Packing for Your Cruise

Make a packing list, gather all the items on the list before starting to pack, then check off the items as they are packed.

Resist the urge to pack items that you probably won’t need or use.

To help keep garments wrinkle-free, leave them on their hangers, cover them with dry-cleaning bags, and fold over once before placing them in the suitcase. Most cruises of less than 7 days usually have 1 formal night. On 7 days or longer there are usually 2 or more formal nights. With "Freestyle Cruising" you can still dress up for dinner and remember they usually have photo nights where most still dress up for their photos which are taken before or after dinner. While some like to dress up in formal gowns and tuxedos for ships' formal night, most people dress in business attire (suit for men, cocktail gowns or silk dresses for women).

Shop for sample/travel containers of your favorite toiletries, and remember if you are flying to the port the total is limited to what will fit in a 1 quart size baggie. Flying restrictions - 3-1-1 for carry-on = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Zip lock style top storage bags, a packer’s best friend. Undergarments and knits take only a third of the suitcase space they normally occupy when they’re compressed in these bags and the excess air is removed.

Travel alarm Clock, all the rooms have wake up calls, but very few have a clock.

If you really want to pack light and the ship has self-service laundry facilities you can pack lighter and wash clothes midway through the cruise or use the laundry service, but remember this is your vacation so you really don't want to be doing laundry yourself, but it is an option.

See the different "Casual" definitions in the post below - Casual Dress Defined.

One important packing tip - share space, cross-pack your luggage with your travel companion. Chances are if a suitcase is missing, it’ll turn up eventually. In the meantime, you’ll both have fresh clothing.

Save some room in your suitcase for items you pick up shopping while cruising. A canvas bag with handles can be folded and packed and used later if you bought too much to fit into the suitcase for the trip home.

Make sure you have a great time cruising, no matter what you pack!

Casual Dress Defined

There are many different classes of casual dress noted for different events. Below are the most common ones you will find on a cruise. This may help you in what you may want to pack for your upcoming cruise.

Business Casual: Relaxed clothing that is appropriate to conduct business in a professional manner. Collared dress shirt and trousers, (pants or slacks). Neckties are generally not part of business casual dress.

Resort Casual: Attire that is a cut above casual, no jeans, no shorts, no t-shirts. Trousers, pants or slacks with polo or tropical print shirt.

Casual: Khakis, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, etc.

New To Cruising

Cruises are generally the best vacation value. You unpack only once, no checking in and out of hotels while you visit several destinations in a very efficient manner. No extra cost for food on board, and there is plenty of food on a cruise. Do it all or do nothing, or somewhere in between, it is up to you. Cruises offer travel in an environment that's safe and comfortable. You're pampered like nowhere else!

Some reasons to consider cruising to be the best vacation value, Romance, Excursions, Extraordinary Food, Live Perormmances, Dancing, Sunbathing, Adventure, and Relaxation.

The evenings are wonderful, with casinos, resturants, games galore. It is the vacation where there truly is something for everyone. Visit exotic places without leaving the comfort of the ship or take time away from the ship to enjoy all the ports have to offer. On a cruise, it seems like the whole world is having a good time. Walk with friends, or alone on the most beautiful places on earth. Ready to relax? Pools and spas are there for you. First or second honeymoon, it's a special time with that special someone.

A cruise is a vacation resort at sea. Imagine a floating vacation village with restaurants, bars, shops, theatres, nightclubs, sports facilities, swimming pools, children's play areas and more. A cruise ship is a self-contained resort. You'll find all the amenities that you would find at a hotel and you can choose your accommodation to suit your budget. Your cabin will be cleaned daily, with fresh towels every day.

Relax on board in a cash-free environment, no need to worry about carrying money around with you. Sign for your drinks, excursions and all on board purchases. Either pay by credit card or cash at the beginning of your cruise. Register your card at the start of the cruise and be automatically debited at the end. You'll normally receive an interim statement and final statement.

Whatever your lifestyle and age cruising is for everyone. Cruising is great for singles, couples and families. Cruising is the fastest growing "vacation destination" and there are over 30,000 cruises to choose from each year. Dress code is not always formal, but a mixture of casual and informal. During the day, dress code is quite casual (swimwear not allowed in restaurants). Pack to suit the destination you are travelling to and take advice from the brochure and your travel agent. Wardrobe space may be limited, so don't pack too much, and make sure you take comfortable shoes for walking.

Any health problems and you'll be taken care of. All ships carry at least one doctor and one nurse and have fully-equipped medical facilities. Medical treatment has to be paid for but can sometimes be claimed back through your insurance company or the optional travel insurance if you purchased it, which you should before any cruise. Most ships now have excellent facilities for disabled travellers.

Tipping, a delicate subject, but don't let it cause you embarrassment. On some ships, an automatic gratuity of 15% is added to your bar bill. Your ship will recommend how much to tip, and to who, and some cruise lines operate a 'No Tipping Required' policy or include some gratuities in your cruise fare.

As stated above, Cruises are generally the best vacation value for your money. Cruising doesn't have to be expensive, It is possible to get a 7 night cruise for as little as $410. Book early and take advantage of great savings as almost everything is included - accommodation, entertainment and meals on board. Regular cruisers can join the cruise line loyalty programs and receive additional benefits.