Top 4 tips to pack smart this holiday season

The boundless ocean, the clear, blue skies and the feeling of being far away from civilisation.

Congratulations! You are finally where you dreamt you'd be one day: aboard a supercool, luxe cruise liner, when you realise that you are ill-equipped and have forgotten certain must-carrys. Don't spend a bomb buying these on the ship. Some smart packing is what you need to ensure that your dream holiday is perfect.

The essentials: Keep your passport, cruise line ticket, air plane ticket (if you need one), insurance documents, medical prescriptions and any other documents in one place, in a handy folder. Take photocopies, leave a set with a relative or friend and carry another in your luggage, in case you misplace the originals. For your toiletries, carry handy-sized travel items.

Casual-ty: You are on vacation and you should dress like you are on one. Carry casual clothes that you can easily mix and match, depending on the climate and the ports you would be visiting.

Formal talk:  Formal nights on evenings which the ships suggest you dress up for dinner, with men wearing dark suits or tuxedos and women wearing cocktail dresses or evening gowns (elegant saris will do too). A week-long cruise usually has one or two formal nights, which is when special food is served and grand events take place.

We suggest you don't miss these special events.

On the shore: A pair of sensible shoes and a backpack can go a long way in helping you discover the islands and ports en route. Carrying local currency ensures that you aren't spending a bomb converting money there or are missing out on buying souvenirs.