The next time you’re preparing for a cruise, keep these tips in mind:

• A good rule of thumb is to pack one outfit for every 2 to 2 1/2 days of travel
• Pack lightly, especially for warm-weather cruises. Just remember to toss in a sweater , shawl, or light fleece  for cool evenings and hyper-air-conditioned ships.
• Don’t bother buying anything new. For day wear, simply wear what you usually do at home: slacks or shorts, T-shirts or sweatshirts, and comfortable shoes such as flip-flops or sandals.
• Bring a pair of rubber-soled walking shoes for slippery decks and shore excursions.
• For colder climes, include a warm-up suit. Consider lightweight thermal underwear in place of bulky outer garments.
• The clothing you bring should be wrinkle resistant.
• In the event your clothes require extra TLC, some ships have complimentary self-service laundries for passengers wishing to wash and iron on your own. If you’re sailing on one that does, pack fewer items. Self-service laundries are a handy feature, especially when you consider that travel irons are verboten on most ships (they’re electrical fire hazards) and shipboard laundry services can be expensive.
• Remember, even when formal wear is requested, it is not required. If dressing up to the nines isn’t your thing, don’t feel obligated.
• The key to packing smart is bringing mix-and-match clothing.
• Pack sleepwear, underclothes, and some inexpensive foul-weather gear (a rain slicker or collapsible umbrella). Toss in a tote bag for carrying odds and ends.

m/s Paul Gauguin at anchor in French Polynesia

WHAT IS SMALL SHIP CRUISING?
Small Ship cruising has emerged as the most popular trend in travel today. It’s a way to enjoy travel “up close,” with the ability to visit smaller, less “touristy” ports of call and to sail into bays and channels closed to giant ocean liners. Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s Small Ship cruises are rapidly growing in popularity.

HOW IS A SMALL SHIP DEFINED?
A small ship is a vessel with a capacity of 400 passengers or less. This category is broad, including small ocean liners (such as Vantage’s award-winning M/S Paul Gauguin, “the best small ship in the world”), river ships, yachts, clipper ships under sail, expedition vessels, and even paddle wheelers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SMALL SHIP CRUISING?
Small ships can navigate harbors and ports where larger ships simply cannot go. Further, small ships can often dock right in the center of things, rather than anchor at an industrial pier far from city centers and attractions.

When embarking a small ship cruise, you unpack at arrival and settle into your cabin. You can relax and forget about the tiresome details of travel, such as putting your baggage out in the morning, or worrisome transfer schedules and long bus rides to the next destination. You are free to enjoy your cruise in a relaxing, take-it-easy style while travelling from port to port.
A congenial atmosphere surrounds you from the moment you step on board. Aboard

a small vessel, you’ll get to know your shipmates, and crew, quickly and easily. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, making it conducive to good times and forming lasting friendships. Plus, the smaller size of the whole ship’s operation means that you’ll get more personalized, attentive service.