how to take less...

[Little Twin Stars]

One of the tips many ex-cruisers gave is to take less luggage.

Since I have never gone before, I would like to know how to cut down the luggage? What you took before you will not take again?

 

[markey]

In my case leave your husband at home! Just kiding, but he is the person who has to take everything, after vacationing in Florida for the last 10 summers,and 4 cruises in August, he still feels he must take 3 pairs of long jeans with. Of course he never wears them. When I start to eliminate things of mine he has fits and says I will be sorry if I need them. Last year I went to WDW with my daughter for a week and only had 2 carry on bags, go figure! Well at least he is the one who does the loading and unloading, if anyone has an answer to this I want to know. My advice to you is to only take 1 outfit per day, wear the tee shirts you will buy if needed. And of course your dinner clothes, and bathing suit. Limit the shoes, they really take up the room.

 

[PeachyK]

It helps to be a little creative with your wardrobe. I brought one black silk skirt that had a bit of embroidery on it, and one black tank style top for semi-formal and a nice pink shell for Palo night. The formal is up to you I brought a nice cocktail dress. As far as casual clothes I did the bathing suit and sarong with a denim short sleeve shirt and could have lived in this all week, actually I pretty much did With all the eating you are always going to reach for what is comfortable so I just brought two short sets and that was fine. As for other dinners one nice pair of capris, a simple skirt and two more tops. Believe it or not that will get you through a week!

Wish I was packing right now! Oh Well March 2005 will be her before I know it, right???? (She says hopefully)

 

[natdencro]

We find it best to take the MINIMUM amount of clothes, and then treat yourself to items from the Islands. Nice to have new, cheap clothes - which are also a brilliant reminder of a great vacation!at Nat

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Definitely get clothes that mix and match. And remember, there are laundry facilities on board, so you can take a couple pair of shorts, wash them and wear them again. It's funny, when you pack for your cruise you want to take all these snazzy clothes, but then when you are there, you realize you just want basic, comfy clothes. Especially don't bring too many shoes. Bring tennis shoes, a pair of sandals and a pair of dress shoes--that's it!! I've gone on two cruises and overpacked on both, next time I won't though, promise!

 

[hsteacher]

We've only done the 4 day so there's not a "formal" night and that helps in conserving when packing. Here's some things I've found useful after taking 3 cruises:

For myself and my 19 yo DD: Pack black pants that go with other shirts/jackets. Only one pair of dress shoes here too -- that helps.

Khaki -- goes with so much -- khaki shorts or capri's can be very versatile.

The hair stuff -- we share on the cruise -- she uses different stuff than I do normally but for vacation and room in the suitcase, we share. This includes blow dryer, curling iron, etc. Yes, there is a blow dryer in the room but my DD hair is soooo long and thick that she'd spend the entire cruise drying her hair with the one in the room.

For my DS (12 yo) I pack one pair of navy blue pants (don't who dirt as much) along with three polo/dress shirts for dinner though he doesn't eat dinner with us often (kids clubs usually). The rest of the time he's in swim suit and t-shirt with flip flops. I no longer pack him anything else. Swim trunks are patterned and with a t-shirt he's fine shopping in Nassau and going to the clubs. I pack 4 suits though and several t-shirts.


I overpacked my first cruise and wore only about 1/3 of what I brought -- packed much better for cruise 2 and 3. We'll see how 4 goes in March. Good luck!

 

[CACruiser]

Cutting down on clothes is one way...but I also use those "space bag" travel bags.

You slip in the clothes and squeeze out the air. It compacts VERY nicely. I have been able to take my favorite pillow this way too!


LisaCA

 

[Nesnboy]

Take less dressy shorts. One maybe two pair is fine. Typically during thee day you are in a bathing suit and at night your in pants or dressier outfits.

 

[webray]

I have my favorite pants/shorts and that is all I will take next time. We didn't wear anything else we took..lol.

I had a little terry cloth outfit that I wore to the spa everyday over my swimsuit. Flip Flops were the shoe of the day. One pair of black shoes to wear with dinner pants/dress, etc.

Anything else I could possibly need I will buy in the islands. And I will send my pants/shorts to the laundry for dry cleaning.

 

[MrsPete]

Bring along one outfit per day -- no more. Consider bringing two different shirts to match the same shorts (khaki shorts with a white top one day, same khaki shorts with a pink top the next day).

Ladies can plan to wear the the same dress to dinner one night and Palo another night -- you won't be seen by the same people. Today's formals tend to be slinky rather than puffy, so they shouldn't take up too much space. Consider "extras" that go with several outfits; for example, my black shawl matches several dresses.

Men can bring one dark suit and several shirts/ties.

Plan outfits that'll match the same shoes -- they take up way more space than clothes. Black sandals are the ultimate choice for ladies; they go to the pool by day, dinner by night. Stuff your undies and socks into the shoes to save space in the bags.

Bring along your oldest, rattiest nightgowns and undies. Then throw them away when you leave. For a family of four, this tip should save enough space for souveniers!

Be careful about the "buy more while you're on vacation" plan. You'll still need to bring them home; consider an empty duffle bag in your luggage.

Don't skip a lightweight jacket for evenings.

Bring along laundry materials even if you don't plan to do wash. If a child throws up, you might be glad to be able to wash a load of clothes!

For drivers only: Pack your "night before hotel" bag separately. There's no need to bring that stuff onboard the ship. Leave this bag -- and your heavy winter coats -- in your car.

Do not bother bringing big beach towels, excessive toys for the kids, and other things that "might come in handy". They are rarely used. Also, don't bother to bring snacks (unless they're for shore excursions); there's plenty of food onboard.

Do not skimp on basics that'll cost you dearly later: suntan lotion, film, batteries, over-the-counter meds.

 

[jgalecpa]

How about if I left the kids at home.

They accounted for 4 bags and much money.

I could travel lighter and cheaper without them.

You think they'd mind?



Jim

 

[Little Twin Stars]

Originally posted by jgalecpa
How about if I left the kids at home. They accounted for 4 bags and much money. I could travel lighter and cheaper without them. You think they'd mind? Jim

Perhaps they won't, but I surely will.

I can't wait to see how happy they are and how wide their ears and mouth will open when seeing the Wonder... getting into the Oceaneer Lab, enjoying the shows, hugging the characters, digging the shark bones, eating the dessert...

That's what happiness is to me.