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Deciding what to pack for a vacation at sea can be a difficult dilemma – especially for novice cruisers.

In the past, one solution might have been to bring as many clothes and suitcases as you’d like. But with pay-per-bag levies ($15 per bag and up) and tighter weight restrictions on luggage (usually 50 lbs/23 kg) at many airlines today, over-packing has become a very expensive option.

So what should the savvy cruise traveler do? Here are my top 6 tips for dressing well while cruising light, followed by the “savvy cruiser’s essential packing list”:

1. Cruising is mainly country club casual: On most 7-day cruises, there are two nights when people dress up in evening dress (about half wear formal wear or evening gowns, while the rest don jackets with ties or cocktail dresses.) On the other evenings people wear the type of casual clothing you’d see at country clubs. Tip: If you like dressing up, rent formal wear from a company that delivers directly to your cabin.

2. Mix and match outfits are best: Pack one outfit for every two days of the voyage, and then mix and match in between. Casual clothes like shorts, jeans, chinos, blouses, swimsuits, and shirts for the day time, and dress slacks, pant suits, dresses, sweaters, and sports jackets for the evenings.  Tip:  Bring a cover up (sweaters, jackets, wrap, etc.) for evening walks on the deck or in case the air conditioning is too cold in public rooms like dining rooms and lounges.

3. Recycle clothing during the voyage: Most ships have dry cleaning and laundry services so that selected items can be recycled during the cruise (and the cost of the dry cleaning is usually less than bringing overweight baggage).  Some cruise ships also have self-serve laundry rooms with washers and dryers. Tip: Rinse out small items like socks, underwear and T-Shirts in the bathroom sink and hang them out to dry on the shower zip line.

4. Make a list of essential items: Cruise ships have several shops on board, so if basic items are forgotten they can be purchased on the ship at a reasonable price. However, some items are either very expensive or impossible to replace – so make sure you make a list and double-check it before leaving home. Tip: Here are 6 essential items that should be considered for every list:

1. Passport and travel documents

2. Credit cards/ATM card/cash in local currency

3. Prescription drugs

4. Prescription glasses/contact lenses

5. Camera with charger

6. Cell phone/Blackberry w/charger (even if just for emergency use)

5. Use lightweight luggage: Most standard bags weigh from 15 to 20 lbs when empty, which seriously cuts into a baggage allowance of just 50 lbs. I love my composite extra-light hard-sided upright. It weighs much less than traditional luggage, gives great protection, and is virtually indestructible. I also have a soft-sided, aircraft-friendly roll-aboard where I put all essential items and documents. Tip: Purchase a hand-held luggage scale and use it to weigh your checked luggage when packing – this is particularly useful on the return leg of the trip when your luggage may be heavier because of all that shopping! This tiny device can end up saving you extra fees at check in.

6. Don’t pack unnecessary items: There’s no need to bring bulky items like beach towels, snorkel gear, or hair dryers – they are available on the ship or with the shore excursion. Also, all but the ultra-deluxe lines either prohibit or strictly limit the amount of alcohol you can bring aboard in carry-on or checked luggage. Tip: If your ship does allow you to bring wine onboard for use in your cabin, purchase it in the port of embarkation or during the cruise to avoid the risk of breakage in your suitcase.

 The Savvy Cruiser’s Essential Packing List for a 7-day cruise:

·         Toiletries (including toothbrush, manicure set, mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, etc.)

·         Makeup

·         Sunglasses

·         Sunscreen

·         Swimsuit

·         Jewelry (just fun stuff – a vacation is not the time to worry about family heirlooms, although cabins usually do have wall safes for valuables)

·         Shoes  - 3 pairs (for evening, daytime, touring) – 4 pairs if you also workout

·         MP3 player with charger

·         Sweater for day wear

·         Reading material for poolside or a deck chair

·         Gym clothes

·         A list of suggested places to see and eat in each port

·         Underwear  (7 pairs or 4 if rinse out)

·         Socks/hosiery (7 pairs or 4 pair if  rinse out)

·         1 light shell or windbreaker (in case of rain or cool weather)

·         1 sweater, wrap or pashmina for evening wear on the ship

·         1 formal outfit (for men a tuxedo or dark suit/sports jacket with tie; for women a dress or outfit that can matched with different tops)

·         2 pairs of shorts

·         3 shirts/tops for evening wear

·         3 pairs of pants (one for touring, 2 for ship)

·         Fold up lightweight bag (for purchases ashore and to double as a pool/beach bag)

·         Mini-umbrella for trips ashore in case of rain

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