The Empty Nester’s Guide to Cruising: What to Pack, What to Do, and How to Save Money

Bob and I left last Saturday for a 10-day Caribbean cruise aboard Oceania’s Allura, and I have to tell you… we were counting down the minutes. We love traveling with our adult kids and their families, but this is the first time we’ve taken a trip just the two of us in many, many years, and it feels really special. Be sure you’re following me on Instagram and Facebook so you can see our adventures! I’ll be posting a lot on Stories!

The photos I’m sharing in this post are from our first few days! As you can see, the lighting on the ship varies from poor to excellent. Be aware of that as you’re cruising!

MY OUTFIT ABOVE: Social Threads Promenade Dress (20% off – sitewide sale – with code SHOPMY20)

Cruising has always been our favorite way to vacation, and I think it’s especially perfect at this empty-nester stage of life. There’s something about unpacking once, settling into your room, and having a true home base while still waking up somewhere new that feels like the best of both worlds.

So today, I’m sharing my very best cruising tips and tricks… what to do first, what to pack (including a few things no one tells you about), and how to save money while still enjoying every minute.

Before You Go: Smart Planning Tips

A little planning before you leave makes your cruise feel easier from the start. Choosing the right cruise line is a big part of that! I definitely recommend using a travel advisor to help you choose the right cruise line! We use Shannon Leyerle of Vacations by Shannon. Having someone guide the process takes so much of the guesswork out of it.

It’s also worth thinking through a few key details ahead of time. Cabin location matters more than you might expect! You’ll feel less movement in the middle of the ship, but you might hear engine noises! The back of the ship is where the fancy big suites are located, so we’ve always found that a pretty good location. (Even if you’re not in a fancy big suite, which we are not!) If you’re hoping to book specific excursions or specialty dining, those can fill up quickly, so it’s smart to reserve early.

Portable Hangers

Packing well makes a big difference, too. I always use packing cubes to stay organized in a smaller stateroom, and I like having portable hangers (see above) so I can hang everything I want to. A roomy carry-on tote is especially helpful on embarkation day when your luggage hasn’t arrived yet, but you still want access to your essentials. I always use THIS magnetic hat clip to attach the hat I want on board right to my carry-on!

A little preparation up front really does set the tone, so once you’re on board, you can settle in and enjoy every minute.

What to Do Before You Leave

1. Call Your Cell Phone Provider (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) to check your plan’s coverage for the cruise and in specific ports. (You may be able to do this online.)
2. Call Your Credit Card Company – Let your credit card company know before you travel so your card doesn’t get flagged or blocked for unusual purchases. While many companies are better at recognizing travel now, giving them a heads-up helps prevent declined charges and keeps everything running smoothly—especially on international trips.
3. Check in Online – Most cruise lines let you check in online 30 days before you sail. You’ll do things like upload a photo of your passport, and more. This speeds things along on embarkation day! I definitely recommend opting for the earliest boarding time on embarkation day. You get to enjoy a meal, and explore the ship before it gets crowded.
4. Pack a Carry-On Bag – Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until late afternoon or evening. so packing a carry on ensures Packing a cruise carry-on ensures you’ll have immediate access to essentials like medications, travel documents, swimwear, and electronics.

Casual Short Puff Sleeve Dress (comes in multiple prints, click HERE) | Miller Sandals | SOJOS Round Polarized Sunglasses | 18K Gold Cece Earrings

What to Do First on Embarkation Day

Embarkation day can feel a little busy at first, but a few simple steps will help you settle in quickly and start enjoying your trip right away:

1. Connect to the cruise app.
   This keeps everything in one place, from dining reservations and daily activities to showtimes and your onboard account.
2. Make any last-minute reservations.
   Excursions, specialty dining, and popular experiences can fill up quickly, so it’s worth checking availability as soon as you board.
3. Talk with dining staff about any dietary needs.
   Taking care of this early makes the rest of your meals seamless.
4. Complete your muster drill.
   It’s quick and required, and once it’s done, you can fully relax.
5. Explore the ship and get your bearings.
   Knowing where everything is ahead of time makes the whole experience feel easier.
6. Grab a drink and ease into vacation mode.
   You’ve arrived… It’s time to enjoy it.
7. Meet your stateroom attendant.
   A quick hello goes a long way and helps set the tone for the entire trip.
8. Get familiar with the stairs.
   Taking the stairs will burn those extra calories, and you’ll save lots of time waiting for the elevators! You’ll notice your legs getting stronger each and every day!
9. Check out the gym or other options for exercise. You don’t want to gain, you want to maintain your weight on your cruise!

Spanx High Neck Tank in “Deep Cove” | Spanx Boost Up 14″ Skort in “Deep Cove” (also available in 16″ if you prefer a longer length) | Hoka Sneakers

Cruise Packing List: What Most People Forget

Packing for a cruise isn’t hard, but there are a handful of things that make a huge difference once you’re onboard… and most people don’t think about them until it’s too late.

Magnetic Hooks

These are the items I never cruise without now:

• Magnetic Hooks – Cruise cabin walls are metal, and these give you instant extra storage for hats, bags, and even damp swimsuits.
• Over Door Organizer – Stay organized with 15 oversize, clear pockets to fit most shoes and other items.
• Cruiseline-Approved Charging Station – The 2 USB and 2 USB-C outlets provide a total of 5V/3.1A/15.5W for rapid charging of up to 4 devices simultaneously.
• Floatable Waterproof Phone Holders – You need these for wet bathing suits, sweaty clothes, etc.
• Portable Phone Charger – You’ll use your phone more than you think, especially for the cruise app, photos, and staying in touch onboard. THIS is the one Bob and I both use. It plugs right into the bottom of your phone and stays attached.
• Wrinkle-Release Spray – Since most cruise lines don’t allow irons or steamers in your room, this is the easiest way to keep your clothes looking fresh.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated! This one is insulated, easy to refill, and great for excursions.
• Lanyard or Small Crossbody or Sling Bag
  You’ll need your cruise card constantly, and having it handy makes life so much easier. While a small crossbody is great for excursions, a lanyard is super handy on board. (Both of the ones I linked are RFID-blocking for safety.)
• Towel Bands – These will help your towels stay in place on deck chairs!
• Zip-Top Bags – Perfect for wet swimsuits, snacks, or just keeping things organized.
• A Small Nightlight – A wall plug-in nightlight is especially helpful in interior cabins or unfamiliar spaces at night.
• Motion sickness Remedies – Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, it’s better to have them just in case. Dramamine is great, but if you’re like me and even the less-drowsy Dramamine puts you to sleep, you’ll love these all-natural behind-the-ear patches that have never failed me! Some people swear by Sea Bands, but I think the patches work even better!
• Compact Binoculars – These small-but-powerful binoculars are so fun to have for spotting wildlife and sealife, watching the coastline as you come into port, or taking in the view from your balcony.
• Poo-Pourri – Those staterooms are tiny, people!
• Portable Clothesline – This genius find (thanks, Beth!) attaches with velcro over a towel bar or hanger. It has 6 clips that are perfect for drying swimsuits, towels, etc.
• Collapsible Backpack – Excursion must-have! This waterproof backpack weighs less than an iPhone, has lots of internal pockets for organization, a water bottle holder on the side, and it’s machine washable! Plus, it folds into itself for storage. SO good!

What to Wear

Cabana Life UPF 50+ Embroidered Tiered Dress (Use code SUZY for 15% off!) | Quince Organic Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress in Coral (looks like orange, which I also brought – haha!) | Gibsonlook Drawstring Waist Midi Dress (THIS got SO many compliments!) | Schutz Victorie Sandal (Goes with EVERYTHING!)

When it comes to outfits, I go all out! There are typically 3 or 4 outfit types you need. (This will vary based on where you’re headed, of course!) Here are the main categories you need to consider:

1. Cute, Colorful Resortwear – For at-sea days or for on-board after an excursion. Examples would be THIS dress or THIS dress – code SUZY for 15% off that second dress.
2. Excursion Outfits – It depends on what you’re doing, of course, but think activewear (like this modest skort and this UPF 50+ elbow-sleeve length polo) and comfortable sneakers for everything from sightseeing to touring.
3. Dinner Outfits – Whether you’re splurging on specialty dining or just heading to the normal dining room, take advantage of the fun of dressing up! (Think dresses like THIS one or THIS one that won’t wrinkle.)
4. Swimsuits with Coverups – Think about swimsuits that you feel good in that come with coordinating coverups (like THIS one). My favorite brand for this is Flaxmaker Swim on Amazon.

One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to always bring a cardigan (THIS is Amazon’s top-rated cardi) or a cashmere-blend wrap. Cruise ships can get a little, um… enthusiastic with the air conditioning, especially in dining rooms and theaters, so having an extra layer makes a big difference.

Also, don’t forget a good hat to protect you from the sun. The one I use is pricey, but the quality can’t be beat. It’s been all over the world with me!

How to Save Money on a Cruise

Cruising can feel all-inclusive, but there are definitely places where costs can sneak up on you. These are a few of my favorite ways to save without sacrificing the experience:

• Activate Airplane Mode – As soon as you board, put your phone on Airplane Mode. (This prevents the phone from connecting to the expensive cellular-at-sea network.) As an alternative,
• Book Spa Treatments on Port Days. – Prices are often lower when the ship is docked than on sea days.
• Bypass Specialty Restaurants – Usually, the complimentary dining is really tasty!
• Skip the Drink Package (if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle). – For many people, it sounds like a good deal, but you may spend more than you would ordering à la carte. We love sailing with Oceania Cruises because alcohol isn’t automatically included. Since we don’t drink, that ends up being a meaningful savings, and it also creates a more relaxed, refined atmosphere onboard.
• Look into Independent Excursions. – Cruise line excursions are convenient, but you can often find similar, more affordable options from tour companies like Viator for less. Your travel advisor can help with this!
• Bring your Basics – Things like sunscreen, medications, and everyday essentials are much more expensive onboard.
• Waive the WIFI – Cruise lines have notoriously poor WIFI, and it’s just not worth the money. Put away your phone, you’re on vacation! Plan to connect when you get to port to check in with friends and family.
• Watch for Onboard Specials – Many ships offer daily deals on dining, spa services, and activities if you keep an eye out.
• Skip the Casino – Or budget a set amount and stop once it’s gone.

Why I Love Cruising in This Stage of Life

This trip is coming at just the right time for us. When we booked it over a year ago, we had no idea it would fall over Easter Sunday or that we’d be right in the middle of remodeling our new home. But looking at it now, it feels like the timing might be exactly what we need.

There’s something really special about this stage of life, when you can step away for a bit, reset, and just enjoy being together without all the responsibilities that used to come with every trip. Cruising makes that so easy. It gives you space to relax, a little adventure when you want it, and just enough structure that you don’t have to think too hard about anything.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a cruise, I hope this encourages you to go for it. With a little planning, a few smart packing choices, and some simple ways to save along the way, it can be one of the most enjoyable and stress-free vacations you’ll take.

And if you’re planning one soon, I’ve linked everything I’m packing and using for this trip to make it easy for you to find.