Packing for any vacation can be nerve-wracking, and it’s no exception when it’s time to pack on a cruise. Most airlines and cruise lines have luggage restrictions, and space is at a premium. You don’t want to be weighed down with unneeded items, but you don’t want to forget anything important. How do you decide what to pack on a cruise?

As a first step, your cruise line can give you information on their individual dress code, and a list of planned activities during your cruise. Once you know what to plan for, make a list of clothes and other items you’ll need, and let the cruise packing begin.

For a 7-day cruise, a basic list for day-wear would include: 1 to 3 pairs of walking shorts, paired with 1 polo shirt or T-shirt for each day, 1 pair of lightweight casual pants, tennis shoes and sandals, a bathing suit and a cover-up, and a rain jacket.

For evenings, women should include 1 dark and 1 light pair of dress slacks with coordinating tops, and 1 dressy outfit or dress. Remember that the air-conditioning on cruise ships can get quite chilly, so include a shawl or wrap in your cruise packing. Men can get by with a pair of dark dress pants with jacket and tie or a dark dress suit, 2 to 3 pairs of slacks, and a collared shirt for each evening.

Experienced travelers will stress that it’s always smart not to put all your clothes in your checked luggage. Part of the clothes you pack on a cruise should go into a carry-on bag. If your luggage is lost or delayed, you will be able to make do. Include your travel documents, jewelry, toiletries and any essential medications, and several changes of washable underwear and socks, along with a couple of changes of clothes, bathing suit, and your sandals or tennis shoes.

It’s a good idea to prepare a “port wallet”. Include a copy of the ID page of your passport and a copy of your driver’s license, along with emergency contact and insurance information. Take only one credit card and the money you need for the day, and leave everything else locked in your cabin. It’s a good idea to put your cash and your “sign and sail” card in your front pocket or other hard to reach place. Don’t carry anything irreplaceable or indispensable with you into port.

When you pack on a cruise, don’t forget the non-clothing items. A fanny-pack is convenient to keep your hands free. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and a hat with a brim. Along with your prescriptions, bring along medication for motion sickness, a pain reliever and stomach medication. Non-prescription medications are usually available on board, but if they’re needed, it’s much more convenient if they’re in your cruise packing.

You’re definitely going to want your camera, and extra film or memory cards. Don’t forget electrical adapters for your hair dryer or battery chargers. Bring along extra batteries and your cell phone, and of course, don’t forget your tickets, passport, and cruise documents!

The best bet is to make a list of everything you need to pack on a cruise before starting. With a little planning and organization, cruise packing doesn’t have to be a difficult job.