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Cruises are great! You get to experience the luxury and all the amenities (plus some extras) of a fabulous hotel, but unlike your normal hotel this one is mobile. Your hotel on water will transport you from port to port enabling you to see several different cities/countries or islands.

If you decide to take a cruise there are several things to remember. First, check to see whether you need a passport, or if your birth certificate is enough. Making sure you have the proper identification is necessary because if you do not have it the cruise ship can refuse to let you board.

Most cruise ships have a decent store where you can buy things such as sunscreen, film for your camera and the like. However, beware these on-board stores are often quite pricey so it is best to try and bring everything with you.

Before you start packing for your cruise make a checklist of everything you want/need to bring. Here are some definate items you will want to include:

1) Clothing for all weather/activites. Check out the climate of where you will be cruising and pack for the conditions. Many times it is quite hot during the day but while you are on the boat at night and the boat is out to sea it can be chilly and you will need sweaters and pants if you plan on being out and about. Also, pack some nice, dressy clothing for dinner. If you plan on dining in the main dining room cruises often request that you dress business casual for dinner and most cruise ships have one or two "formal" nights where you get really dressed up - guys in suit jacket and women wear anything from a nice dress to a formal cocktail dress depending on just how dressed up you want to get. Remember your bathing suit! This is one item you do not want to leave at home!

2) Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. There are good to pack no matter where you are going but are a definate must for cruisers traveling to islands and tropical locations. Even if you can typically get away with wearing no sun screen take it with you and be sure to use it. The sun in the islands is more intense and even if you do not typically burn you just might in the island sun.

3) Comfortable walking shoes. These are another must! It is ok to bring some cute shoes to dress up in but make sure you have room for shoes that you can stand to walk around in. While in port you often do a lot of walking make sure you have shoes that are not going to kill your feet after 10 minutes. Also, consider what types of activities you will be doing while in port, will you be hiking, you might want to bring sturdy hiking boots as well.

4) Camera and batteries/film. There will undoubtedly be moments you want to catch on film. Make sure you have a camera and whatever supplies your style of camera needs. There is nothing worse than having a great picture moment pass you by because your camera's battery is dead.

5) Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, hair products, lotion, hairbrush. These are good to remember but if you do happen to forget something in this list (or other similar items) most cruise ships will give you what you need free of charge.

6) Money. Bring whatever cash you want for shopping, gambling or whatever else you plan to spend your money on because ATM fees on the boat and in many countries are outrageous! You can always put back the money you do not spend. Also, be sure to have at least one credit card on you for any emergenices that might pop up.

Do not stress about packing. Packing for a cruise is really not all that different from packing for any other vacation. Anything you forget you can usually get on the cruise ship you might just have to pay a bit more than normal for it.

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