My Best Cruise Packing Tips

Just when you thought you knew it all
Whether it's your first cruise, or you've earned the coveted frequent cruiser elite  status, these are some of my best tips to make the most of your cruise vacation experience.

With summer not too far away, and cruise season about to be in full swing, I thought I would share with you some of my best insider cruising tips for those of you that will be (or hope to be) riding the waves over the next few months.  Summer is a popular time to cruise, but these tips are applicable to cruising in almost any season.

One of the best tips I can offer cruisers, or vacationers in general, is to pack based around a color scheme using neutral clothing pieces that you can change the look of with accessories such as scarves and statement jewelry. Sometimes referred to as a clothing capsule, it is the most efficient way to look fabulous on your trip while being able to travel light.

For cruisers, one of my top tips is to always carry on a small tote or large purse (or a backpack for you gentlemen) that you keep with you and don't hand over to the luggage porters at the dock.  Your luggage is delivered later to your stateroom, but it can be hours before you receive it. Start your vacation the moment you step on board the ship by having a swimsuit, cover-up, sunscreen, and flip flops with you. You can change in your cabin immediately and hit the pool deck to order a round of margaritas right away while everyone else is milling around waiting for their suitcase or crowding the buffet.

Ah the buffet.  It's the stuff dreams, and nightmares, are made of. EVERYONE makes a B-line for the buffet as soon as they step onto the ship.  It's usually around lunchtime, and no one has their suitcases (read swimsuits) yet.  Except for you, of course, because your amazing travel agent tipped you off.  But, did you know that the dining room is open for lunch on embarkation day?  Well it is!  You can sit down and have a very nice, quiet, meal that is brought to you by a friendly wait staff while you relax and take it easy. If that doesn't beat the hoards of people elbowing their way through the line and hawking a table, I don't know what does!​

Other things to pack?  Here are a few items I don't leave home without:

• Magnetic hooks: Stateroom walls are magnetic.  Use for wet swimsuits, hats, etc.
• Over the door shoe organizer:  Cheap, disposable, holds everything from toiletries and sunscreens to sunglasses and other accessories.  Takes up no space in your suitcase but gives you tons of space in your stateroom.
• Business card:  To keep the power on in your cabin you must insert your key card into the slot on the wall.  A simple business card will work too.  This is great for when you need to leave a device charging while you're out of your room.  But please, turn the lights out.

There are so many more tips I look forward to sharing with you.  I will be publishing an e-book soon that will include many more of my best packing tips that will be available free of charge here on my website.  Stay tuned for more travel tips!  Now go get packing! Because remember, life is short.
Stop dreaming.  Start going.