Tips for Packing for a Cruise
It's finally here: the trip you have been anticipating for months. The night before you leave on your cruise, don't panic when the pile of items left to pack dwarfs your suitcase. Packing for a cruise may not be the simplest task, but you can successfully stay within weight limits and your bag count without sacrificing too much.
Utilize Your Carry-On Luggage
Are you flying to your cruise's departure port? Packing for a cruise is challenging because you not only have to pay attention to the cruise's luggage guidelines, but your airline as well. While in the past you may have only used your carry-on luggage for entertainment materials, this time be sure to place at least one change of clothes inside. If your luggage is lost on the way, you will have a difficult time getting by with one outfit until it is returned to you. This will save space and weight in your other bags as well.
Use Spare Space in Children's Luggage
Going on a family cruise? Don't let Junior's bag go out the front door of your home with wasted space. You can stow an extra sweatshirt or two in your children's bag if you have an item that simply must come. Better yet, have two children share one suitcase and allow yourself an extra bag. Children's clothes are smaller and lighter - though they made need more spare clothing than you. Another piece of advice from expert packers: always roll up your clothes, never fold, to save space.
Research Cruise Inclusions
Does your cruise offer self-service laundry? That is a helpful fact to know when considering leaving an outfit or two behind. If times get desperate, a quick load of laundry could save your wardrobe. Look into what else is included, such as bathrobes, towels, soap, or shampoo. Even if the ticket price did not include these items, some cruises might offer them for a small fee. It might be worth the price if it will relieve packing stress.
Wear Your Heaviest Clothing
Where is your cruise headed? If you are going to cold waters, you must make sure your wardrobe contains warm items: a coat, thermal wear and the like. To ensure that your winter coat does not take up room in your luggage, wear it (or carry it) on the way. It might be frustrating to wear a heavy jacket on a plane, but you will pat yourself on the back when you find you did in fact need to fit in that extra pair of shoes.
Plan for Your Return Trip
Are you forgetting space for your souvenirs? You will most likely make a purchase or two at some point along your journey. Don't completely stuff your bags to the breaking point. Leave room for the odd knick-knack or T-shirt that might catch your eye. On the last day, you don't want to spend hours wrestling to fit your clothes back into your bags along with gifts and souvenirs.
Packing for a cruise might never be painless, but you can relieve some of the hassle by using this guide to help you relax and prepare for your exciting journey.
Utilize Your Carry-On Luggage
Are you flying to your cruise's departure port? Packing for a cruise is challenging because you not only have to pay attention to the cruise's luggage guidelines, but your airline as well. While in the past you may have only used your carry-on luggage for entertainment materials, this time be sure to place at least one change of clothes inside. If your luggage is lost on the way, you will have a difficult time getting by with one outfit until it is returned to you. This will save space and weight in your other bags as well.
Use Spare Space in Children's Luggage
Going on a family cruise? Don't let Junior's bag go out the front door of your home with wasted space. You can stow an extra sweatshirt or two in your children's bag if you have an item that simply must come. Better yet, have two children share one suitcase and allow yourself an extra bag. Children's clothes are smaller and lighter - though they made need more spare clothing than you. Another piece of advice from expert packers: always roll up your clothes, never fold, to save space.
Research Cruise Inclusions
Does your cruise offer self-service laundry? That is a helpful fact to know when considering leaving an outfit or two behind. If times get desperate, a quick load of laundry could save your wardrobe. Look into what else is included, such as bathrobes, towels, soap, or shampoo. Even if the ticket price did not include these items, some cruises might offer them for a small fee. It might be worth the price if it will relieve packing stress.
Wear Your Heaviest Clothing
Where is your cruise headed? If you are going to cold waters, you must make sure your wardrobe contains warm items: a coat, thermal wear and the like. To ensure that your winter coat does not take up room in your luggage, wear it (or carry it) on the way. It might be frustrating to wear a heavy jacket on a plane, but you will pat yourself on the back when you find you did in fact need to fit in that extra pair of shoes.
Plan for Your Return Trip
Are you forgetting space for your souvenirs? You will most likely make a purchase or two at some point along your journey. Don't completely stuff your bags to the breaking point. Leave room for the odd knick-knack or T-shirt that might catch your eye. On the last day, you don't want to spend hours wrestling to fit your clothes back into your bags along with gifts and souvenirs.
Packing for a cruise might never be painless, but you can relieve some of the hassle by using this guide to help you relax and prepare for your exciting journey.