In the News - May 2009
Tips to prepare for a cruise
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - If you're planning to set sail for warmer climates,
you'll need all the usual articles - camera, sunscreen and swimsuit, says Robbie
McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
"After the basics, you'll need a few more cruise items that'll help make for
smooth sailing," she says.
She suggests voyagers pack a carry-on bag with their travel documents, a
change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes and any needed medications.
"That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your
stateroom," she says.
"On board, you'll need shorts, T-shirts, slacks and other casual clothes.
Don't forget water shoes and swim suit cover-ups that you can wear to the pool
and back," she says. "Pack two swimsuits so that you won't have to put a wet one
on. If you plan to visit the fitness center, bring extra shorts, T-shirts and a
pair of tennis shoes."
For a five-day cruise, you'll need at least one formal outfit for dinner
attire. If you're cruising 10 days, plan for two formal dinners, she says.
Twelve-night European cruises may have three formal nights.
Pack so that you can mix and match your clothing and turn a few pieces into
five or six outfits. Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and
disembarkation so that you don't have to pack them. Pack small items inside
larger ones for efficiency. Stick in an empty bag for the things that you might
acquire on the trip.
McKinnon suggests covering each outfit with a plastic dry cleaning bag, then
fold each outfit over and place it in your suitcase, hanger and all.
"This will cut down on wrinkles, and unpacking is a breeze - just open your
suitcase and start hanging things in the closet," she says. "For a wrinkled
garment, hang it in the bathroom while taking a hot, steamy shower. This will
help remove wrinkles. There may be an ironing station on board for passengers,
or you could send it to the ship's laundry for pressing."
Make sure that your luggage is tagged. You can secure a tag with a plastic
zip tie for more security, according to McKinnon.
Anytime you're leaving home, it's a good idea to put a light, radio and TV on
a timer that will some on after dark. People shouldn't be able to tell that
you're away just by looking at your house.
She also recommends that travelers:
- Make sure someone is getting their mail and newspapers.
- Check thermostat settings. If there's no one home,
adjust the thermostat to a safe temperature.
- Unplug non-essential appliances such as the computer.
- The stove is always a worry. Check it twice to make sure
it's off.
- Turn the water valves off to sinks, dishwasher, clothes
washer and commodes to prevent an accident.
- So that there won't be fuzzy things growing in the
fridge, toss out all uneaten food the night before leaving.
When you arrive at the pier, make sure you have one-dollar bills for
the luggage handlers, McKinnon says.
On board, most cruise lines process a credit card or debit card for extra
expenses while on board. They will usually put a hold on funds. For a five-day
cruise, you can expect it to be about $200.
"Don't get upset when you see the long lines for the welcome buffet," she
says. "They won't be like that all the time. Let the crowd clear out - there is
always plenty of fresh food. Don't hurry to wait for the dining room to open. If
you arrive about 5 minutes after your seating time, you can walk right in."
McKinnon advises travelers to observe the three Cs - consideration, courtesy
and civility. Be pleasant, smile and use good manners, she suggests.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
May 15, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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