Planning Checklist

A long-haul cruise trip can last over three months - so it’s not surprising that some people get confused about how much clothing to pack.

For starters, it’s a good idea to invest in some durable luggage that has plenty of storage space. This is particularly true if you will be connecting to any flights during your voyage. Unlike cruises, you will be subject to luggage allowances. This can often catch cruisers out, resulting in expensive additional charges. In ideal circumstances, your suitcase will be around 26 inches and be a bright, visible colour - so it’s easy to identify at the port.

But what should you pack?

Excellent question. Regardless of your cruise destination, it’s a good idea to pack as many layers as possible. Even if you’re travelling to Venice in summer, there’s a chance that it’ll get chilly on deck in the evenings. That means light jackets, jumpers, shawls, or perhaps something waterproof, in case of temperamental weather conditions!

It’s also worth noting that there will be on-board washing facilities, meaning you won’t need to bring a new outfit for every day of your cruise.

In terms of evening wear, smart-casual is the best way to describe the dress code. You won’t need a cocktail dress every night, or a top hat, but you might fancy wearing something glamorous on a special occasion. Unless you plan on attending a chef’s dinner.

Men will also have the option to rent a tuxedo on-board, so there’s no need to bring your own.

On a daily basis, however, it’s a good idea to bring mix and match clothing that can be easily interchanged. This will help to minimise the amount of clothing you actually bring, without compromising on comfort.

And if you’re travelling to a sunny location, don’t forget your swimming costumes, glasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

Like long-haul cruises, mini voyages will require guests to dress for their destination.

This also means bringing layers, and any necessary swimming costumes and/or sports clothing depending on your preference for leisure activities.

But the main difference, obviously, is that you won’t need to bring as much clothing. You will still have the opportunity to access launderette facilities, so you never need to bring more clothes than necessary.

In terms of personal items, here is a list of some products you may wish to bring:

• Alarm clock

• Camera

• Electronic entertainment (eReader, iPad, etc)

As a general rule, however, the less you bring - the more you can take home!

If you are planning on cruising to a destination that requires conservative clothing, then you will need to plan for this accordingly.

Of course, if you are visiting the Middle East, then you probably know this already. But there are also several European destinations that ask guests to dress modestly before entering a place of worship. This includes:

• Italy: in Rome, for example, the Pantheon and Vatican will request that both men and women cover their knees and elbows. This rule also applies to the décolletage

• Greece: like Italy, all Orthodox churches will ask that men/women wear long sleeves and trousers

• Turkey: mosques will also enforce a strict dress code when abroad - commonly asking both genders to cover their arms, legs, and (for women) sometimes hair. If you are ever in doubt, the mosque will have guidelines before entry

In these circumstances, it is advised that you remember to pack additional layers for visiting any places of religious worship.

So far, we’ve covered everything you’ll need to bring on your trip.

But there’s also lots of things - whether it’s a gadget or generic painkiller - that you won’t need to pack, such as:

• Portable DVD players - these will be available in your cabin

• Alcohol - cruise ships strictly prohibit alcohol, but you will have plenty of opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages on-board

• Generic painkillers - aspirin and paracetamol will be available

• Hairdryers - most cruise liners, like Carnival, offer hair dryers in their state rooms

• Soap/shower gel- these toiletries will be provided in your room

• Sports equipment- if you want to play tennis, or basketball, you will be given all necessary equipment on-board

Consider this good news. It means more room for bringing back presents!