For some people, the packing process can take longer than the actual holiday with weeks of planning, washing and last-minute shopping accounting for more hours than those spent enjoying themselves. Cruise holidays are all about relaxation, so streamline your packing with these ten helpful tips.
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Pack your Carry-On Bags Wisely
Pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries in the bags you will personally take on board the ship. It may be a few hours after setting sail until you have access to your suitcases and their contents again.
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Bring your Favourite Brands
Toiletries offered on board cruise ships are sometimes limited, so you may want to make room in your luggage for your favourite brands. Similarly, those who require powerful hairdryers to keep their mane in check, may be best served bring their own on board.
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Know What’s Yours!
Before you leave your home, take a picture of your luggage inside and out. This will make it easier to identify your belongings if they are lost. In the rare event that somebody tries to steal your luggage, you will have some evidence to present to the staff or security on board.
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Take Extra Hangers
You may only need one hanger for your best top, but your partner may need the closet to look like one of those long racks at Kmart. The cruise line will provide roughly eight hangers. If you need more (particularly for the longer cruises), throw some extras in your bag. The wire types take up the least packing space.
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BYOB
The average cruiser spends a LOT on booze. Check out the average alcohol consumption per cruise passenger. People aren’t aware that most cruise lines allow you to bring some alcohol. Typically, one bottle of wine per cruiser is acceptable. If it’ll save you $80 between the two of you, why not bring it?
Be sure to check the alcohol policy of the cruise you are holidaying with before packing your favourite vintage.
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Keep Copies of your ID’s
Keep a digital and physical copy of your license and passport when cruising. It’s likely you’ll never need them, but the peace of mind feels good. This is particularly pertinent if you are travelling on a cruise with excursions in a number of different countries.
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Save Some Room in your Luggage
Don’t forget that you’re likely to pick up at least a few souvenirs during your cruise and that you’ll need room in your luggage to bring them home. From presents for the grandkids to a personal treat from an on board jewellery store, there are almost limitless things to buy on a cruise.
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Dress for your Destination
Don’t get caught out in a sweat, wearing trousers and jumpers on the way to the Caribbean. Consider how long you will be spending in each destination and pack sufficient clothing for these days.
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Check the dress code
If you’re travelling on a luxury cruise, it’s best to bring some smart clothing for evening meals. Suits or dresses are always good option. Although cruises are getting more informal, it wouldn’t be the best if you turned up to a big meal in jeans and a football top.
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Remember the Basics
Most cruise ship cabins don’t come with alarm clocks, so make sure to bring your own or use your mobile phone (make sure to turn off data roaming to prevent expensive charges). Other things you may want to take include: extra hangers, over-the-counter meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, ear plugs, plastic bags for transporting liquids or wet things (or keeping water out of your gear on water-based tours) and power strips to charge all your electronics.
The Cruise1st dedicated sales team on 1300 857 345 can help you with any enquiries you may have about the ship you are booked on or the destinations you are travelling to.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Dan Nevill, jeffsmallwood, Tom Mascardo.
