If asked, most people will say that packing for a vacation, no matter whether it is a cruise or an inland excursion, is the least enjoyable part of taking a vacation. Cruises are particularly difficult to pack for because of the variety of activities and climates that you will experience while on your sea adventure. One night you might be enjoying an elegant, formal dinner and the next day you could be hiking across the Egyptian desert. And these are only a couple of scenarios. While on your cruise you might take part in a dozen different activities and dock at a handful of ports all with their own adventures.
Cruises are also difficult to pack for because once you're on the ship, some forgotten items might be difficult or expensive to replace. Commonly forgotten items like toothpaste, over-the-counter medications, and toiletries can be purchased on ship. Other items might be able to be picked up at various ports for a premium price. Items like prescription drugs and foods for a special diet might be virtually impossible to replace once you leave home.
All of this means that the pressure is on when it comes time to pack for your cruise. To avoid forgetting important items make a packing list, start packing early, and recheck to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. It is also a good idea to have someone else look over your list to see if you may have forgotten anything. Sometimes a fresh mind and a new set of eyes can point out lapses that you haven't noticed.
Another great packing tip involves how you organize your items and tuck them away into your luggage. Since most cruise vacations involve a flight to and from the boarding location, there is always the chance that part or all of your luggage might come up missing at some point along the way. Always pack medical items and items that you absolutely have to have in your carry-on bag. If you're traveling with a partner, don't put all of your clothes into one bag and your partner's clothes into another bag. Split your clothing up between the two bags so that if one of the pieces of luggage cannot be found, you will both still have clothes to wear.
The most important thing that you can do when packing for your cruise is to create a packing list. Not only will a packing list ensure that you pack what you need, it will help you find your packed items once on board and may help replace lost items. Start out with a list that covers everything that you need to take on your vacation and then split this list up according to what piece of luggage you packed it into. You can refer to these second lists once on board to quickly find items or to report or purchase lost or stolen items.
So now that you know the importance of a packing list, what should you include on it? Here are a few lists to help you out:
Important Papers and Documents:
· Proof of your automobile insurance such as a membership card complete with emergency contact numbers and numbers to file a claim.
· Business cards to hand out to new acquaintances. This is so much quicker and easier than writing out your address for each new contact.
· A select amount of cash divided up among travelers so that if some is lost or stolen not all is lost.
· Copy of marriage license or divorce decree in cases of name change.
· Copy of medical history for everyone taking the trip with you.
· Copy of vacation packing list to refer to as needed.
· Driver's license/international driver's license.
· Emergency numbers and embassy addresses of the countries that you will be visiting while on your cruise.
· Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation to be kept in a save and accessible place.
· Passports and visas. You should also carry several extra copies of the passport photo to be used for additional documents, international driver's licenses, or to replace a lost passport.
· Pre-paid phone card.
· Traveler's checks and receipt. Remember to keep these separate.
· Vaccination certificates of everyone taking the cruise with you.
· Your itinerary.
· Addresses for sending out postcards.
Medical Supplies:
· Antibiotic creams, burn creams, and peroxide in case of cuts, burns and scrapes.
· Anti-diarrhea medication, heartburn medication, and medications for nausea.
· Gauze and bandages.
· Bug repellent and sunscreen for outdoor adventures.
· Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream and calamine lotion for natural mishaps.
· Extra pair of eyeglasses and contacts.
· Pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
· Prescription medicines including birth control. Make sure that these are in your carry-on luggage and remain with you at all times to avoid loss.
Tourist Supplies:
· Cell phone and charger. You may also need to purchase and carry an adapter that will fit the electrical receptacles of the country or countries that you are visiting.
· Camera along with plenty of batteries. A memory card or cards that will store all of your pictures until you get home and the manual for the camera.
· Portable music system with headphones.
· Disposable underwater camera.
· Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book for the country or countries that you will be visiting.
· Journal/notebook and pen.
· Maps and directions for spots listed on your itinerary.
· Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs for nights alone in your stateroom.
· Reading materials for the plane trip.
· Travel guide(s) for all of the places that you will be docking.
· Currency converter for the nations that you will be visiting.
· Playing cards or other portable games that travel well.
· Sunglasses and hats for sunny days.
· Travel alarm clock to use in your stateroom.
In addition to all of these items, you will also need to make a little bit of room for some clothes. Choose several types of outfits ranging from casual to formal. This will give you a wide selection of choices when taking part in cruise activities. Remember to pack clothing suitable for all types of climates that you will be visiting. Don't forget recreational clothing such as swim wear and sports wear or any other type of clothing that you think you may need while on your trip.
Once your list is complete you can start packing. You can never begin too early. The first things in your bag will be the items that you don't use on a daily basis and the ones that you will be most likely to forget if you wait until the last minute to get your gear together. Avoid trying to second guess yourself. Once an object is packed, forget about it. Packing, unpacking, and repacking will only get you frustrated and that much more annoyed with the cruise preparations. Relax; take a deep breath; because your dream vacation is about to begin.