Well, since we've done this a few times before, I requested that, upon return to to our house post-cruise last time, we all open our suitcases and get pictures taken of what we didn't wear/use. Guess what? About half OR MORE of what we packed never even made it out of our bags! So here's what we learned:
For the Mex cruise, we absolutely used a sweatshirt each, and maybe a windbreaker on top, if we liked to get up early and hang out on deck 4 (me). Otherwise, it was shorts and t-shirts every day.
Two bathing suits max per person. One can dry while the other is used. Nobody is impressed with a different suit each day. Nobody notices. They, like me, only notice that the "Drink of the Day" changes each day.
One formal outfit. No, not the "maybe I'll want to go back to the stateroom and change between entree and dessert" deal. You get your picture by Steamboat Willie, you dine extravagantly, you drop kids at the program, you go to the adult shows, etc., all in one outfit that night. And you are elegant in your one outfit wherever you go during those duties!
Captain Thor won't mind if you talk to him in the same outfit you wore to Formal Night. He's wearing the same one, too.
Shoes. My wife has an entire 2nd house worth. The decks are all soft and warm. Try minimal shoes, and let your dogs go free! 3 or 4 pairs max.
OK, maybe I've been hard on special needs. A floppy hat does wonders to reduce sun rays while reading a book out on the veranda. And maybe you other guys can't part with that helmet that holds beer on either side of your temples (I'm bringing mine, but will promise to fill cups with tropical drinks). Anyway, each person should be allowed one personal wardrobe item that, no matter how controversial, shall absolutely be saluted while boarding!
Who's with me on these packing rules??
See you all in 10 days on the sail away party!
Buzz
