Packing - Luxury Cruising

17 Things You Should Never Bring On A Cruise (and what to bring instead!)

June 12, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News First time cruisers Packing

Packing for a cruise can be tricky – probably why I always leave it to the very last minute.

But you can save time and effort by ruling out some things that you might’ve otherwise been trying to cram into your suitcase.

An open suitcase packed for a cruise trip shows neatly organized clothing, a passport, a water bottle, a watch, and a laptop. Surrounding the suitcase are various shoes, a sun hat, and other travel essentials, all laid out on the floor in preparation for the journey.

Some of these items are banned outright, so would just mean you’d have to deal with the security team at your port, and others just aren’t worth bringing anyway.

So, here’s the list of things you shouldn’t bring on your cruise – hopefully making it that bit easier to close your suitcase without needing to sit on it.

1. Beach Towels

There’s no need to pack beach towels for your cruise. The cruise line will provide them for you. Even if you’re heading ashore, you can borrow a towel to take with you if you’re heading to the beach, as long as you bring it back. But on the pool deck of the ship, there’ll be towels available for you.

With beach towels being so bulky, not having to pack these can be a great space-saver, and then you don’t need to worry about beating the sand out of them or washing them when you get home. Win-win.

2. Irons or Clothes Steamers

An ironing room on the Carnival Celebration cruise ship, featuring a stainless steel sink and counter, two wall-mounted ironing boards with irons, and wooden paneled walls. The room is clean and functional, providing passengers with a space to iron their clothes.

Irons and clothes steamers are usually banned by cruise lines, but even when they’re permitted, it’s not worth bringing them.

Cruise ships have laundry services, and lots of them have self-service laundry rooms you can use with irons and ironing boards so you don’t have to pay for the cruise line to do it for you.

You could also just pack garment bags, which can help to keep your nicer outfits like your formalwear wrinkle-free for boarding.

Read more: How to Iron Clothes on a Cruise

3. Kettles

A neatly arranged tea and coffee station in a cabin on an MSC cruise ship includes a stainless steel electric kettle, two branded mugs with covers, a spoon, and a variety of tea and coffee sachets. The station is set on a wooden countertop with power outlets and cruise information paperwork nearby.

It doesn’t matter how much of a tea or coffee addict you might be, you don’t need to bring your own kettle on a cruise ship.

British cruise lines will provide them in your cabin, but even on American cruise lines you can just go to the buffet or cafe to get fresh hot drinks, and bring them back to your cabin.

Not in the mood to move? Just order room service.

4. Clothes Hangers

A spacious closet on the Star Legend cruise ship features wooden shelves, hangers with a robe, life jackets, a small chest of drawers, and luggage storage. The closet also has a backpack and neatly organized travel essentials, providing ample storage for passengers.

Some people worry about the wardrobe on your cruise ship not having enough hangers, especially when you’re trying to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Yet there’s no need to pack some in your suitcase.

Honestly, most of the time there are plenty in a cabin, especially when you consider that you can hang two or three items from each hanger.

If there aren’t enough, just as your cabin steward and they will happily bring you more.

5. All the toiletries

Spacious cruise ship bathroom featuring a clean white sink with miniature toiletry bottles lined up on the counter, a glass shower stall in the background, and neatly folded white towels stacked on the shelves.

This one maybe doesn’t fall under the ‘never’ bring category, because you might have particular brands or products that you like. If that’s the case, then bring your own toiletries, sure.

But if you aren’t that worried about brand, then you’ll get shampoo, soap and shower gel in your cabin already, and if you run out then it’ll just get topped up for you.

The only toiletries you’ll need to bring are your deodorants, toothpaste, that sort of thing. I always bring conditioner too, as ships usually have 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and that doesn’t do the trick for longer or drier hair.

6. Alcohol

A person's hand displaying a bottle of Grand Michell Brut sparkling wine in a cabin room aboard a cruise ship, with a teal armchair in the background. The label indicates it's a 'Quality Sparkling Wine, Metodo Charmat'.

Let me clarify – you should never bring more alcohol onto a cruise ship than you’re allowed to – but you should absolutely bring whatever falls within the cruise line’s limits, if you want to.

That varies by cruise line but usually a bottle of wine is OK. And it will be much cheaper than buying onboard.

But bringing more booze will just see it get confiscated when you board, and some cruise lines won’t give it back, they’ll just bin it. So, stick to the rules on this one.

7. Candles

A relaxing scene with a bathtub filled with bubbles, adorned with lit green candles and scattered red rose petals around the edge. A person's legs are partially visible, enjoying a soothing bath in a serene and romantic atmosphere.

Real candles are banned on cruise ships, and it’s understandable – the last thing you want to do is cause a fire. I know it might seem a nice idea to set a romantic or relaxing mood, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a suite with a bathtub, but don’t pack the candles.

What you can bring are battery-powered candles. These are much safer, and they don’t cost a lot to buy in bulk.

8. Expensive Jewellery

A collection of gold jewelry, including two rings, a bracelet, and a pair of hoop earrings, is elegantly displayed on a smooth, cream-colored fabric. The jewelry pieces shine under soft lighting, emphasizing their luxurious and expensive appearance.

This one is optional, but I’d highly recommend you don’t bring your best jewellery on a cruise, even if you want to look your best for formal night. It could get lost, or even stolen, and your cruise travel insurance might have a limit on the value of individual items for any claims.

It’s best to bring less valuable pieces when you’re away at sea, and save the really nice stuff for events closer to home.

9. Hairdryers

A hand holds a BaByliss Paris hair dryer labeled "expert 12000" inside a cabin on the Disney Magic cruise ship. The background shows a wall-mounted hair dryer unit and a partially open closet with clothing.

Every cruise cabin will come with a hairdryer already, so you don’t need to bring your own.

I’ll admit though, they aren’t exactly powerful, and they will take a lot longer to dry your hair if it’s heavy or dense.

If you do struggle to get your hair dry and you want to make sure you’re not spending too long in your cabin, a more powerful hairdryer might be worth bringing after all.

10. Excessive Clothes or Shoes

A rack of elegant evening dresses in various colors and styles, including red, green, pink, and blue, hanging on wooden hangers. The dresses are suitable for formal occasions on a cruise, showcasing a range of luxurious fabrics and designs.

I know it can be tempting to overpack for your cruise, to make sure you have an outfit for every occasion, but I would suggest you try to make packing easier by cutting down on the clothes and shoes.

Instead, focus on the essentials and pack some items that are more versatile – things you can wear out on port days but that also work well for dinner. If you’re worried about suitcase space, remember there’s always a laundry option on the ship too.

Suggested read: The Best Shoes For Cruise Holidays

11. CBD

A bottle of CBD oil with a dropper cap is placed on a wooden surface surrounded by dried cannabis buds, leaves, and empty capsules. An open glass jar lies in the background, emphasizing the natural and holistic presentation of CBD products.

All forms of cannabis products, even when prescribed for medicinal use, are prohibited on all cruise lines.

It sucks if you need it to manage pain or another medical condition, but the cruise lines draw a really hard line on it, and ask you to make arrangements for an alternative medication to use during your sailing.

Passengers have been known to get life bans from cruise lines for trying to bring CBD products onto a cruise ship, so it’s not a risk you should be taking.

12. Walkie-Talkies (On Some Cruises)

Two black and blue walkie-talkies with antennas, featuring LCD screens and control buttons, are positioned against a light blue background. The devices are labeled "lockcenter" and include buttons for power, mode, and volume control.

A lot of people like to bring walkie-talkies onto a cruise ship to stay connected with each other. While some cruise lines have free messaging apps you can use to communicate while onboard, others will make you rely on paying for WiFi if your family wants to enjoy different activities around the ship but stay in touch – unless you bring walkie-talkies.

However, they aren’t always effective, so you need the expensive ones, and some cruise lines are banning them anyway. It’s easier to avoid bringing them but if you want to, check the policy for your cruise line first.

13. Fresh Fruit

A metal bowl filled with a variety of fresh fruits, including apples, pears, strawberries, and kiwis, is placed on a wooden table on a cruise ship. The background shows a blurred view of the ocean, suggesting a relaxing outdoor dining area.

It’s a bad idea to bring fresh fruit onto a cruise. Even on cruise lines where it isn’t banned (and it usually is banned), you risk it going overripe, attractive fruit flies and basically making your room a mess.

If you want fruit, the buffet restaurant will always have fresh options for you. And if you want to take snacks onboard, definitely take pre-packaged ones, since those are allowed and they’re great when you’re just a little hungry and don’t want to leave your cabin.

And trust me, the price of Pringles or Haribo on a cruise ship is crazy – you’ll regret it if you don’t buy before you sail.

14. Lilos and Pool Inflatables

Colorful pool inflatables float on the water, including a pink flamingo, a green ring, and two long mats in pink and blue. The bright and playful items are set against the blue-tiled pool, suggesting a fun and relaxing time in the sun.

Cruise ship swimming pools are not the biggest, and they’re always popular, especially on nice days. That means that space in the pool can be at a premium, and so all cruise lines ban you from bringing lilos and any inflatables onboard. It just wouldn’t be fair on other guests.

If you want to make the pool more fun for the kids, bring some sinkers – toys they can dive down to retrieve. These are allowed because they’re small, but try to take inflatables and you’ll be asked to remove them from the pool and take them back to your cabin.

15. Drones

A person controls a drone with a remote, flying it over the beach at sunset. The drone captures the scenic view of the ocean waves and the colorful sky, creating a perfect moment for aerial photography.

Drones are the new fad for professional and amateur photographers and those who want to capture their holiday memories from exciting new angles. But you aren’t allowed to bring them on board.

Cruise ships have cameras all around them, and if you’re caught flying a drone, it’ll be tracked back to you and you’ll have it removed. You typically aren’t even allowed to bring one even if you only intend to use it in port, because the crew doesn’t want to risk you using it on the ship.

16. Flowers or Plants

a bunch of flowers on board CelebritY Apex

It might seem like a nice idea to bring some plants or a bunch of flowers onboard to spruce up your cabin, but this is another banned item that would get you in trouble.

But don’t worry – many cruise lines will let you buy a flower bouquet from their online shop before you sail, and they’ll be waiting as a gift for you in your cabin.

17. Anything That Could Be A Weapon

A black handgun is displayed on a dark, textured surface, surrounded by scattered bullet casings and a holster. The image emphasizes the sleek design of the firearm, with the lighting casting subtle reflections on its surface.

Ending on a pretty obvious note, but obviously, weapons are banned on cruise ships, even if you’re a licensed gun owner at home. Anything resembling a weapon will also be banned from the ship, even if it’s a toy.

This applies to lighters too. A regular lighter is fine if you’re a smoker, but don’t bring a gun lighter. Or any of those super-powered lighters that create a huge flame. You’re just asking for trouble.

Final Word

A lot of the items on this list are things that the cruise ship will provide for you, so there’s no need to waste precious suitcase space.

The others are things that may get you questioned by security at the embarkation port – so for the sake of enjoying a smooth and easy cruise, it’s best to leave those banned items behind.

And remember not to overpack – you don’t need three outfits per day, or a different pair of shoes for every scenario. You need to leave room to bring back souvenirs too, remember!

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions You Need to Know (2024)

June 7, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News Packing

Carnival Cruise Line’s luggage limits are a little different from some other cruise lines, so it’s important that you know what you can bring before you start to pack for your cruise.

While the Carnival luggage policy has no restrictions on how many bags you can bring, there are some weight limits and suitcase size requirements that you must follow.

In this guide, I’ll go over all of the Carnival luggage restrictions, so that you know exactly how much luggage you can bring, as well as what items are allowed and not allowed on Carnival cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise luggage limits explained

On a Carnival cruise, there’s no limit to the amount of luggage that you can bring, but each bag should weigh less than 50 pounds, and it must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your stateroom.

Any bags that you check in will be taken from you outside the port and delivered to your stateroom. You can also bring carry-on bags with your essentials and valuables.

Carnival’s own website sets a size limit of no bigger than 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide when laid flat and the 50lb weight limit. This is for the benefit of the porters, more than anything. The weight likely won’t be checked at port, but if you do overpack, then please make sure you tip the porters generously!

Three Carnival Cruise luggage rules you must know

1. You can take as many bags as you want!

Carnival Cruise Line suggests that guests check in only one bag per person for 3- to 5-day cruises and no more than two bags per person for longer cruises. This is just a suggestion though – you can actually bring as many bags as you like, since there are no Carnival luggage limits.

It’s up to you whether you bring formalwear on a Carnival cruise – many people don’t – so two bags per person should be more than enough for even the longest cruise.

If you bring more bags than this, you may struggle to store them under the bed. You can use the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people prefer to put cases under the bed to maximise storage space.

If you need to bring a lot of luggage on a cruise, having suitcases of different sizes will allow you to store the smaller bag inside the larger one.

2. Bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50lbs

Each bag that you bring on a Carnival cruise should weigh no more than 50 pounds because porters must be able to lift them safely. If you need to bring more than this, you should split your luggage into two smaller bags.

It’s unlikely that the weight will be checked, but bear in mind Carnival sets this rule on their website. Many people have told me that they have packed a heavier bag than this and had no problems.

Interesting note – the Carnival Australia website suggests a higher weight limit of 32kg or 70lb. Again, more proof that the weight isn’t likely an issue.

If you are flying to join your cruise, you should also be aware of any luggage weight restrictions that the airline may have.

3. Bags shouldn’t be too large

On a Carnival cruise, checked and carry-on bags must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your room. The maximum allowed Carnival luggage size is 16 inches high and 24 inches wide. Length does not matter.

How to measure

Sometimes, people can get confused when measuring luggage for a Carnival cruise because 16 inches high doesn’t sound like a lot. However, you need to ensure that your suitcase is laid flat as it would be when stored under the bed, not standing tall as it would be when you pull it along.

Here’s how to measure your luggage:

Lay your bag flat
Measure the height from bottom to top
Measure the width from left to right
The longest measurement, the length, isn’t needed
Remember to include any wheels or handles
Make sure that the height is less than 16 inches and the width is less than 24 inches

You can store the bags in the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people find it’s much easier to put cases under the bed.

Don’t forget luggage tags!

Luggage tags will enable the cruise ship porters to deliver your luggage to your stateroom.

After you have completed the online check-in for your Carnival cruise, you will receive your personalised luggage tags within your electronic documents. You can access these here: www.carnival.com/BookedGuest.

You should print out your luggage tags at home. Black and white is fine – you don’t need to print Carnival luggage tags in colour.

Before you arrive at the port you should fasten your luggage tags to your baggage. If you don’t have enough tags, don’t worry, you can get extra ones from the curbside porters.

If the cabin number on your luggage tag says TBA, the porters will retag your luggage with the correct cabin number.

Adding luggage tags

After printing your luggage tags you should fold them according to the instructions on the paper. You can affix the luggage tags to your bags using staples or tape.

Because luggage tags are made of paper, there’s a risk that can come off, particularly if you’re flying to the cruise port or if it is raining. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re at the port to attach the tags.

If your luggage tags come off, there could be delays in getting your luggage. If your luggage doesn’t arrive in your stateroom, you’ll need to head down to guest services to find out what happened to it.

Carnival Cruise luggage tag holders

A great solution to the problem of paper cruise luggage tags coming off is to buy luggage tag holders. These are pretty cheap and a good investment as you can use them on every cruise that you go on in the future.

Luggage tag holders mean that you don’t need to bother with tape or staples. They’re waterproof and durable, so you’ll know that your luggage tags are always secure.

Different cruise lines have different-sized luggage tags and Carnival luggage tags are generally wider than Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

I like these luggage tag holders because they will fit the tags for all cruise lines, including Carnival…

Carrying your own luggage – you can, if you really want to

You may carry your own luggage on a Carnival cruise if you wish, but it makes much more sense to let the porters deliver it to your stateroom for you. If you arrive less than two hours before the ship’s sailing time, you will miss the baggage service and will have to carry your own bags onto the ship.

Tipping porters

When you take a cruise, it’s customary to tip curbside porters $1 per bag for helping with your luggage. Curbside porters don’t work for the cruise line, they are employed by the port.

Suggested read: How Much To Tip Cruise Staff

What you CAN bring on a Carnival cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has strict requirements about what you can and cannot bring onto its cruise ships. Knowing what you can not bring on a Carnival cruise is important as they do check luggage and they will confiscate any prohibited items.

Snacks

You are allowed to bring food and snacks on a Carnival cruise as long as they are pre-packaged and unopened. Homemade food is not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. Candy and potato chips are fine to bring.

Drinks

You are allowed to bring only one 750ml bottle of wine and 12 cans or cartons (not bottles) of soft drinks or soda per person on a Carnival cruise. You are not allowed to bring any other drinks.

Alcohol

On a Carnival cruise, each guest aged 21 or over may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne. Beer and liquor are not allowed. You must bring the wine in your carry-on luggage and drink it in your stateroom. If you wish to drink it in a dining room or bar, you will be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.

Read more: Can You Bring Alcohol On A Cruise?

Wine

On a Carnival cruise, each adult may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne to be consumed in your stateroom. Pack this in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag.

Soda

Each guest may bring a 12-pack of soda on a Carnival cruise. This must be in cans or cartons up to 12 ounces (350ml) in size. Instead of soda, you could bring other non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, juice or milk.

Red Bull

Carnival Cruise Line treats Red Bull and other energy drinks as soft drinks. This means that you can bring 12 cans on Red Bull with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. You can consume it in your stateroom.

Water

You cannot bring bottled water on a Carnival cruise, but you can buy 12 bottles, which will be delivered to your stateroom for $9.95. If you need distilled water for medical reasons or for babies, you can bring this in your carry-on luggage or purchase it from room service for $3.00 per gallon.

You can buy bottled water here: www.carnival.com/funshops.

A Cooler

On a Carnival cruise, you may bring a small cooler, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches to store non-alcoholic beverages or medications. You must bring this as carry-on luggage.

Your own cup

You are allowed to bring your own personal cup, such as a Yeti cup, or reusable water bottle on a Carnival cruise. Any size is fine and you can use it to drink whatever you like.

If you plan to fill your cup from a public water or coffee machine, please use a clean drinking vessel first and then decant it for public hygiene reasons.

A vape

Vape pens are allowed on Carnival cruise ships. Vaping is treated the same as smoking, so you’re only allowed to vape in designated areas and not in your stateroom or on your balcony.

A fan

You are allowed to bring a fan on a Carnival cruise. The rooms have good air conditioning and your room steward will be able to provide a fan on request. But, if you prefer to bring your own fan from home, that’s okay too.

A corkscrew

You are allowed to bring a corkscrew on a Carnival cruise and it’s recommended that you do indeed bring one if you plan to bring a bottle of wine with a cork to drink in your stateroom. If you forget to pack a wine opener, you can also request one from your room steward.

Things you aren’t allowed on a Carnival cruise

An iron

Clothing irons and travel irons are not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. However, flat irons for straightening and curling hair are allowed. There’s no reason why you can’t use this to remove creases from your clothing.

There are also laundry rooms on Carnival cruise ships where you can go to iron your clothes should you need to.

A steamer

Clothes steamers are banned from Carnival cruise ships along with any other electrical appliance that produces heat. If you need to steam you clothes, you can iron them in the laundry room or send them for speciality cleaning.

A pocket knife

Carnival Cruise Line no longer allows guests to bring knives on board, even if the blade is small. The only exception is scuba diving knives. These must be checked into the security department and checked out when you visit a port.

A drone

Since May 2022, Carnival has completely banned drones from their cruise ships. It used to be the case that you could bring one in your luggage to use outside of the ship and port area. But now, you must check it in with the Chief Security Officer.

Weed

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits marijuana of all kinds, including medical marijuana with a prescription and CBD. Passengers get lifetime bans if they try to bring CBD products onboard.

More prohibited items

The following items are not allowed on Carnival cruise ships:

Illegal drugs, kava, CBD and medical marijuana
Weapons and ammunition
Explosives and fireworks
Compressed gases (except for personal grooming)
Alcohol (except for one 750ml bottle of wine per person)
Non-alcoholic drinks (except for 12 cans or cartons per person)
Electrical appliances that produce heat (except for hairdryers and hair irons/curlers)
Knives, scissors and open razors
Handcuffs or restraints
Hoverboards and footwear with wheels, including Heelys
Emergency radio beacons, communication scanners and satellite phones
Lasers
Boomboxes and large radios
Candles and incense
Helium balloons
Inflatable paddling pools
Hookahs
Surfboards, boats and canoes
Fish

You can see a full list of Carnival prohibited items and other Carnival cruise packing rules here.

Packing your carry-on bag

In your carry-on bag you should pack:

Passport or ID
Travel documents
Mobile phone
Medication
Valuable items like jewellery and laptops
Wine
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
Camera
Hand sanitiser
Kids essentials

You may not receive your main luggage until later in the afternoon, so be sure to pack everything that you might need on the first day of your cruise, including your swimsuit if you might want to go swimming.

Suggested read: The Best Carry-On Bags For A Cruise

Carnival luggage searches

All luggage going onto a Carnival cruise ship will go through an X-ray scanner. This is primarily to check for alcohol, weapons and explosives It could also be checked by sniffer dogs. Any luggage that looks suspicious will be opened up for a full check, so it’s important that you leave your bags unlocked when checking in.

You’ll find more info on when and how luggage is searched here.

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The 8 Best Swimsuits And Coverups For Cruises (UK)

May 30, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Packing

A great swimsuit and coverup can mean the difference between dancing with a cocktail at the sailaway party – or staying under your towel until the last minute before sheepishly entering the water.

When you treat yourself to some quality swimwear, you’re not just buying pretty clothing. You’re buying the confidence that comes with being well-supported and comfortable!

These past few years I’ve found swimsuit shopping to be more and more frustrating, as everything seems to be designed for people in their 20s who don’t need any help holding things in the right place!

So, I’ve created this list of my favourite swimsuits with hidden support, clever draping and adjustable straps that flatter every figure. For transparency – I was gifted some of the swimsuits in this guide.

I’m a size 12 (UK) but I’ve included options for everyone – from size 6 to 24. I’ve also included my favourite coverups that are just perfect for the sunset bar…

1. Marbella Black Sequin Swimsuit

Marbella Black Sequin Swimsuit

Made by the iconic British swimwear brand Seaspray, the Marbella is the best swimsuit I’ve ever owned. I love the thick fabric that sucks me in around the middle (whilst being stretchy and comfortable enough to fit in a decent serving from the lunchtime buffet!)

The beautiful sequin detailing around the waist gives serious mermaid vibes. The removable straps make this suit secure for swimming as well as sunbathing without tan lines on my shoulders.

There’s also a version with fixed straps. Or, if black’s not your colour, you can get it in blue.

Style it with…

Marbella Sequin Chiffon Maxi Kaftan

I’m so happy I found this sparkly kaftan! The sequin detail matches my Marbella swimsuit perfectly, but it will also match any of your other black, blue or turquoise costumes to create the perfect cruise capsule wardrobe.

The sheer fabric is light enough to keep you perfectly cool, but opaque enough that you’ll feel confident wearing it to the buffet for lunch (so long as your costume is dry).

2. Bora Bora Blue Bikini

Bora Bora Blue Bikini

If you like to come back from your cruise with a tanned tummy as I often do, then I highly recommend the Bora Bora bikini from Seaspray.

The super supportive top comes in sizes 32C to 38G, and there’s a removable strap to give extra peace of mind if your ship has waterslides!

I love how the bottoms are gathered at the sides to offer a smooth silhouette and the fabric is super soft and shimmery.

Style it with…

Me wearing Bora Bora Blue Bikini and Pareo

Bora Bora Pareo

This beautiful tropical palm print pareo is the perfect versatile coverup. You can tie it around your waist for a shot of extra confidence as pop to the bar, or wrap it around you like a dress as you head to lunch.

I love to wear this pareo with my blue or black swimsuits, or if you love this print, Seaspray also makes Bora Bora print swimsuits, which are just stunning.

3. Chloe Black Swimsuit

Chloe Black Swimsuit

When it comes to simple, classic swimsuits, the Chloe is it. A cruise staple, if you only pack one swimming costume, this is the one I would recommend.

It offers tummy control, adjustable straps and a clever, stretchy ruched design. This swimsuit comes in a choice of five colours, eight sizes and two different lengths – offering a super flattering fit for everybody.

Made with the latest Lycra LastingFit technology, this swimsuit will be your best friend for years to come.

Style it with…

Me wearing Adina Long Sleeve Crochet Maxi Kaftan

Adina Crochet Maxi Kaftan

Crochet is huge for 2024 and I’m obsessed with this timeless crotchet kaftan. With a tie waist and long length, it’s flattering and comfortable enough that I’ll wear it on summer shore excursions as well as on the ship.

I’m 5 foot 5 and have the regular length. If you’re any taller than me, there’s also a longer length that will skim your ankles.

The fabric is soft and cool, ideal for when you want to keep your skin out of the hot sun.

4. Zambia Turquoise Bikini

: Zambia Turquoise Bikini

I love the colour and fabric of this beautiful turquoise bikini.

The bra-sized underwired top is extra-supportive with a detachable strap and the briefs are really flattering with ruched detailing and a choice of high-waist and midi options.

Style it with…

Check price: Zambia Pareo

The subtle leopard print of this sarong goes perfectly with the bikini. I love the tassel trim and the softness of the chiffon.

This wrap also goes perfectly with the Zambia printed swimsuits and bikinis which are all lovely as well. Unlike cheaper mass-produced swimwear, with Seaspray pieces the animal print is always in just the right spot to be the most flattering. I love that attention to detail!

5. Fuller Bust Apex Swimsuit

Apex Swimsuit

I realise that everyone has different challenges when it comes to swimwear. And for those with larger chests (and smaller budgets!) Ivory Rose is a brand that I want to draw your attention to.

I love the gorgeous purple colour of this unpadded yet supportive swimsuit that comes in bra sizes from 30DD to 38G. They have lots more affordable swimming costumes and bikinis too.

6. Pichola Swimsuit

Pichola Swimsuit

Another great brand that fuller-busted ladies will no doubt be familiar with already is Bravissimo. Much more than just bras, they offer a fantastic range of swimwear too.

I love the pattern of this tropical one-piece, which is available in sizes 32D to 42H. It has hidden side support which pushes everything forwards, and adjustable ties at the sides so you can control how much coverage you want at the hips.

7. MSC Coral Rash Vest

MSC Coral Rash Vest and Board Shorts

If you’ve ever been on the FlowRider surf simulator on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll know that a bikini is not advised!

To avoid embarrassment as you’re inevitably thrown off the board into the rushing water, a rash vest and board shorts are recommended.

When it comes to surf-quality swimwear, FatFace is a great British brand to choose. I love the print of this set, which is also comes as a swimsuit or bikini in sizes 6 to 24.

8. Paradise Cove Tankini

Paradise Cover Tankini Top and Swim Briefs

I recently discovered Joe Browns, who offer a fantastic range of holiday clothes that are just perfect for cruises.

I love the print of this tankini set and that fact that it comes in so many options, with a bikini top, swim skirt and swimsuit to choose from!

Things to consider when choosing swimwear for a cruise

Choosing swimwear for a cruise can be a bit more challenging than choosing swimwear for the hotel pool or the beach. Here are some things to think about…

The vibe of your ship

Each cruise ship is different. And while a thong bikini and glitter fishnet coverup might fit perfectly on a Virgin Voyages cruise, if you turn up on a Cunard ship wearing that, you might raise some eyebrows.

Topless sunbathing is perfectly acceptable on many beaches in the Mediterranean, but the same can’t be said of cruise ships. And if your cruise has kids on board, it’s generally best not to let too much hang out.

Activities onboard

Cruise ships have all kinds of fun activities onboard like waterslides and even surfing simulators. If you plan to take part in these, you’ll need to make sure your swimwear is up to the job.

I like to spend a lot of time in the hot tub and I find the chemicals will quickly ruin any swimsuits that are made of cheaper fabrics.

Rules regarding coverups

On the pool deck, it’s perfectly acceptable to go to the bar or ice cream machine wearing just your swimwear, although many ladies do opt for a coverup to feel more confident.

Most cruise ships have poolside cafes offering burgers, fries and pizzas and you’ll probably want to pop on a coverup to grab your food from here too.

Then, there’s the buffet, which is the most popular spot to eat lunch. Swimwear isn’t allowed here, but if yours is dry and hidden under a coverup then you don’t need to get changed out of your swimsuit when you go for breakfast or lunch.

And finally, you may choose to eat breakfast or lunch in the main dining room. This will be a sit-down meal with several courses, so you’ll want to pop on a sundress or some shorts and a t-shirt for the occasion.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing when choosing swimwear for your cruise is that you feel comfortable.

Everyone has their own challenges when dressing for the pool deck. Some are two sizes bigger at the bottom than the top (or vice versa), many are taller or shorter than average, or you may have stretchmarks, scars and cellulite that you’d prefer not to show.

I used to buy cheap supermarket or high street swimsuits, but they were never that flattering and would usually stretch or fade after just one cruise. Nowadays, I’d much rather invest in quality pieces that will look great for years to come. And I hope that this guide will help you to do the same.

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Oceania Cruises Dress Code & What To Pack

May 1, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Oceania Cruises Packing

This is a guest post by Panache Cruises.

Oceania Cruises has no specific dress code. This is quite unlike other cruise lines, particularly those operating in the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise industry.

A joyful couple lounging on deck chairs by the poolside of a cruise ship, sharing a laugh over refreshing drinks, with the sunny ambiance reflecting a relaxing and happy vacation moment.

Oceania Cruises recommends that onboard clothing is resort-club or country-club casual.

For evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is suggested. But not too casual. The cruise line requests that casual jeans, shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps, sandals and tennis shoes should not be worn in the restaurants after 6 pm.

This more casual attire is becoming more popular in the cruise industry and certainly appeals to a younger demographic.

ounger couples and families may find that Oceania Cruises is the perfect balance between luxury cruising and resort-casual atmosphere when on board the fleet of luxury small ships.

Oceania Cruises no longer offers any formal nights.

For dinner, it is recommended for gentlemen to wear dress pants and a collared t-shirt and for ladies a skirt and a blouse. This may seem controversial to those cruisers who are avid fans of formal or traditional-style cruising but many travellers nowadays are leaning more towards casual cruising.

Although there are no official formal nights hosted aboard Oceania Cruises, guests are absolutely welcome to wear formal clothing to dinner each evening.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoy dressing up a bit more in the evenings, feel free to wear any formal attire that you wish.

This inclusive approach to dress code aboard Oceania Cruises is what appeals to many cruisers – it’s one of the reasons why so many customers stay loyal to Oceania.

You don’t have to dress up

A woman in a chic zebra-print cover-up and sunglasses poses with a tropical drink by a cruise ship pool, with a man enjoying the water in the background, capturing the leisurely poolside ambiance.

As Oceania Cruises offers no formal nights, it is not essential to dress up. However, if you prefer to dress formally, you are welcome to do so.

Oceania Cruises recommends onboard clothing is resort- or country-club casual throughout the daytime. This can include shorts and flip-flops by the pool throughout the day and light cover-ups at the pool bar is recommended.

For breakfast and lunch, the dress code remains fairly casual but still in keeping with the resort-style atmosphere.

Ensure that you cover up appropriately when attending breakfast and lunch — swimwear is not appropriate for any dining venue on board Oceania Cruises no matter the time of day.

How to dress for dinner

Elegant dining scene on a cruise with couples enjoying meals and toasting glasses of wine, with a serene ocean view in the background, portraying a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

Oceania has a relaxed dress code for dinner, casual elegance, stylish yet comfortable, which is perfect for a laidback evening.

Ultimately, Oceania Cruises wants guests to feel comfortable and relaxed whilst on holiday, without having to worry about what to wear each day.

For example, ladies dress at dinner could include a skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater, a pantsuit or a dress.

For gentlemen, slacks and a collared shirt are recommended during evening meal times.

What To Pack For An Oceania Cruise

Open suitcase packed with travel essentials: colorful clothing, instant camera with photo, sun hat, face masks, hand sanitizer, and travel documents, symbolizing readiness for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Ladies Packing List

As you know by now, the dress code is elegant casual, for ladies it is recommended this is what you pack.

A cocktail dress or skirt and blouses for The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants. Blouses and nice shorts for a relaxed evening at Terrace Cafè.

They recommend bringing a handful of sundresses which are perfect for transitioning from daytime to evening to dress up with a wrap or cardigan.

For the daytime, pack options of casual shirts and tank tops to pair with shorts or pants these options are also great for excursions.

For accessories, it’s recommended to bring a light cardigan or wrap if you plan to dine ashore and a small clutch or crossbody bag to carry your essentials around with you in the daytime or evening.

When it comes to footwear, it’s recommended to bring small-heeled shoes on board — high-heeled stilettos can be dangerous on a cruise ship so ensure that you’re comfortable with your evening footwear.

During the daytime, ladies can wear whatever they feel most comfortable in, which might range from flip flops or sandals to trainers and wedges.

Also bear in mind the destination you are visiting! If you are taking part in active excursions, make sure to bring appropriate walking footwear, flexible and comfortable clothing and waterproof jackets or trousers. If you are island hopping in the summer, don’t forget hats, sunglasses and light cover-ups to protect yourself from the sun.

Gentlemens Packing List

Oceania Cruises recommends bringing dress pants, collared shirts and a sports jacket or blazer for The Grand Dining Room and any specialty restaurants where you plan to dine. Bring a pair of khakis or nice shorts with cotton shirts for a lovely evening in the Terrace Cafè.

For excursions, Oceania Cruises recommends that you pack a handful of casual shorts or pants and lightweight t-shirts – quick-drying shirts are best suited for the tropical regions.

As with the ladies packing list suggestions above, be mindful of the destination you are visiting, the excursions you wish to take part in and the weather and climate. Cover up appropriately in the sun (hats, sunglasses, light sleeved tops) and protect yourself from the elements in cooler climes (waterproofs, boots or walking shoes and additional layers).

Packing List for Everyone

Oceania Cruises recommends this is what everyone should pack for their journey…

A bathing suit and a quick-drying cover-up. If you plan to swim a lot bring a handful of options.

Pyjamas, undergarments and socks.

Pack a variety of shoes e.g. sneakers, sandals, and especially comfortable walking shoes for your excursions.

A light jacket or fleece and a waterproof jacket for Alaska and regions with changeable climates.

Make sure to pack a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for the warmer regions.

Daypack if you are planning on boating excursions or water activities and definitely don’t forget mosquito repellent for tropical destinations.

Packing Essentials

These may seem like the obvious items to bring but you would be surprised with how many people forget them, take a look and make sure you have everything you need for your trip.

The most obvious item to bring is of course your passport and another form of ID such as a drivers licence. Bring cash (small bills are helpful) and your visa if necessary. Pack your credit card in case of an emergency but be sure to notify them of your travels.

Bring a copy of emergency numbers and important documents such as the front page of your passport, airline tickets and hotel confirmations.

Pack any medications and toiletries needed. Don’t forget the necessary technology such as your phone and tablet, and don’t forget to pack charging cables for all your devices. It is helpful to bring a portable phone charger for when you are onshore.

If you want to capture your memories on one device, pack a camera, extra SD card and batteries. You don’t want to miss out on any opportunity to capture unforgettable memories to show the family when you get home!

The best way to book an Oceania cruise…

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Do Cruise Ships Check for Drugs?

March 12, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Packing

Smuggling recreational drugs onto a cruise ship is always a terrible idea. Not only could you get kicked off the ship, but you could also end up in prison.

Can you bring drugs onto a cruise ship at all? Well, prescription drugs on a cruise are usually fine. Just put them in your hand luggage, and be sure to bring a copy of your prescription with you.

However, if you want to bring medical marijuana, I recommend that you read my article about bringing marijuana on a cruise ship.

Can You Sneak Drugs Onto a Cruise Ship?

Illegal drugs are not allowed on cruise ships. If you are caught sneaking drugs onto a cruise ship, you will likely be handed over to the police, and you could face a harsh sentence for drug smuggling.

Do They Search for Drugs on Cruise Ships?

Cruise lines use a variety of methods to search for illegal drugs, including X-rays, metal detectors, scanners, and sniffer dogs. That said, the security team’s main priority isn’t to look for drugs, as they have other things to be concerned with.

Cruise ship security teams are mostly searching for alcohol and weapons. Due to the high cost of drinks on cruise ships, a lot of people try to sneak alcohol on board. And if anyone were to sneak a bomb onto a cruise ship the consequences would be disastrous.

Do You Get Searched on a Cruise?

Cruise ship passengers aren’t routinely patted down when boarding a cruise ship, although you will be asked to walk through a metal detector. If the metal detector beeps, you may either be scanned again with a hand-held metal detector or patted down by hand.

Do Cruise Ships Have Body Scanners?

Cruise ports don’t have the ‘nude’ body scanners that you step into and put your hand up like at airports. But they do have walk-through metal detectors to detect any hidden weapons.

Do They Check Your Bags on a Cruise Ship?

When you board a cruise ship, your bags will be x-rayed to check for alcohol and weapons. At many ports, the luggage is also checked by a sniffer dog who may be trained to detect drugs and explosives.

Carnival has shown that when they find CBD gummies on a person boarding, they will ban them for life. So they’d no doubt do similar for other drugs too.

Are There Drug Dogs at Cruise Ports?

Not all cruise ports have drug dogs present. Ports in Mexico, the United States, Australia, the Bahamas and Bermuda are most likely to have drug dogs present. Smaller ports are less likely to use sniffer dogs.

In 2021, cruise lines tested the use of sniffer dogs that are trained to detect passengers with COVID-19. It’s believed that these dogs can detect infected people with 97% accuracy, even in those who are asymptomatic. [Source].

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a renewed effort to sniff out drugs across the fleet. Guests can expect to see drug sniffer dogs at home ports, destination ports, and on the ships themselves.

How To Take Drugs on a Cruise Ship

If you plan on bringing drugs on a cruise ship, you should make sure that you also bring your prescription. That way, if there are any questions asked about the drugs, you can prove they you are legally allowed to take them.

Smuggling illegal recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines on cruise ships is a serious offence and it is not something that anyone should consider doing. If you’re caught, the consequences could ruin your life.

Do You Get Drug Tested To Work on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship employees are drug tested before they begin working on a cruise ship and they are also subject to random drug testing. If the cruise line suspects drug use, they will arrange additional drug tests.

Cruise lines have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. If any guest or crew member is caught possessing or taking drugs, they will be sent home at the next port of call. Carnival has even stated that guests may be banned from taking future cruises.

The Bottom Line

if you want to take drugs on a cruise ship, you’d better make sure that you have a prescription for them. But even with a prescription, some drugs like medical marijuana are still not allowed.

If you just want to party and have a good time, get yourself a drinks package and you can get wasted legally every day of your cruise if you want to.

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Luxury Cruising

1. Beach Towels

2. Irons or Clothes Steamers

3. Kettles

4. Clothes Hangers

5. All the toiletries

6. Alcohol

7. Candles

8. Expensive Jewellery

9. Hairdryers

10. Excessive Clothes or Shoes

11. CBD

12. Walkie-Talkies (On Some Cruises)

13. Fresh Fruit

14. Lilos and Pool Inflatables

15. Drones

16. Flowers or Plants

17. Anything That Could Be A Weapon

Final Word

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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Carnival Cruise luggage limits explained

Three Carnival Cruise luggage rules you must know

1. You can take as many bags as you want!

2. Bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50lbs

3. Bags shouldn’t be too large

How to measure

Don’t forget luggage tags!

Adding luggage tags

Carnival Cruise luggage tag holders

Carrying your own luggage – you can, if you really want to

Tipping porters

What you CAN bring on a Carnival cruise

Snacks

Drinks

Alcohol

Wine

Soda

Red Bull

Water

A Cooler

Your own cup

A vape

A fan

A corkscrew

Things you aren’t allowed on a Carnival cruise

An iron

A steamer

A pocket knife

A drone

Weed

More prohibited items

Packing your carry-on bag

Carnival luggage searches

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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1. Marbella Black Sequin Swimsuit

Style it with…

2. Bora Bora Blue Bikini

Style it with…

3. Chloe Black Swimsuit

Style it with…

4. Zambia Turquoise Bikini

Style it with…

5. Fuller Bust Apex Swimsuit

6. Pichola Swimsuit

7. MSC Coral Rash Vest

8. Paradise Cove Tankini

Things to consider when choosing swimwear for a cruise

The vibe of your ship

Activities onboard

Rules regarding coverups

The Bottom Line

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Oceania Cruises no longer offers any formal nights.

You don’t have to dress up

How to dress for dinner