European Cruises

Trying to figure out how to pack for a cruise can be overwhelming if it is your first time planning a European cruise vacation. Your first instinct will be to overpack because you want to be prepared for every situation. Your first clue that you’ve overpacked will be the moment you try and close your bag, and you find yourself sitting on your suitcase, wrenching the zipper inch by agonizing inch in a vain attempt to get it shut.

Unfortunately, even if you manage to get the darn thing completely shut, odds are you won’t be allowed to take it on the plane without paying a high fee. Most airlines have now instituted a strict 50 pound limit on individual suitcases and they charge a high premium for each pound your bag is over the limit. If you think you might be pushing the limit then it is a good idea to weigh your suitcase at home and make the necessary sacrifices to get your bag down to the allowed limit.

One thing in your favor when making a packing list for a cruise is the loosened restrictions on many modern cruise ships when it comes to formal attire. In days gone by travelers had to make sure they brought formal evening wear to wear to dinner and shows, but major cruise lines like Norwegian and Windstar Cruises now allow passengers to wear casual dress. Still, it pays to do your research so you don’t get any nasty surprises. Luxury cruise lines like Cunard, Crystal Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line there is still a formal dress code enforced on the bulk of their sailings, and formal attire will be mandatory most nights, with the occasional “casual night theme” exception. Your cruise line should send you detailed information with your cruise package exactly what cruise attire you will be expected to wear.

Packing day clothes for your cruise

Obviously, if you are enjoying a warm weather cruise a bathing suit is a must as you will likely be spending much of your time aboard ship lounging by the pool. Women should be prepared to don a sun dress or sarong, and men a shirt of some kind as a bathing suit alone will be considered unacceptable attire if you want to enter any of the lounges. When attending a meal or other function during the day and pair of dress shorts and a polo shirt should be just fine for men, and a skirt or walking shorts with a casual dress top will fit the bill for the women.

If you are taking a colder climate cruise such as a Norwegian fjords cruise then you will obviously need some warmer clothes during the day. Trade in the dress shorts, skirts, and polo shirts for long slacks and sweaters. Also, if you are planning some shore excursions be sure to wear some sturdy shoes. Hikers are a good choice with plenty of support if your shore excursion takes you into some rugged wilderness areas.

Packing evening clothes for your cruise

As outlined above many cruises will have multiple formal evenings during your time aboard ship. Men will be expected to wear a dark suit with a tie or even a tuxedo to dinner, while the women can wear an evening dress or a stylish pantsuit. Many cruise lines will offer to rent formal evening wear including tuxedos so this is an option you can look into if you’ve arrived unprepared. Also, make sure your clothing is fairly loose and comfortable. The cruise lines provide some amazing food and it is hard to resist stuffing yourself at every meal. After a few days you will find your clothes are starting to fit a little more snugly, so give yourself a little breathing room.

In order to keep your suitcase size to a minimum it is a good idea to plan to wear each outfit more than once on your cruise. Though some might be aghast at the notion of having other passengers see them in the same dress two or three times during the voyage packing for a cruise is going to go a whole lot easier if you just swallow your pride and downsize your wardrobe. Cruise ships have onboard laundry and drycleaning services so your formal wear will always be clean and pressed. If you really want to be seen in something new then you can always pick up something at one of your cruise ship’s many clothing and accessory shops, though expect to pay a premium price for any clothing you purchase while aboard your cruise ship. You will also have opportunities to shop at your cruise ship’s various ports of call, and you can likely find much better deals on shore.

Additional tips on packing for a cruise

• Make sure to mark your luggage with a distinguishing colored ribbon. With hundreds or even thousands of passengers it can be hard to spot your bag if your suitcase is of a common color and/or variety. This simple tip will help ensure your bag is mistakenly grabbed by another passenger.
• Pack all your heavy items like shoes at the bottom of your suitcase and pack your lighter, more malleable items around them.
• Turn your formal jackets inside out, fold them, and place them in plastic bags to help avoid wrinkles.
• If you are really stuck for space wrap up small items and pack them inside your shoes or other items that have a cavity. If you are having trouble zipping up your suitcase then every little bit of extra space helps.
• Make sure to pack a swimsuit and an extra change of clothes in your carry-on. This will allow you to get to the pool and relax as soon as you get on board the cruise ship. It can take hours before the luggage gets sorted out onboard, and you don’t want to have to wait in your cabin until it shows up to start enjoying the amenities of your cruise ship.
• Make certain to pack your passport and other travel documents, medication, camera and your laptop in your carry-on bag rather than your stowed luggage. Make sure to have photocopies of all your crucial documents in the event that your carry-on bag is lost or stolen.

Ticking off the items on your cruise checklist may seem tedious, but by following this simple advice on how to pack for a cruise you can ensure that your vacation goes as smoothly as possible and you are prepared for any situation without having to overpack. Enjoy your cruise!

Related posts:

1. What To Wear On A Mediterranean Cruise
2. European Cruises - What To Take With You
3. What To Pack For A Winter European Cruise
4. Planning Your First Cruise - What You Need To Know
5. Planning a European Cruise - Everything You Need to Know

Filed under: Planning a Cruise