Figuring out what to pack is one of the hardest parts of heading off on a cruise – particularly an exotic location like the Galapagos. I have my own packing method that allows me to fit everything in one carry-on suitcase plus a tote bag, but I know that kind of packing isn't for everyone. Here's a detailed list that will help you to be prepared, pack light, and bring everything you need.

First, let me make two suggestions. Pack a carry-on bag containing your cruise and travel documents, passport, credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, any valuable jewelry, a bathing suit, shorts, top, underwear, your first night's dinner outfit, reading material, sunscreen, and anything else that is critical to enjoying the cruise. This way, your important items will stay with you in case your luggage is lost or delayed and you can enjoy your time after boarding the ship, as luggage can take hours to arrive in your stateroom.

In addition, make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary.

Here’s a suggested packing list for a one-week Galapagos cruise. Feel free to modify it as necessary and let me know about anything I might have forgotten so I can add it to the list.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE PACKING LIST

Travel Documents, Funds And Papers

_ Airline tickets or e-tickets
_ Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship
_ Cruise documents
_ Cruise itinerary
_ Travel insurance information and contact numbers
_ Driver's license, picture IDs and insurance cards
_ Medical insurance card and medical/prescription information
_ Credit cards (call credit card companies in advance of your cruise)
_ ATM card as needed
_ Cash (including small bills and singles) and traveler's checks
_ Spanish language phrase book
_ Emergency phone numbers (home, or lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks)

Medicines & Sundries

_ Prescription drugs or other important medication (in carry-on bag)
_ Bonine/Dramamine (bring plenty for each family member)
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Anti-itch cream
_ Anti-diarrhea medication
_ Band-aids
_ Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
_ Sunscreen SPF 30+ (biodegradable)
_ Sunblock for lips (SPF 30+)
_ Sunburn gel
_ Moisturizer (biodegradable)
_ Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
_ Insect repellant
_ Stain remover stick and Woolite
_ Ear plugs
_ Vaseline or lip moisturizer
_ Make-up as needed
_ Make-up remover and cleanser as needed
_ Nail polish/polish remover as needed
_ Cold/flu medication
_ Shampoo, conditioner and hair gel
_ Ace bandage
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
_ Feminine hygiene products
_ Razor and shaving gel
_ Brush/comb
_ Blow dryer as needed

Cameras And Other Electronic Equipment

_ Camera(s)
_ Waterproof camera bag(s)
_ Underwater camera(s)
_ Video camera
_ Batteries
_ Extra digital camera memory cards (many)
_ Extra film (do not put film in checked luggage)
_ Battery charger
_ Cell phone and charger
_ Plug adaptors and converters
_ Laptop computer
_ PDA and charger
_ iPod and charger
_ Small lighted travel clock with alarm
_ Small flashlight
_ Night light
_ Kids' electronic equipment and batteries

Reading Items

_ Books or magazines
_ Glasses (bring extras) or contact lenses
_ Contact lens cleaner
_ Sunglasses (with UV filter and strap)
_ Reading sunglasses
_ Guidebooks
_ Business cards
_ Addresses for sending postcards to folks back home
_ Notebook or journal
_ Maps

Other Helpful Items

_ Zip lock bags (both quart and gallon)
_ Rain poncho
_ Snorkeling gear (very helpful to have your own)
_ Binoculars
_ Small backpack or knapsack
_ Sewing kit
_ Travel pillow
_ Extra luggage tags
_ Water bottle (BPA free)
_ Power strip

Women's Cruise Clothing

_ Short sleeved t-shirts
_ Shorts (or pants that zip off into shorts)
_ 2 Bathing suits
_ Cover-up
_ 1-2 Dresses for casual/informal dinners
_ Comfortable lightweight pants
_ Slacks/jeans
_ Long-sleeved t-shirts
_ Underwear (bras, panties, slip, camisole)
_ Sweat shirt or fleece vest/jacket (July to November)
_ Pajamas
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops to wear onboard
_ Sport sandals with a Velcro strap (Tevas)
_ Walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
_ Comfortable workout/lounging clothes
_ Light jacket or sweater
_ Windbreaker
_ Purse/bags
_ Belts
_ Watch
_ Wide brimmed hat and bandana

Men’s Cruise Clothing

_ Short sleeved t-shirts or polo shirts
_ Long-sleeved t-shirts
_ Shorts (or pants that zip off into shorts)
_ Casual slacks
_ 2 bathing suits
_ Comfortable workout/lounging clothes
_ Comfortable lightweight pants
_ Belts
_ Pajamas
_ Underwear
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops to wear onboard
_ Walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
_ Sport sandals with Velcro strap (Tevas)
_ Lightweight wind breaker jacket
_ Sweatshirt or fleece vest or jacket (July to November only)
_ Rain jacket or poncho
_ Wide brimmed hat, bandana
_ Watch