Things You'll Need:
- Luggage tags
- Folding tissue
- Heavy-duty freezer bags
- Formal wear
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Step 1
Sit down with a paper and pen and create lists of things you need for each phase of the cruise. Write down what you will need for the trip to the cruise port, the time aboard ship, the ports of call and the ship's departure.
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Step 2
Keep your paperwork and other essentials in a small carry-on bag. Include your passport and other identification, medications, transfer voucher (if you have one) and cruise tickets.
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Step 3
Pack a change of clothing and perhaps a swimsuit with your carry-on items. You may not receive your luggage until hours after boarding the ship, so it is best to be prepared.
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Step 4
Combine your clothing and that of your travel mate's into two suitcases rather than a separate one for each of you. This way, you will both have clothing should a checked bag go missing.
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Step 5
Include at least one formal outfit in your suitcase. The vast majority of cruise ships have one or two formal dress nights, where guests are asked to attend dinner in fancy attire. Men are asked to wear tuxedos or a suit and tie, while women should don cocktail dresses, evening gowns or elegantly tailored pant suits.
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Step 6
Bring along any prescription or over the counter medications you take regularly. Although there are medical facilities aboard most cruise ships, as well as a selection of common cold and headache remedies, supplies are usually limited.
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Step 7
For bottles or jars with liquid inside, store them in heavy-duty freezer bags for transport. These baggies can prevent accidental spills from ruining clothing. Pack a few extra bags for use in transporting wet swimsuits until they can be laundered.
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Step 8
Pack clothes likely to wrinkle using folding tissue. This tissue can be reused following the cruise for cushioning fragile souvenirs on the trip home.
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Step 9
Mark your bags with cruise line tags. These tags will help assure your bags arrive at the correct ship. Back these up with another set of tags containing your information in case a tag becomes lost.
