If you are unsure about what to pack for a China cruise, you’re not alone. Each year millions of travelers cruise to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and more without a clue as to what to pack. Fortunately, choosing the right gear for your cruise is easy and the first step is to make a list of the ports of call on your cruise. For example, if you are traveling to the Philippines, you can expect cool temperatures in the North, hot and humid conditions in the central Philippines islands, and warm, wet conditions in the south. Although each region has a different climate, natives suggest carrying a jumper at all times. Even in hot and humid areas, air conditioned buildings are so cold, you might even need a hat and gloves to stay warm once inside.
It’s best to check the weather report for your exact destination (ports) before packing. You can check weather channels such as The Weather Channel (www.weather.com), Wundergorund (www.wunderground.com), Weather China (weather.china.org.cn) or Travel China Guide www.travelchinaguide.com). There are however, a few stapls that every China cruise should carry. You should always carry a umbrella and waterproof jacket. You should carry clothing that is easy to dry. Natural fiber clothing is must tougher to hang dry in many areas of China. Next, always bring a comfortable pair of shoes as you will do plenty of walking at port.
It is perfectly ok to bring several pieces of formal wear, but more than this is unnecessary. In most areas the natives are very casual and comfortable clothing makes it easier to hop in and out of the varied (cramped) forms of transportation in China. Next, always pack sunglasses, sunblock, and a sunhat, especially if you are traveling between June and August when the temperatures are typically above 72 degrees in most areas. You should also carry a small first-aid kit, any allergy medications, and camera!
If you have room, pack your favorite toiletries as they might be difficult to find in remote areas. This means, pack a toothbrush, towels, moisturizers, any special items you may need such as contact lens solution, dental wax, or perfumes and sprays. A major “don’t” in China is, do not wear military style clothing. This type of attire can lead to multiple misunderstandings.
Other things to remember include passport, other identification, credit cards (or traveler’s checks if you are leery), guide books and maps, and your itinerary.
For information about China cruises, please read our article: All About Asia Cruises at www.allaboutcruisesandmore.com/asia-cruise.