When packing for a cruise, consider the weather and activities at each port of call, have backups of important items, follow rules and instructions, and don’t overload your clothes. Remember that formal nights and casual nights can mean different things depending on the cruise line.
The best items to pack for a cruise are the ones you will actually need and use. When packing for a cruise, consider the weather conditions at each port of call and what type of clothing, footwear, and other items you can see that you need or use every day both on and off the ship. For example, on an Alaskan cruise, you may need a heavy jacket and hiking boots for your port-of-call activities, but if you’re cruising to Bermuda, a windbreaker and comfortable walking shoes or sandals they are what you should pack. A crucial consideration when deciding what to take with you on a cruise is how formal your ship is and what activities the ship offers. While your specific cruise ship and port-of-call activities will influence the exact items to pack, there is great general packing advice that fits all cruises.
1. Have multiples or backups of your important items.
Pack at least a day’s worth of clothes and toiletries such as sunscreen in case your checked baggage gets lost. Keep all your important documents such as your passport, visa, airfare or e-ticket confirmation, proof of vaccinations and medical insurance cards in your hand luggage, but also keep copies of these in your checked luggage and with someone at home. If you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses, it’s a good idea to pack spare copies in your checked baggage.
2. If you really need something, pack it up or you might pay the price.
Create a to-do list well in advance of your trip. Find information from airports and cruise lines on what to pack and what not to bring. For example, if you’re asked to package toiletries in small, clear plastic bottles inside a clear pouch, make sure you do so. Failure to follow the rules and instructions may cause delays. Read up on the customs, activities, weather, and other details about the ports of call you’ll be visiting, and use this information to guide your packing further.
When you have gathered all the information you need, imagine living your cruising days. If you start with the morning and finish with the evening, you will probably remember to bring items and clothes that you will probably use such as an alarm clock, bathing suits with cover ups and flip flops, and your digital camera. Once you have the list, add related items to bring with each item such as the charger to pack for your cell phone. Keep reviewing and revising your master packing list as your cruise vacation approaches. If you forget to pack something important, you may not be able to purchase it during your vacation or it may cost much more.
3. Don’t overload your clothes.
Forget the bulging suitcase that doesn’t close properly and focus on packing only what you are likely to wear each day of your cruise. Contact the cruise line ahead of time, and you may find that the ship’s laundry service or car wash facilities will allow you to pack enough for half of the cruise and then launder those items to wear again for the second half. If you think in terms of separate elements that work well together, you can create different looks for each part of the cruise.
Remember that formal nights and casual nights can mean different things depending on the cruise line. Choose the cruise vacation that fits the way you want to dress. For example, many luxury cruise ships are often formal in their dress code, while a more casual cruise ship may have a resort casual dress policy.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
