So, you’ve booked a cruise. Good for you! A cruise can be an amazing adventure. It can also be a bit of a nightmare, or at least a much more expensive adventure than you meant for it to be if you don’t prepare properly.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to get on the boat:

Your Carry-on is key

A cruise ship works a bit differently than, let’s say, checking into a hotel. When you check in for a cruise, you’re checking in with everyone else. The ship is going to get literally thousands of pieces of luggage over the course of just a few hours. What this means for you is that it can be several hours before your bags get to your room on the boat.

Your carry-on should include everything that you and your family will need to get through the first day. Pack your swim suits, your camera, any medications you’ll need for the day, a change of clothes and your toiletries. If your cruise ship loses your bag (which happens more often than you might think) you’re set at least for a day.

Follow the dress code

You don’t want to just haphazardly throw a few outfits into your suitcase and call it good. You need to recognize that there are varying dress codes for each cruise or cruise line. You might need a formal outfit, which would be a dark suit for men or a cocktail dress for women. You might need an informal outfit, including a jacket and slacks or a dress or pantsuit. “Resort casual” dress includes things like khakis for men and skirts or a flowing pants outfit for women. There is also casual dress. Make sure you have enough of each type.

Sporting equipment

If you’re going to play golf or go diving while you’re on your cruise, check to see if you may be able to rent equipment from the ship or from your particular port destination, rather than trying to transport your own. It may be cheaper to rent than to try to fly in your golf bag and then have it on the ship, as well. Space is also at a premium, so you may not want to take up space in your state room for a bag.

Other concerns

If you’re bringing anything electrical, make sure the ship has standard 110-volt outlets. If you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise or a cruise elsewhere in Europe, you’ll need an adapter. You should also find out what the ship has available as far as laundry services. It’s also worth bringing extra hangers, an insulated mug, an extension cord, pens, pencils, papers and a highlighter, and some zip-loc bags to store things like sunscreen or wet bathing suits.

Travel insurance

It’s also worth mentioning that travel insurance, especially on a cruise, is an important purchase. If you can’t make the cruise before it departs or if there’s a problem, you want to make sure that your investment is protected.

Photo via milan.boers