Need to pack beach towels for a cruise?
 

I posted this on the Caribbean forum with no responses but it's more of a cruise question, I guess, so I repost it here. Sorry.

A silly question, I admit, but we will be going on our first cruise in December and may visit beaches on some islands. We are a family of four and would like to travel with carry on bags only, in order to avoid lost luggage problems. Four beach towels will take quiet a lot of space, so we would like to leave them home unless they are really necessary. Is it accepted practice to take towels from the ship or we have to have our own?

Also, besides a couple of fancy outfits for the formal evenings, is there anything else that one should pack for a cruise besides the usual things that we take for a beach vacation?

Thanks for your help.

You didn't say which ship, but all that I have been on will provide you with a large, beach towel to take ashore. Just be sure to return it, or you will be charged!

Enjoy your cruise!!

I just answered you on the Caribbean forum. When you depart the ship there is generally a place to check out towels. You will give your state room number and check them out. On your return you will check them in again. Very simple. No don't bring beach towels. It will be a waste. You don't mention the cruise line, but most are pretty casual today. A few fancy outfits will be fine. Have a great time.

Who are you sailing with? Check with the specific line regarding the specific ship.

I have sailed on ships that provide beach towels in the cabin the night before needed. I asked the cabin steward at least a day before I needed them. The steward probably does not know who is doing what shore trip which day. So, ask, (or leave a note in the cabin).

By the way, the steward was responsible for the towels. So, it's nice to not forget to bring them back to the ship.

I have also been provided with extra bath towels when I asked for beach towels (they were the only towels the ship provided for the beach). If you have in mind a large towel to lie on, it might disappoint. For something to dry off with, they were fine.

Some ships have large racks of beach towels by the pools in the daytime. I have borrowed those before (and taken them back to the pool the next day) with no problems.

As for extras, and you probably know this, take one of those waterproof neck bags or whatever for credit cards, real id's and ship id's for everyone - if there is a possibility that everyone will want to swin/snorkel at the same time.

Also, if for any reason you miss the ship or have an emergency the ship id/charge things to the cabin card will not be a lot of help.

I have also seen little pockets in mens swim shorts to keep these items in. Water does not damage the cards. A zip pocket is ideal so nothing falls to the bottom of the ocean.

There is NOWHERE you think of to hide these things in a beach bag/towel/hat/anything that an experienced thief will not be able to find if they want to.

I only mention this since it feels like paradise on the ship and on the beach - it's easy to think "I don't see anyone who looks risky" and that two min dip easily becomes a 1/2 hr.

It's a good idea to take a pair of deck/tennis/something that has traction shoes for walking on the ship or in town. Flip flops/sandels are fine for lots of things. However, they might not be too stable for climbing stairs on a moving ship or walking in a town with less than even sidewalks/streets etc.

I always take beach shoes (the ones that are made for swimming). Rocky or coral beaches are not too pleasant on the feet.

Lastly, apply SPF lotion before leaving for the airport. I am kidding. However, do not be distracted by the cool breezes or a slightly overcast day on the ship. The reflection from the water frys the skin at record speed. I have seen too many people who look like lobsters from sitting on deck the first day before even getting to the islands. It is too easy to forget to SPF when it doesn't feel hot.

Have a great trip.

Thanks a lot.

I can't speak for all cruise lines, but many now provide you with one in your room. They will replace it with a fresh one as often as you like, but as one other poster mentioned, they will charge you for it if it isn't in your room when you finally leave the ship.

If you mention the cruise line by name, I'm sure one of us can tell you more.

In short, it would be a rarity for anyone to bring their own beach towels on a cruise...unless you really like the ones you have.

Packing is alway an issue and beach towels take up too much room.

Have fun on your cruise! :]

We will be on Crown Princess but with all your replies I am pretty decided that we should leave the towels at home. The rest of the tips were also great help. Thanks.

I can assure you that you don't need beachtowels on the Crown or any other Princess ship.

We really enjoyed our trip on the Crown just about this time last year (NYC to San Juan).

The international cafe in the atrium lobby was fantastic ---- most of the items are without additional cost; the few that are will be well marked with a price.

Last cruise we went on (NCL) we went to pool deck and signed out a few beach towels before we went off ship to go ashore. On return we gave back the towels to a crew member at the entrance along with the carbon copy of the receipt.

Do not lose the receipt or you'll be charged!

Leave your beach towels at home. I'm sure different lines work differently but most recently we kept forgetting the large beach towels provided for us in our room but as you walked off the gang way there was a large table stacked high of large, thick towels. You just took one and then when you returned dropped the damp towel in a large bin. We never had to sign for them....everyone was on the honor system.

Just to let you know, this is not a dumb question (or maybe we both ask dumb questions) - because I asked same question in Feb before our cruise.