Figuring out what to pack is one of the hardest parts of heading off on a cruise. I have my own tried-and-true packing list that lets me to fit everything in one carry-on suitcase plus a tote bag, but I know that kind of packing isn't for everyone. The list below was developed after discussing this topic with travel journalists and experienced cruisers.

First, here are two suggestions. Pack a carry-on bag containing your cruise and travel documents, passport, credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, any valuables, 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 cruise to Mexico:

MEXICO CRUISE PACKING LIST

Travel Documents, Funds And Papers

_ Airline tickets or e-tickets
_ Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship
_ Cruise documents
_ Cruise itinerary
_ Pre-purchased shore excursion information
_ 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)
_ Pre-paid phone card
_ 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
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Anti-itch cream
_ Anti-diarrhea medication
_ Band-aids
_ Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
_ Sunscreen
_ Sunblock for lips
_ Sunburn gel
_ Moisturizer
_ Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
_ Insect repellant
_ Stain remover stick and Woolite
_ Ear plugs
_ Vaseline or lip moisturizer
_ Make-up, make-up mirror and make-up bag
_ Make-up remover and cleanser
_ Nail polish/polish remover
_ Perfume
_ Shampoo and conditioner
_ Hair gel and hair spray (non-aerosol)
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
_ Feminine hygiene products
_ Other toiletries
_ Razor and shaving gel
_ Brush/comb
_ Curling iron if needed

Cameras And Other Electronic Equipment

_ Camera(s)
_ Camera bag(s)
_ Underwater camera(s)
_ Video camera
_ Batteries
_ Extra digital camera memory cards
_ 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
_ Walkie-talkies if desired for staying in touch

Reading Items

_ Books, magazines or tablet
_ Glasses (bring extras) or contact lenses
_ Contact lens cleaner
_ Sunglasses
_ 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)
_ Small umbrella or poncho
_ Snorkeling gear
_ Binoculars
_ Empty folding tote or duffle (to use for souvenirs or as beach bag)
_ Sewing kit
_ Travel pillow
_ Extra luggage tags
_ Duct tape
_ Power strip

Women's Cruise Clothing (generally 2 formal nights and more casual/informal evenings)

_ 4-6 t-shirts
_ 2-4 pairs of shorts
_ Bathing suits
_ Cover-up
_ Dresses for informal nights
_ 2 cocktail/formal dresses
_ Dresses for casual nights
_ Slacks
_ Blouses
_ Underwear (bras, panties, slip, camisole)
_ Pantyhose
_ Nightgowns
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Running shoes/walking shoes/water shoes
_ Dress shoes
_ Workout clothes
_ Light jacket or sweater
_ Rain jacket or poncho
_ Purses/bags
_ Belts
_ Jewelry
_ Watch
_ Hat

Men’s Cruise Clothing

_ T-shirts or polo shirts
_ Long-sleeved dress shirts
_ 2-4 pairs of shorts
_ Casual and dress slacks
_ Bathing suits
_ Workout clothes
_ Sport jacket
_ Dark suit or tuxedo
_ Tuxedo tie, suspenders, cummerbund, cufflinks/studs
_ Tuxedo shirt
_ Ties
_ Belts
_ Pajamas
_ Underwear
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Running shoes/walking shoes/water shoes
_ Dress shoes
_ Light jacket
_ Sweatshirt or sweater
_ Rain jacket or poncho
_ Hat
_ Watch