Smart packing can impact your cruise more than you realize.
Here are some terrible things that could happen if you don’t plan your packing before you board:
- You could essentially have nothing to wear during a lost-luggage-situation.
- You could show up at a formal dinner in jeans.
- You could purchase tons of amazing souvenirs and be unable to bring them home.
We get it. Packing is hard. We want you to have the best vacation possible.
Here are some cruise packing tips to keep in mind before you set sail:
CARRY-ON BAGS ARE IMPORTANT
As with any vacation, bringing a strategically packed carry-on is essential, but it might be even more important for a cruise. If your luggage gets lost in transit, it could be days until it gets shipped to your next port of call. To avoid a fashion disaster, make sure your carry-on includes:
- A change of clothes
- Important meds and toiletries
- Important documents: ID’s, boarding passes, credit cards, etc.
- Jewelry, electronics, chargers
- A bathing suit
- Dinner attire
CHECKED LUGGAGE IS IMPORTANT, TOO
Are you an over-packer? A good tactic is laying out all the clothes you think you’ll need on your trip and then pack only half of them. Another tip is to split up your belongings among your bags. Let's say half your stuff goes in your bag, and half goes in your spouse's bag, your travel partner's or your kids'! If you divide your things ahead of time, even if one bag gets lost, nobody will be left with nothing!
KNOW YOUR CRUISE LINE'S DRESS CODE
Gowns and tuxedos are the staple of some cruise’s formal nights, but you can get away with bathing suits and LBD’s for other times. Do your research. Check if your cruise ship offers tuxedo rentals onboard before you throw yourself oveboard!
PACK FOR YOUR DESTINATION
Cruises aren’t all about pools and beaches (although you can make it that way too). But you might want to participate in some fun activities when you reach one of the ports, and flip-flops just won’t cut it for some island mountain biking. Check out where your ship plans to stop so you can make sure that you’re able to take in as much as you can when you're on shore.
SAVE SOME ROOM FOR SOUVENIRS!
It’s inevitable: the souvenir debacle. When packing, leave some extra space so that you can bring back some goodies with you! If you refuse to give up your third pair of shoes, pack a small duffle bag so that you can fill it with your souvenirs and check it for the flight home. Bon voyage!
