While you probably know most of the regular packing tips such as using airtight bags and rolling them up in order to stuff more stuff into your luggage, you may not have thought of some of these packing tips specific to vacationing on a cruiseship.

If you've taken prior cruises, you'll probably remember that they don't put alarm clocks in the rooms.  If you're like me and you like to know what time it is when you wake up in the middle of the night or to keep track of when to be ready for dinner, you'll want to bring your own alarm clock.

Chances are there are only one or two outlets in your cabin.  You'll want to take along with you  an adapter that will turn one socket into three sockets; thereby allowing you to use your curling iron, hair dryer, and alarm clock all at the same time.

Print out or type up your itinerary indicating which ports you're going to visit on what days, including the expected ship arrival and departure times.  Tape this on the inside of your cabin door or on a door or drawer front in your cabin so that you can easily see where you are and what's coming up next.  What we usually do is also include information about the time difference between each port and home and the currency type and exchange rate at each destination. 

It's tough trying to carry coffee back to the room in those little coffee cups and you know you're going to want another cup or two after breakfast.  Pack your own travel mug with you and take it up to the buffet in the morning.  If you use a thermal insulated type with an airtight lid, you can keep from spilling it as you walk around the ship and also keep it hot.

With these comforts of home packed in your suitcase, you will have a more enjoyable cruise vacation.

Bon voyage!