Cruise Packing Secrets 1/10/2008 5:48:32 PM Linkcruises Introduction
Most cruise lines offer cruise packing guidelines and tips based on the type, destination and length of cruise. Cruise lines publish this information either in the brochure or on-line. The luggage is the central concern on a cruise ship packing list.
Cruise
A rolling duffel bag and chambered suit bags are most appropriate for the cruise ship. The time of year and geographical location of the cruise will largely determine exact clothing specifications. When it comes to cruise ships, variety is never an issue. Cruise packing maybe considered the only dreaded part of a cruise.
Tips
Less is more. If you are like most people, especially women, tend to pack more than we need. You may want to consider this. Most ships have a limited amount of clothes drawers and closet space. The trend today on most cruise lines a more casual that years back. You will not need to dress formal for every evening. In fact, many cruise lines now offer relaxed dining outside of the dining room. Typically a 7 night cruise will offer 2 formal nights. The other nights will be informal or casual.
Formal means - Men should wear a tuxedo or jacket and tie. Ladies should wear cocktail dresses, gowns, or dressy slack suits.
Informal - Men usually wear a jacket (tie optional). Ladies wear dresses or pantsuits.
Casual - Men wear slacks and a collared shirt, no jeans. Ladies wear dresses or slacks.
To day, cruises seem to loosely enforce the dress codes. Americans and the American Society is much more casual overall than it once was. If you prefer to dress up you will not feel out of place.
Daytime dress - casual is the norm. You can go anywhere on the ship by wearing shorts, t-shirt and sandals up to 6:00 pm. However, most cruise lines do not allow swimsuits in the dining areas unless they offer a buffet on the Lido deck.
Also, no bare feet or swimsuits are allowed in the dining rooms for lunch on most ships. Shorts, t-shirts and sandals are generally acceptable.
Packing for a Caribbean/Panama vacation is a lot like packing for any other tropical destination: bringing protection from the sun and heat is key. This also applies to Alaska. Yes, you can get sunburned in Alaska.
Sunglasses, hat and sun block with a SPF rating of at least 30, is a must. Most are surprised when they get severely sunburned by lying around the pool for just 30 minutes. Do not let this ruin your vacation.
When cruise packing for Alaska make sure you bring layer clothing. The morning may start out cold but as the day goes along and warms up you may want to remove some of your clothing. By evening the weather will cool off requiring a jacket. It rains often in Alaska so pack a rain proof jacket or poncho. A compact umbrella also helps.
Conclusion
From all the vacations and cruises I have been on I have learned cruise packing and the packing list is essential.
Next, Do Not Leave Home Before Doing This!
The Captain
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