Honeymoon on the Sea... Pack Smart for Smooth Sailing

Finally it’s here: the honeymoon cruise you’ve dreamed of and planned for — or not. Maybe he surprised you and you haven’t even had time to think about getting your sea legs, much less about what and how to pack. Not to worry. Thousands of newlyweds and not-so-newlyweds hit the decks every year and have a wonderful time. With a little thought and organization, you’ll be joining their ranks as sea(wo)man first class, almost before you know it!

• Stow away the necessities. Travel columnist Anita Dunham-Potter advises packing tickets, cruise documents, jewelry, medication, eyeglasses, makeup, cameras and computers in your carry-on luggage.
   
• Triplicate your efforts. Make multiple copies of your passport, identification cards and prescriptions. Put one copy in your carry on; stow another in your checked luggage; and give the third to your travel partner. These are not documents you can afford to lose!
   
• Stash a spare. Put a swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Dunham-Potter warns it sometimes take hours for luggage to make it to your stateroom.
   
• Do your homework. Read up on your cruise line’s dress code before you pack.
   
• Bag that booty. Dunham-Potter suggests bringing an empty suitcase to fill with souvenirs for the trip home.
   
• Mark your territory. If your luggage is a popular color (black, gray, red), tie bright ribbons on the handles, or take a piece of chalk and put your initials on the outside of each piece for easy identification and less chance of a baggage mix-up.

Once you’re settled in, you’ll find that your ship is much like a resort hotel, except that you have the option to go ashore to explore different beaches and other exciting spots as you come into various ports. Or, stay aboard and enjoy swimming and lazing on the lido deck, participating in supervised games or workouts, trying your luck in the casino, treating yourselves to a pampering session at the spa, or spending a glamorous, romantic evening watching the show or dancing at the onboard lounge or ballroom. Cast off! ~CM