Mississippi river cruises are an experience like no other. From the music to the food and from the shopping to the ports of call – there is something for everyone. But, before you decide to embark on one of these cruises, you must be sure to plan ahead and pack appropriately. Knowing what to bring, and what not to bring, will ensure your Mississippi River cruise is a success.
The first thing to consider is the weather. During a summer cruise, the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees during the day and stay fairly warm during the night. In the winter months, the temperature can dip down to 40 or even lower. Be sure to pack clothing that is appropriate for the season.
You’ll also want to bring enough clothing and toiletries for the duration of the cruise. Generally speaking, the ships require that passengers bring their own toiletries, though some ships offer them for an extra cost. Be sure to check with your cruise liner to make sure what amenities they offer.
One thing that you don’t want to forget is an umbrella. Along with the unpredictable storms, the intense summer heat and the high levels of humidity make it necessary that you always have protection from the sun and rain. Pack a good-sized umbrella, even if the weather looks sunny for the time being.
An often overlooked item to bring is lots of sunscreen. The sun is hotter than normal on a river cruise, due to its direct exposure to the sun’s rays, so be sure to pack a higher SPF and slather it on your skin each morning.
Finally, you will want to bring something to pass the time. Books, magazines, and a deck of cards are all common items that passengers bring. You can also download movies and other entertainment to your devices, which can help the hours fly by during long passages.
Binoculars
It’s always a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars for that extra bit of adventure. The Mississippi is full of wildlife and stunning views – binoculars will let you get up close and personal, without ever having to leave the boat.
For the avid nature lover, there are all sorts of creatures to spot along the way – from eagles to brightly colored birds, even alligators can be found basking in the sun on the river shore. A pair of binoculars will be your guide to the wildlife of the Mississippi.
Binoculars can also be used to spot interesting landmarks as you sail along. Whether its the great bridges, or the quaint little towns along the riverbanks, bring a pair of binoculars to truly make the most of your cruise experience.
Harbor Guides
If you plan on making stops along the way during your cruise, then you’ll want to bring along a harbor guide. Harbor guides contain information about destination ports and what attractions are available. While some of the larger ports have Internet access, you’ll be surprised at how much information you can get from a harbor guide.
You’ll find everything from restaurant recommendations to fun facts about each city. If you are interested in doing any sightseeing, shopping, or other kinds of activities, then you should always bring your harbor guide.
Harbor guides also include detailed maps that may be difficult to find around the ports. Be sure to bring one along if you are interested in getting lost in the city, or exploring its hidden gems.
Medications and First Aid
It is always a good idea to pack a first aid kit and medications, such as aspirin and anti-diarrheals, just in case your cruise suddenly becomes an extended adventure. It’s also a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescriptions in case you need to replace lost or damaged medications on the trip.
First aid kits are standard for all kinds of travel, but make sure you have all the necessary items for your Mississippi river cruise in case of any emergency. These might include motion sickness pills, antacids, antiseptic creams and lotions, bandages, and more.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
On your Mississippi River cruise, you will be spending a lot of time exploring the ports, so make sure you pack comfortable clothing. Jeans and T-shirts are a great option, as they accommodate most climates and terrains. Be sure to layer your clothing in the event that the weather turns cold.
Footwear is especially important on a cruise. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes that you can walk in for hours on end. Sneakers or sandals are both good choices, depending on the climate and the types of activities you plan on doing. Be sure to bring a second pair of shoes in case one gets wet or damaged.
Money and Important Documents
Finally, make sure that you bring enough money and important documents for your cruise. Your passport or driver’s license should be in a secure place. Make sure to bring extra cash in case the ship runs out of amenities or the ports have higher prices than expected. Credit cards are also a good idea for a backup.
There may also be additional fees for on shore activities that may not have been included in your fare. Make sure you bring enough cash for these activities and remember to stay within your budget.
Clothing for Special Occasions
If your cruise has any special occasions, such as formal dinners or parties, then you will want to bring along something to wear. Formalwear is a must for these occasions, but check with the cruise line first to make sure you know what to bring. Some cruises may also have dances, so bring some formal clothing in case.
Most cruise lines provide laundry service for your clothing, which is a nice bonus if you plan on packing light. Check with your cruise line to see if this is an option, so you don’t have to worry about packing too many clothing items.
Essential Electronics
If you’re an electronics enthusiast, then make sure you pack the essential items you’ll need. Chargers, batteries, and USB devices all come in handy, as well as headphones, laptop computers and cameras. Check with your cruise line to see what electronic equipment is allowed onboard, so you don’t bring items that may be confiscated.
If the cruise uses electronic boarding passes, make sure you bring all the required documents before boarding the ship. Many cruise lines also offer wi-fi, but it is limited and may not be suitable for streaming or intense gaming. Check with the cruise line for more information.
Other Items to Bring
Aside from the items listed above, be sure to bring other items for an enjoyable cruise experience. Toiletries such as sunscreen and bug spray can come in handy, and a swimsuit if you plan on swimming. Laundry detergent and a collapsible hamper are also great items to bring, if permitted.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a few snacks. Store-bought snacks such as trail mix, nuts, and protein bars can come in handy when you’re out exploring the ports. Cruise ships also offer delicious snacks, but these are often an added cost.
