Packing for a cruise is vastly different from packing for any other kind of vacation. A cruise ship is like a floating hotel: yu only have to unpack once, even though you are traveling to many different destinations. This allows you the luxury of bringing nicer clothes, taking more things with you and cleaning your clothing during the cruise.
Types
The first thing to consider is the type of cruise you are taking. Is it a casual adventure or a high end cruise with required black tie events? Is it a weekend 3-day cruise or a journey lasting months? Will you sail to the tropics or a colder environment like Alaska or Antarctica? All of these factors influence the items you pack.
Function
Most cruises have different functions planned for each night. On a week long cruise you can expect at least one formal night, two semi-formal nights and the rest casual nights. Some cruises may also have theme nights like Halloween or a 1950s theme. The cruise line will inform you of each night's dress code before you leave. Semi formal nights require a sport coat and tie for men and dresses for women. Tuxedos and formal gowns are appropriate for formal nights, but a suit or nice dress is also acceptable. If you want to wear something special for a theme night you should bring it yourself. Cruise lines also rent costumes and formal wear. You must make reservations before you depart.
Features
Throughout most of your cruise, you will be wearing casual clothing. For tropical climates pack lightweight clothing made of natural fibers. Bring versatile items that fit the same theme so you can mix and match. Bring a sweater or light jacket even if you are headed to a hot climate. Cruise ship air conditioning can be frigid. For an Arctic or Antarctic cruise, dress for winter even if it is summertime where you live. It is cold at the poles all year long. Most cruise ships offer laundry and dry cleaning service at an extra cost. If you are concerned about a nice clothing item wrinkling in transit, bring it dirty and have it dry cleaned on board. Otherwise, pack dry cleaned items in the plastic wrap to reduce wrinkling.
Considerations
Bring toiletries in travel-sized containers. Only bring as much as you will need for your cruise. Put them in two zip-top bags so they won't damage your clothes if they leak. Bring extra glasses and sunglasses and pack them in separate bags. The same goes for copies of important documents and prescriptions. It is a good idea to distribute clothing between multiple bags. This way you will have complete outfits if one of your bags is lost. Keep all valuables in your carry-on and hold on to it at all times.
Identification
It is essential that you identify your luggage so that it meets you in your cabin when you board your cruise. The cruise line will mail you color-coded luggage tags before you leave. Attach these to all your bags. If you paid for "meet and greet" at the airport, a cruise line employee will collect your baggage for you off the luggage carousel and take it to the ship. If you are making your own way to the ship, you must leave your bags outside when checking in. They will be delivered to your cabin. Without the proper tags, your luggage will be lost or delayed. Also write your name, address, cellular phone number, cruise line and cabin on a piece of paper inside each piece of luggage.
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