Packing for your Cruise
Tips and Hints

First of all, Click here to find a great cruise deal! Now then, you’re off to the Mexican Riviera! You’re wondering just what to do and what to expect, how to prepare. Here are some tips and hints to help you get underway!

Packing: Clothing

• Dress for comfort. Life aboard a cruise ship is laid-back and casual.

• Bring two or three swimsuits. Check out the "Cool Tan" ad above, if you are looking for something really unique!

• Footwear should include walking/running shoes and sandals.

• If you plan on working out, don't forget some gym clothes.

• When cruising outside warm weather destinations, never underestimate the importance of a sweater/sweatshirt, the sea breeze contributes to the wind chill, especially in the evenings.

• During "casual" dining, t-shirts, jeans and shorts are not allowed in the dining rooms.

• During "informal" dining, women typically wear dresses or pantsuits, while men usually wear lightweight jackets.

• During "formal" dining, women should be prepared to wear cocktail dresses or gowns, while men should consider wearing business suits or tuxedos (though not required).

• Some cruises let you preorder formalwear, thus eliminating the need to pack it.

• Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Consider bringing a small amount of detergent for washing clothes within your own cabin. Almost all ships have laundry-facilities, but they can be costly - especially dry cleaning.

Packing: Necessities

• Bring a camera. Of course this is a no-brainer, you'll want it for your memory album, but also, cruise photographers charge high prices to take your picture.

• If you take prescription medication, be sure to pack enough for the entire voyage. Ships tend to only stock general medications and ports may not have what you need. Do not pack your passport, visas, driver's license, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets in luggage. Keep them in a purse, jacket or backpack.

• Pack a written list of your medications, including the name of the drug, dosage and times taken, in case they are lost.

• These items should be packed in your carry-on: perishables, liquor, cash, credit/debit cards, jewelry, business documents, travel and health insurance information, laptops, computer disks, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, film, videotapes, CD's and cassette tapes.

• Bring credit cards and travelers checks instead of large amounts of cash.

• Pack a water bottle so you can bring water from the ship onshore. Or just purchase bottled water at the ports of call. It’s best not to drink the tap water in Mexico although all resorts and most restaurants have purification systems and/or use water and ice from purified sources.

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