360 794-4886 * 800 433-5945 Fax: 360 794-0311
Travel@Vacationshop.com * www.vacationshop.com
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A Woman's Guide To Cruise Packing |
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A Woman's Guide To Cruise Packing |
Do you want to know how much you should take on a one-week Caribbean cruise? The answer: pack your suitcase, then remove half the items. As a veteran cruiser, that's my official advice. And, I should take my own advice. But in reality, my lizard brain tells me that since God made the suitcase so large, it should be filled to capacity. It would take years of therapy to discover why I believe four hats are de rigeur, when I always wear one cherished baseball cap.
The first time I cruised on a ritzy ship, I purchased an sequined turquoise evening gown with matching boa feathers and glittery shoes. While I did feel glamorous for a few hours that night, the outfit was never worn again. Here, I learned several good lessons: don't buy anything you'll never wear again and don't invest a lot of money in one outfit. No one really looks like they do in the cruise line brochures, unless a size two Ford model is among your fellow cruisers. And, to be blunt, few people pay much attention to what you're wearing any more than you scrutinize the evening attire of your fellow passengers. Another rule of evening attire: separates work best. The lighter the fabric the better, especially in terms of packing. A black or white tunic with evening pants or skirt is elegant and takes little space. Dress it up with sparkling jewelry or scarves, borrowed from friends if you don't have these kinds of things. A cruise ship isn't your wedding, or even the prom, and, you don't have to impress your husband's boss. A few other rules learned the hard way: always have a lock on your suitcase (handlers steal things); buy a brighly-colored luggage strap to identify luggage quickly on carousel; carry a big purse for documents/wallet; never pack anything in a suitcase you can't stand to loose forever (luggage can disappear); always carry important items (e.g., medication, glasses. jewelry, documents) in your purse or carry-on bag.
Here's a womens packing list for a one-week Caribbean cruise:
Large Purse: cruise documents, passport, credit cards, money
Tote bag: make-up, toiletries, jewelry, trashy novels, Game Boy
Sandals, shorts, blouse (suitcases will normally arrive in your
Hours after you've boarded), medication, extra reading glasses
Suitcase:
Daytime aboard ship/in port
____ four pairs of shorts
____ six T-shirts or polo shirts
____ casual cotton dress
____ two pairs of slacks
____ sneakers/athletic shoes
____ sandals
____ baseball cap
____ beach tote
____ straw tote bag
____ small casual purse
____ light jacket
____ bathing suit/cover-up
Casual/Informal Evenings
____ High-heeled sandals
____ casual dress
____ black pants
____ two dressy blouses
Two Formal Nights
____ short black dress
____ long white silk tunic
____ long black silk skirt
____ black camisole
____ chiffon scarfs
____ black high heels
____ evening bag
Incidentals
____ camera/film
____ three nightgowns
____ hair dryer (when cruising Carnival and Royal Caribbean)
____ toiletries
____ make-up
____ make-up mirror
____ reading light
____ framed photos of dog and cats (optional)
____ ear plugs (beau snores)
____ travel alarm clock
____ Wrinkle-Free (spray-on foam to eliminate wrinkles)
____ stain remover
____ Woolite packs (hand wash)
____ teddy bears who haven't cruised yet (optional)
** Also take around $20 in single bills for tipping;
business cards; important phone number of friends/business
colleagues back home; a copy of your passport and credit cards
in case they're stolen or forgotten.
Take Me Home
Phone: 360 794-4886 * 800 433-5945
Fax: 360 794-0311
www.vacationshop.com * Travel@Vacationshop.com