Packing For A Cruise

So you are planning a cruise and if you are like most people you start your packing a month in advance. The big day arrives and you find that you need to rent a U-Haul to get all of your stuff aboard the ship! Too often, first-time cruise goers tend to overpack and spend their entire vacation dealing with luggage stacked around in their cabin. Remember, everything you bring on board has to go somewhere -- and cabins on cruise ships are not exactly the largest spaces known to man.

Just like traveling on a plane, you should realize that your luggage is going to be thrown around, x-rayed and possibly searched. You should never lock your luggage as chances are the lock will be cut off during the inspection process. Also like the airlines, you should pack valuables, jewelry and cash in your carry on. You will not be allowed to take your luggage on board the ship - just a carry on. Your luggage will arrive in your room before sail-away, which might be a few hours after you set foot on the ship. So be prepared to get by for those first few hours.

Remember, you are on a cruise to have fun. The advice given to many is to pack casually, but bring along one piece of formal attire just in case. This doesn't have to be a suit or evening dress, but can be what you might typically wear to work if you work in an office. Speaking for myself, I know I don't want to have to go on a vacation to get dressed up!

On board the ship there will be laundry facilities available, so you should plan on packing light and not bringing a different outfit for each day. Instead, bring clothes that can be mixed and matches to create different outfits. If you feel the need to bring several changes of clothes remember that closet space will be limited. If you are traveling with your family it could be difficult to get large amounts of clothes into the closet on the ship. Plus chances are you are flying to your port of departure and the airlines have strict baggage and weight limits for your luggage. So save yourself the hassle and headache and pack for a good time, not for a 3-year voyage!

Shampoo, toiletries and other items are available on the ship in most cabins at no charge, or can be purchased in on-board convenience stores at reasonable prices. A lesson I learned years ago is it is better to pay a slightly higher price for shampoo and such in the on-board store than to weigh my suitcases down with bottles that will probably spill and get all over everything during the trip to the ship.

If you are in doubt about what to pack, turn to the experts -- your fellow travelers! There are numerous forums and discussion groups online for cruise travelers, many of which offer advice and tips for what to bring depending on the cruise line, the time of year and the paraticular destination.

For a cruise liner full of free tips, resources and valuable information about all types of cruising, check in at http://www.CruiseFolks.com