Cruising on Your Own Boat, Part 3

Now you have to figure out what to take, and where to put it all in your seriously limited space.

If you're going to warm climates, your clothes would take up much less space, fortunately. You really should takes only clothes that are washable, wrinkle-free, not delicates. Cotton is good. with ventilation and all, but it can mildew and it doesn't wash well in salt water. Nylon is warm during the day, but great at night, and it's very washable. Polyester blends don't wrinkle or shrink so easily. Wool is very warm, but don't get it wet! Going barefoot on the ship, and on the beach, is quite popular, so you really don't need all that many shoes. Perhaps a pair with a rubber sole for when you're on the deck.

Only two pairs of sheets is really necessary, and only one set for guest bedding. You don't have to worry about special plastic dinnerware, either, because, as long as you keep your dishes secured, you shouldn't be breaking any of them. Stainless steel silverware is best for washing in salt water. And, certainly, you want to bring along a pressure cooker.

One thing you will have to get used to onboard is NOT hanging up most of your clothes. Their constant swinging in a closet would wear them out very quickly. However, for things you either must hang, or hide in a hanging position out of the way, please use only smooth plastic hangers only.

Fresh foods can be either canned or bottled ahead of time, or they can be prepared so they don't grow rotten too quickly. Some foods can also be dehydrated, or purchased in supermarkets already dehydrated.

For more ideas on cruising on your own boat, check back to some of my previous blogs. And for ideas on cruising on large cruise ships, and other vacation options, check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com