| A cruise vacation is all about relaxation, luxury and | | | | you should be covered in the event something is lost |
| adventure. However, before you actually arrive at the | | | | or stolen. |
| ship there are dozens of details to iron out. First and | | | | Secondly, you'll want to plan your wardrobe ahead of |
| foremost you need to decide upon your itinerary. | | | | time. What kind of cruise are you going on? Is it highly |
| Which area of the world do you want to see? Which | | | | luxurious, where every dinner is a formal affair? You'll |
| ports of call will you visit? What shore excursions will | | | | need suits and ties for the gentlemen and evening |
| you take? Once this has been decided then you need | | | | gowns for the ladies. However, if it is more fun and |
| to figure out what cruise line you want to book with. | | | | adventure than stuffy formality then you can obviously |
| With more than 2 dozen major cruise lines worldwide | | | | get away with more casual clothing. Destination and |
| this also be a decision that takes a lot of research. | | | | time of year will play a large role as well. Obviously a |
| And, of course, you cannot forget about setting a | | | | winter cruise in the Baltic Sea will require a much |
| budget for your trip. The money you have available to | | | | different wardrobe than a summer voyage in the |
| you will have a drastic impact on where you go and | | | | Mediterranean. Even if you are traveling in summer |
| what you do on your vacation. | | | | though, be sure to take at least one set of warm |
| With all these major considerations, deciding what to | | | | clothes. There is always the possibility of bad weather |
| pack for a cruise can seem like nothing more than an | | | | and wet and shivering is no way to spend your luxury |
| afterthought. However, if you want your cruise to be | | | | vacation. |
| as stress-free as possible then you need to put some | | | | Most importantly, make sure to avoid overpacking. |
| thought into what you are going to bring ahead of time, | | | | Airlines have strict restrictions on extra or overweight |
| rather than just cramming everything you own into a | | | | bags, and you can find yourself paying a stiff premium |
| suitcase the night before you are supposed to leave. | | | | if you don't stay within their limits. Bring outfits that you |
| First of all, you want to make sure your travel | | | | can mix and match. You can wear the same blouse |
| documentation is in order. Gather your cruise line | | | | or shirt with a different skirt or pants. Bring lightweight |
| tickets, airline tickets, passports, medical prescriptions, | | | | scarves or jewelry to accessorize. By providing |
| insurance papers, and any other pertinent documents | | | | yourself some flexibility you can significantly reduce the |
| together and make multiple photocopies of them. You | | | | amount of clothing you need to bring with you. Don't |
| should leave a copy at home with a friend or relative, | | | | forget too that most cruise lines offer a laundry |
| so they can fax them to you if necessary. Also, make | | | | service, so you don't have to worry about running out |
| sure you have a photocopied set in both your carry-on | | | | of clean clothes. |
| and your stowed luggage. With these backups in place | | | | |