How to Pack Properly for a Cruise

Packing for a cruise is similar to packing for a land-based vacation in a similar climate, with a few exceptions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess your wardrobe several weeks before your cruise. Choose a couple of colors that work together so that what you bring can be easily mixed and matched, then try on everything you plan to wear together to ensure each item is suitable and doesn't need any cleaning, repairs or alterations.

2. Make a list of items you need to pack and buy any items you don't have (sandals, bathing suit, rain slicker).

3. Pack comfortable, layerable clothes for daytime. On most ships, shorts and t-shirts are fine for tropical cruises; your "causal Friday" outfits should work for most evenings.

4. Bring one bathing suit and a cover-up, but not beach towels—they're provided.

5. Depending on the climate, you'll most likely need three pairs of shoes: rubber-soled shoes for walking on the deck, one pair of sandals or other shoes comfortable for walking in port, and one pair of dress shoes for evening.

6. Pack at least one pair of underwear and socks (unless it's a trobpical cruise) for each day of the cruise.

7. Add a hat, travel clock, sunglasses and batteries or chargers for your camera and other electronic devices.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of all the clothing and personal items you'll need. When you depart, keep the list in your carry-on bag. If your checked luggage is lost or stolen, you'll have a record of what was in it.
• Most cruises are very casual, but some have specific dress codes, especially for dinner. Be sure to read your cruise literature carefully.
• If you're cruising with someone else, consider cross-packing; put some of your things in each suitcase so that if one bag is lost you'll both have something to wear.
• Luggage is often not delivered to the ship's cabins until after dinner the first night, so you may want to put one set of evening clothes in your carry-on bag.
• Some ships have laundry rooms where you can wash your own clothes. If so, you may be able to pack even lighter. All ships offer laundry service, but it can be very expensive.