Get out your suitcases and your carry-on bag. Print out and attach your luggage tags from the cruise ship's website. These tags will tell cruise ship employees whom the suitcases belong to and to which room the suitcases need to be delivered.
Place any medications you will need for the duration of your cruise in your carry-on bag. Add your passport, sunglasses, sunblock and anything else you will need for the first few hours aboard the ship. It can take several hours for your suitcases to be delivered to your cabin.
Add bathing suits to your suitcase to go swimming in the cruise ship's swimming pool or to go on a beach excursion at one of the cruise ship's destinations. You will also want to pack enough summer-type clothing for the number of days you plan to be on the cruise ship, and a sweater or two in case there is a cool nighttime breeze.
Pack dining wear and a formal outfit for the ship's formal night.
Pack flip-flops, walking sneakers, water shoes and dress shoes to go with the clothing you packed earlier.
Add any appropriate electronics to your suitcase. You will want to pack your digital camera and cell phone (although you might not get cell phone service everywhere you go). Camcorders and music players may also come in handy.
Pack your own toiletries. Not all cruise ships supply these. Place such items as toothpaste or shampoo inside of a plastic zipper bag in case they open up.
