How To Pack For a River Cruise

When traveling overseas for a river cruise, especially for first time cruisers, perhaps the most daunting task is how to pack for such a venture. Concerns such as airline baggage limitations, international power differences, cruise line boarding rules and weather variances, can create a feeling of the unknown: what if I don’t bring what I need or the wrong items altogether?

Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when traveling is to exercise restraint when it comes to preparing for a trip overseas. I would probably consider myself one of the worst offenders of over-packing: my wife frequently has to intervene by removing a third of the items that I consider most essential for our trip. Packing for travel can be a breeze with the correct approach.

Over the years I have learned from her to go lean, forget those unnecessary outfits and gadgets. Remember this is about getting out there and experiencing the scenery, not a fashion contest or a week of typing on a computer. So let’s think minimalist vs massive, functionality vs fashion. Although I have seen blogs with lists after list of what to bring and what not bring I would consider it impossible to prioritize what is and isn’t essential for every individual traveler. Go with these basic concepts and you figure it out from here.

Some may require more types and styles of clothes and other may want to emphasize device options. However, the first thing to consider is the number, size and weight of both carry on and checked-in bags.

Baggage Restrictions

As the cruise lines are more lenient in regards to baggage and content restrictions, and as you need to travel via the air to get to the cruise, it is the airline parameters that will determine your limitations. To become familiar with general limitations here is Delta Airlines charts’ for carry-on bags and checked bags. Use your airline carrier’s website for exact specifics. Also to be considered are  items that are restricted and other rules.  

Luggage Choices

Once you work out your baggage requirement you need to consider purchasing additional or all new luggage pieces. Consider your choices and options but remember this is one area where functionality outweighs style; also it is not necessary to spend a fortune here. Here is an informative  luggage guide from consumer reports. Consider the lightness vs the durability of the luggage, ease of transport and accessibility. Stylishness may also be a factor but don’t go overboard on costs unless you are willing to splurge on this.

Clothing Basics

Regardless of style and fashion, one of the easiest and most efficient ways to manage the size and weight of your baggage is to layer your clothing. One starts with a base layer which manages moisture and regulates body temperature, a middle layer that provides insulation by trapping air close to your body and a shell layer for weather protection. Certain types of materials are lighter and more efficient such as synthetics instead of cotton, giving more comfort and protection with less volume and mass. Here is an article from REI covering Layering Basics.

Here some great tips on this from Travelista.com a brilliant site devoted to this subject:

So you should have a combination of clothing in these basic categories available on your board and ashore throughout your travel. For the women who love your Chicos, yes you don’t have to go Spartan, just make an effort to keep it light and comfortable.  On excursions, you’ll be able to shed your heavier clothing as the day goes on and leave it on the bus.

Let us help you plan your next River Cruise: Utilize Ted’s vast travel planning network.  MAKE YOUR NEXT RIVER CRUISE A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH

When you pick out your clothing, use neutral colors, being easier to mix and match are preferred. You don’t need to be overly concerned with variety and types of clothing. Pack some comfortable clothes for on-board life, but don’t be overly concerned about dressing up unless specifically required by the cruise line or so suite your own tastes. Ocean cruising is generally a relaxed and casual affair. For dressing up, if needed try to find styles that are multi purpose. Coat and pants don’t have to exactly match.

Try to keep to the idea of   “casual dressy” or “dressy casual.” The general consensus is that you should aim for what Cynthia Nellis at About Style defines as, “dressed-up versions of casual looks.” For men, that might mean a nice pair of trousers—or very nice jeans—with a polo or button-up shirt. For women, the same thing, but a nice knee-length skirt is acceptable as well. Usually it’s best to avoid old pairs of jeans, flip flops and  t-shirts for this dress code.

Your goal is to be practical and efficient. Remember the heavier and bulkier the apparel the more luggage required. The more luggage the greater the costs and likelihood of having missing or lost bags in flight.

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Packing Tips

Use compression bags like these  or these packing cubes to eliminate excess space.

Use a digital luggage scale to weigh your luggage before boarding. Slip a Tile Mate with replaceable battery in every luggage piece, bag and wallet if you want to use this effective but costly tracking system.

Easily prevent overweight-baggage charges with help from this AmazonBasics digital luggage scale.

Use Ted’s Handy River Cruise Trip Planner Guide

Go Comfortable On Your Feet

Try to keep the number of shoes to a minimum, find light but comfortable ones that have a dual purpose. Style and fashion are of concern but also consider the amount of walking you will be doing. Look for a stable, rolling base with arch support and cradling of your foot. Avoid heels, pointed toes, heavy soles, and anything else that will wear you down by the end of the day.

Here some styles you might like:

Men’s Keen Walking Shoes

Woman’s Dansko Hazel

Women’s KEEN Presidio Shoe

Men’s Rockport Trail Technique Waterproof 3-Eye Walking Shoe

Skechers Performance Women’s Go Step Lite-Persistance Walking Shoe

When you pick out your clothing, use neutral colors, being easier to mix and match are preferred. You don’t need to be overly concerned with variety and types of clothing. Pack some comfortable clothes for on-board life, but don’t be overly concerned about dressing up. River cruising is a relaxed and casual affair. Your goal is to be practical and efficient. Remember the heavier and bulkier the apparel the more luggage required. The more luggage the greater the costs and likelihood of having missing or lost bags in flight.

Electrical Hookups and Devices

You are going to be traveling abroad with different electrical standards. Forgo the power hungry irons, laptops and hair dryers – bring more USB powered devices like tablets. You can use a wifi data card and a portable wireless network to manage and download data like your precious photo collection while on the go. Most River Cruise Ships and even some hotels provide multi use outlets however you should be prepared for various types of outlets abroad.

Read my article on Foreign Power Adapters and be prepared for the outlet differences. We recommend the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for World Wide International Travel Use sold on Amazon. It is very inexpensive and simple to use. In addition buy a the Belkin 3-Outlet SurgePlus Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (2.1 AMP / 10 Watt) to protect your gear.

Men will love this Electronics Organizer to keep your cables and hookups out of sight and under wraps.

I know women love their bags, here is the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

or try the more androgynous Netpack 23″ U-zip lightweight tote.

Your heavier and bulkier items can be worn on the plane. Your goal, though probably unattainable, is to try to use only carry-on luggage. When traveling to Anchorage for an Alaskan cruise, my luggage was apparently lost by the airline. When I arrived in Anchorage my checked-in bags were not there, leaving me scrambling to find basic clothing before boarding.  If I had foregone the excessive luggage and gone low profile with only a carry on I would not have had to ruin my stay in Anchorage shopping in a mall like anywhere else in the US instead of exploring this amazing destination.

If you are looking for a lean luggage primer, try flying domestically on Spirit Airlines without paying a single extra fee. Yes, it is possible and walk away with enough clothing options to last a week or more. This means carry-on only, a daunting task when you realize that once you are in the boarding area, any excessive sized bags will cost you $100 apiece. But with careful preparation and study you will know what the limitations are. If you pass this test you deserve the credit for being a lean luggage stuffer.

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Ted’s Top Ten River Cruise Packing Tips

1. Know your airline baggage limitations.
2. Use lightweight but sturdy and easily transported luggage.
3. Don’t over-pack, and remember you always bring more back on the return flight.
4. Don’t forget essentials like international power adapters and accessories for your devices.
5. Layer your clothes and avoid heavy, bulky fabrics.
6. Bring comfortable but stylish shoes.
7. Pack efficiently and use a scale to weigh your luggage.
8. Leave some room in your carry-on luggage to download any baggage overload from your check-in pieces
9. Don’t bring food or drinks, most River Cruise Companies allow you to bring any local beverages and food back on board.
10. Don’t stress out too much on this subject, remember as long as you have your travel documents and arrive on time you can still wing-it the rest of the way!

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