Packing for a Cruise

1.  If you are traveling with a spouse and you each have a large piece of luggage it is a good idea to put some of your things in each other's bag. Unfortunately once in awhile the airlines will misplace your bag but it is better to have half of your belongings then none. You can always buy clothing on the ship or while you are in port but how many Royal Caribbean and Cozumel shirts does one really need?


2.   If you are traveling in the winter from a cold climate it is a good idea to put a change of clothing in your carry on.  It can take several hours for your luggage to arrive to your room. Sitting on the lido deck in summer clothes will be a lot more comfortable. Don't forget to pack your passport, valuables, electronics and medications in the carry on.


3.  Pack an alarm clock. There are no clocks in the staterooms. If you are in an inside cabin you will not know what time it is when you wake up. You can use your phone to check the time and get wake up calls but you may find having your own clock to be more convenient.


4.  Bring small bills for when you are in port. Sometimes trying to get a cab driver to break large bills can be an issue.


5.  Don't bring clothing irons or heating pads. I have tried to sneak these items on but the cruise line finds them. You will get these back at the end of the cruise. If you want to get wrinkles out of your clothes, Downy Wrinkle Release (comes in travel size) works well. If you are unfortunate to have a medical condition where you need heat to be comfortable, CVS has disposable heating patches that work good.


6.  Remember to pack appropriate clothes for the dining room. The days of tuxes and evening gowns on cruises are a thing of the past but what you wear lounging on the deck during the day should not be worn in the dining room. On some cruise lines, shorts-on either gender-are frowned upon in the dining room. Casual dining is always available on the lido deck buffet. Bathing suits in the dining room are a definite no no.


7.  Remember to pack sunscreen, Dramamine, band aids, Tylenol or any other over the counter medications and toletries you use. These items are usually available on the ship but they are expensive.


8.  Pack a beach bag for your towels, sunscreen, camera, and anything else you are bringing to shore. Leave room in it for anything you may purchase while off the ship.


9.  If you have problems sleeping at night bring earplugs especially if your stateroom is above the casino, it can be loud. Depending on when you decide to travel you may be cruising with a noisy group (Spring Break students), earplugs will help you get a good nights sleep.


10.  Most importantly bring a good attitude! You are on vacation! Have fun, relax and leave the stress of everyday life at home.


*Please feel free to add your travel tips to this blog. Thank you!