Making the mistake of overpacking can rack up luggage fees at airports. You don't have to pack everything in your closet, because cruise ships have a laundry service. Find out if there's a fee, since some cruise lines offer this as a courtesy (e.g. free). Include common clothing items like swimsuits, lounge wear, pajamas, T-shirts and shorts. Look over the cruise ship's itinerary for clues on what type of clothes to pack for dining. Depending on the type of cruise, consider packing casual dining clothes and two types of formalwear.
Tell your doctor about your upcoming cruise. Arrange for the doctor to fill extra prescriptions. As a precaution, ask your doctor to check into the possibility of phoning or faxing emergency prescriptions to a cruise ship stop. Pack other general medicines for occasional ailments like upset stomachs, headaches, allergies or body pains.
Shoes are a bulky accessory to fit into a suitcase, but if you plan to participate in a variety of activities, you need the right pair of shoes. Pack a pair of sneakers, sandals and dress shoes. Flip-flops are versatile. Wear flip-flops to the pool area or use them instead of slippers around the cabin. For onshore exploration or hikes, pack hiking boots.
No vacation is complete without mementos. Pack a camera to snap photos of beautiful scenery or a camcorder to capture romantic moments. Buy extra batteries for these devices. Useful poolside items include a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat, bathing suit coverup and tanning lotion. Carefully pack (to avoid damage) electronic items like a hair-dryer, portable CD player or an iPod. Many cruise ship cabins have a limited supply of electrical outlets, so bring extension cords or a surge protector so you can have access to additional sockets.
