Tips for Preparing Your Bags for a Cruise Ship Getaway

It can be easy for cruise ship “virgins” to forget about the common etiquette that must be observed while aboard the boat. While the times have changed and most have abandoned the formalities associated with cruise ship getaways, you still have to make sure that you are adequately packed for your trip. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when preparing your bag: 

1. Have a Carry-On Bag

You may get excited and pack your things in your luggage and completely forget about having a carry-on bag. Ideally, you should pack a change of clothes and other important items like medications and toiletries. Don’t forget this; you have to prepare in case the luggage is lost or delayed by the airline on the way to your cruise ship. This way, you can have items, such as dinner clothes or swimsuits that you can use while your suitcase is still in transit. Remember also to pack your valuables in your carry on bag and never in your checked-in bag as it can be stolen. 

2. Pack Your Suitcase Wisely

For families traveling together, it can be tempting to have one piece of luggage for each person. Don’t make this mistake. One trick you can do is to have half of your items in one bag and the other half in a separate one, and this should go for everyone in the family. The idea is that if you lose one bag, you can still have your items in one bag rather than losing them all. Pack only what you need for the trip. 

3. Know the Dress Code

While some cruise ships accept guests to be less formal in their attire, it still pays to know if the cruise ship you will be on has a  dress code. Pack versatile dresses that you can use be it for a cocktail or a gala. For gents, you can rent a tuxedo instead of buying one. 

4. Bring Your Own Toiletries

Never assume that your cruise ship will carry your choice of toiletries. If you have preferences on what you want to use for washing your hair or body, it is always best to bring your own toiletries. If you plan to travel a lot, investing in small travel bottles can go a long way. 

5. Pack Clothes for Your Destination

If you are new to cruising, you should remove the notion that you will only spend your entire time aboard the ship. You will have to visit places that are part of your itinerary and some of them would be more formal than others. If you are headed to Europe for your holiday destination, don’t forget to pack casual wear. Note that some places, particularly those that are golf courses, follow strict dress codes. While you may want to wear flip flops for exploring, it will be best to pack a comfortable pair of shoes for hiking or biking. 

If your itinerary involves visiting religious sites, having at least one modest clothing like the ones from Dainty Jewells will help. 

Packing for a trip can be overwhelming. You may think that you have to pack a lot, especially if you think about how far you are going to be from your comfort zone. However, this can easily be addressed if you have a packing list that you can follow. List all the items down, tick them off as you pack them in your suitcases, and you are good to go.