Does staring at an empty suitcase make your head spin? Every year, before their much-anticipated vacations, travelers compile a long list of essentials to pack, but in the end, there's always either too much or not enough. Costa Cruises comes to the rescue, providing bewildered travelers with a must-have list of items they'll need in their cabin to fully enjoy an unforgettable cruise vacation.
Everyone can personalize their cruise to suit their tastes: from relaxation and fun to cultural excursions and delicious dinners, Costa Cruises caters to the needs of all its passengers. And based on the most common cruise scenarios, Costa has compiled a list of what the perfect cruise traveler needs to pack:
- Pool or sea – If you decide to take a "Fun Immersion" cruise aboard the Costa Fascinosa during your summer vacation, there are a few must-have items to enjoy yourself in one of the ship's four pools or relax in one of the five jacuzzis. These offer complete relaxation after excursions in Ibiza, along Platja d'en Bossa, in the historic center of Palma de Mallorca, or on the beaches of Formentera. The latest fashionable sunglasses with large, round frames and a sarong for her, and a bright Hawaiian shirt for him. For children, SPF 50+ sunscreen and a cute cap with a wide visor to protect them from the summer sun, especially when they're playing outdoors on the exciting water slide. But remember: what's good for the pool isn't necessarily good for the rest of the ship! In fact, remember that to enter the restaurant, you will have to change your clothes: other must-haves include a cotton shirt, a caftan, and the right shoes, such as espadrilles in various textures and colors.
- Aperitivo – There's nothing better than an authentic Italian Spritz, along with tasty snacks to refresh and recharge after a full day at sea or by the pool. On board the Costa Diadema and Costa Fascinosa, passengers can enjoy a genuine Italian aperitivo at the Aperol Spritz Bar, with a wide variety of treats to savor with friends. For one of the most fashionable moments of the day, Costa suggests a fun and trendy outfit: mid-height heeled sandals for her, to wear with a long turquoise skirt to match the bright colors of the sea, and a light polo shirt in summery colors for him.
- Special Occasions – On board Costa ships, summer is celebrated to the rhythm of music during special, fun-filled, and themed evenings: this means your suitcase should contain everything you might need for events like these. During the special Notte Bianca (White Night), passengers are invited to dress entirely in whitewhile enjoying cocktails like the White Russian or Piña Colada. Those with a passion for color can let their imaginations run wild during the Masquerade Ball. For this occasion, Costa ships celebrate the true spirit of Carnival: an elegant and mysterious traditional mask , and if desired, it can also be purchased on board. A fun accessory that's also perfect for these unusual evening events is the turban: a true trend in the summer of 2015, white or colorful, it will keep your hair in place and frame your face in the style you prefer.
- Shore Excursions – A cruise should include one or more excursions in one of the ports of call. But remember: there's a specific excursion for each cruise and specific clothing to pack for each one. Split and Corfu are a couple of destinations that will reveal all their secrets to travelers who decide to embark on the Costa Mediterranea for its 2015 summer cruises. For these excursions, you should be prepared with sneakers or slip-on shoes and light clothingto combat the heat and comfortably enjoy the city visits: denim shorts for her and Bermuda and a T-shirt for him. On the other hand, for those heading to Northern Europe and capital cities like Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg aboard the Costa Luminosa, Costa Cruises reminds them that it's important to pack warmer clothing, such as a sweatshirt: in fact, in these areas, temperatures tend to be lower even during the summer. What's important is not to forget a scarf, always useful for protecting yourself from sudden temperature changes. Comfortable and lightweight clothing is a must for children, who will be busy enjoying the activities organized at the Squok Club.
- Gala Night – A glamorous occasion to wear an elegant dress, perhaps red for her, and a classic suit for him, to follow the summer trends. Sequins, trains, and silk: nothing needs to be sacrificed to be ready to experience the gala dinner, after a gourmet meal, for example, aboard the Costa Diadema during its 2015 cruises. While passengers on board can savor the finest regional Italian specialties, the chefs at the Club Restaurant will create a unique tasting experience in a location overlooking the sea, the perfect setting for a red carpet look. Our most discerning travelers can look their best thanks to the special facial and body treatments available at the Samsara Spa, completing the experience with a hair appointment at the Venus Beauty Salon, a must for true queens of the party.
Even the most forgetful travelers needn't worry: if you forget something, you can always buy what you need in the Costa ships' shops, which offer a wide variety of items to suit every need. No matter which vacation you choose, the most important thing to bring on board is the desire to fully experience every moment of your trip. And to avoid missing a single exciting moment, remember to bring a smartphone or camera to capture and share all your memories with just a click. To create a true vacation album, there are always photographers on board ready and eager to immortalize all your special cruise moments.
