Bare Necessities Cruise

You May Need a Lot - Maybe Not?

After doing much research on the web for "Cruise Necessities", I was appalled at the majority of informational websites that came up using this and other queries. At least 80% of the sites that came up offering advice and/or cruise vacation plans - were listed with the words "bare necessities" and upon clicking through to the websites I was greeted with page after page of nudist cruises. What? So that's why all of those people would put up with cramped, semi-sanitary conditions, the possibility of cruise line illnesses (a fact), sinking and other related disasters. To be free and nude like they were born. That's real freedom they mention but actually I couldn't picture myself exposing my chunky butt on board a cruise ship bound for "nude places" - while thinking the whole time "please put some clothes on" - for the love of mike!

For those who will actually be taking "normal" cruises there are reams of material from packing Tuxedos right down to your favorite polo shirts, boxers and socks. Am I going to in some way duplicate their lists of "must have items"? Heck no, if you're an adult and can afford cruise ship tickets - then you certainly don't need me to regale you with lists of suggested clothing to pack for a 7 day cruise. If you can't figure out what it takes to make it through a week and pack it into a couple of suitcases, or have trouble imagining scenarios requiring special clothing or gear, "Google it!" There are tons of results with "packing lists" - some very thorough and proceed to finish packing.

I would recommend that you bring along your camera for those unforgettable moments and if you have any plans on watersports, including diving, jet-skiing, or boarding - you won't have to buy (more expensive onboard) or haul any of those cheap waterproof throwaways. Just pick up a waterproof case for digital, digital slr cameras or compact cameras. You'll get as many photos as you want to take with digitals and the photo quality of a good camera in a high quality underwater housing is no comparison when stacked side by side with a waterproof throwaway.

Don't forget to drink bottled water to enjoy as much of your cruise having fun instead of having to remain within running distance of the nearest bathroom. For all of their tropical splendor, the water available at cruise ship stops just doesn't seem suited to the inner workings of vacationers!