How to pack for your Bermuda cruise

So you have decided that a Bermuda cruise will be your next vacation!  Your passage is booked, your vacation days approved and now the only thing that awaits you is the dreaded chore of packing. Packing for your cruise vacation may be one of the worst parts of a cruise. (The only thing that can be worse is unpacking when you get home!) Yet travel experts have refined the process and have some handy advice for those planning for a cruise.  Here is an overview of how to pack your Bermuda cruise.

1. Making a packing list is essential!   Many experienced cruisers report that they have had to learn the hard way when forgetting an essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call.
2. If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. Travelers should do this because if one suitcase is lost you will both have some clothing to wear! Many an unhappy spouse has been found with no luggage while their companion has all of his or her clothes for the cruise and they are left with nothing but their carry-on.  In addition, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more); just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
3. If you feel overwhelmed consider downloading a “master packing list” from the web.  These are available at most travel sites.  Then you can use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. These lists usually include some essentials and general items and are usually divided for women and men. They can really be a helpful guide.
4. Experienced cruisers and travel experts alike caution against over packing.  While you want to look stylish and be comfortable during your cruise remember it’s a vacation not a fashion show.  Women tend to pack more clothes than men trying to prepare for every eventuality but consider clothes that can be used for dual purposes such as skirts that can be worn doing the day and then paired with a dressy top for dinner.  This will save on luggage, time, and general aggravation. Just remember travel surveys show that half the clothes traveler’s pack never gets used!
5. Consider the specifics of where you are going.  Bermuda has moderate weather nearly yearly round with most temperatures in the 70-85 degree range.  For most people these are comfortable temperatures that merit wearing shorts, bathing suits and sandals for others this may be a little chilly and require a light sweater to throw on or more substantial shoes.
6. While the following list may not be all inclusive use it as a basis to pack for your Bermuda cruise.
   • Essentials-
     • Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
     • All related cruise documents
     • Wallet and fanny pack
     • Driver’s license and auto insurance card
     • Medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
     • Credit cards
     • Pre-paid phone card
     • Cash or traveler’s checks
     • Copies of airline tickets
     • Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler’s checks
     • Emergency numbers at home
     • Prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag
     • Sunglasses
     • Camera and manual
     • Lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
     • Small first aid kit
     • Sun screen/sun block and lip sun block
   • Women’s Cruise Clothing Packing List
     • Lingerie/night gown/pajamas/robe
     • Purses (day and evening)
     • Accessories
     • Walking shoes/sandals/evening shoes
     • Costume jewelry and extra watch
     • Swim suit
     • Dress/outfit for informal nights on ship
     • Dress/outfit for formal nights on ship
     • Dress/outfit for casual nights on ship
     • Shorts
     • Tops of all types (sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved)
     • Capri pants
     • Slacks
     • Light jacket
     • Sweatshirt
     • Evening sweater
     • Raincoat with hood
     • Sundries and Miscellaneous
   • Men’s Cruise Clothing Packing List
     • Underwear
     • Pajamas and robe
     • Socks
     • Belts
     • Walking shoes/sandals
     • Evening or dress shoes
     • Tuxedo jacket and pants (or dark suit)/with accessories
     • Sport jacket
     • Regular ties
     • Dress shirts
     • Swim suit
     • Shorts
     • Casual shirts
     • Slacks (casual and dress)
     • Windbreaker jacket
     • Sweatshirt
     • Raincoat with hood
     • Men’s Sundries and Miscellaneous