Nothing beats a vacation on a luxury cruise ship. These types of holidays are like no other ones in the world. They allow travelers to experience several parts of the world in one swoop, all while enjoying the luxuries and amenities that a ship has to offer. Many people swear by cruises, foregoing all other kinds of travel.
When packing for a cruise getaway, there are some essential items that moms need to make sure they jam into their suitcases. Other items ladies might consider should be left at home.
Here are ten things no mom should consider bringing along with them on their cruise and five more that need to make the cut.
15 Leave It At Home: A Ton Of High Heeled Shoes
People sometimes want to get jazzed up for a few fancy dinners while on their cruise vacations. That is fine and dandy, but travelers might want to consider leaving the four-inch heels at home. If the high seas get angry and storms arise, that boat will be rocking, and a high heeled-wearing woman might get tossed to the ground.
14 Pricey Cameras Harnessed To Your Neck
Fact: You are going to want to take pictures on your cruise vacation. The ocean and sky are mesmerizing, and the islands the boat docks at will be full of exciting things to capture on film. That said, leave your pricey cameras behind. Bring along a cheaper version for all those silly cruise ship selfies.
13 Leave It Home: Your Expensive Jewelry
Sometimes an outfit doesn't seem complete without the bling, and many women will be tempted to bring their diamonds and pearls along on their cruise vacation. Expensive or heirloom jewelry should never be brought along on any vacation. Items are always at risk of getting stolen or lost.
12 Throw It In The Suitcase! A Waterproof Raincoat
Depending on what kind of cruise you are taking (and these days you can take some pretty wild cruises) and what time of year you are vacationing in, you may choose to pack a waterproof jacket of sorts. You are on the ocean after all, and spray is standard. Stormy weather can also pop up at any given time.
11 Leave It At Home: a Different Outfit For Everyday
If you are anything like me, you are a vacation over-packer. Try to avoid bringing a pair of shoes and a different outfit for every day of your trip. Cruise cabins are not exactly known for being spacious, so the less baggage, the better. Try and pack articles of clothing that can be mixed and matched with other items for versatility.
10 Leave It At Home: Itty Bitty Bikinis
You will definitely want to bring a couple of bathing suits along with you for your cruise. With that said, maybe leave the ones that resemble dental floss back at home. Cruise ships have plenty of places to sunbathe but are not precisely private spaces. You won't find a lot of secluded spots to let it all hang out.
9 Throw It In The Suitcase! A Reliable Watch
While on vacation, people try and forget about the concept of time. Trips are breaks away from the hustle and bustle of life. Not on cruise ships! When the ship anchors at an island, it expects passengers to be on board at a particular time so that they can set sail for the next destination. Bring a watch so that you never miss your ship.
8 Leave It At Home: Bathrobes, Especially In The Dining Room
It might be tempting to wander down the cruise ship staircase to the buffet and eat breakfast in slippers and a robe. Don't do this. Leave the robe at home and pack comfy sweats instead. Don't be "that guy" who thinks that every surface of the cruise ship belongs to him and him alone.
7 Throw It In The Suitcase! Good Walking Shoes
Packing a good pair of walking shoes for any vacation, including cruises, is a good idea. Island excursions are typical on specific cruises, and you'll want to be able to trek around without pinched toes and blisters. Shoes with excellent traction are also a great thing to have on hand while strolling through ship corridors. Those floors can get slippery.
6 Leave It At Home: Clothes That Could Catch On Rails Or Deck Parts And Leave You Chilled, And Exposed
Caftans and billowing articles of clothing look amazing for pictures you plan to put up on the Gram, but they are not always practical on ships. You wouldn't want to catch a corner of your gown on a rail and rip the thing right off. Winds can pick up on the seas and are often unpredictable.
5 Throw It In The Suitcase! All The Sunscreen You Can Handle
We don't care how much of a base tan you think you have, or how well you brown and not fry. While vacationing on a cruise ship, a good sunscreen is essential. No one wants to deal with the aftermath of too much Vitamin D on their vacation. When choosing a sunscreen, aim for one that is water-resistant.
4 Leave It At Home: Hairstyles That Require A Ton Of Aquanet And Stylist Tools
Even when cruise ships host fancy dinners, relaxed hairstyles and updos might be the way to go. Intricate updos will hold their own in the dining rooms and indoor spaces, but should you head out for some fresh air, the wind and seawater might make that updo look like a total bird's nest.
3 Throw It In The Suit Case! A Few Fancy Frocks
For the most part, you'll want to pack mostly casual clothes and bathing suits for tropical cruises, and weather appropriate clothing for cruises to the north. Formal wear is not usually at the top of the list. That said, a few nice outfits to wear to dinner would probably be a good idea. Don't go overboard with dresses, but bring one or two.
2 Leave It At Home: Eyelash Extensions
Having fake eyelashes put on can make a woman feel glamorous. Once these guys start to go wonky and fall off, though, they need immediate attention. Cruise ships might not be equipt to handle eyelash emergencies, and this can leave women with fakes looking a mess. It's probably best to pack a solid mascara instead.
1 Leave It At Home: Anything With A Ton Of Sentimental Value
One good rule of thumb for cruise ship vacations is: If you can not live without it, don't bring it. Grandpa's antique watch might look dapper, but it isn't worth losing. One carat diamond earrings might make you the Belle of the Ball but will also make you beyond upset if one goes missing.