TravelTST’s Experts

Packing For Your Cruise

1. Your carry-on is really important!

People arrive on a cruise ship all at once, and that logistical challenge can mean you will not have your luggage for a few hours. Here’s where Carry-on luggage and what you have packed comes to the rescue.

Pack everything needed to get you (and your family) through those hours. Be sure to pack necessities like bathing suits, cameras, medications, sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries. If you’re traveling with small children, bring the essentials to get you through a day.

2. Cabin Tips.

Most staterooms have televisions, but reception and choice will vary. Many (other than top suites,) do not include a DVD player or VCR. <"http://www.traveltst.ca/index.php?tpl=ask_an_expert" target="blank">Check with your cruise expert. Most rooms have 110-volt AC electrical outlets and hair dryers (or European 220 volt plugs). Ask your travel agent for your ship’s specifications to determine if you need an adaptor.

If you want to participate in all day trips and other early morning activities, you can arrange for wake-up calls; or bring your own travel alarm. Don’t assume there is one on the ship.

For cabins of every grade, most cruise lines include a mini-safe. Use it!

3. Keeping Your Clothes Clean.

Some Cruise lines have self-serve laundry rooms with coin washers and dryers (complete with vending machines with detergent). Many ships are equipped with self service areas that provide irons and ironing boards – they ask that passengers not iron in their staterooms.

Otherwise, Cruise lines offer laundry (and dry cleaning services) using laundry bags in your stateroom.

4. Dress codes.

Every cruise line has a specified dress code for evenings (daywear is casual). The dress code can change daily (check with your cruise specialist and your travel documents before you pack; There’s a list of each day’s dress code).

The codes generally are:
• Formal: Tuxedo or dark suit for men, and an evening gown or cocktail dress for women.
• Informal: Jacket and dress pants for men, and a dress or pant suit for women.
• Resort casual: khakis for men and pants outfits or skirts for women.
• Casual: Open necked sport shirts for men and capri pants with summer tops for women.

Some lines have just one blanket dress code. Check with your cruise specialist.

5. Sports equipment availability.

Ask your cruise agent about the ship’s sport equipment rental availability and rates. From that you can decide if it’s worth bringing your own equipment along.

Be sure to check out the World’s Largest Cruise database at TravelTST!