I have taken many trips in my life, but I absolutely LOVE cruises. On cruises you are forced to relax as you are taken away from society, which is something I have a very hard time doing on my own. Cruises are a great vacation if you do not want to worry about where you will eat, how you will get from point A to point B, or what activities you will do as they are all handed to you.
I have sailed to Cozumel, Progresso, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, San Diego, Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Grand Caymans, and through the Panama Canal. Over the years I have compiled a packing list, as well as some tips and tricks, to help your cruise vacation be even more amazing and stress free!
Packing
First, is the cruise packing list. When using this cruise packing checklist please keep in mind that the quantity of the items that you bring is directly related to the number of days you will be on the cruise.
Cruises do have laundry services available if you want to pack light, but please be aware that they use large commercial washers and dryers which can easily damage any delicate clothing.
Also, if you forget something, do not worry because everything you will need is available on the ship.
Most cruises have special itineraries, which they will let you know ahead of time, such as formal night. Formal night is very popular on cruises as it allows you to dress up and have professional pictures taken throughout the ship, which you can later purchase.
You do not have to participate in the formal night, but those who do dress anywhere from a cocktail dress and slacks to a ball gown and suit. If you are traveling with your family, now is the perfect time to dress up and have those professional photos with a lot of background and setting options to choose from.
Using this cruise packing list will make sure you have all the necessities and more for your trip. Check out my post on cruising tips and tricks for more information and ways to make your cruise vacation relaxing and memorable.