What to Pack to Cruise the Caribbean or Mexico
Unexpected Clothing to Pack on Winter Sun Vacations
Sep 7, 2009
Cruise ships and their ports-of-call along the Mexican Riviera and Caribbean provide a wide range of fun for vacationers following the winter sun. While cruise line forums and other tip lists are available to point out the essentials, a few unexpected articles of clothing also come in handy.
Sun Vacations Also Mean Covering Up
Often cruise lines will make thick terry bathrobes available, and these provide great cover-ups for ship-board sun tanning. It also means travelers don't have to pack bulky cover-ups in their suitcases, leaving more room for souvenirs.
For those who burn easily, one item to pack along will be a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt. Travelers can use it over tanks or swimwear to protect fair skin. That will help prevent prevent a blistering or peeling burn from messing up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fun!
Floppy hats work for calm days and some shore excursions. As the huge cruise ship cuts a path through the ocean, vacationers should plan for a few windy days on board. For a more active excursion or just a shipboard walk in the fresh air, a baseball cap comes in handy. Its tighter fit helps prevent it from blowing away.
Caps also take up little space in an airline carry-on, and will be useful even on the dock before the cruise, while waiting to board the ship. Even if the line moves quickly, everyone is bound to be standing in the sun for long enough to burn before boarding.
Cruise Wear on the Ship or Excursions
Believe it or not, walking on the ship at night can be breezy and chilly, even in the Mexican Riviera or Caribbean. A light sweater or wind-breaker lets vacationers enjoy the moonlight on the water, just as much as the daytime sun. In order to fit extra items into suitcases, rolling rather than folding them is one of many packing tips to consider.
Sandals and fancy evening shoes are a must on cruise vacations, but a pair of sensible shoes will also be important. Having hiking or comfortable walking shoes along can mean saying YES to that once-in-a-lifetime hike through the tropical jungle. Walking shoes are also useful on that shop-till-you-drop trip into port, or that fast stroll around the ship after a huge evening meal.
Travelers may want to wear comfortable or hiking shoes onto the ship, rather than packing them. Plastic bags can be folded up in suitcases, and used to prevent dirt from transferring from shoes to clothing.
These little extras will help first-time cruisers get the most out of their vacation experience this winter. For a few more ideas, see How to Prepare for a First Cruise Holiday. Bon Voyage!
 |
 |
