Cruise, Packing

Once upon a time I packed for my first cruise and was a little overwhelmed.

There are many considerations when packing for a cruise. First, the obvious ones like weather and number of days.

Next, having what you need for onboard activities. Will there be a formal night? How formal is formal? What about theme parties. Red party, white party, glow party, 80’s night are just a few possibilities. Will you celebrate a holiday on board. Will you need extra layers of swim attire to avoid embarrassment learning to surf. Once upon a time my daughter queued for a zip line in sandals only to find she needed closed toe shoes. She was able to zip, but with her sandals duct taped to her feet.

Also, what are you doing on shore excursions? What will you need for those? Something to carry a water bottle or a change of clothes? Hiking shoes? Flashlight?

Finally, there may be items you routinely take along on land based trips that are prohibited on ships. Magnets are a better idea than tape. Don’t bring a surge protected power strip, a travel iron, a candle, or your travel bar. These will be collected and returned to you when you disembark. There are also items often recommended that aren’t always a good idea. Over the door shoe pouches may be a good way to store small items, but there are cruise lines that will fine a passenger if said shoe holder scratches the door. I’ve read recommendations to take nicer toilet paper. That could add to your comfort, but could also clog your toilet.

So, while this seems overwhelming, there are some fairly easy work arounds. First, read your cruise contract and prohibited item list. It’s all spelled out for you. Read through your itinerary and entertainment offerings. Information about what to expect onboard will probably come to you after you pay in full either by email or snail mail. Port excursion suggestions are easily found on cruise line’s websites with requirements listed. If you have a travel agent, they will probably provide a suggested packing list. Finally, join a FaceBook group for the cruise line you are sailing with or for your particular sailing. If you search your cruise line, ship and sailing date on FaceBook you are likely to find a group sharing information, planning meet-ups, or gift exchanges. Disney Cruise Line is well known for these FaceBook groups, but you can find them for other lines as well. Just keep in mind you may get advice based on a trip taken a few years ago. The final word on important questions is the cruise line phone representatives.