Packing for Your Cruise

Well, you're finally booked into your ship stateroom, you have the travel already organized, and you arranged to have the days off from work. It's just a couple of weeks until your cruise leaves, and here you are digging out your luggage. But what could you possible pack into the couple of small bags that you have?

The good news is that cruise ships aren't as fussy about luggage as airlines have become. Each person can take 2 checked bags, plus your carryons, plus whatever else you may nee for no (or very little) charge.

If you have never cruised before, pay close attention. If you have cruised before, read this over in case there is something that never occurred to you!

First time cruisers tend to pack too much, and even repeat cruisers often think they would need more than than actually do, you know, just in case. When you set out all the clothes you would like to take with you, do yourself a favour and put back HALF of them! Yes, it's very true, but first-time cruisers usually take twice what they really need!

The simplest way to pack for your cruise is to not take most of what you even set out. The only things that you really need are:

A bathing suit or two, maybe 3 if you're planning on swimming and hot-tubbing every day. Nylon swimsuits with pockets dry quickly and can be used as regular shorts. cutting down on the number of shorts as well!

2 or 3 shirts and shorts (pants if you're going to Scandinavia or Alaska)

3 casual outfits such as polo shirt and slacks, blouse and capris, or something that isn't shorts, but also isn't formal

For the ladies, a cover up to wear over your bathing suit between the pools and your cabin. towels are provided by the cruise lines, but you may want to bring your own so you can tell the difference between yours and your neighbors

If you plan on exercising and participating in active sports, you will need the appropriate workout gear.

Rubber-soled shoes or sneakers, especially for walking on the pool deck, as well as a pair of casual and dress shoes.

1 or 2 formal outfits (which means a dark suit or a tuxedo for men and a formal gown for ladies).

Antacid tablets. there are so many things you would like to taste, you won't want the experience to get ruined!

Ladies finally get to wear their leggings. They can be dressed up for a casual dinner, or dressed down for the gym, and they can also be washed!

A night light, instead of leaving the bathroom's bright light on all night

A plastic sheet, if your child wets the bed

Business cards. Hey, it might be a vacation, but it's also a great time to network with your fellow passengers and dining table mates! Just don't push your business too much, to avoid any unhappy news from the ship's staff.

An extra pair of glasses. After all, you're on a moving ship, and things sometimes fall and get trampled.

Binoculars. There are a lot more things to see, and see much clearer and closer, when you have a trusty pair of binoculars!

Extra prescription medications, just in case. Although, the ship's medical center will likely have at least the generic version of your medicines. Don't ask how much they cost though!

Try to get pants with elastic waist. The average 7-day cruises gains 10 pounds!

Only 2 t-shirts. You will likely buy at least one from the boat and/or a port, and they are not formal enough for even casual dinners in the dining room.

Bring your cz jewelry instead of the real bling. Most people do!

Suntan lotion. Can't forget that! Caribbean and tropic-level sunshine is a lot stronger than in the States!

A pen, marker, or highlighter to mark off what you want to do in the ship's daily schedule. Also a pad for notes during unexpected lectures of interest, or to trade emails. Also to write out an actual personalized schedule of your own!

A small first aid kit. You never know! And to use the medical center or ship's stores to get what you need would cost considerably more than you normally would pay.

Insect repellent. Although you aren't likely to encounter many onboard, there might be some at the tropical ports. Just check beforehand with the cruise line to see if you can take it.

Be sure to put your toiletries and at least one change of clothes into your carryon, as well as your prescriptions, travel documents, and anything valuable.

Umbrella, hat, and sunglasses. Always be prepared for various conditions.

Now that you know what are really needed to bring with you on your cruise, your suitcases aren't full are they?

Here are some more general tips about packing for your cruise:

If you can't decide on whether or not you will wear something, don't take it. You can use the extra room for souvenirs!

Choose clothes that are not gaudy, but show restrained class. Unless you're going to be performing on stage, you don't need to shine THAT much.

The ships do offer dry cleaning for a fee, and you might be able to do your own laundry or send them out to be laundered (but they charge by the piece!).

When you're traveling in colder climates, such as Alaska, make sure to bring a warm coat with a removable lining. When traveling in a warmer climate, such as Mexico, make sure to bring lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.

Wrinkle-resistant garments are ideal, since the closets and drawers aren't very large, and irons are not allowed onboard. However, you can have things pressed if necessary, for a fee.

Don't forget your passport. Even now to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean!

Make two copies of all of your travel documents and passports/ids. Leave one copy with someone at home. Take the original and the other copy with you.

When you're ready to book the cruise for which you need to pack, look at www.kingarthur.myttn.com. I look forward to seeing you onboard soon!