Cruise Packing List – Cooler Climates

So you’ve committed to a cruise and now it’s time to think about packing. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but let’s go through it step by step and try to minimize any frustration.

My next cruise is to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton, UK. Packing for this cruise will be quite similar to packing for an Alaska cruise. I can expect temps to be in the upper 50’s during our days in port and cooler in the evenings. Since we don’t have outdoor evening activities planned, I’m not too concerned about evening temps (40’s).

I urge you to avoid over-packing for so many reasons. First, cruise cabins are small and it is difficult to find space to put everything! Secondly, if you plan well, you can mix and match your clothes and have a wide variety of looks with a limited number of items. Check out the video below walking you through a Capsule Wardrobe. Bring only the amount of luggage that you can handle, which includes getting it on and off of trains or other modes of transportation.

For a 7-night cruise, you can plan on two formal nights. These are optional. People will come with tuxedos and ball gowns, as well as sun dresses and dockers. If you want to skip the whole scene, there are other dining options on board, including a full buffet. Other non-formal nights will find people in slacks or resort casual clothing. Shorts are discouraged in the main dining room in the evenings but welcome in buffet settings.

Daily wear for sea days or port days – this can vary based on style, but I will pack a couple of pairs of jeans (1 black, 1 blue), some black slacks, 5 tops, along with 3-4 dresses that can work for formal night, as well as main dining room. (I’m a dress girl – if you don’t like them, don’t bring them!) Some of my travel tops are lightweight and can be hand-washed easily in the cabin and hung to dry.

Outerwear – because my cruise in May, I will pack a down vest, an inexpensive lightweight raincoat, and a scarf. If you are cold natured, consider a heavier layer. There is nothing worse than being cold and miserable and forced to pay for an over-priced jacket during travel.

If you plan to do more active excursions, plan your footwear accordingly. Otherwise, most excursions will be fine with a sturdy athletic shoe, waterproof if possible. I also pack some lightweight flip flips to wear to the hot tub, and a pair of sandals what work with slacks as well as dresses.

Swimsuit and cover-up – even in colder climates, it’s nice to enjoy the hot tubs on board.

Jewelry – minimize! Consider a faux wedding band. Select another few pieces that you enjoy wearing and leave the rest at home! I have an Altoid container my eldest daughter decorated in VBS in 1998. It allows me to bring a handful of earrings, a bracelet, and I have a simple necklace I wear daily. The fewer choices I have to make each day, the better. Leave the good stuff at home! It also makes you less of a target by showing off flashy jewelry.

Medication – bring what you need, including over the counter meds (pain reliever, cold/cough meds) and keep them in your carry-on or day pack. Pack extra if they are life-saving medications. You could have a delayed flight and spend a couple of unplanned days in another country.

If you don’t wear it at home, you’re not going to wear it while you travel! We have grandiose ideas about being different when we travel, but if the shoes hurt at home, wearing them on vacation will not make them hurt less.

Don’t worry about wearing an outfit twice. Who really cares? Nobody. Even the people you are traveling with will likely not remember what you wore to dinner one night and that you are re-wearing it.

Ships do offer laundry for a fee. This is a current Royal Caribbean laundry price sheet.

What are your own packing tips? Drop them in the comments!

Cruising!

“Baby, let’s cruise away from here!” Smokey Robinson agrees that cruising is a great way to travel!

We all know about cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska. Often easy and affordable, you’ll have a fine experience with any of these options.

BUT for those looking for a little more adventure and possibly with a larger budget, here are some of my TOP cruise suggestions!

Although I am listing the cruise companies, if you wish to book, you don’t pay more by having me handle your booking for you and I would love to be considered your travel planner!

Alaska – with a twist. UnCruise is a company that specializes in exploration-type cruises. They have options for adults-only, as well as family oriented cruises. With prices starting around $4500/person, these cruises offer kayak opportunities, hiking, biking, wildlife search, exploring waterfalls, and more.

Paul Gauguin (go-gan) cruises are luxury all the way. The South Pacific is their specialty. Imagine cruising through the Cook Islands, Society Islands, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia. With guest capacity reaching just over 300, and a crew of about half that, you will be spoiled on this inclusive experience.

Australia/New Zealand. Viking Ocean Cruise from Sydney to Auckland, these cruises operate from November-March. What a wonderful escape from our winter to go enjoy their summer! On ships with fewer than 1,000 passengers, you will come to appreciate ocean cruising on a whole new level.

Virgin Voyages – Richard Branson launched this adults-only cruiseline and it has been a game changer for those who enjoy cruising on an adult level. These cruises are not for everyone, as entertainment is geared toward the “adults only” audience and may be offensive to some.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is the go-to for Antarctica! This is definitely on my bucket list! If you are the adventurous type, can you just imagine the opportunities you have to paddleboard and kayak through the Final Frontier.

You’ve heard me talk about River Cruising before. It’s a poor assumption to believe that these cruises are for senior citizens only. My recent cruise group had a couple in their 30’s who had a blast! I would estimate at least half of the passengers (160 total) were between 50-69 years of age. The thing about age difference is not a big deal, in my opinion. Because river cruises have fewer passengers on board, it is a more intimate experience. It is easy to make new friends of any age.

Are you ready to set sail? Let’s chat about what you are looking for in a cruise and I will be happy to make the best recommendations to ensure you have an awesome vacation!