Probably one of the most frequently asked questions I am asked is .........
'HELP, WHAT DO I PACK??!!'
This will depend on the cruise line you are travelling with, your chosen destination and the season in your destination.
Obviously, if you are going on an Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruises you are going to need completely different clothes to the Caribbean with NCL!
The best tip has to be, research the weather in your destination! You can never guarantee weather reports will be correct but it does give you a great idea on what to expect, or have a look at on line forums as you can find some great tips.
If you are still really unsure, I would advise layers! A great example of this was when I went to Alaska at the end of May, a few years ago, which is the beginning of the cruising season out there. I was expecting cold weather and did not expect on 2 of the days to be walking around in shorts and a vest top so I was glad I packed a small sun lotion and one pair of shorts with the thinking 'just in case'.
I am a great fan of packing for 'just in case' and I always take an umbrella everywhere, even in the Caribbean!
The evening dress code on board your chosen ship will vary and you can find information such as the amount of formal, smart casual and casual nights on the cruise lines website. This will help you plan your evening wear and pack savvy, remember on a fly cruise you have a maximum weight allowance!
I have seen and picked up some great ideas on what to take on board to make life a little easier!
1) Miniature toiletries - Huge space saving for us ladies leaving extra room for all those shoes!
2) Overnight bag - By packing a small overnight bag means you can leave those essentials out for the next morning, after your suitcase has been left outside your cabin the night before. Once you have collected your luggage just pop it in the top, job done.
3) Magnets - This may sound strange but the walls in your cabin are magnetic! If you want to pin up your daily newsletters or shore excursion vouchers, so as not to lose them, this is the perfect way to know where they are.
4) Motion sickness wrist bands - You never know if you might need these! The medical centre is always on hand to issue tablets ( for a fee of course ) if things get really unbearable.
5) Ear plugs - Obvious uses, you never know what your cabin buddies either side of you might be like! I always find the cabin doors slamming early in a morning, unintentionally I'm sure as they are quite heavy, quite a pain especially if I want a lovely holiday lie in.
6) Waterproof money pouch - I am not sure the exact name for these but you can buy them in the shop on most ships. You can keep your cash,cards, keys and small personal items in these if you are going to the beach or just around the pool. Swim safe in the knowledge your valuables are not going to go walkies!
7) Plastic shoe hangers - If you have a family sharing a bathroom and have lots of different toiletries these can clutter the bathroom area. By hanging one of these on the hook on the back of the door it keeps them all together and tidy and is a great space saver.
8) Lint roller - Suits and dresses can attract bits from anywhere, so to save the cost of laundry on board take one of these to look dapper and fluff free on formal nights!
9) Lanyard - An easy way to carry your cruise card when you have no pockets or hand bag.
10) Alarm clock and adapters - A simple thing but a small travel alarm can be handy if you wake in the night and want to know the time or just need to be up early one morning for an excursion. Don't forget your travel adapters either to convert your plugs!
Finally my top tip on packing your suitcase.....
Pack your clothes on a beach towel! - Yes, you are provided these on board but I find it so handy to just lift out to get easy access to shoes, toiletries etc. at the bottom of your case if you are checking you have everything or need to get at something quickly.
Happy packing everyone!
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