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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. Its 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 wont 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, drivers licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them
safe inside your bathing suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you
wont 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 gives someone
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 battery supply!). 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. Youll also want to take a nightlight if youre 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
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