Ladies, what should I make sure my fiancé packs for a surprise cruise?,

[cmph]

My hats off to you for asking now! My absolutely wonderful DH would need a lot of help in this area but wouldn't ever think to ask. He tries, bless him, but man. 4 days in the hospital for the birth of our firstborn, and he never once remembered a hair brush. (very premature, no bag packed yet!)

So, apparently hair-related things come to my mind first, beyond all the clothes mentioned above! If she has anything other than really short hair, make sure she has things to pull her hair back with - headbands, etc. Hats are just going to fly off on the top deck.

As PP said, definitely discourage short flouncy dresses for the wind issue on deck. One "nice" outfit to wear for both Palo and semi-formal or formal night is fine, no need to bring a ton of nice outfits. If I'm reading correctly - she's packing her own stuff, you're just telling her what types of thing to pack? (I think some PPs think you're packing her clothes yourself.) I'm not sure how many days your cruise is or what excursions you're doing, but I'm sure we ladies are happy to give more specific suggestions with more info.

 

[kiford]

I pack for a cruise pretty much the same way I'd pack for any vacation where it may be warm.

You can go fairly minimal on board a southern-ish cruise unless you're going on some kind of special tour that requires something specific. No matter how many times I cruise, I way overpack and don't end up wearing half of what I bring (DH is even worse).

I'm pretty much in either bathing suit & coverup or swim shirt, shorts & shirt, or cotton/knit/linen pants & nice shirt or top depending on whether it's daytime or dinner. For formal or semi-formal night if relevant (or Palo's or Remy's) a nice cocktail dress and heels. On a port adventure, unless it's a special type of tour, it's usually long pants and a shirt just so that I don't get burned. Good walking shoes as much for the start and ending travel as for the vacation. Sandals usually for the day - nice sandals (not flip flops) but still something comfortable. General toiletries that you normally would have. If you forget ordinary things like toothpaste or whatever, they do have some items in the shops on board though they are expensive comparatively and the shops are not always open but you'll also get the usual stuff you'd get at a hotel like shampoo, conditioner, soap. Definitely bring good sunscreen. At least sweater or fleece because it can be cold on deck after dark and the a/c inside is sometimes a bit over the top especially in the theatre.

It's a pretty generic packing list. No secrets will need to be given away when giving her the requirements for packing

 

[The Hunchback]

I would suggest a light wrap or sweater to match her dressy outfit. Also socks as my feet freeze on a cruise. You should have a small supply of over the counter medicine for overeating, nausea, allergies, and headache remedy. Hopefully you know her brands.

 

[FigmentSpark]

If there's any chance she (or you) might get seasick, remember to pack, either sea bands or bonine or something of that nature (we have Gravol in Canada).