It’s fun to plan a perfect wardrobe for an upcoming cruise, but when you grab a last-minute cruise deal there may not be much time for planning. Here’s an overview of the basic items to pack for most cruises (remember to adjust for the climate and length of your cruise).
Travel
Documents. Bring tickets
and other required paperwork for your cruise, reserved flights and tours. Bring
the proof of identity requested by your cruise line, which may be a birth
certificate or passport. Keep these documents with you rather than in a checked
bag,
Medications
and Toiletries. Pack
enough prescription medication for the length of the cruise, and a little more.
Small quantities of over-the-counter remedies for pain, allergies, and upset
stomach often come in handy; they’ll be available on board but at a price. And
while most ships provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, you may
want to bring small quantities of your favorites. Sunscreen and bug repellent will
be pricey on board and in port, so bring your own.
Clothes
for daytime. Casual
clothing is the daytime standard on most cruise ships. Warm climates call for
shorts, casual shirts, and beachwear; for cooler regions, pack long pants with
shirts and jackets you can layer. Bring a set of workout clothes for the
onboard gym, if you like. And, it’s surprisingly easy to forget what goes underneath,
so be sure to pack underwear and socks.
Clothes
for nighttime. Some
cruise lines have a “come as you are” attitude toward dressing for dinner and a
show, while others have evening dress codes. For a casual ship, pack what you
would wear on a date night; where dress codes are in effect, pack what you
would wear to an elegant cocktail party. Bring your favorite pajamas for
bedtime, too.
Shoes. Shoes have their own category
because they can take up too much luggage space. Try to limit shoes to three
pairs: comfortable walking shoes; flip-flops or sandals for the pool; and
dressier shoes that go with your evening outfits.
Accessories. Pack a few favorite accessories,
like belts, jewelry, ties, scarves, and a baseball hat or sun hat.
It’s best
to keep your luggage as compact and light as possible; your cruise cabin will
have limited storage space. Most ships have laundry and dry cleaning services,
so you can plan to wear the same outfits multiple times. For more packing
advice, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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