Useful Tips When Packing For Your Cruise

Here are some helpful and useful tips when packing for a 5 or 7 day cruise.

• Pack everything you would need, as if you were staying at a resort hotel in the same geographic area of your cruise.
• Avoid over-packing by reading the recommended dress section of the cruise literature that will be mailed to you after you book.
• Check to see if they have a theme night or talent show where you might need some special outfits. Even in the warm Caribbean, you might need a sweater on the decks at night. The air conditioning can also be icy.
• Pack some comfortable rubber soled shoes to get around on the decks.
• Bring a pocket calculator to help you figure your ports of call exchange rates.
• Bring a white T-shirt if you plan on going snorkeling or you may have a burned back when you are done.
• You might also pack some drinking straws to use while at port. This will help you to avoid touching your lips to a can's top.
  The top might be covered with contaminants that will make you sick.

Are cruise ships really formal? No, cruising is not just for the stuffed shirt crowd anymore. Casual attire is appropriate for almost all of your cruise.
Will I need any formal clothes? Yes, cruises still have dinners where more formal clothes are appropriate. The last night of a cruise is usually a formal night, and a seven-day cruise will usually have two formal nights. These are the meals that used to require tuxedos or cocktail dresses. They are now optional but, if you have them dust them off and bring them along. Many Cruise Lines will rent tuxedos, so you can check into this option before you go. Fewer passengers are taking this option and a dark suit and dresses are perfectly appropriate and will probably be the most common passenger attire for the formal nights. On the other nights a sport coat and tie or pants suit are appropriate. Some Cruise Lines are recommending even more casual attire such as sport shirt and pants on all but the formal night. Read your cruise packet or check out the Line's web page for your particular ship's recommendation.
What should I pack in my carry-on bags? Items of value that should never go in your checked luggage such as cash, jewelry, medication, travel documents and a list of everything in your checked baggage.
Since luggage is often not delivered to your cabin until after your first dinner, be prepared and pack a change of clothes.
You might also consider one-day items, in other words all the items you would need to make it through a 24-hour day, just in case your luggage goes missing.
Keep lots of crisp one-dollar bills wherever you keep your money. This will come in handy when dealing with all the skycaps and porters.

You will also be able to find a great variety of types of cruises in many areas of the globe. The Caribbean is sailed by many different Cruise Lines and ships. Each Cruise Line and ship has its own flavor. You will find budget all the way to super luxury available in the Caribbean. The cruise itineraries also offer differences in lengths and ports visited. Any two Caribbean cruises can provide very different vacation experiences.

Samuel Awosolu is a home based travel agent and a freelance writer. He has a weekly deals and steals newsletter for travelers looking to save money and find the best deals on the internet. You can subscribe and visit his website at http://traveldeals.yomitravel.com
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Packing for your Cruise

Well, packing for a cruise sounds easy doesnt it? Hmmm, not quite! The thing with many cruises is that you face a new day in a new port - each of which may have its own climate, combined with days at sea which can be very hot by day yet very cool at night. So how do you pack to cover every eventuality without bringing your entire wardrobe?

Here are some tips to help you on your way!

• Pack lightly, especially for warm-weather cruises. Just remember to toss in a sweater, jacket or shawl for cool evenings and hyper-air-conditioned ships.
• If you are visiting somewhere like Alaska, wearing lots of thin layers rather than one thick one will help with the changeable climate. It may be very chilly but when the sun comes out you'll be too hot otherwise!
• By day, casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal. For going ashore and walking on deck (which may be slippery at times), flat comfortable shoes with a rubber grip are a must.
• Although cruising isn’t nearly as formal as it once was, people still love to dress up. Some ships have a variety of Formal, Informal and Smart Casual evenings. On formal evenings, for ladies this is the opportunity to wear something glamorous and dressy such as an evening dress or cocktail outfit. For men a dinner jacket or tuxedo are the norm, otherwise a suit and tie is fine.
• Don’t forget sun protection cream, a sun hat and sunglasses – the sun is much stronger at sea!
• Dont forget your swimsuit! Many ships have whirlpools as well as swimming pools.
• Gym kit - many ships have a state of the art gym, jogging track and sporting facilities so trainers are a must!
• For hotter climes it would also be advisable to pack some insect repellent to help avoid irritating insect bites.
• If you are taking any personal medication, please ensure you take enough to last the duration of the cruise.
• Don't bother packing towels for your cruise - towels are provided for the bathroom. For the swimming pool, towels are usually provided at the poolside.
• In the event that you do forget anything, on board shops are usually very well stocked with 'ordinary everyday' goods.
• Check the baggage size and weight limit for the airline you are using. The rules are not the same on all airlines. Make very sure you have underweight luggage when you leave home, because it never seems to be that way on the way home!
• Check to see if they have a theme night or talent show where you might need some special outfits.
• Check whether your ship has two pin or three pin sockets and pack an adaptor if necessary.
• Dont forget to buy fully comprehensive travel insurance and take your documents, your tickets and PASSPORT!!