto a wall using a lightweight sheet.

Games Available in the Explorers Café

The ship maintains a well-stocked game library that typically includes:

• Big Brain
• Checkers
• Chinese Checkers
• Clue
• Cranium
• Dominoes
• The Game of Life
• Monopoly
• Outburst
• Parcheesi
• Rummikub
• Scattergories
• Scrabble
• Sorry
• Taboo
• Trivial Pursuit
• Word Games
• Yahtzee

Photography and Capturing Memories

Modern smartphones take excellent photos, and many travelers rely almost entirely on their phones during a world cruise.
Whether you plan to use your phone or bring a dedicated camera, a little preparation before you sail will help you get the best results.

Using Your Phone for Photos

Spend some time before the cruise learning your phone’s key camera features, including:

• Adjusting exposure for bright or backlit scenes
• Using low-light or Night Mode
• Locking focus and exposure
• When to use or avoid Portrait Mode
• Quickly switching between photo and video modes
• Using burst mode for action shots

Before departure, make sure you have enough cloud storage, update your software and photo apps,
practice AirDrop (iPhone) or Nearby Share (Android), and learn how to manually back up photos
in case ship Wi-Fi is too slow for large uploads. A portable power bank, waterproof phone pouch,
and wrist lanyard are useful additions for excursions.

Using a Dedicated Camera

If you purchase a new camera for the cruise, give yourself time to learn how to use it before sailing. Practice:

• Fill flash
• Low-light photography
• Capturing backlit subjects
• Basic video settings

Bring extra batteries, spare memory cards, the charger, and a protective case, as replacements may be difficult to find in smaller ports.

We used the following cameras with excellent results:

• Canon PowerShot SX740
• Sony A6600
• Sony RX100 V II

Backing Up Your Photos

Rather than relying on a specific device, it’s important to have a plan for managing and backing up your photos.
Consider cloud storage when available, keeping extra SD cards or phone storage on hand,
using a simple method to transfer photos between devices, and establishing a daily or weekly backup routine.
If traveling with others, coordinate sharing methods such as AirDrop or Nearby Share.

Binoculars

If you have a quality pair of binoculars, bring them—they are excellent for wildlife viewing and scenic cruising.
Suites typically include a pair, but many guests prefer their own.

Computers and Work Equipment

Because I am blogging during the cruise, I traveled with more computers and accessories than most guests.
Here is the equipment I use and find helpful:

Computers & Mobile Devices

• Dell XPS 15 9500 – my primary work laptop for writing, photo management, and editing.
• iPad / iPhone – ideal for quick edits, note-taking, reading, and posting while on excursions.

Portable Printer

Epson Workforce WF-110 Wireless Printer
A lightweight, battery-powered wireless printer.
We used it to print photos and handouts to share with friends.
Compact and easy to pack.

Portable Photo Scanner

Epson Perfection V39 Scanner
A small, lightweight flatbed scanner powered directly from a USB port.
Useful for scanning documents, artwork, or memorabilia collected during the cruise.

Storage & Backup

An external hard drive or SSD is essential for backing up photos, videos, and documents.
Regular backups provide peace of mind, especially when working with large media files while at sea.

Cabin Organization Tips

3M Command Strip wall hooks are extremely useful for adding extra hanging space without damaging cabin surfaces.
Strong magnets are also helpful for holding papers, schedules, and notes on the few magnetic areas inside the cabin.

Storage Solutions

Collapsible storage bins are great for organizing the open shelf under the sink.
On the Volendam, three bins sized 11″ × 11″ × 5″ fit perfectly in this space.

• Over-the-door shoe rack for toiletries or accessories
• In-drawer organizers to keep small items sorted
• Hanging shelves for additional vertical storage

Magnetic Areas in the Cabin

The ceilings on the Volendam are steel, so magnetic hooks and hanging shelves work very well overhead.
The walls are mostly non-magnetic, with only a few exceptions such as the doors and doorframes.

Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets

Extension cords and multi-plug outlet extenders are allowed onboard as long as they do not contain a surge protector.
This includes simple extension cords, multi-outlet adapters, and non-surge power strips.

According to Holland America Line’s current guidance:

“Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi-plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors
are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.”

Devices with surge protection are not permitted and may be confiscated.
Even allowable items can be removed by ship staff if they determine the device poses a safety risk.

Practical Notes

• Choose outlet extenders or adapters without surge protection features.
• Models that include European plug options can help you use the 220V outlet in your cabin.
• Use all cords safely—avoid overloading outlets or running cords across walkways.

If you are unsure whether a device is allowed, look for wording such as “surge protector,” “surge suppression,” “voltage protection,”
or any indicator lights labeled “protected.” These features mean it is not allowed onboard.

Prohibited Items on Holland America Line

For the most current and complete list of prohibited items, always refer to Holland America Line’s official
Know Before You Go page:

Policies may change at any time, so review the latest guidance before you pack. Below are several items that are commonly overlooked
or may not be immediately obvious:

Sharp Objects

• Knives with a blade longer than 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) or wider than 0.5 inch
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches

Marijuana & Controlled Substances

Medical marijuana is prohibited, even with a prescription, due to federal and international regulations.

Tools (Trade or Hobby)

These items are generally not allowed onboard:

• Hand tools or power tools
• Hammers, drills, drill bits, crowbars, saws, or power saws
• Chef knives or kitchen tools longer than 7 inches
• Screwdrivers, w

Beverage Policy

Holland America Line does not allow guests to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption,
except for limited allowances of wine and water. Policies may change, so always confirm the latest guidance.

Wine & Champagne

Guests of legal drinking age may bring wine or champagne onboard:

• Bottles must be 750 ml or smaller.
• A $20 corkage fee applies per bottle (subject to change).
• Quantities considered excessive may be refused.
• Wine supplied by HAL is not subject to corkage.

Legal drinking age by itinerary:

• 21+ for most voyages
• 18+ for roundtrip cruises from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan
• 20+ for roundtrip cruises beginning and ending in Japan

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Most non-alcoholic beverages are not allowed, including soda, energy drinks, and water in plastic bottles.
However, each stateroom may bring one of the following:

• Up to 12 cans or cartons (500 ml or less each), or
• 6 cans or cartons (1 liter or less each), or
• Up to 6 liters total

Plastic water bottles are not allowed in any quantity, even if purchased in port.
Open beverages in plastic containers must be discarded before boarding.

Medical & Infant Exceptions

The following are allowed in checked luggage only:

• PURIFIED or DISTILLED WATER in factory-sealed containers (including plastic) for medical devices.
• Purified/distilled water for infant formula (only for staterooms with an infant booking).

Luggage Screening

All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned. Prohibited items will be:

• Removed
• Confiscated
• Discarded

Locked luggage may have locks removed, or the bag may be held for inspection in your presence.
HAL is not responsible for loss or damage related to confiscated prohibited items or lock removal.

Duty-Free Purchases

Alcohol purchased in port or from the ship’s duty-free shop must be surrendered upon boarding.
It will be stored by HAL and delivered to your stateroom on the final day of the voyage.

Service Charges

An 18% service charge is automatically added to all beverage purchases, bar retail items,
specialty restaurant cover charges, and à la carte menu items. Local sales taxes apply where required.

Latest Information

For the most up-to-date policy, visit:

Know Before You Go – Holland America Line

World Cruise Packing Resources

Here are some of the best and most up-to-date packing guides for long voyages and world cruises.