OVERSEAS OCEAN CRUISING, PACKING TIPS

How To Pack For an Overseas Ocean Cruise

When traveling overseas for a 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 list after list sof 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

Image result for get the most out of carry on luggage
The first thing to consider is the number, size and weight of both carry on and checked-in luggage.

 

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 consider either 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:

Image result for clothes layering for hiking
You don’t have to look like backpacker to apply layering basics, you can be stylish and travel packing efficient.

 

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.

 

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.

Click Here & Receive Ted’s monthly Travel News, up to $500 pp* on new and existing bookings and his amazing Pocket Travel Consultant App!

 

Packing Tips

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

Image result for use packing cubes to organize clutter when traveling
Packing cubes like these can be part of your lean and mean travel packing strategy. Check out more great tips like this at this wonderful site for the latest gear and tips for global travelers: wanderluststorytellers.com

 

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.

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

 

Use the Tile Mate with replaceable battery, to find lost items with your phone. If your Tile is within the 150ft Bluetooth range, it will play a loud tune until you find it.

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

Austin

Woman’s Dansko Hazel

The women’s Dansko Hazel mary jane offers a sporty yet stylish option for your travel comfort.

 

Women’s KEEN Presidio Shoe

 

KEEN Women's Presidio Oxford,Cascade Brown/Shitake,10 M US
A contemporary women’s update of the classic oxford, the Keen Women’s Presidio Casual Shoe provides the sporty good looks of a lace-up with comfort and support your feet will appreciate.

 

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

Rockport Men's Trail Technique Waterproof 3-Eye Walking Shoe, Light Chocolate, 9 M (D)
Outdoor inspired – they’re waterproof, with city-appropriate style acting as a bridge between the outdoors and the city.

 

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

 

Skechers Performance Women's Go Step Lite-Persistance Walking Shoe, Black, 9.5 M US
Casual and comfortable lace up sneaker with quarter stitch detail.

Looking For A Place To Chat And Share Your  River & Small Ship Ocean Travel Stories?

Join one or all of our Facebook Groups for River and Small Ship Ocean Cruisers: Friends Who Like Viking Cruises, AmaWaterways Cruisers, Uniworld River Cruisers or Regent Seven Seas Sailors.

 

Join our River and Small-Ship Ocean Facebook Groups & Share the Fun!

Ted’s Top Travel Accessories

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 MIBOTE Power Strip with USB, to protect your gear.

Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for World Wide International Travel Use

 

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

Smart Electronics Organizer Travel Case for Cable, Cord, Adapter, External Battery, Car Charger, Laptop Computer Accessories - Best Portable Gadget and Padded Tech Kit Bag with Zippered Pouch

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

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

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

Netpack 23" U-zip lightweight tote (Navy)

 

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.

To Get Ted’s Exclusive White Glove Treatment On Your Next Cruise, Register Here and Call Ted At 954-290-8626, email hello@cruisinwithted.com

Ted’s Top Ten Overseas Ocean 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, these could ruin the contents of your baggages.
  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!

Click here for Ted’s travel benefits  

email hello@cruisinwithted.com 

or call 954-290-8626

Cruisin’ With Ted, Ted Karbowski: “Together we build vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

MAKE YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL LESS STRESSFUL AND MORE ENJOYABLE!

Keep up with the latest developments in travel both by land, air and throughout the waterways spanning the globe!

Testimonials: 

We had a wonderful experience today and want to share. We have been in Ted’s Facebook Group, Friends Who Like Viking Cruises, for a while and enjoy most of the posts. We have done 3 Viking River cruises and 2 Viking Ocean, all booked directly with Viking. However, during our last 3 cruises we heard others comment about their great on-board credits and how they got this or that extra from their travel agent. Viking never gave anything extra on those trips. So…we decided to call Ted Karbowski to see what he could offer us. I can honestly tell you if you are on the fence about using a Travel Agent, give him a call at 954-290-8626. We are booked for our 6th Viking trip! He was on phone with us with Viking Air and we got our first choice of flights! Absolutely great service answering questions with prompt responses. So happy with his service we have referred some others to him! AR

5 star service! Ted really cares about his clients. I just keep telling my friends about him! I know of two other families that booked after me and we all say the same thing. We felt like family. He took care of everything and he checked back to make sure everything was as expected. Will book with Ted again! AP

Click here for Ted’s travel deals and insightemail: hello@cruisinwithted.com  or call 954-290-8626

Special content and editorial credit to Marziah Karch of LifeWire.com