Cruising is the most exciting way to travel the world. There are many people who cruise once a year.  There are some who sail often, approximately three times a year.  Whether it is someone's first time or fifteenth time, it's always best to go prepared.  To make anyone's cruise vacation the utmost enjoyable, it's always best to go prepared.  Based on a typical seven-day cruise, here is a packing list for easy following: 

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP (passport, passport card, birth certificate, etc.)

dop kit 

blazer/neck ties

formal wear/evening gowns for women

2 belts

2 pairs of pants

2 pairs of ladies golf trousers (if applicable)

2 pairs of shorts

6 t-shirts

8 pairs of socks

2 pairs of black socks/stockings

8 pairs of undergarments

swimsuit

sun tan lotion

1 pair of dress shoes (Ladies, bring all the shoes you want!)

1 pair of casual shoes

1 pair of aqua shoes

1 pair of sandals

1 pair of bath slippers

2 tank tops

1 pair of sleeping shorts

2 buttoned shirts/blouses

2 golf shirts

IPod

IPod dock

headphones

camera

batteries (preferably chargeable)

waterproof camera...Brownie points!

beach gear (Frisbee, football, Nerf football, etc) 

    Some cruise ships have a variety of onboard features, such as bowling alleys, flow riders, rock climbling walls, and ice skating rinks.  If sailing on a Royal Caribbean's Voyager, Freedom, Oasis, or upcoming Quantum class ships, passengers are encouraged to bring their ice skates.  If a passenger doesn't own a pair of ice skates, there's no need to stress.  Guests get free skate rentals onboard in Studio B, where the ice rink is located.  Further, guests must bring a pair of long pants along with comfortable socks.  For the rock climbing wall, comfortable shorts and t-shirts are strongly encouraged.  For the flow rider, passengers should pack extra undergarments or cover-ups to wear under their swimsuits while boogie boarding or stand-up surfing.  No one wants to lose their swimsuits in high pressure water current!  

    Norwegian's newer ships, the Gem and Breakaway class, feature bowling alleys.  Guests are free to bring along their own bowling ball and equipment.  There's no harm in traveling like a pro.  

    No matter what cruise line or what type of cruises people enjoy, there is no harm in being over-prepared.  Special cruises such as clothing-optional do require guests to pack the same kind of items.  Clothing-optional cruises require guests to be dressed accordingly while in port, select shore excursions, and at dinner time on board.  For longer cruises (9, 10, 11, 12-day, etc), passengers should pack at least three to five more pairs of clothing per person. 

    Whether visiting the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas, Alaska, or the port cities of the Mediterranean, cruising provides people of all ages with a traveling experience to be remembered forever.  To be fully prepared for an upcoming cruise, it's best to bring all of the items needed to ensure a good time.  Passengers ought to check, double-check, and triple-check that they carry along all the necessities.  Passengers should not be afraid to pack extra undergarments or an extra swimsuit.  It's all a part of the fun.  Once all the essentials are packed, the cruise passenger is all set to make waves.  Bon Voyage!