Growing up on Carnival was a great experience for me. I learned many things about cultures that I truly couldn't learn from a book. With many countries, I can talk about some of the things I have seen and I have experienced; I am thankful to my parents for that. With all of those cruises under my belt I learned about the most important thing about cruising: packing! Especially for first time cruisers. People think they need everything and their mother in order to go on a ship. Many people either don't bring half the stuff they need, or don't bring things they will need.

1.) Bring personal products!

Though now you may think that this is a automatic thing to bring, IT'S NOT! You will walk around the ship, be stuck behind someone in a line, a wind blows, and boom you know they need some deodorant. People forget deodorant, their tooth brush, their tooth paste, shower supplies, and feminine products. Yes, there is a store on board, but do you really want to spend money on things you had at home?

2.) You don't need towels.

I see people bringing bath towels and pool towels. You don't have to! Carnival has shower towels and also these nice pool towels to use. You can bring them off board but it is your job to bring it back or you will be charged!

3.) Bring a nice outfit for Elegant night!

For at least one night on the ship at dinner time you will have an elegant night. This is when you have the best opportunity to take great formal family photos! This was my family's photo from Christmas 2014!

4.) Don't pack a lot of things!

When arriving to the ports you will see people with two or three suitcases per person! That is when you KNOW you packed too much! Especially for a short four day, three night cruise you need a small suitcase or even a medium for two people. Also most people are likely to buy something if it is from the ports or on the ship so think about what you might buy. The more you buy, the more you have to pack in the end.

When it comes down to packing you really only need:

-shirts for each day

-couple pairs of shorts

- one pair of pants

-socks and undergarments (at least the amount of days + 2)

-one or two elegant outfits (dress, nice blouse, pants and button up)

-sneakers and one pair of nice shoes

-personal products and medications

-one jacket

-swim suit

Packing for a cruise ship maybe the most stressful or the easiest. Don't overthink yet don't forget. If you have any other helpful tips or questions, feel free to comment below!