Learn 2 Cruise

Just like any other trip you wonder what and how much to pack. You take into consideration the weather, where you’re going and what activities you’ll be doing. Cruise lines actually make packing for a cruise a cinch by including a list of suggested cruise wear for each day. For example, on our Alaskan cruise we had 3 informal nights and 2 formal nights so I knew exactly how many cocktail dresses I needed and the number of ties my husband should pack. This information along with cruise ship dress descriptions can be found on the cruise lines website and in your final documents. For first time cruisers, final documents are sent to you approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your embarkation date. Here’s a brief description of the kinds of attire cruise lines may suggest:

Casual: Appropriate for daytime on board or ashore, and consists of resort-style outfits. This includes shorts, jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and sleeveless shirts for ladies.

Elegant Casual or Smart Casual: For ladies this includes dresses, skirts or pants (dressy jeans are now accepted on some cruise lines) with dress shirts or sweaters. For men pants (dressy jeans) and collared shirts with the option of sport jacket is the preferred attire.

Elegant or Formal Attire: For men, suits and ties or tuxedos (which can be rented prior to travel with the cruise line). For ladies, cocktail dresses with the option for ball gowns depending on the cruise line.

*Just a note, athletic shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits are typically not considered appropriate cruise wear in the dining rooms at dinner and after 6pm in the common areas. Also check with your cruise line for rules regarding jeans on elegant casual or smart casual nights.

One of my favorite packing tips is to pack two swim suits so you always have one that’s dry and ready to wear. Most cruise lines don’t permit swim suits in the dining areas so pack a cover up and you can go from the pool to lunch without having to go back to your room.

• L2C Tip – Water shoes are a great item to pack. You can enjoy the beach and water based shore excursions without having to worry about what you’re stepping on.

Don’t forget your gym clothes! You will find state of the art fitness centers on almost every ship and outdoor tracks with breathtaking views.

Packing List

To help you pack exactly what you need please download Learn2Cruise.com’s complete cruise vacation packing list. Download Packing List

If you’re a light packer you’re in luck. Many cruise lines offer onboard laundry service for an additional fee. Do-it-yourself laundry centers are also available on cruise ships, some coin operated and others complimentary. For example Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a small complimentary laundry center and the machines automatically dispense soap. However from my experience these machines are a bit slow and tend to be full. So if you don’t want to spend your cruise watching the spin cycle, pack items that mix and match well with each other and that are from the same color family allowing you to create more looks.

Save room in your suitcase and leave your robe at home. Cruise lines like Princess, Regent, Cunard and even Carnival include terry cloth robes that can be found in the closet of your cabin. And when traveling on luxury lines like Silversea and Regent you’ll find those closets are larger than normal. As a rule of thumb the smaller the ships the larger the closets. Luxury cruise lines typically have fewer cabins allowing for them to add amenities like larger sitting areas and nice size closets to their staterooms.

Jewelry

It’s ok to pack some of your jewelry but leave it in the room safe when you go into port. Keep in mind when you get off the ship you are probably in a city you have never been to before and you will inevitable look like a tourist with all the pictures you’ve been snapping. If you are sporting your finest diamonds you could be an easy target for any not so friendly locals.

Toiletries

With the TSA’s strict carry-on rules you may want to leave items like shampoo, conditioner, and lotion at home so they are not confiscated while going through security. You can put these items in your checked baggage however I’ve heard many stories of clients arriving at their destination with shampoo soaked clothes. All of the above mentioned items can be found in your cabin and most are quality brands produced by the same company that supplies the ships spa.

Ladies you’re in luck, all major cruise lines are equipped with standard U.S. electrical outlets so your curling irons, hair straighteners and blow-dryers will work. (Most cruise lines have blow-dryers so that will save some room in your suitcase if you leave yours at home.) However if you will be staying outside the U.S. pre or post cruise you will need to check with the hotel to see what type of electrical outlets they have and whether or not you will need to purchase an adaptor.

• L2C Tip – Leave your travel iron and steamer at home. Cruise lines do not permit you to bring these items onboard. Irons can be found in the onboard laundry center or better yet, pack wrinkle free items made from natural fibers.

On The Move

Don’t forget your walking shoes!! I know some people want to look stylish all the time but you will thank me when you’re walking around town and you don’t have to worry about blisters. Exploring the port cities can be the best part of the cruise allowing you to experience the nature, culture and history of the destination. This is especially true of Alaskan and European cruises where most of the sightseeing is done in the mountains or the inner city which can be at times located a few miles from the ship if you choose to walk.

Accessories and Poolside Essentials

Here are a few items you should remember to pack before zipping your suitcase:

• Pool side reading materials – Magazines, books, crosswords, or your new Kindle or Nook!
• Sunglasses
• IPod or MP3 player
• Sun block and Bug Spray
• Any over-the-counter meds you may need
• Umbrella
• Camera and charger

Most of these items can be purchased onboard the cruise ship or in port but chances are you will pay at least double the suggested retail cost.

Luggage Weight & Restrictions

If you’re driving to the cruise departure port, don’t worry too much about the size or weight of your luggage. Cruise lines typically don’t weigh or measure your suitcases before boarding. But from speaking with cruise reps the cruise lines do prefer you just bring a few bags and try to keep it under 70 pounds because by doing so helps the process go a little quicker. However, if you are flying be sure to pay attention to the airlines weight and size limits as well as extra baggage policies. Charging for the second and even for the first bag is a growing trend among airlines. For a complete list of prohibited items visit www.tsa.gov for details.

Check back with Learn 2 Cruise for more packing tips and the best cruise wear for your destination!