Cruise expert warns passengers risk ‘losing everything’ if they make packing mistake | Cruise | Travel
A cruise expert has shared some crucial tips and warned passengers of “losing everything” if they make these packing mistakes. Packing for a cruise is quite different from the other holidays as it needs one to tactfully plan everything.
By packing thoughtfully, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever your cruise holiday brings, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress or extra expenses.
From selecting the right clothes to using every little space, here are a few cruise ship packing mistakes to avoid on your next vacation, according to thepointsguy.
One common mistake made while packing is failing to put essential items—like medications, important documents (such as passports), phone chargers, and a change of clothes—in the carry-on.
These items may be needed for boarding or could be useful during the first few hours on the ship, before your main luggage arrives.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the dress code. Many cruise lines may not have any preferences for what you wear for dinner, some still may have some formal nights.
It is advisable to read the written dress code and pack your clothes accordingly.
Similarly, always look at the weather forecast for the cruise destination. In places like Alaska, early and late-season cruises are typically cooler than those in midsummer — though this isn’t always the case.
Even in gorgeous Caribbean destinations, rain and cooler temperatures can occur. Skipping the weather forecast before packing may leave you needing to spend extra time and money buying suitable clothing or tracking down umbrellas and ponchos once you’re there.
According to the experts, relying solely on checked bags for a cruise can lead to big issues if your luggage is delayed or lost. This risk is even more serious when you are flying in on the same day your cruise departs, as there’s little time for lost bags to catch up before the ship leaves.
Many first-time cruisers make the mistake of packing all essentials, like clothing and toiletries, in checked bags, which means they could lose access to everything if their luggage doesn’t arrive on time.
To avoid this, pack a few outfits and essential toiletries in your carry-on. Another smart strategy is to split your belongings by packing some clothes in your travel companion’s suitcase and vice versa.
This way, even if only one suitcase arrives, you’ll both have clean clothing to wear for the start of your trip.