Don’t worry! Here are some of the best cruise packing tips, making sure that you remember the essentials – and maybe learn a few tricks that will relieve the stress and get you ready for a great vacation.
Pack your carry-on bag wisely.
Use a carry-on bag for a change of clothes, important medicines and toiletries in the unlikely event your other baggage is lost or takes a while to reach you. Should there be a baggage snafu, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It may take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Also, if your checked suitcases are delayed being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away, rather than waiting for your bags to show up. Also, carry all valuables such as cameras, electronic games, jewelry in your carry-on.
Always make sure you bring your necessary IDs and cruise documents (never pack them in your checked luggage). You'll want your photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand (or even in a special document wallet). Make sure you have the correct type of identification for your cruise destination, whether it's a passport or birth certificate and photo ID. Wannabe cruisers have been turned away from the pier for having just a copy of their birth certificate (and not the required original) or a passport with a name that doesn't match the one on the ship's manifest (often in the case of a honeymoon cruise). If you need visas or immunizations for your cruising region, carry those documents with you as well.
Pack your checked luggage wisely.
Know the dress codes.
Plan ahead by knowing any events on board that may require you to dress up. Some lines do offer tux rentals, so you don't have to pack your own. But while some folks still dress to the nines (formal gowns and tuxedos) for ships' formal nights, most people dress more informally (suits for men and cocktail garb -- flowing pantsuits or little black dresses for women).
"Resort casual" is now the ubiquitous evening dress; think date night, with men in slacks and buttoned shirts (no jackets) and women in everything from sundresses to skirts or slacks with cute tops. Even jeans are now a staple in many cruise ship dining rooms.
If you must have your favorite toiletries, bring them with you.
You'll always find basic toiletries onboard, such as soap and shampoo. Usually, the toiletries offered are limited (in some cases to pump bottles of mystery soap affixed to the shower wall). You might want to make room in your luggage for your favorite brands. Another tip: Never unpack your toiletry kit. Leave it filled with travel-sized bottles and an extra toothbrush or razor. When it's time for your next cruise, all you need to do is top off or replace the bottles -- rather than wasting time collecting items and possibly forgetting something.
Dress for your destination.
Simply put, some places are more formal than others. Ports of call and planned activities will largely dictate the wardrobe you take along. You should expect to pack more resort-casual wear if traveling to Europe (all regions) or Bermuda. Many golf courses in Bermuda and other countries have strict dress codes, so learn them before you go. Other cruise itineraries, such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, are more casual than the norm. And don't forget to think about your in-port activities. Flip-flops are fine for a beach day, but you'll want more comfortable shoes for long days of sightseeing or active excursions like hiking or biking. If you're visiting religious sites in the Middle East or some parts of Europe, you'll want modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, even if it's quite hot.
Save room in your suitcase.
You'll likely pick up at least a few souvenirs during your cruise, so you'll need room in your luggage to bring them home. Whether you're picking up leather goods in Italy, Aloha-wear in Hawaii or duty-free goods in the Caribbean, consider packing a foldable duffle that won't take up much space in your suitcase that you can fill and check it for the flight home.
Mix and match.
If you can make your clothes do double duty, you won't be hit with excess bag fees or find yourself fighting with your spouse about who gets the last hanger in the cabin's small closet. Stick with one color theme so you can re-wear bottoms with different tops or bring shirts that can be dressed up for dinner on one night and worn sightseeing the next. Go for the layered look to handle differing temperatures in various cruise ports. Change up the look of one formal outfit with different accessories (jewelry, ties, scarves), rather than bringing two suits or cocktail dresses. Your shipmates won't know (or care) if you wear the same outfit twice.
Pack your carry-on bag wisely.
Use a carry-on bag for a change of clothes, important medicines and toiletries in the unlikely event your other baggage is lost or takes a while to reach you. Should there be a baggage snafu, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It may take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Also, if your checked suitcases are delayed being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away, rather than waiting for your bags to show up. Also, carry all valuables such as cameras, electronic games, jewelry in your carry-on.
Always make sure you bring your necessary IDs and cruise documents (never pack them in your checked luggage). You'll want your photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand (or even in a special document wallet). Make sure you have the correct type of identification for your cruise destination, whether it's a passport or birth certificate and photo ID. Wannabe cruisers have been turned away from the pier for having just a copy of their birth certificate (and not the required original) or a passport with a name that doesn't match the one on the ship's manifest (often in the case of a honeymoon cruise). If you need visas or immunizations for your cruising region, carry those documents with you as well.
Pack your checked luggage wisely.
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| Chiff.com |
Be smart about your checked bags, too. If you tend to over pack, lay out all the clothes you think you'll need, then only pack half the clothing and shoes. If you're traveling with family, consider packing half of your things in one suitcase and half in a separate one (and have your spouse and kids do the same). That way, if one bag gets lost, then everyone will have some clothing -- rather than one person having nothing. To save space, roll your clothes rather than fold them.
Remember, even the largest accommodations are somewhat small. There isn’t a lot of space, particularly if there are more than one or two people sharing a cabin. If you find you need more clothing, most ships have clothing boutiques on board. This will give you an excuse to purchase some exotic clothing at a port of call.
Know the dress codes.
| rosetuxedoaz.com |
"Resort casual" is now the ubiquitous evening dress; think date night, with men in slacks and buttoned shirts (no jackets) and women in everything from sundresses to skirts or slacks with cute tops. Even jeans are now a staple in many cruise ship dining rooms.
Consider doing laundry onboard, especially for longer cruises.
If you want to pack light, many ships offer self-service laundromats. The ones that do, usually don't offer them for free, and it can get expensive. (Cruise lines often offer complimentary laundry and pressing services to suite guests and top-tier past passengers, so it pays to be loyal.) You can always save on laundry costs by bringing travel detergent and rinsing out underwear and shirts in your cabin's bathroom, or by packing a bottle of travel-sized Febreze to get one more day's use out of a gently worn outfit.
If you must have your favorite toiletries, bring them with you.
You'll always find basic toiletries onboard, such as soap and shampoo. Usually, the toiletries offered are limited (in some cases to pump bottles of mystery soap affixed to the shower wall). You might want to make room in your luggage for your favorite brands. Another tip: Never unpack your toiletry kit. Leave it filled with travel-sized bottles and an extra toothbrush or razor. When it's time for your next cruise, all you need to do is top off or replace the bottles -- rather than wasting time collecting items and possibly forgetting something.
Dress for your destination.
Simply put, some places are more formal than others. Ports of call and planned activities will largely dictate the wardrobe you take along. You should expect to pack more resort-casual wear if traveling to Europe (all regions) or Bermuda. Many golf courses in Bermuda and other countries have strict dress codes, so learn them before you go. Other cruise itineraries, such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, are more casual than the norm. And don't forget to think about your in-port activities. Flip-flops are fine for a beach day, but you'll want more comfortable shoes for long days of sightseeing or active excursions like hiking or biking. If you're visiting religious sites in the Middle East or some parts of Europe, you'll want modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, even if it's quite hot.
Save room in your suitcase.
You'll likely pick up at least a few souvenirs during your cruise, so you'll need room in your luggage to bring them home. Whether you're picking up leather goods in Italy, Aloha-wear in Hawaii or duty-free goods in the Caribbean, consider packing a foldable duffle that won't take up much space in your suitcase that you can fill and check it for the flight home.
Mix and match.
If you can make your clothes do double duty, you won't be hit with excess bag fees or find yourself fighting with your spouse about who gets the last hanger in the cabin's small closet. Stick with one color theme so you can re-wear bottoms with different tops or bring shirts that can be dressed up for dinner on one night and worn sightseeing the next. Go for the layered look to handle differing temperatures in various cruise ports. Change up the look of one formal outfit with different accessories (jewelry, ties, scarves), rather than bringing two suits or cocktail dresses. Your shipmates won't know (or care) if you wear the same outfit twice.
Remember the basics.
Other items you might want to pack because, they're not provided or super-expensive to buy onboard include: over-the-counter meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, ear plugs, plastic bags for transporting liquids or wet things (or to keep water out of your gear on water-based tours) and power strips to charge all your electronics.
What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!
Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!
Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.
Other items you might want to pack because, they're not provided or super-expensive to buy onboard include: over-the-counter meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, ear plugs, plastic bags for transporting liquids or wet things (or to keep water out of your gear on water-based tours) and power strips to charge all your electronics.
What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!
Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!
Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.
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