Duffle bags as luggage-good idea?? or bring regular suitcase

[parkmanbrook]

Has anyone traveled on DCL with duffle bags before? Not sure if it is the best idea due to the fact that we have to leave luggage unattended outside our door the night before de-embarkation? Or, should we bring regular suitcases? We leave in one week.

Thank you!!!

 

[momtoejanda]

We have used duffle bags....not a problem!

 

[goofysgirl]

We only pack in duffles and soft side since they are prone to expand soooo much more. Been on 15 cruises and have never had a problem with any of our duffles.

 

[Tanzanite]

Ilike Roller duffle bags Costco has nice ones cheap.

 

[trimix]

If you are concerned about leaving luggage unattended, get some locks for your luggage. There is a wide selection of "TSA approved" locks on the market - locks which the TSA can open with their master keys if they decide to look inside. If you are using a military duffel bag, something like the Master 4688D cable lock will easily secure your duffel bag.

These locks aren't very good security - it's anybody's guess how many master key sets have been 'misplaced' and they are not difficult to break. But they are considerably better than nothing.

 

[drparoo]

We use the L.L. Bean Rolling duffles. Hold a ton but go absolutely flat for under the bed storage.

 

[Anal Annie]

Personally I am HUGE a duffle bag convert!! They pack more & weigh less that traditional luggage & take up less room (floor space). LOVE THEM!! I also use packing cubes & packing folders now too which helps keep stuff more organized both in the bags and in the drawers. It is really hard to find a duffle with the tie down straps inside to hold your things in place. The cubes & folders help with that problem too. For a cruise tho we would either bring 1 regular "suiter" style suitcase for our dresses & suits OR a garment bag. Otherwise we strictly use duffles.

 

[parkmanbrook]

Based on your comments we have decided to take our duffle bags...Thank you so much!!!

 

[woody73]

Occasionally we use a duffel, but never for breakable or damageable items.

Plus, we first pack the contents in plastic bags. There have been reports by people saying their clothes was ruined by suitcases leaking soda, water or wine.

The forklift drivers move thousands of bags, and are not known for being gentle with luggage.

Woody

 

[davidjha]

Choosing luggage cases basically depends upon traveling duration and the luggage capacity which you are carrying along with you. For long duration trip I’d recommend mid size duffel along with the backpack. This combination is basically fit for all kind of trips and makes your journey hassle free. Go for Samsonite light weight duffel bags which has sturdily built wheels and especially designed for frequent travelers.

Thanks

 

[Robin"D"]

Being retired military (Army 25+ yrs) is has become a habit for me to travel in miltary type bags, being in aviation, they have what is known as a "kit" bag.
it is made from canvus, and can holds lot of clothesd/shoes/ect...
the best part is the weight of thses bags (if you travel by air)...
they weigh less then two pounds, compare to 12 lbs, with any type of luggage. save weight allowance, and room in your cabin...

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[itutorfortravel]

We have loved using our duffles on our cruises. On our last cruise I also packed a plastic storage box in one duffle to protect things like pump soap, lotion, stiff like that that we take. Then the plastic box serves to protect fragile souvenirs on the way home!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

My DH prefers duffels, and in looking for a new set of luggage for us duffels would be less expensive, but I'm having a hard time making the switch. Depending on where we're going, sometimes we have to live out of our suitcases (like to visit family) and being able to just flip the lid open and see most everything is really convenient. Meanwhile, DH has to rifle through his duffel to find anything. I'm worried that because of this, I won't like going solely with duffels.

 

[Anal Annie]

My DH prefers duffels, and in looking for a new set of luggage for us duffels would be less expensive, but I'm having a hard time making the switch. Depending on where we're going, sometimes we have to out of our suitcases when we go places (like to visit family) and being able to just flip the lid open and see most everything is really convenient. Meanwhile, DH has to rifle through his duffel to find anything. I'm worried that because of this, I won't like going solely with duffels.

This is why I SWEAR by packing folders and packing cubes!! You can organize your stuff and still see in the cubes...there really isn't any riffling if you organize the stuff right!! Tops in one, bottoms in one, different colors for different people. You know your stuff from his stuff. I just use the ebags. brand but Eagle Creek puts out some really good videos on how to use them!! I'm tellin' ya...they are LIFESAVERS!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5248194_pack-light-avoid-airline-fees.html

 

[Dallas_Lady]

This is why I SWEAR by packing folders and packing cubes!! You can organize your stuff and still see in the cubes...there really isn't any riffling if you organize the stuff right!! Tops in one, bottoms in one, different colors for different people. You know your stuff from his stuff. I just use the ebags. brand but Eagle Creek puts out some really good videos on how to use them!! I'm tellin' ya...they are LIFESAVERS!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5248194_pack-light-avoid-airline-fees.html

Thanks for the link. This definitely gives me something to think about. Duffels seem a bit less espensive as well.