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Packing for your first contract

We’ve consolidated all the information you’ll need into a single, comprehensive tutorial on packing for a cruise ship as a crew member. Be sure to pay attention to the finer details in this guide and adjust it to suit your specific needs. At the bottom, you’ll find downloadable checklists to print and keep you organized.

Before diving into what to pack (and most importantly: what to leave behind!), take a moment to consider the weight, size, and space limitations not only of your ship accommodation but also of airline travel. Many items are restricted on flights, and some are prohibited on board altogether.

Additionally, remember that you’ll be in uniform for most of your day (about 90%), and it’s essential to manage your luggage independently from the airport to the hotel or ship, and back.

Luggage terms:

In this article we will mention these three terms often, and during your travels you will also get to know their differences and limitations as well.

Definition of Checked Luggage

Main Luggage (Check-in) is the one that will be delivered to your final destination (or during connections) by the airline. It will be stored underneath the airplane in the cargo area, and you won’t have access to its contents until you arrive. This is where you should pack all your clothing and bathroom items, including anything that’s prohibited in carry-on luggage, such as aerosol deodorants, nail tools, and liquids. If you’re packing anything fragile, place it in the center of the suitcase so that the surrounding contents provide some protection.

Definition of CarryOn Luggage

Carry-on Luggage is the one you’ll keep with you throughout the trip, usually stored in the overhead compartment above your seat. Due to size and weight restrictions, you won’t be able to bring much so pack smart. Use this bag for your electronic devices and chargers, your most important valuables, such as documents, your passport, and it is always recommended to bring a spare change of clothes and underwear in case of delays or baggage issues and a spare foldable backpack in cases of limited space on board force you to check-in your carry-on.

Do not forget to bring a light jacket with you to wear on the plane, as it can get very cold during longer or overnight flights.

Personal item to be stored under the seat

Personal Item is a total optional thing but comes in hand sometimes. Airlines also allow you to carry one personal item (like a small bag or backpack). This item should fit underneath the seat in front of you, literally removing your feet extra space. It is recommended to have a foldable backpack/bag for emergencies (like when you come back home and bought too much or for when airlines force you to check your carry-on due to space limitations) rather than having an actually small suitcase.

You can browse some examples here: Foldable Backpacks on Amazon

It’s essential to keep all necessary documents organized and accessible during your travels and you should ALWAYS place these on your carry-on or inside your personal item (foldable backpack). Use a plastic folder to keep them safe, with the most important ones on top for quick access. These include:

  1. Letter of Employment
  2. Hotel procedures (if you’re staying overnight)
  3. Medical records (will be required on board)
  4. Vaccination cards (will be required on board)
  5. Safety certificates (if applicable)
  6. Receipts (VISAs are reimbursable)

Keep your passport, wallet, money, and local identification on you at all times, ideally in a secure pocket for easy access and safety. This way, you’ll be prepared for any formalities you encounter.

Choosing your luggage: Hardshell or Softshell ?

This is a common question for those who have never traveled or taken an international flight. In short, the choice is yours. We’ll simply present the facts, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Fiber Suitcases (Hard-shell) are made from materials that can sustain heavier impacts.

Hard-shell cases are made from materials designed to withstand heavy impacts. Many manufacturers use polycarbonate or similar composites, which are known for their durability. Generally, hard-shell suitcases offer better security since they lack external pockets, preventing anyone from easily accessing your belongings by unzipping a compartment.

However, as you might expect, rigid suitcases take up more space than soft-shell options. They can’t be compressed – if it doesn’t fit, there’s no way to make it fit. Even after removing some belongings, a rigid case may still be too large. Additionally, a hard-shell case requires almost double the space when open, as it needs to lay flat on both sides to pack.

Fabric Suitcases (Soft-Shell) offers greater flexibility, movement and are lightweight.

Soft-shell luggage offers flexibility, ease of movement, and often has several compartments for organized packing. Typically made from materials like canvas or nylon, these suitcases can fit into tighter spaces since they compress under pressure. This makes them convenient for travel when space is limited, specially because having a complete set means one fits inside the other like a russian doll.

However, the downside to soft-shell luggage is its vulnerability to impact. Unlike hard-shell options, soft-shell suitcases provide minimal protection against strong impacts, which may put delicate items inside at a higher risk of damage.

I got my luggage, so what should I pack ?

The fun part: how to fit your whole life into two or three small compartments and live up to ten months away from home? You’ll have to make some choices. Think about that minimalist lifestyle you always wanted to try but never had the chance to… well, good news—you’re on the right path!

While working on board a ship, it’s logical that you’ll spend most of your time wearing your uniform, about 90% of it, to be more specific. So think ahead when packing: Will I have time to use this? or On my free time, would I want to wear this?

Take your time and be intentional. Don’t stress too much if you bring something and end up never using it, but it’s definitely worse to overpack and carry things you’ll never touch. Even people with several contracts under their belt still make that mistake. Let’s face it: it’s better to have than not to have, but smarter to pack only what’s useful.

Some professions also come with specific packing needs. For example, if you’re a Chef, you’re allowed to bring your own set of knives. If you’re a Carpenter, Electrician, or Technician, the company may allow and provide incentives for you to bring your own tools too. Just remember that these items are not allowed in your carry-on luggage, but you can pack them in your checked baggage. An opposite example is for batteries for your devices, that should always be taken inside your carry-on. Keep this in mind when deciding what goes where and most importantly (we are mentioning more than once so you do not make this mistake that can lead to your disembarkation from the vessel and even deportation) you should ALWAYS take your documentation with you on your carry-on.

Poll time!

How many suitcases you bring on board?

You can click here to vote.

How to Pack - Survey

How many pieces of luggage do you take with you?

3x Checked, 1x Carry-On, 1x Personal item 0 / 7

0.00%

2x Checked, 1x Carry-On, 1x Personal item 1 / 7

14.29%

2x Checked, 1x Carry-On 4 / 7

57.14%

2x Checked, 1x Personal item 0 / 7

0.00%

1x Checked, 1x Carry-On, 1x Personal item 1 / 7

14.29%

1x Checked, 1x Carry-On 1 / 7

14.29%

1x Checked, 1x Personal item 0 / 7

0.00%

1x Carry-On, 1x Personal item 0 / 7

0.00%

We hope that this text was very informative for you. But now, let’s deliver what was promised: actual lists of what you should pack! These are general guidelines, and you’re more than welcome to make your own edits. They were created based on the experience of our team and suggestions from other crew members. If you think we missed something, feel free to get in touch with us!

MEN

CHECKED LUGGAGE:

20~40 underwear (the more, the better)
5~10 black socks (if you use black shoes)
5~10 white socks (if you use white shoes)
1 black belt
2~4 long sleeve or polo shirts for special occasions
2~6 T-shirts for your free time
1 black social pants (if it isn’t already part of your uniform)
2 jeans
2 shorts
1 beach shorts
1 Suit or Jacket (if it isn’t already part of your uniform)
1 ~ 3 ties (only if you like to use them)

SHOES:

1 flip flops
1 comfortable black social shoes
1 white tennis (if you need for uniform)
1 black tennis (if you need for uniform)

Necessaire:

Deodorant
Cologne
Razor with some extra blades
Shaving cream if you need it
Toothbrush and paste
Medicines
Nail utensils
Band-Aids
Swabs
Condoms

CARRY ON:

Passport
Folder with your documents
Cellphone, charger and headphones
Wallet with your ID and some money
Sunglasses

OPTIONAL:

Tablet or Notebook
Camera
Power Plugs / Adapters

WOMEN

CHECKED LUGGAGE:

20~40 Underwear (the more, the better)
6~10 Bras
5~10 Socks
10 Pieces of pantyhose
1 Black belt
2 Jeans
2 Pants
1 Skirt
2~4 Shorts
T-shirts to use underneath the uniform
2~10 Shirts
1 Coat
1 Long dress
2 Comfortable dresses
Yoga pants

SHOES:

1~2 Heels
2 Shoes
1~2 Flip flops
1 Tennis (according to your uniform)

Necessaire:

Hair dryer
Curling Iron (* this item is BANNED on most cruise companies)
Medicines
Contraceptive pills (enough for your whole contract plus one month)
Nail utensils and polish
Assorted Makeup
Sunscreen
Shampoo
Toothbrush and paste
Deodorant and Perfumes
Band-Aids
Lipstick

CARRY ON:

Passport
Folder with your documents
Cellphone, charger and headphones
Wallet with your ID and some money
Sunglasses
Extra clothes
Jewelry
Lipstick

OPTIONAL:

Tablet or Notebook
Camera
Power plugs / Adapters
Morning After pill (emergency use)
Underwear organizer
Shoes organizer

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