Do you know what you should pack for your cruise? While packing for a vacation doesn’t seem rocket science, there are some guidelines you should follow when packing for a cruise.
The last thing you want to do is to forget a lot of what you will need and plan to buy it onboard. While you will find some available merchandise, toiletries, and even clothing on the cruise ship, most items will very likely be overpriced (because of premiums), and may not be exactly what you’re looking for or what you need.
The first thing to assess is if you are going on a formal or casual cruise. Keep in mind that in most cases, formal means semi-formal on cruises. This means that instead of donning your best tuxedo and fancy ball gown, opt for a nice suit and a pretty cocktail dress instead. Think of it as having to get dressed for a nice church wedding. If you are going to be on a formal cruise and you don’t want to dress up, you can also eat at different times, ask for casual dining, or order room service in your cabin.
Pack non-bulky, lightweight clothes that don’t wrinkle easily, and that you can wear several times on the ship. For instance, you can bring dark jeans or a a black skirt that you can wear with different tops, or a man’s blazer that can be dressed up or down.
Plan to do laundry at least once during your cruise, as most cruises have self-serve laundry facilities on board. This way, you can avoid over-packing, particularly if you’re going on a longer cruise. Another way to cut down on the amount of clothing you pack is to plan to wear any souvenir clothing you know you’re going to buy on the cruise, which will save you some space, and won’t force you to make room for your purchases for the trip home. For toiletries, use smaller containers and sizes, like travel-size shampoo, soap, and toothbrush/toothpaste.
Pack according to where your cruise ship will take you, and what season it is. Several cotton layers might be your best bet if you visit tropical locations. Inquire about climate in the location you are going to visit with your travel agency.
Leave expensive and irreplaceable items at home, since losing them or having them stolen would ruin your vacation. Leave them at home and bring along cheaper substitutes. Keep all your necessary valuable items-money, documents, identification, medicine, camera, cell phone-with you on your carry-on.
As a final suggestion, check with your travel agencies about possible restrictions on items you can bring on the ship.
Join HRU for programs that focus on er nurse training. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.
I have found that some cruise ships in RCL such as Freedom of The Seas does not offer laundry service. Be prepared to pack versatile pieces that you can mix or match. There is laundry services available for s small fee. Be sure to check your cruise packages and the website for what is available, as it changes often.