Packing for a Cruise
The crew give an idea of the cruise tips Prow's Edge passengers have provided about packing for a cruise – everything to pack from duct tape to old underwear.
For even more information about packing for a cruise see • Packing for a Cruise (more)
photo courtesy The Yachts of Seabourn
Basic Tips and Advice About Packing for a Cruise
for even more see • Packing for a Cruise (more)
Of all the advice fellow passengers have shared with us about packing, one of the tips that stands out the most and which has been frequently cited, is “to pack lightly”!
Everybody takes too much on a cruise – too much to cart around airports, too much to unpack and to try to cram back into the cases at the end of the cruise along with all the inevitable souvenirs, too much to wash when you get home even if you haven’t worn half the clothes.
Planning what you really need is easy enough. We suggest that you write out a list, a diary in advance, of what clothes you would like to wear each day, for day wear and evening. Most cruise lines are quite clear about their dress code and what is required for evening wear. They also suggest appropriate wear for day time. Then cut the list of clothes by half – or at least try. You will be surprised to find what you don’t really need.
Most important of things to pack are medications – regular prescription and non prescription medications, and supplements to last you the time you are away and even for a few days extra in case there are delays in getting home.
Unusual tips for packing include a couple of folded down cardboard boxes on the way to the cruise. This ensures that the clothes will be less crumpled when the cruise starts. It also means that once the boxes have been discarded, there's plenty of room for those extras you pick up along the way – and no matter how hard you try not to bring anything home, there's ALWAYS something!
Another unusual item many passengers suggest packing is duct tape. A roll of duct tape has rescued many a torn suitcase. One passenger even used it to fix the rattling curtain rail in her stateroom when no one else would do anything about it.
It is really all about common sense. Pack what you need for the length of the cruise, not a 3 month journey away, and pack lightly.
Here are a few tips of essentials that you might want to consider:
Medication
regular prescription and non prescription medications
something to aid constipation
something to aid diarrhoea
supplements and vitamins
sun screen
insect Repellent
Toiletries
Practically all hotels and cruise ships will provide the basics like soap, hair shampoo, towels and face cloths – even dental floss. Remember, however, to pack for any special needs – like dandruff shampoo or hypoallergenic soap.
razor or shaver
shaving foam / soap
toothbrush
toothpaste
dental floss
deodorant
brush/comb
hair gel
lotion
tweezers
nail clippers
Equipment
camera/camcorder
camera case
memory Card
batteries
charger
watch
alarm Clock
cell Phone
cell phone battery charger
glasses
spare glasses
sunglasses
cap/hat
For even more information about packing for a cruise see • Packing for a Cruise (more)
