Packing has always been a difficult topic to explain to people who are going to be cruising for the first time. Many people that are booked on their first cruise to do not completely understand how cruising works and therefore do not have as good of an idea of how to pack. Cruising is different than a normal land vacation. On a land vacation it is easier to run to a supermarket or local store and pick up items that you forgot. On the cruise ship, the cruise line will probably sell a few basic items at a high price, but it is harder for you to buy most toiletries or clothes that you might have forgotten. It is important for you to make sure that you pack everything you need for your cruise vacation, but is also equally as important to make sure you pack the right amount of clothing.
A. Packing Too Much (a.k.a. Overpacking):
The length of your entire cruise vacation will determine the amount of clothing and things that you need to pack. If you are cruising for 7 days you would need to pack more items compared to a 4 day cruise. However, you run the risk of packing too much no matter how long your vacation is going to be. If you want to pack reasonably you need to think about what you need and how much you need. Do not pack more than you know you will wear. However, I always recommend packing a little extra in case your cruise or vacation is extended because of unexpected reasons. If your suitcase is filled to the top you might want to consider evaluating your packing choices and decide if everything you have packed will be necessary for your cruise. If you reconsider all of your items and decide (if you have a small suitcase) that you still need the items you had already packed you should consider getting a second suitcase. There are some people who overpack before their cruise and then they decide to buy items onboard the ship. Then these people have trouble carrying everything off the ship and they have to find a creative way to balance getting everything off. Be careful to avoid being in this same situation!
B. Not Packing Enough
The opposite of packing too much is not packing enough. If you are going on a shorter cruise vacation you will need less items than a longer cruise vacation, but please keep in mind that you can under pack too little no matter how long or short your cruise is. If your suitcase is barely filled or if all of your items can fit in a carry on bag you should evaluate the amount you packed by asking yourself "Do I have enough clothing items for each day of the cruise?".
If you pack too little and realize this once you are onboard your cruise vacation you may still have a few options. Typically, cruise lines will sell basic toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.) onboard at an additional charge to you. You cannot rely on this because some cruise lines sell no toiletries and others sell random toiletries. There are a few cruise lines that offer a limited selection of free toiletries, but the majority of brands to not do this. If you did not pack enough shirts you can probably buy a few t-shirts in a gift shop or in a local shop in a port of call. If you did not pack formal clothes many cruise lines will rent or sell you clothes, if the ship has a formalities shop.
C. Not Packing For The Correct Destination Temperatures
Not packing for the temperature's of your destination is a big mistake that can result in your discomfort. If you cruise to the Caribbean and the temperature is in the 90's, but you pack only sweatshirts and hoodies you may be very uncomfortable in the temperatures. If you cruise to a cold place and only bring t-shirts you will probably be uncomfortable also. I recommend monitoring the temperatures and weather before you cruise in order to help yourself make informed decisions about the type of clothes to pack. If you are on your cruise vacation and you realize you did not pack for the current temperatures you should browse shops in your port of call and buy something that can help you stay comfortable for the rest of your cruise.
D. For Cruisers With Flights: Not Meeting Airline Luggage Restrictions
If you are having to take a flight to get to or from your cruise departure port you also need to keep your airline's luggage restrictions in mind. Many airlines will charge money for each suitcase and/or the weight of the suitcase. If you want to pay as little as possible you will need to make sure you pack only what you need for your vacation and bring home as little extra as possible. In some cases one bag you carry on the airplane is still free, so you could put some items in your airplane carry on bag in order to have less in your suitcase.
For more cruise packing tips and information please visit our Cruise Packing page: Click Here To View
The length of your entire cruise vacation will determine the amount of clothing and things that you need to pack. If you are cruising for 7 days you would need to pack more items compared to a 4 day cruise. However, you run the risk of packing too much no matter how long your vacation is going to be. If you want to pack reasonably you need to think about what you need and how much you need. Do not pack more than you know you will wear. However, I always recommend packing a little extra in case your cruise or vacation is extended because of unexpected reasons. If your suitcase is filled to the top you might want to consider evaluating your packing choices and decide if everything you have packed will be necessary for your cruise. If you reconsider all of your items and decide (if you have a small suitcase) that you still need the items you had already packed you should consider getting a second suitcase. There are some people who overpack before their cruise and then they decide to buy items onboard the ship. Then these people have trouble carrying everything off the ship and they have to find a creative way to balance getting everything off. Be careful to avoid being in this same situation!
B. Not Packing Enough
The opposite of packing too much is not packing enough. If you are going on a shorter cruise vacation you will need less items than a longer cruise vacation, but please keep in mind that you can under pack too little no matter how long or short your cruise is. If your suitcase is barely filled or if all of your items can fit in a carry on bag you should evaluate the amount you packed by asking yourself "Do I have enough clothing items for each day of the cruise?".
If you pack too little and realize this once you are onboard your cruise vacation you may still have a few options. Typically, cruise lines will sell basic toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.) onboard at an additional charge to you. You cannot rely on this because some cruise lines sell no toiletries and others sell random toiletries. There are a few cruise lines that offer a limited selection of free toiletries, but the majority of brands to not do this. If you did not pack enough shirts you can probably buy a few t-shirts in a gift shop or in a local shop in a port of call. If you did not pack formal clothes many cruise lines will rent or sell you clothes, if the ship has a formalities shop.
C. Not Packing For The Correct Destination Temperatures
Not packing for the temperature's of your destination is a big mistake that can result in your discomfort. If you cruise to the Caribbean and the temperature is in the 90's, but you pack only sweatshirts and hoodies you may be very uncomfortable in the temperatures. If you cruise to a cold place and only bring t-shirts you will probably be uncomfortable also. I recommend monitoring the temperatures and weather before you cruise in order to help yourself make informed decisions about the type of clothes to pack. If you are on your cruise vacation and you realize you did not pack for the current temperatures you should browse shops in your port of call and buy something that can help you stay comfortable for the rest of your cruise.
D. For Cruisers With Flights: Not Meeting Airline Luggage Restrictions
If you are having to take a flight to get to or from your cruise departure port you also need to keep your airline's luggage restrictions in mind. Many airlines will charge money for each suitcase and/or the weight of the suitcase. If you want to pay as little as possible you will need to make sure you pack only what you need for your vacation and bring home as little extra as possible. In some cases one bag you carry on the airplane is still free, so you could put some items in your airplane carry on bag in order to have less in your suitcase.
For more cruise packing tips and information please visit our Cruise Packing page: Click Here To View
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