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All Cruise Newsletters
CruiseCompete Currents
Cruise News and Information
July 25, 2005
Pack Smart
Considering the variety of activities available on a cruise vacation and the limited storage
space in many cabins, packing can be a challenge. Here are a few simple ideas to make your
trip a success.
Pack light. Try to pick clothes that can be re-used. For example, ladies can mix and match skirts
with different blouses for various looks. Laundry and dry-cleaning are available aboard ship--plan
to use them. Finally, keeping each suitcase under 50 pounds will can help you avoid airline overweight
baggage penalties (check with your airline as limits vary).
Consider a luggage service. For a fee, a few upscale cruise lines offer luggage valet service from
your front door to the ship and then back home. This beats dragging an oversize suitcase or two through
an airport. Holland America (800.395.8810) offers such a service for cruises 14 days or longer.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (800.395.8810) and luxury line Seabourn Cruises (888.491.0771) also offer
such valet service.
Share luggage with your travel companion. Rather than separate "his" and "hers" luggage, include clothes
for both of you in each suitcase you take on your cruise. Multiple suitcases usually stay together and
arrive at your destination no problem but, if one does happen to get lost en route, you will each still
have clothes to wear.
Wear your souvenirs. If clothes shopping is part of your vacation plan, pack less and incorporate the new
purchases into your vacation wardrobe.
Minimize wrinkles. Clothing items susceptible to wrinkling should be ironed beforehand and folded using tissue.
The tissue helps eliminate wrinkles, and can used to protect fragile souvenirs on the way home. Wrinkle-free
clothing made of micro-fiber is a good idea. Irons are also available on board if touch-ups are needed.
Pack your carry-on with care. Keep important identification items and travel paperwork with you at all times.
Make sure your carry-on also includes your prescription and OTC medicines, toiletries and other necessary
personal items needed if your luggage is lost or delayed. A quick change of clothes for when you first
board ship makes it easier to relax while you wait for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin.
Baggies come in handy. A simple zip-lock baggie - ideally the thicker, freezer type - comes in handy to prevent
bottle leaks from staining clothes.
Don't forget a few emergency items. A mini-flashlight or a nightlight can come in handy if you need extra light
in your room, as can a small travel alarm clock. Duct tape helps with quick repairs to torn luggage and acts as an
ample substitute for broken zippers, hinges and clasps. Small walkie-talkies come in handy when trying to stay in
touch on the ship or in port.
Finally, relax. Don't worry too much about anything you might have forgotten to bring on your cruise. Vacations
are about reducing stress- and this should start while you pack. Wherever your cruise may take you, there will
be stores there.
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