Packing Tips For Cruises
• Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special
requirements that may affect your packing plan.
• Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not
find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home and you
may not find the size or speed you require.
• Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's blazer may be used on a formal night if
packaged with the proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be used with an open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie
for an informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.
• Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy dressing up, will go all out with
tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer
with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. It’s
like getting dressed for a nice wedding.
Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie. The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal wear
will be worn.
• Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning.
Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire
trip.
• It's quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the Lido
restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that night. You can even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime,
and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire. If you're interested in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how
the line you've chosen handles casual evening meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the
formal nights. If that's important to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.
• If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes
are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance
(check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very
expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your bank's safe deposit box.
• If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You'll cut
down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you won’t need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-
packed (unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during the cruise.
• In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be cooler and more comfortable.
• Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you
can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when you're in the airport; never leave it
unattended.
• Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on. If your main article of luggage is
lost or misplaced, can you exist with what you're carrying?
• Do not plan to find space for a garment bag on an aircraft. Better to carefully pack your clothing in a suitcase than to
jam it into an overhead compartment.
• Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, like a full bottle of shampoo, save or purchase smaller plastic bottles and bring
only what you need. Try sealing plastic bottles in zip-lock bags for added protection.
• Zip-lock baggies, preferably the thicker freezer-type, are great for keeping things dry, especially when you go to the
beach. You can stuff your credit cards, driver’s licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them safe inside your bathing
suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you won’t have any problems with leakage.
• There are several reasons to bring your cell telephone with you on the cruise: 1) If you run into delays, you can call
your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without standing in line for a telephone; 2) You can use your telephone on
the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land; 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is
great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore; 4) Many
ports have cellular service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone booth. Cellular rates are usually
much less than the ship's satellite rates. Some common cruising areas have surprisingly good coverage (The
Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman, to name a few), and if you have free roaming
as a part of your service, the call might even be free; 5) You never know how a cell phone will help you in transit should
an emergency arise. It givessomeone else the ability to call you, which is sometimes invaluable.
• Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish to bring along a list of important e-mail
addresses and web site URL's. Although this can get expensive, you might find it worthwhile, particularly if you keep
close track of an investment portfolio or have important e-mail messages.
• If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship provides them, you may not find them to
be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you have long or heavy hair.
• A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these walkie-talkies) is useful in keeping track of
your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger, it becomes more difficult to keep track of one another.
This is a perfect tool for young teenagers (check your batterysupply!). Some ships even offer them for rent during the
cruise.
• A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It's nice to know that you have an extra light for your
room, and it could come in very handy should your ship develop some temporary generator malfunctions. You’ll also
want to take a nightlight if you’re staying in an inside cabin.
• For Alaska and Northern Europe: Replace shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeve shirts with warmer counterparts. Although
you may wish to have one set of warm-weather clothing for afternoon wear on a warm day, you'll be more comfortable
with warmer clothing.
• For Alaska: You can dress down just a bit. Jeans are acceptable/desirable for daytime wear. Bring rain wear,
waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell, warm gloves, and a stocking cap. Although you
may not NEED this much if the weather is warmer, cold (low 50's), windy and rainy weather is not uncommon along the
coast of Alaska.
• For Northern Europe: Temperatures can be cool during the summer, particularly in the evenings. Baltic cruises tend
to be dressier. A warm sweater and gloves might be useful, particularly in late August. Absolutely bring an umbrella!
• For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are similar to the Caribbean. Spring/Fall are cooler and more formal.
Winter Cruises in the Med can be very cool, although snow/ice are not likely.
• For Bermuda: Weather is beautiful from May through October, although cruising to/from New York or Boston can be
quite cool in early and late seasons. Bermuda is in the Gulf Stream, while New York and Boston aren't, so be prepared
for a change in weather!
• Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs regulations.
• Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special
requirements that may affect your packing plan.
• Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not
find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home and you
may not find the size or speed you require.
• Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's blazer may be used on a formal night if
packaged with the proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be used with an open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie
for an informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.
• Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy dressing up, will go all out with
tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer
with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. It’s
like getting dressed for a nice wedding.
Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie. The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal wear
will be worn.
• Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning.
Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire
trip.
• It's quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the Lido
restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that night. You can even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime,
and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire. If you're interested in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how
the line you've chosen handles casual evening meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the
formal nights. If that's important to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.
• If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes
are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance
(check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very
expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your bank's safe deposit box.
• If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You'll cut
down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you won’t need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-
packed (unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during the cruise.
• In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be cooler and more comfortable.
• Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you
can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when you're in the airport; never leave it
unattended.
• Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on. If your main article of luggage is
lost or misplaced, can you exist with what you're carrying?
• Do not plan to find space for a garment bag on an aircraft. Better to carefully pack your clothing in a suitcase than to
jam it into an overhead compartment.
• Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, like a full bottle of shampoo, save or purchase smaller plastic bottles and bring
only what you need. Try sealing plastic bottles in zip-lock bags for added protection.
• Zip-lock baggies, preferably the thicker freezer-type, are great for keeping things dry, especially when you go to the
beach. You can stuff your credit cards, driver’s licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them safe inside your bathing
suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you won’t have any problems with leakage.
• There are several reasons to bring your cell telephone with you on the cruise: 1) If you run into delays, you can call
your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without standing in line for a telephone; 2) You can use your telephone on
the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land; 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is
great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore; 4) Many
ports have cellular service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone booth. Cellular rates are usually
much less than the ship's satellite rates. Some common cruising areas have surprisingly good coverage (The
Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman, to name a few), and if you have free roaming
as a part of your service, the call might even be free; 5) You never know how a cell phone will help you in transit should
an emergency arise. It givessomeone else the ability to call you, which is sometimes invaluable.
• Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish to bring along a list of important e-mail
addresses and web site URL's. Although this can get expensive, you might find it worthwhile, particularly if you keep
close track of an investment portfolio or have important e-mail messages.
• If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship provides them, you may not find them to
be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you have long or heavy hair.
• A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these walkie-talkies) is useful in keeping track of
your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger, it becomes more difficult to keep track of one another.
This is a perfect tool for young teenagers (check your batterysupply!). Some ships even offer them for rent during the
cruise.
• A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It's nice to know that you have an extra light for your
room, and it could come in very handy should your ship develop some temporary generator malfunctions. You’ll also
want to take a nightlight if you’re staying in an inside cabin.
• For Alaska and Northern Europe: Replace shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeve shirts with warmer counterparts. Although
you may wish to have one set of warm-weather clothing for afternoon wear on a warm day, you'll be more comfortable
with warmer clothing.
• For Alaska: You can dress down just a bit. Jeans are acceptable/desirable for daytime wear. Bring rain wear,
waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell, warm gloves, and a stocking cap. Although you
may not NEED this much if the weather is warmer, cold (low 50's), windy and rainy weather is not uncommon along the
coast of Alaska.
• For Northern Europe: Temperatures can be cool during the summer, particularly in the evenings. Baltic cruises tend
to be dressier. A warm sweater and gloves might be useful, particularly in late August. Absolutely bring an umbrella!
• For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are similar to the Caribbean. Spring/Fall are cooler and more formal.
Winter Cruises in the Med can be very cool, although snow/ice are not likely.
• For Bermuda: Weather is beautiful from May through October, although cruising to/from New York or Boston can be
quite cool in early and late seasons. Bermuda is in the Gulf Stream, while New York and Boston aren't, so be prepared
for a change in weather!
• Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs regulations.
WWW.DMTTRAVEL.COM
Donna Touchette@Cruise N Travel Experts
Click Here To Contact Donna Packing for your Cruise
Donna Touchette@Cruise N Travel Experts
Click Here To Contact Donna Packing for your Cruise
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