Packing Preparation For a Cruise

Packing for a cruise is very much like packing for any other travel vacation, it will probably be the only real stress that you will have associated with your vacation. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that there will be some suggested dress codes, these are usually found in your cruise itinerary. All of your plans, questions and reservations can be handled with your personal travel agent and personal travel website, then all you have to do is relax and enjoy your cruise.

Luggage is often not delivered to the ship's cabins until after dinner the first night, so you may want to put one set of evening clothes in your carry-on bag you will wear for dinner the first night. Some ships have laundry rooms where you can wash your own clothes, if this is important to you be sure and ask the cruise line if your ship has this facility. A change of clothes, in case of lost luggage, is always a good idea to pack in your carry-on. Then, if one bag is lost, you still have clothes available in another bag. Never pack your passport, visa, license, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in checked luggage.

As always there is always those miscellaneous items that are handy to have along and so here is just a few ideas to get you thinking: Pack a power strip and extension cord they could really come in handy. Clothes hangers, there never seems to be enough onboard. Large Ziplocs to pack wet clothes when leaving. A rain slicker or collapsible umbrella. A good pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck is excellent, and one of your favorite pair of walking shoes. One or two sets of swimwear comes in handy for the average person.

There are now luggage and excess baggage fees that are being charged, and for some people this could place a strain on them. Be sure and be clear what your limits are without fees and the maximum total allowed. Do remember that most cabins are smaller than a normal hotel room and that you won't be spending much time there with all of the on board activities. n