What To Pack

General Packing Guidelines
1) Are there any luggage size and weight restrictions?
All the airlines have cut back on weight allowances - if you check more than 50 pounds a bag, you'll have to pay a fee. Typical bag size limitation is 62". The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height. A good way to avoid extra baggage fees: Slip a small collapsible bag into a side pocket of your suitcase. If you exceed the luggage weight limit at the airport, pull out the extra bag, fill it with some heavier items from the suitcase, and check both bags. Just be sure to note that most airlines only allow 2 checked bags per passenger.

2) How shall I label my luggage and keep it secure?
Your name & address should be on a piece of paper inside each bag and on luggage tags on the outside of each bag. Fill out your cruise tags and place them on your luggage. Any "old" airline/cruise tags should be removed. You might want to mark all luggage with some "bright" tape or wool pompoms for easier retrieval at the airport & the cruise terminal. Please note that airlines reserve the right to ask that carry-on bags be checked.

3) What kind of documentation and identification will I need?
Check your cruise documents or call your travel agent because these regulations change all the time. Please see the article on New Passport Requirements.

4) How much money should I take?
The amount of money you take depends entirely on your personal circumstances and what you plan on purchasing in port. Normally, some cash, traveler's cheques and a major credit card are recommended. Ships operate as a "cashless" society and you use your Sail & Sign card to pay for everything. Traveler's cheques can be cashed at the purser's desk, and some ships have an ATM on-board. However, please note that there is a higher than normal transaction fee for the ATM on-board (approx. US $5 per transaction), and, of course, it may run out of money while at sea.

On shore, lots of small denomination US bills are good, as a lot of the street vendors in port accept cash only and may not have change for large bills. Other stores in port accept credit cards, cash and traveler's cheques. An ATM card is handy in airports, but may not be accepted in port.

What to Wear?
Packing for a cruise is quite easy. Cruises are pretty casual, however, there are some dress codes for formal nights, and what to wear when you're walking around the ship.

1) On Alaska and Baltic cruises, you will need to bring clothes that can be layered. A waterproof rain coat/poncho is invaluable. In the Caribbean and the Mediterranean during July and August, expect the heat index to be over 100 degrees. Please remember that your checked luggage may or may not arrive before dinner time on the cruise ship, so be sure to either wear or pack in your carry-on bag the clothes you will wear for dinner the first night. The dress code will be casual.

2) What do I wear on board in the daytime?
During the day, anything goes! You can wear shorts, t-shirts, capri pants, jeans, cargo or khaki pants, running shoes, flip flops and sandals. The only dress code during the day is when going swimming (walking from your cabin to the pool and vice versa), you should always wear something over your swimsuit (like an oversized t-shirt).

3) What should I wear when going ashore?
Depending on what type of activity you sign up for, dress appropriately for the activity. If you're going snorkeling, wear your bathing suit, with a t-shirt and shorts overtop and some sandals. Bring a waterproof beach bag to put your clothes in during your water time. Bring a towel (provided by the ship), water bottle, suntan lotion, sunglasses, hat and perhaps an underwater camera. You'll also need your Sail & Sign card & Photo ID to get on and off the ship, and you may want to bring your wallet with some small bills if you wish to "tip" your snorkeling host once the excursion is over (optional). If you're going shopping or sightseeing, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a small backpack to carry all your purchases. Check with the Shore Excursions Desk if unsure of what to wear to a certain port or shore excursion.

4) What do I wear on board in the evening?
Don't wear shorts, t-shirts, cut-offs, tank tops or have bare feet. For most nights, the dress code will be casual. This is what you'd wear to your favorite "casual" restaurant, such as sun dresses, a casual dress, casual pants such as khakis or cargo pants, skirt and top, or a pants outfit. For guys, polo shirts, button-up shirts and casual pants are fine. Look in the cruise newsletter to find out what the dress code for dinner is each night. Dry-cleaning bags can stop silky clothes from wrinkling. Slide each garment into its own bag (leave the hanger at home) and place the bags flat on your bed, one on top of another. Then fold the entire stack to fit in your suitcase. Once you get to your room, hang up everything as soon as possible.

There are normally two formal nights on 7 night cruises. Normally, the Gala Captain's Dinner is dressier than the second formal night. Ladies, you don't need a long gown - anything dressy is suitable. Men can wear anything from a tuxedo to a blazer and slacks. For the second formal night you can wear something you'd wear to a fancy restaurant. Ladies can wear another fancy dress or dress pants/skirt and nice top; and men can just wear a different shirt and tie with their suit. There are many photo opportunities on formal nights, so you'll want to look your best to get your picture taken.

And don't forget these in your checked luggage:
Travel iron
Small first aid kit (band aids; wet naps; antiseptic cream, mole skin, etc.)
Large Ziplocs (to pack wet clothes when leaving)
Sandwich Ziplocs (order room service prior to shore excursion & pack sandwiches for lunch)
A few plastic grocery bags (to pack shoes, etc.)
Small flashlight or night light if you're in an Inside cabins: no light is in the room & it’s dark
Clothes hangers (there never seem to be enough onboard!)
Extension cord or 6 plug outlet adaptor
An extra foldable bag that fits in checked luggage for all those souvenirs you’re bringing home!!
Binoculars
Voltage adaptor, if required

What About my Carry-on Bag?
Most airlines allow you a carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag can be a small bag/backpack or a carry-on suitcase with wheels. It should be comfortable to carry, hold the necessary items and be able to go under the seat in front of you or in overhead storage on the plane. Never leave your carry-on bag unattended. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop, small book-bag style backpack, small tote bag or shoulder bag. Additional allowed carry-on items include outer garments such as coats/wraps/ hats; book or newspaper; bistro sized or smaller bag of consumable food and devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Read "airport security" before packing any carry-on items.

Carry-on Packing List:
Passport or Birth Certificate & Photo ID
Visas, if required
Travel Documents
Travel Itinerary
Airline tickets
Cruise documents (fill out ahead of time)
Cancellation/baggage/medical insurance info
Hotel confirmations
Rental car or shuttle info
Emergency travel contact phone numbers

Other Essential Carry-on Items:
Go to www.tsa.gov to check on current regulations.
Medicine
Prescription glasses
Wallet
Credit cards; long-distance card; points cards, driver's license, etc. (in wallet)
Health card (in wallet) [Plus info on extended health coverage]
Cash - US currency in small $1 bills [For tipping at airports/terminal]
ATM Debit card
Traveler's cheques
Lip balm
Candy and/or gum
Kleenex
Some band aids, mole skin
Sunglasses
A small amount of detergent for washing clothes in your own cabin (3 oz. or less)
A change of clothes (in case of lost luggage) is always a good idea to pack in your carry-on. Or, try cross packing with your travel mates. Then, if one bag is lost, you still have clothes available in another bag.
Pack a swimsuit - you'll be able to hit the pool when everybody else is waiting for their baggage to be delivered to their cabins.

What you CAN'T pack in your Carry-On Bag:
Due to heightened airport security, some items are now not permitted in your carry-on bag, waist pouch or purse. If they are found, they will be confiscated, so ensure they are placed in your checked luggage before proceeding to the airport. Always go to www.tsa.gov for a current update of prohibited items.

These items include but are not limited to:
liquids over 3 oz.
razor blades (safety/disposable razors ARE allowed)
X-acto knives & spare blades
ice picks
Swiss army knives
multi-tools
safety matches

Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks must also be in checked luggage. Umbrellas and walking canes are permitted once they are inspected to ensure they do not conceal any prohibited items. For any electronic equipment (laptops, palm pilots, walkmans, cell phones, digital cameras, etc.), make sure to turn the power on for the security check.