How to Pack Light for a Three-Week River Cruise

By Isaiah David

How to Pack Light for a Three-Week River Cruise

A river cruise is meant to be a laid-back, relaxing vacation, so why stress over packing? Space is at a premium on a riverboat, leaving little room for a lot of unnecessary clothing. Leave the fashion show at home and bring comfortable, durable clothing, and you will have no problem packing everything you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Attempt to limit yourself to one bag, which will fit easily in your cabin. The smaller your cabin, the lighter you want to pack.

Step 2

Find out which amenities, such as toiletries, linens, hair dryers, etc., the cruise provides, and leave those items at home. Many cruises provide towels and basic toiletries. Contact any golf courses you plan on visiting during your cruise to see if they will rent clubs, which can save you the space golf clubs will take up in your cabin.

Step 3

Bring clothes that go well together in multiple combinations. Black pants and jeans match most tops well. If you wear mostly pastels, earth tones or some other color scheme, most of your clothes may already coordinate. Bring knit or woven clothes and jeans so your clothing doesn't wrinkle. For a cruise in a warmer climate, cargo shorts, soft cotton T-shirts and other casual clothing do not have to be perfectly ironed.

Step 4

Pack just enough formal clothing for the occasions it will be required. Most river cruises have a relaxed dress code, so you might not need any formal clothing at all. If you are going to be stopping by a golf course or another on-shore destination with a dress code, you will need at least one dressy outfit. If you want a dress shirt and pants, get an outfit made with microfibers to prevent your clothing from wrinkling.

Step 5

Plan to take advantage of shipboard laundry machines or services if your ship has them. Washing your clothing every few days is worth the extra room you will have in your cabin from bringing fewer items of clothing.

Step 6

If you plan to buy certain items on your trip, such as new shirts or a new book, pack one less item to make room for each purchase later.

Step 7

Leave excessive jewelry and expensive items at home. Not only will leaving valuable necklaces and your high-priced laptop at home save a little space, but it will also give you less to worry about on your vacation. Think about leaving your cell phone at home, especially if you will be out of the country, as that can also rack up high fees if your plan does not allow for international calling.

Step 8

Only bring diversions you are going to use--for example, pick just one or two books for your trip or bring a small portable music player. Leave board games and other bulky items you aren't likely to use at home.

Tips & Warnings

Don't forget to pack essentials like medications. You might want to pack at least one sweater or sweatshirt, a windbreaker, and an umbrella or raincoat for cold or wet days. If any of your clothes wrinkle, hang them in the bathroom right before you wear it and take a shower to steam the wrinkles out.

Don't forget to pack essentials like medications.

You might want to pack at least one sweater or sweatshirt, a windbreaker, and an umbrella or raincoat for cold or wet days.

If any of your clothes wrinkle, hang them in the bathroom right before you wear it and take a shower to steam the wrinkles out.

About The Author

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has nearly five years' experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

Not a Member?

Join Now - It's FREE!

Member Sign In

Email Address

Password

Keep me logged in

Forgot your password?

Nearby Tee Time HOT Deals!

Monday, May 28 to Saturday, Jun 02

Packing Checklist for a Hawaii Cruise

Most of the things you need to pack for a Hawaii cruise are obvious. Ha...

What to Pack for Las Vegas in December

Las Vegas always lends itself to a casual lifestyle, which means even i...

How to Pack for a Bermuda Cruise

Most tropical islands are extremely informal and laid-back, but Bermuda...

A Key West Packing List

For the golfer looking to play in a hot, sunny climate with a relaxed a...

How to Pack for a Western Caribbean Cruise

While packing for a Western Caribbean cruise it is important to think a...

View All Related Articles

Video of the Day

Balance As Your Teacher

By Gary Wiren

If you lose your balance during the swing then you probably made a bad swing, make sure your body is balanced on your front side ... Watch the Video Now

Article of the Day

Why Do I Top the Ball in My Golf Swing?

When the club head hits the top half of the ball, the shot never gets airborne and the result is...

Read full article