Packing for Your Hallmark Christmas Cruise: A Festive Guide
It has been a full year since we booked our voyage on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise and it’s time to start thinking about what to pack! As I write this, I’m just back from a cruise to the Mexican Riviera with my husband. That weeklong trip showed me exactly what I need and what I don’t need to bring on this cruise!

Since we are impatiently waiting for our sailing date, let’s start planning what we’re going to pack for the inaugural sail of the Hallmark Christmas Cruise!
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Cruise Essentials
First things first, let’s cover the basics. You’re going to need:
- Swimsuit & Cover-Up: Even though it’s Christmas, you might want to take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll want a pair of sandals for the pool (and maybe beaches in Nassau!) a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and a pair of dressier shoes for dinner.
- Entertainment: Books, magazines, or a tablet for some downtime. There is wifi available on the cruise, but streaming isn’t guaranteed. We recommended downloading a few shows or movies in your streaming apps.
- Casual Clothes: Comfortable outfits for daytime activities and exploring ports.
- Layers: The Caribbean is warm, even in November, but a light jacket or sweatshirt for the occasionally cool evening or overly air conditioned indoor spaces is a good call.
- Toiletries & Medications: Don’t forget your toothbrush, shampoo, and any necessary meds.
- Electronics & Chargers: Capture every magical moment with your phone or camera. Bring those chargers! We love this travel charger for charging a variety of devices!
- Documents: Passport, boarding pass, and any other important paperwork.
- Money: A mix of cash and credit cards for onboard purchases and port stops.
- Over Door Shoe Organizer: Space is at a minimum in cruise staterooms, and this is a great way to organize small items and keep them out of the way
- Wall Magnets: Your walls are metal and therefore magnets will stick to them. This is another great way to keep your space clean and organized. Hang hats, swimsuits, lanyards, etc!
- Travel Mirror with Light: If there’s more than one person in your room, you might want your own mirror for getting ready. And if you have an interior room, you’ll need the extra light!
Check out our Amazon Storefront Cruise Essentials List!
Hallmark Christmas Cruise Specifics
Now, let’s get into the festive spirit!
- Themed Clothing: There are four themed nights aboard the cruise!
- Sail Away Party – Wear your Hallmark gear!
- Ugly Sweater Party
- Pajama Party
- Holiday Ball
Check out this collection of fun Christmas pajamas to pack for the cruise!
- Door Decor: Cruisers love to decorate their doors! Sixthman has confirmed that magnetic door decorations are allowed on this sailing. However! Any decorations that impede in the stateroom hallways will be removed.
For those who like to be extra prepared
- Deck of Cards/Board Games: It’s fun to set up a game in one of the lounges on a sea day!
- Eye Mask & Earplugs: For the best sleep ever.
- Motion Sickness Medication: I prefer Bonine, but if your motion sickness is severe, talk to your doctor about a scopalamine patch
- Reusable Water Bottle: It’s easy to fill up throughout the ship and stay hydrated.
Print this Packing List to Prepare for the Hallmark Christmas Cruise
This list should just be a guide. Obviously not everyone needs every single thing on this list! Pack what works for you and leave the rest behind! (I’m a chronic over packer, so I’ll bring every last one of these things.
We’re Your New Hallmark Besties
Hey there! We’re Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan’s a longtime Hallmark movie fan, while Wendy – well, she used to be a Hallmark hater. Now, we’ve teamed up to share our (often very different!) takes on these films. Get ready for some lively, fun-filled conversations!
Check out the library of Hallmark movies we’ve reviewed!
Exclusively on the Girls Gone Hallmark podcast. Subscribe today!
