Yay! Your going on a cruise!  I love cruising and it’s certainly one of my favorite ways to travel and see the world.  You’ll know exactly what I mean when you are done and will be immediately dreaming of your next cruise opportunity and exotic destination.  Now lets take breath and consider packing for this adventure…here are my tips to assist you.

• Never pack anything in your luggage you couldn’t stand losing forever.

• Tape your name, address, phone and cell numbers inside your luggage.

• Always carry your cruise and airline documents on you and not in your luggage or carry-on bag.

• Stuff a small collapsible light weight bag or two into your suitcase. At the end of your cruise, use the bag for your laundry or those souvenirs’ you bought.

• Before your go, take a picture of your luggage inside and out. This will make them easier to identify your belongings if they are lost.

• Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special requirements that may affect your packing plan.

• Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home and you may not find the size or speed you require.

• Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men’s blazer may be used on a formal night if packaged with the proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be used with an open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie for an informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.

• Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy dressing up, will go all out with tuxedo’s, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. It’s like getting dressed for a nice wedding.

• Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning. Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire trip.

• It’s quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the Lido restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that night. You can even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime, and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire. If you’re interested in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how the line you’ve chosen handles casual evening meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the formal nights. If that’s important to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.

• If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser’s safe when you’re not wearing it. Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser’s safe are covered under the ship’s insurance (check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents). Frankly, we’d recommend leaving your very expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your bank’s safe deposit box.

• If you’re planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You’ll cut down on the amount of clothing you’ll bring, and you won’t need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-packed (unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during the cruise.

• In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You’ll be cooler and more comfortable.

• Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when you’re in the airport; never leave it unattended.

• Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on. If your main article of luggage is lost or misplaced, can you exist with what you’re carrying?

• Do not plan to find space for a garment bag on an aircraft. Better to carefully pack your clothing in a suitcase than to jam it into an overhead compartment.

• Zip-lock baggies, preferably the thicker freezer-type, are great for keeping things dry, especially when you go to the beach. You can stuff your credit cards, driver’s licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them safe inside your bathing suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you won’t have any problems with leakage.

• There are several reasons to bring your cell telephone with you on the cruise: 1) If you run into delays, you can call your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without standing in line for a telephone; 2) You can use your telephone on the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land; 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore; 4) Many ports have cellular service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone booth. Cellular rates are usually much less than the ship’s satellite rates.

• Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish to bring along a list of important e-mail addresses and web site URL’s. Although this can get expensive, you might find it worthwhile, particularly if you keep close track of an investment portfolio or have important e-mail messages.

• If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship provides them, you may not find them to be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you have long or heavy hair.

• A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these walkie-talkies) is useful in keeping track of your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger, it becomes more difficult to keep track of one another. This is a perfect tool for young teenagers (check your batterysupply!). Some ships even offer them for rent during the cruise.

• A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It’s nice to know that you have an extra light for your room, and it could come in very handy should your ship develop some temporary generator malfunctions. You’ll also want to take a nightlight if you’re staying in an inside cabin.

• Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs regulations.

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Pathfinder Travel & Cruise Services has been serving Campbell River and the north end of Vancouver Island for over 30 years, not only do we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise at our fingertips, but we’re here for YOU. Leisure or corporate, domestic or international, luxury or budget, we’re passionate about connecting people and places!

Pathfinder Travel & Cruise Services is YOUR exclusive travel solution in today’s complicated world. We specialize in custom tailored trips that fit your unique style, offering flexibility, choices, and peace of mind.Best of all, we work for YOU!

Contact Us today to book your next adventure…
1011 Tyee Plaza, Campbell River, B.C.
Tel: 250-287-7461 | Toll Free: 1 800 232 9221

eMail Us…using our secure and confidential email contact form – CLICK HERE!

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