Tips for Packing for a Cruise
The good thing about cruising is you only have to unpack once. You also might be surprised at how much storage space you’ll find in your cabin and you won’t have the same weight restrictions for luggage. However, if you are flying to/from your departure ports, you’ll still have to abide by airline restrictions on luggage weight allowance.
So, here are a few tips to help you keep the packing light.
Do your research
Check your cruiseline’s website/brochures for their advice on packing. They will tell you if you need to pack formal gear or not. If not, leave it behind. Likewise, if they provide an Arctic jacket, leave your bulky one at home – you won’t need two. Check if snorkel gear is provided once at the beginning of the voyage or whether it is loaned for an hour at a time. If it’s yours for the duration of the trip, you won’t need to take your own flippers etc, but if you have to borrow and there’s limited loan time, then you might consider giving your mask and flippers priority over something else. Take the time to research fully what you may or may not need.
Plan ahead
Have an idea in mind of what you might wear each day and pack accordingly (with a couple of extras). That way you’ll be prepared with matching outfits, appropriate for your day’s activities and you won’t be packing unnecessary items “just in case.”
Don’t keep adding
Once you’ve packed, don’t keep adding extra items just because you have a little extra space and you “might” need them. If you’ve planned well, you will have what you need. Those extras that you add in additionally will take up space and reduce space for anything you may purchase while away.
Pack your comforts
If you have a favourite face cream or you can’t do without your favourite hat – take it! You want to be as comfortable as you can on holiday so if there’s something that’s going to make the difference between making you feel at home and making you feel like you’re a world away from home, give it priority and leave something else behind (within reason of course!)
Limit the shoes
Shoes are bulky and heavy so plan carefully how many you will need. Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes and if you’re not absolutely sure you are going to wear them, leave that pair behind.
Quick-dry, iron –free
If you can, take clothing that is quick to dry and doesn’t need ironing. If you need to wash during your cruise, quick-drying clothing is a godsend and the last thing you want to be doing on holiday is spending hours with iron. Of course, if your cruise includes a butler service, that’s not a problem!
Thin layers that mix and match
If you’re going somewhere cooler, think thin layers that you can take on or off as required and that won’t be bulky under jackets. Layers that mix and match throughout the voyage will also be helpful.
Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
