Ahead of summer, Ambassador Cruise Line’s Chief Experience Officer Bob McGowan reveals his essential packing tips to help first-time cruisers sail smoothly.
Over two million British and Irish passengers are expected to embark on cruise holidays this year , meaning for many, this summer will be their first time setting sail.
As an expert on all things cruising and to help newcomers navigate the packing process, Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, shares his advice on what to bring along.
“Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of heading on holiday,” says Bob. “It can be tough knowing how many pairs of shoes you’ll really need or whether to bring a rain mac – and don’t even get me started on socks!”
One of the huge benefits of opting for a no-fly cruise holiday is avoiding baggage restrictions or falling victim to hefty luggage fees at the airport.
“Rather than cramming your belongings into a backpack and holding your breath as you head through airport security, on a no-fly cruise holiday there are no baggage limits – the rule is if you can carry it, you can bring it.”
Whether you’re cruising around the Norwegian Fjords or setting sail for the Caribbean, Bob shares his essential packing list to help first timers feel like seasoned cruisers.
A backpack and an evening bag
There is a common misconception that cruises are only about lounging around. Whilst you will definitely have lots of time to relax during a sailing, there’s also plenty of adventure to be had – both on and off the ship.
As such, it’s a great idea to bring both a backpack for onshore excursions and a smaller evening bag to take around the ship.
Having a compact bag whilst at dinner, enjoying a show or popping to the bar can be handy – helping to avoid that moment of panic when you realise you’ve left your phone in the restaurant – whilst a rucksack is great for a big day of exploring once in port.
Seasickness tablets or sea bands
While most first-time cruisers find their ‘sea legs’ pretty soon after setting sail, if you’re prone to motion sickness, the gentle rocking of the ship can initially feel a bit unsettling.
As a precaution, it can be a good idea to pack a sea sickness tablet. These sorts of tablets are available from every pharmacy and tend to be reasonably priced, making them easy to get your hands on. Having a few stowed away in your suitcase can provide peace of mind, even if you don’t end up using them. Alternatively, many cruise brands including Ambassador have seasickness tablets freely available to offer to travellers when on board.
Alternatively, sea bands, which use acupressure points on your wrists, are also a great way to prevent seasickness and can easily be popped into your suitcase.
A card holder
When travelling on a fare that includes a drinks package, gratuities and service charges, one of the best parts of the holiday is that, with the exception of speciality restaurants or destination experiences, everything is included, meaning you won’t need to keep charging additional costs to your cabin.
However, having a card holder for your cruise card is a wise move. Much like a hotel key, your cruise card is essential for accessing your room and will also be required when getting on or off the ship.
Bringing along a card holder will ensure you know exactly where it is and prevent it from floating around in your handbag or worse still, being left in one of the many ports of call.
Nighttime attire
Whilst the flamboyant and grandiose clothing once associated with cruising is less common now, it is definitely a good idea to bring along a smart outfit with gala dinners and speciality dining options often available on board.
On most cruises there will be at least one black tie evening and it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared. Plus, you’re on holiday – the perfect excuse to get suited and booted for the occasion!
Just ONE book
One of the joys of sailing on a no-fly cruise, is that the travel itself becomes part of the holiday. From the minute you arrive at the port – boarding in as little time as 20 minutes at London Tilbury, for example – step on board and get settled into your cabin, you’re on holiday. With all that time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to get stuck into a good book.
But there is no need to pack a whole stash of books in your suitcase. Most cruise ships have their own library or at the very least a book swap arrangement so you can find a whole selection of literature to choose from during your sailing.
Comfortable walking shoes
While everything is at your fingertips whilst on the ship, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track during onshore excursions. Whether winding through the cobbled streets of Lisbon or strolling alongside the famous canals of Amsterdam, being able to lose yourself in a destination for the day requires a great pair of walking shoes.
What’s more, on the top deck of most ships there will be space for you to get your steps in. For example, on every one of Ambassador’s ships, you’ll find a dedicated walking and jogging track on the upper deck, allowing you to get your steps in while enjoying the stunning sea views.
Thinking about booking your first cruise holiday? Visit www.ambassdorcruiseline.com.
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About Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line launched in 2021, offering the UK market authentic no-fly cruises, affordable quality and the warmest welcome at sea. Based in Purfleet, Essex, Ambassador provides adult-only experiences combined with a selection of multi-generational itineraries to multiple destinations including the Nordics, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Africa. The cruise line’s first ship, Ambience, entered the fleet in May 2022, operating from her home port of London Tilbury. From the 2023/24 season, guests have sailed on board Ambience as well as Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, whose maiden voyage in May 2023 heralded the launch of sailings from eight regional UK ports: London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, Falmouth and Portsmouth. With the addition of Renaissance to the fleet following the merger of Ambassador Cruise Line and French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières in January 2025, marking the creation of a leading European affordable quality cruise line for the silver market, the company is now offering a fly-cruise Caribbean programme from October 2025 through March 2026 operated under ATOL license 12713.
For more information, visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com
