Emily is Smiling

In a few days, I'll be leaving for a cruise as my graduation gift from my parents.  I'm very excited because I've never been on a cruise before and I can't wait to spend some time with my family.  I've been packing on and off over the last couple of weeks, but I've done a lot of research about what to bring to make sure I wouldn't forget anything.  I mean... I'll be on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  I'd better not forget anything!  I thought I'd go ahead and share a list of things to pack with you guys who are also going on a cruise this summer.

Obviously, you'll bring basic clothing items like shirts, shorts, capris, and underwear.  If you're going on a Caribbean cruise like me, dress lightly with cotton clothing and shorts (that aren't too short, because I've seen a few different cruise lines ask their customers to dress fairly appropriately while not in the water).  It's going to be hot outside--it is the Caribbean, after all--so you don't want to bring a whole lot of long-sleeved outfits, although you may want to bring one or two, just in case if there is a chilly day.

Although it will be hot outside, we'll be in the middle of the ocean at times, so I've heard it will be windy and chilly at night.  Be sure to bring at least one light jacket to wear when you're out and about in the evenings.  You also may want to bring one long-sleeved shirt and one pair of slacks or jeans. 

When you're choosing your pajamas, you probably won't want to bring more than two or three pairs if you're going to be gone for 7-12 days.  you may want to bring one pair of warmer pajamas, just in case your room becomes chilly at night.  You'll also want to bring a few extra pairs of socks to wear at night.

Bring at least two bathing suits.  I've heard that you never want to put on your bathing suit while it's still wet because it will stretch and fade. (And remember to rinse your bathing suit after each use!)  Be sure to bring a couple of swimsuit cover-ups as well.  You may want to make one cover-up a dress or long shirt of some sort and the other one a pair of long shorts and a shirt that can get wet. 

Shoes are very important for your cruise because you don't want your feet to hurt wherever you go.  Try to avoid filling your suitcase with several pairs of shoes because that takes up too much room.  Instead, bring a few pairs that can work for several days.  You'll want to bring:

• One or two pairs of comfortable walking sandals or flip flops.
• Tennis shoes or sneakers for exercising, long-distance walking, or comfort.
• Water shoes. You'll need these for the beach and a lot of water activities.
• Nice shoes to wear on formal night.
• A pair of sandals of some sort that you can get dirty... these you can wear to the pool and short-distance walks.

There will be a formal night on just about any cruise you attend.  Ladies will want to wear a cocktail-style dress and some low heels or nice flats.  Men will want to wear a nice suit or very nice slacks, a shirt, and tie.  You may want to bring some pretty jewelry to wear with your outfit.

You'll want to bring a watch.  Many of your excursions will only last for a certain amount of time, so you'll want to keep track of how long you're out.  Wear a water-proof watch so you won't have to worry about taking it off every time you get in the water.  You'll probably want to go with something inexpensive that you won't care about if it gets lost, faded, or broken during the cruise. 

Bring a hat of some sort.  Lightweight straw hats are popular right now and they'll shade your face from the harsh rays of the sun.  You'll also want to bring two or three pairs of sunglasses.  I've heard some people suggest that you only bring one pair to save space, but I disagree.  My sunglasses break like crazy, so bring as many as you can. 

Normally, you'll want to pack frugally.  Remember that you'll probably be purchasing t-shirts and random articles of clothing.  Bring one shirt for every day of your cruise or less, but no more than that.  However, I do suggest that you bring some extra delicates.  Remember that you may be taking a shower a couple of times a day, so you'll most likely want to change underwear each time you shower.  Just a thought.

Finally, you'll want to bring a little shoulder bag or fanny pack (if you don't care what that looks like) to carry with you on excursions.  You'll want a place to put your camera, chapstick, and small toiletries like that.  Make sure the bag is lightweight, able to hook over your shoulder or onto your person in a way where it won't be easily snatched when you go on sure, and has a hidden inside pocket to carry your valuables.

Check back soon to see tips of toiletries you should bring when you go on a cruise.