Your Clothes
- For the ladies it is generally a good idea to pack enough mix and match casual outfits for 2 - 3 weeks.
For evenings you will need more formal cocktail/evening dresses, pant suits, and casual dresses.
You will need to contact your travel agent to find out how many "formal nights" are included on your specific cruise. - For the men it is also a good idea to pack enough mix and match casual slacks, jeans and shirts for 2 - 3 weeks.
For evenings you will need more formal wear like a tuxedo or dark suit, sport coat and smart casual slacks and shirts.
Several matching ties will be required for the "formal nights". - Most cruise ships offer laundry and dry cleaning service, many cruise lines (not all) have a do-it-yourself laundries.
They can get very busy so plan on going early in the morning to avoid the rush. - You will be traveling into different climates and weather zones.
Be sure to pack clothing for hot and cold weather as well as a lightweight rain-proof jacket.
For colder weather layering is the best answer. - Choose knits, wools, and cottons.
These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile (some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas.
) - Roll softer garments and fold stiffer ones.
Underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear won't wrinkle when rolled tightly.
Stiffer fabrics, such as starched cotton shirts, blazers, dressy pants, and skirts should be carefully folded. - Arrange rolled Items in the bottom of the bag.
Think of your suitcase as a three-layer cake.
The suitcase is the icing, the rolled items make up the first layer. - Place folded garments next.
For your (cream filling) middle layer, start with the longest items, like skirts and slacks.
Stack the garments on top of each other, alternating waists with hems.
Position the pile flush with the suitcase, draping leftover fabric over the opposite end (This conserves space since thick waistbands won't be piled on top of one another).
Wrap the draped ends of the pile into the center.
Next, lay collars of shorter items, like shirts, at the hinge with the ends over the handles.
Fold the collars over once and fold the arms in. - Cover the pile with a dry-cleaning bag.
It's like botox for your clothes.
Because of the bags slippery surface, folded clothes don't stay in one place long enough for creases to set.
Easy upgrade - place a bag between each layer of clothing.
To get to a certain layer easily, simply pull the ends of the bag up on either side. - Top the pile with the clothes you'll need first.
Anything goes with your top layer such as underwear, bathing suit and pajamas. - Snake belts around the perimeter of the bag.
This cradles your three layers. - Cross pack each suitcase with you and your partner's clothes.
If one bag goes astray it won't be a disaster! - Almost all airlines penalize you with substantial "over weight" baggage fees.
Make sure all of your checked suitcases weigh less than 50 lbs.
- You will need very comfortable walking shoes such as sandals, sneakers or loafers for around the ship and on shore excursions.
Never bring new shoes - your broken in comfortable shoes are the ones to bring! For the evenings, the ladies should pack several matching black, light evening shoes that go with multiple outfits.
The men can get away with one or two dress shoes.
Wear the heaviest pair and pack the rest. - Stuff shoes with sunglasses and electronic chargers or socks.
- Slip Shoes into one-gallon size resealable bags.
Then set them along the sides of the suitcase.
- Never pack your valuables in checked bags.
Since 9/11, all checked baggage must be unlocked.
These bags go through an X-ray machine for inspectors to see what's in your bags and at their discretion open your bags.
Unfortunately, there are some dishonest screeners who steal valuables from bags they are screening. - Stow jewelry in small containers.
35-millimeter film containers or seven-day plastic pillboxes make good jewelry containers.
Line them with tissue paper. - Do not pack your passportin checked bags.
You will need it at airport security.
- The new TSA rules limits liquid carry on.
3 ounce bottles or less (by volume) must be put into a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag and placed in screening bin.
The one-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring on to 3 oz.
The rest of your cosmetics must be in your checked bags.
- Be sure to pack enough of your required medications for the duration of your cruise plus a few days in case of delays.
Never place your medications in checked suitcases, always pack them in your carry-on bags.
Be mindful of the TSA rules regarding liquids.
- Bring your own travel alarm clock as most staterooms do not have them.
Be sure to wear a watch on the cruise as well.
You may have a busy daily schedule where being on time is important. - Bring a compact umbrella can come in very handy and packs easily.
- Be sure to bring enough memory cards and batteries for your digital camera.
- Bring a laminated color copy of the front page of your passport and a laminated copy of your U.
S.
driver's license.
Keep these separate from your original passports and driver licenses.
You will need the original passport for airport check-in and customs in each country. - Bring a credit card with at least $10,000 available credit and enough cash to resolve potential major issues.
- Bring a copy of your travel Insurance policy number, copy of the policy, and contact number for claims.
Leave a copy of the policy with your emergency contact person. - Bring any special medical instructions that would be mandatory in an emergency medical situation and complete instructions on how to reach your emergency contact person.
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