The ultimate packing guide for your cruise

The ultimate cruise packing guide We've all been there - the journey is just around the corner, the suitcase is empty and the question arises... what should I bring? Do I remember everything? Do I need to bring anything special? It's essential to pack the right things before your cruise, and it's easy to get confused when it comes to filling your suitcase. But don't worry - we've put together a complete packing guide for you right here.   Where are you going? Before you pack, there are some important things to consider - and the destination is, of course, one of them. If you're travelling to the Mediterranean in the summer, the Caribbean or other warm destinations, it's a good idea to pack light summer dresses, shorts, tops and swimwear for pool and beach days. You may also want to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses, beach bag, sun cream and aftersun. On the other hand, if you're travelling to cooler destinations, you should pack some warm clothes. Check a weather forecast to know exactly what you need. This could include warm jumpers, a winter jacket, windbreaker, rainwear, boots, scarf, hat and thick socks for destinations such as Greenland, Alaska, Canada or Norway. Be aware that even if you're travelling to a warm destination, you may want to bring a warm sweater, as it can sometimes be chilly on the ship due to air conditioning. What is there to do? There are plenty of activities on board a cruise ship and when you go ashore. - SportsFitness facilities are available on all ships and many also have running tracks, ball fields and the like. If you're planning to do sports on your trip, you should pack the right clothes - e.g. running shoes, tights, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, top, gloves, sports bra or other workout clothes. - City tripsIf you're going to visit cities where you might have to walk long distances, it's a good idea to bring closed shoes that are comfortable to walk in and that you can stand wearing even when it's very hot. You should also be aware that some sights (e.g. churches) require you to cover your knees and shoulders. - HikingThere are several destinations that are ideal for hiking. If you're planning a longer trip on foot, it's a good idea to pack hiking boots or good trainers that are suitable for long walks. Also consider the type of terrain you'll be walking on. - Ziplines, ropes courses, climbing walls, etc.Some special activities on the ship, such as ziplines, climbing walls and high ropes courses require special clothing. If you want to try these, it's a good idea to bring at least one pair of closed shoes, a pair of long trousers and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders. What is the dress code?The shipping companies have dress codes that you should know when packing. During the day, the dress code is casual and you can dress however you like. The same applies, of course, when you go ashore. In the evening, the dress code is informal or smart casual, but it's recommended that you dress up in restaurants. You should be aware that there are certain items of clothing that are not allowed in the restaurants, including swimwear, flip-flops, tank tops and ripped jeans. You can read more about the specific dress codes under each shipping company. Most cruises have Formal Nights, Gala Nights or similar, where it is customary to dress up. On these nights, you can wear a suit or cocktail dress, or other nice clothes, but it is not a requirement. Themed eveningsIt is very common for one or more themed evenings to be organised during a cruise. These can vary from sailing to sailing and will be listed in the programme. These can be theme nights such as White Night, Elegant Night, 70's Night, Italian Night, etc. On the day of travel Travelling days can be really boring, so it's good to be prepared by packing a good travel bag. For example, you can pack a good book, magazine, card game, sudoku or anything else to pass the time. If you are travelling on a long flight or similar, you can pack earplugs, a sleeping mask, compression socks and a neck pillow. Always remember important travel documents such as passport, boarding pass and cruise ticket. Clothes for the first hours on board - when you arrive at the terminal, drop off your suitcase. It will be dropped off later in front of your cabin. However, it may take a few hours before you get it, so if you want to go straight to the pool after boarding, for example, you should pack a small bag with clothes/swimwear and other essentials for the first few hours on board. You may also often find that your cabin is not ready right away. Other things Powerbank - It's smart to bring a powerbank so you can charge your phone without having to run back to your cabin. You will most likely use your phone a lot, as you will often need it to view menus, drink menus, plan activities on the ship, etc. Chargers (for power bank, phone, camera etc.) - Remember to bring a charger for all your devices. There are usually European sockets and USB inputs in the cabin that can be used with standard Danish plugs and cables. If not, adapters can be borrowed/rented at the reception. Medicine - Remember to bring any medication you may need. Toiletries - Deodorant, cream, facial cleanser, perfume, make-up and the like. Shampoo and conditioner are already in the cabin, but it's usually a kind of 2-in-1 solution (in some cases 3-in-1 with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, yikes!) So if you were born with a particularly demanding head of hair, you'll thank yourself for bringing your own products. Bag - Please bring a shoulder bag, rucksack or beach bag for when you go ashore. Makeup, deodorant, perfume, cream, facial cleanser and the like. Glasses/contact lenses You do NOT need to bring - Towels - Hairdryer- Food or drinks We've created a checklist for you right here to make packing extra easy. Now you're ready to pack your suitcase!    See packing list

Can you go on a cruise with a 3-year-old?

As a travel consultant, I often hear from clients asking what it's like to go on a cruise with small children aged 1-4 years. Is it doable? Is it fun for them? And can they be in the pool? Naturally, many questions arise about the smallest passengers in the family. This spring, I myself was on board Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas in the Caribbean with my boyfriend, Frederik, and my 3-year-old son, Emil. In this post, I will therefore share my experiences of travelling with a 3-year-old with you - all the way from Copenhagen Airport to the ship in the amazing Caribbean Sea.     First stop: The airport   With a Caribbean cruise, there's no escaping the fact that the journey starts at the airport, where a long flight to Miami awaits before boarding the cruise ship. To avoid more travel stress than necessary, it's always a good idea to arrive well in advance when travelling overseas. I recommend 3 hours so as not to rush around the airport with a small child, and there can be long queues during peak seasons.   If you are travelling with a stroller or pram that needs to be checked in, you should also be aware that these must be checked in at "oversized baggage", which is located in a different place in airports than where you check in your suitcases. Travelling with a stroller is free and no airlines charge extra for this.   On the other hand, buying food and snacks at the airport can be expensive, so I always pack a good, big bag for the plane filled with toys, iPad, various snacks, a change of clothes and nappies so that we are best prepared for the long flight with a toddler. When it comes to kids, you can actually bring all the food you want. You can even bring a water bottle with water in it. Often, you just need to take it out of your bag when you go through security at the airport.     On long flights, such as to Miami, there will of course be a few meals served on board the aircraft. So remember to book a children's menu via the airline's website before departure, otherwise your child will be served an adult menu that is less child-friendly.   Arriving to the cruise ship in Miami   After a successful flight, we landed in Miami, where we had planned a few days before our cruise. We had rented a car through Budget and made sure to book one with both air conditioning and a car seat to make it easier to get out and explore. Many hotels offer baby cots, but it is not always possible to book these from home. So ask at reception, and they are always happy to bring up a bed if it's not already in the room.     Check-in on the ship After our days in Miami, we were more than ready to board Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships. I was very excited to show it off to both Emil and my boyfriend Frederik, because there are endless cool activities to do on the ship - for both children and adults. So if you're taking children on a cruise, Royal Caribbean is definitely one of the cruise lines where you can be sure that your children will have fun! When we checked in on the ship, Emil was immediately given a wristband with a barcode and the number of the muster station we belonged to in case of an emergency. If the barcode is scanned, the staff can see where the child belongs with the cabin number, which is wonderfully reassuring in case the child gets separated from their parents on the big ship. Choosing a cabin I had chosen to book a cabin with a balcony facing the Boardwalk, which is the outdoor promenade at one end of the ship. Here I had deliberately chosen to book a cabin at the far end where the Aqua Theatre is located for the simple reason that if Emil got tired and wanted to sleep early, we could still sit out on the balcony and watch the Aqua show from there. At the same time, there is generally a lot of life on the Boardwalk both during the day and in the evening, and Emil thought it was great fun to watch people either riding the carousel, playing or climbing, floating across the Boardwalk in the zip line or if the waiters from Johnny Rockets were putting on a show. The balcony is high and I generally felt very safe having Emil out there. I would never leave him out there alone, but even if he climbed up on a chair and stood looking out, he wouldn't be able to fall over as it was still a good distance away. The balconies are about 1.14 metres high. From the moment you arrive, you can request a cot in the cabin if needed, and it will be ready for you when you arrive. If you don't need a cot, you can get a sofa bed - however, we found that Emil was a bit too small to sleep on his own, so he laid between us in the bed, and that worked out great. Entertainment and shows As mentioned above, the activities and entertainment on Royal Caribbean's large cruise ships are almost endless, and although it takes a bit of adjusting with a toddler, it's possible to experience the ship's various shows. Instead of going to the late shows at 10pm, we chose to go to them in the afternoon, which is a really nice option to have when travelling with children. We got to see the Grease musical, the Aqua show and the ice skating show. We often chose to sit in the back for the shows, so we could quickly slip out again if Emil suddenly didn't want to sit there anymore, and so we didn't disturb other guests. Children's clubs On board the ship there are also children's clubs for the smallest passengers. In the Mini Club, children must be clean to join, and unfortunately Emil is not yet clean. Instead, he was welcomed in the Baby Club, which employs carers to look after the children. Here, however, parents must drop off their children and are not allowed to join in. Leaving the children in these clubs is generally very American, where the parents, for example, lie by the pool, go ashore or something else entirely. Personally, I would never go ashore without Emil, but we tried to take him to the Baby Club one day to see if he wanted to play with other kids, but he didn't want to be there without mum and dad, so we left. Other fun facilities include a free-to-use carousel on the Boardwalk, a surfboard climbing wall that Emil had a lot of fun on with other kids, and there's mini golf - which Emil was still a little too young to try. Pools for the little ones When it comes to swimming in the ship's pools, there is a fun Splash Zone with water slides for the little ones, where swim nappies are allowed. So little ones can splash around even if they're not yet clean. Please note, however, that swimming with a nappy is not allowed in the large pools. Always food at your fingertips When it comes to food, there are plenty of options on board a ship as large as Harmony of the Seas. There is a large buffet available around 18 hours a day, so we could easily pick up some snacks for Emil more or less around the clock if he felt like eating. In addition, there is an "ice cream station" where we could pick up soft ice cream for free for a few hours during the afternoon. In the evening, we ate in the ship's main restaurant, which offers children's menus where you can choose a starter, main course and dessert for your child. It's also possible to get highchairs for the kids if they need them. In addition, we tried two speciality restaurants, which cost extra. These are a little more intimate and perhaps a little fancier than the regular restaurants that are included in the price of the cruise. However, the staff are very friendly and fond of children, so you don't feel in the way or inconvenienced, as you sometimes can when it's that time of night and the little ones are hungry and tired. The perfect day at CocoCay Royal Caribbean is one of the many cruise lines that has its own island in the Caribbean, CocoCay, and this was one of the destinations for our trip. What a day and what an island! The ship docks early in the morning and then it's off to the island. Food, drinks and staff from the ship move onto the island, and it's all inclusive. This means that if you have a drinks package on board the ship, you will also have it on CocoCay. In addition, a large buffet is set up where you are free to go and grab food throughout the day. We chose to get off the ship as some of the first to be sure to get a good spot on the island. However, this turned out not to be necessary as we were the only ship docked that day. A maximum of two ships can dock at a time, but we had the island to ourselves - and it was noticeable because it wasn't crowded at all, which was great! We decided to moor in the bay, where we had a great view of the ship. It was low tide here, so Emil could easily run down and dip his feet or play in the water while we lay on the sun loungers right next to the water. Many of the other families with children had chosen the same solution, so there were more children for Emil to play in the sand with. Get around the island easily Speaking of sand, CocoCay is full of sand, and with your own "city" stroller, it can be a bit of a hassle to manoeuvre around. But on the island, there are strollers with special wheels for travelling in sand that you can borrow. It was really brilliant and made it much easier for us to get around and see the whole island. So, a clear recommendation from here: Make sure you get your hands on one of these when you come to the island! One of the highlights for Emil was when we went to Splash-zone to try the water slides, which are reserved for smaller children. Emil was thrilled and wanted to go again and again! For older kids, there's an area called Thrill Island with wilder slides. Here, however, you have to pay for access. So you can go on a cruise with a 3-year-old? Yes indeed! All three of us had a fantastic holiday and although it's a long trip to go all the way to the Caribbean with a toddler, everything worked out really well. Cruise holidays with toddlers are perfect and we never felt unsafe as parents. At the same time, there were so many activities that even the little ones could enjoy when travelling with one of the more child-friendly cruise lines. The staff are always kind to small children and are generally very patient, so we never felt like we were being inconvenienced. So if you're thinking of going on a cruise with the little ones in the family, all I can say is: Do it! Cruising is for the whole family, and if you put some thought and preparation into your holiday (just as you would when travelling with young children on other types of holidays), the odds are that you'll have a fantastic holiday experience!

When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Are you looking to embark on a cruise but unsure about the best time of year to set sail? Then you've come to the right place! Here, we'll guide you through the best times to go on a cruise to different destinations around the world.     The Mediterranean A cruise in the Mediterranean is a favourite among many cruise enthusiasts, as it often combines the best of city and beach holidays. The Mediterranean offers a wide range of cruises for couples, families, and groups, so no matter what kind of trip you’re dreaming of, there’s a cruise to suit your needs for sure. You can embark on a Mediterranean cruise for most of the year. However, many travellers enjoy the Southern European coastlines during the summer period from June to August, which is the warmest time of the year. Yet, this peak season also brings more tourists and higher prices. Additionally, the Mediterranean shines in April, May, and September, boasting milder weather, ideal for city exploration, and fewer tourists.     Northern Europe The Norwegian fjords, Iceland, or perhaps the Baltic Sea? These are just a selection of the exciting destinations you can explore in Northern Europe. Here, you can experience stunning landscapes alongside captivating history and culture. The best time of the year to go on a cruise in Northern Europe is in spring and particularly summer when the weather is mildest, and the chance of sunny weather and calm winds are best.     The Caribbean Are you dreaming of powdery white beaches, azure blue seas, and swaying palm trees while the sun warms your cheeks? Then the Caribbean is calling your name! Here, you'll encounter one dream destination after another, boasting postcard-perfect landscapes. Whether you prefer lounging in the sun, hiking through the jungle, snorkelling with colourful fish, or exploring cultural attractions, the Caribbean offers the ultimate cruise experience for both families and couples seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Cruising in the Caribbean is possible year-round. However, the most popular months are from December to April, when the weather is warmest and driest—ideal for escaping the winter cold back home. During the summer, you can still expect warm and sunny weather, but be prepared for the possibility of brief, powerful rain showers and humid conditions. While cruising in the Caribbean is available year-round, the low season from June to November coincides with hurricane and storm season. This is especially noticeable in August and September when the risk is highest. If you decide to cruise in the Caribbean during hurricane season, fear not as a cruise guest, as ships always navigate around hurricanes. However, keep in mind that the ship may need to alter its route, potentially causing you to miss a scheduled stop due to weather conditions.     Asia Cruises in Asia are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason! The adventurous, exotic, and diverse East is not just a chapter, but an entire volume. As the world's largest continent, it's nearly impossible to capture the array of attractions that Asia offers. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the pristine sandy beaches along Thailand's coast. From Japan's cherry blossom season to the majestic Taj Mahal in India and the lush jungles of Cambodia. Asia truly has it all – and more! A cruise offers a fantastic way to experience Asia, allowing you to bypass the hassle of transportation from one place to another and the need to book multiple hotels along the way. It's almost like the luxurious version of the traditional backpacking trip, which is why it's often adult couples who embark on this journey. The best time to embark on an Asian cruise depends on your destination within Asia. Many places experience a rainy season in the summer, which is why most travellers opt to visit Asia between November and March. However, you can generally expect favourable temperatures throughout the year.     Alaska Can't get enough of unique nature experiences and encountering wild animals on land, water, and in the air? Then Alaska is a must-visit destination! Here, you'll be swept away by a myriad of wonders, including snow-capped mountains, calving glaciers, wild animals, and magnificent lush landscapes. Alaska's wildlife is particularly unique - you can encounter whales, bears, and eagles, among others. Alaska is perfect for adventurous travellers who relish an active holiday filled with remarkable nature experiences. If you're considering a cruise in Alaska, you'll discover a wide range of options available from May to September, when the weather is mild and there's a high chance of sunshine. June and July stand out as the warmest months, boasting average temperatures of 16 and 17 degrees respectively, along with up to 14 hours of sunshine during the day.     Middle East The United Arab Emirates stands out among many other cruise destinations with its unique grandeur, splendour, and myriad of contrasts. From glittering metropolises to cosy markets and the scorching sun on sandbanks, the Emirates offer a blend of innovative modernity and ancient traditions, ensuring an unforgettable journey for life! The diverse opportunities in the Middle East attract both couples and families to embark on cruises here. The optimal time for a cruise in the Emirates is during the winter months, from November to March, when temperatures are most pleasant, ranging between 20 and 30 degrees. During the summer months, it's virtually impractical to embark on a cruise in the Emirates due to the extremely high temperatures, reaching around 40 degrees during both day and night.     Australia/New Zealand Are you longing for the dream trip that has a bit of everything? Then let the journey go 'Down Under.' A cruise in Australia and New Zealand offers you a genuine smorgasbord of magical travel experiences, from Australia's magnificent metropolises to New Zealand's picturesque fjords. Feel the breeze from the open sea as you explore the contrasting continent with its golden beaches, iconic cities, spectacular national parks, and unique wildlife. The seasons in Australia and New Zealand are opposite to those we know at home; however, there can be a significant difference in the weather depending on where you are. During the British summer, you can expect cooler temperatures in southern Australia, while in the north, you'll experience high sun. On the other hand, if you travel between November and March, you'll experience the peak of summer in southern Australia, while there is more rainfall in the warm north. In New Zealand, the weather is somewhat similar to what we know at home—just the opposite. Additionally, the South Island is typically a few degrees colder and receives slightly more rainfall than the North Island. Therefore, most people choose to go on a cruise in Australia and New Zealand during the British winter, in the period from December to March.     South America Finally, you can indulge in a genuine feast for the senses in versatile South America, where contrasts converge. From wild nature to modern cities, scorching heat to biting cold, from the brand new to the ancient. 'Diversity' is the defining feature of this remarkable continent, which can also be experienced from the deck of a cruise ship. South America is a vast continent with a highly varied climate, making generalisations difficult. The best time to embark on a cruise in South America depends on the specific route, but you should be prepared for weather changes during your voyage. In general, summer lasts from December to February in South America, offering the warmest weather of the year. Therefore, the optimal time for a cruise in South America is typically from November to March. If you're heading to the Galapagos Islands, the situation is slightly different as the islands are located on the Equator, making them an ideal travel destination year-round with fewer climate fluctuations. However, the warmest period is between December and May.