So you're trying to plan a cruise, and now you're staring at an empty suitcase and a towering pile of what you think are absolute "must-have" items to make your trip a success. If you're like most (female) first time cruisers, you've got a bikini for each day, a smart nautical inspired day outfit for each day, a formal dress for each night, and a different nightclub outfit for each early morning. Now you're contemplating a second suitcase. It's time to put that suitcase back in the closet and start over. Here are the top five items you simply do not need.
1. That Second Suitcase
And whatever you planned to put in it in the first place. Remember that your stateroom is small, and on many ships, doesn't come with a lot of luggage storage room. Keep your packing to a one suitcase rule. If you must take more than one suitcase, pack luggage that staggers in size so that you can store your empty luggage inside other empty luggage to conserve space.
2. All Those Clothes
Bottom line, there are laundromats on board. In reality, you can get by with about two swimsuits, two formal evening attires, a couple of bathing suit covers for daytime wear, and one or two nightclub outfits if you plan on going out. Pack separates that can be paired differently to create new outfits easily. Chances are that besides your swimsuit and day wear, your clothes won't be worn that long and won't be dirty. Pack shoes sparingly as well.
3. Your Beach Towel
Bonus! Most ships have plush towels in your stateroom when you arrive. In most cases these towels can be used on board and even carried off onto the excursions you plan to take on port days. As these towels get wet, your stateroom steward will replace them with clean and dry towels. Just think of all the luggage room you'll save by leaving those towels at home. Be sure to remember to bring the towel back on board though, as you could be charged for towels that are not returned to your room when the vacation is over.
4. Hair Dryer
This falls under the check with your line first policy. Most cruise lines now offer in-bathroom hair dryers in most cabins. Not only does this provide a nice service to the guest, but it also ensures that your hair dryer doesn't blow a circuit and kill power to your entire floor. If you do pack a hair dryer only to find one waiting on you, use the cruise ship's hair dryer anyway.
5. Razors
Not only can they be troublesome to take through airports, they're often obsolete once on board. Many cruise lines offer complimentary basic toiletries in your cabin. These include shampoo, razors, lotions and sometimes painkillers. If you're unsure about what is offered, don't be afraid to call the customer service hotline and ask. Remember, the fewer items you bring from home, the more orderly your small stateroom will stay.