Packing for a cruise may seem different than packing for a normal vacation. Many want to know what they should take and what they should leave behind. It really depends on the type of cruise. Most think that they need to go out and buy a fancy new wardrobe, but usually other that the one formal meal, cruise wear is generally very casual. Check to make sure that the cruise line isn't having a theme night or a special party to which you would then need appropriate dress wear.

Other little helpful things to pack are:

1. A dual time zone watch
2. Your driver's license, auto insurance card (for car rentals), passport or visa if the cruise requires it
3. Medical history, insurance card, and list of all medicines you are taking (even better if you have the prescription label)
4. ATM card, cash, check card, traveler's checks
5. Contact numbers, put them in a list, on your cell phone, and in your PDA
6. Extra reading glasses and sunglasses
7. Your journal, pens, pencils (sketches?)
8. Guidebook, foreign language dictionary, phrasebook
9. Extra film, batteries, night light, small flashlight
10. A medicine kit (you don't know what will be available and what won't)
11. Sunscreen, bug spray, germicidal hand cleaner
12. Earplugs

Cruises are just like normal vacations except you need to remember that you may not be able to get to shore for any small (or big) emergencies. Pack fewer clothes and more things that you would normally forget. That sequined top won't help much if you left your Epi-pen® at home and you get stung by a bee. Think smart, not sexy.

Jason Ladock

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