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May 1, 2013  |  By Emma Smith In Experience

What To Take On A Cruise – Top 5 Suitcase Tips

Cruise packing tips

Packing is boring. I know that’s not exactly controversial as an opinion, it’s probably one that the majority of you share. There are some people out there who don’t mind it or, somehow, even enjoy it. If you’re one of those then you probably know more tips and suggestions than me, and please do let me know if you’ve any ideas, but in the mean time for the people who see it as a chore I’ve asked others, trawled websites and gathered my top tips for helping you get your cases packed.

Consider Your Limits

There are two types of cruise packages – those where you’ll be cruising from the UK (or your own country if you’re reading from further afield – hi!) and fly cruises, which will involve a flight to your embarkation or disembarkation port, or both. And therefore you have to consider the weight limit of suitcases that you’re allowed on the flight. I know this is obvious, I know you aren’t children but the last thing you want to be doing when you turn up at the airport is either pay a supplement or, heaven forbid, ditch some luggage.

Plan Ahead

You know that feeling of satisfaction you get when you’ve spent ages trying to get your case shut because there are just so many clothes, shoes and whatever else in there. You’ve tried sitting on it, jumping on it and various other methods and finally, finally, it zips shut.

But what about souvenirs?

You have to be ruthless. There are usually facilities on-board for laundry if you’re going on a longer cruise, or just think more about what you’ll need and what can be left behind. You’ll want the freedom to bring some gifts back with you so make sure you’ve got the space to as well.

Buy A Good Case

Personally I am a sucker for bargain shopping. I’ll always head for the cheaper option even if it means a slight dip in quality. However I know this isn’t the cleverest way of doing things, and instead you really should be buying something more expensive. Not just because I want you to spend your money, otherwise I’d be giving out my PayPal address and directing you there, which despite my constant requests management aren’t letting me do. But rather you want to be buying something that will a) last and b) hold more.

Mix Your Packing

You know that phrase; don’t put all your eggs in one basket? Same thing applies to packing; you don’t want to put all your eggs in one suitcase. What I mean is, if you’re travelling with a partner and you’re taking two bags, it makes so, so much more sense to mix your clothing. Don’t have one each. That way if one case gets lost, you both still have some clothes for the short term until you can retrieve your lost luggage. Oh, and on the note of lost luggage, make sure you don’t just add one luggage tag – it’s easy for them to be knocked off. Instead put a second inside the luggage as a back-up.

The Best Tip Of All

Let someone else do it. Either get your partner/children/parents/neighbour/MP to do it as a favour before you go, or you can pay someone. And if you book a suite on some cruise ships you’ll have a butler who’ll unpack when you arrive and then re-pack once you’re about to disembark. This of course makes everything so much easier.

By Ian Lewis
Google

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Emma Smith
Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

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