PACKING FOR YOUR CRUISE
The crew give an idea of what passengers aboard the earlier Prow's Edge had to say about packing for a cruise - everything to pack for a cruise from duct tape to old underwear.
Of all the advice fellow passengers have shared with us in the past about packing, the one rule 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 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 quiet clear about their dress code and what is required for evening wear. They also suggest appropriate wear for during the day. 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 any delays in getting home.
Unusual tips for packing include a couple of folded down cardboard boxes on the way to the cruise. This makes sure that the clothes will be less crumpled when the cruise starts, and 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 have suggested packing include duct tape. A roll of duct tape has rescued many a torn apart 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 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
sunscreen
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
alcohol onboard
babymoon cruises
cabin assignment
cruise etiquette
cruise vocabulary
disembarking
dress codes
early seating
entertainment
first aid at sea
high fashion
internet at sea
keeping healthy at sea
laundry at sea
libraries
norovirus
packing
phoning at sea
officers
reward programs
safety at sea
seasickness
shore excursions
smoking at sea
swine flu
table assignments
tipping
weddings at sea