What did you pack... but NOT need?

[FigmentSpark]

Some people have a problem with treadmills, etc. when the ship is moving because you are looking out the window and the sea is moving perpendicular to your movement on the machine. It's visually disconcerting which can end up being difficult on the equilibrium and make people sick. It's easier for a lot of people if the gym windows face forward, but on the Dream Class (I'm not sure if it's the same for the Magic/Wonder as I've never been in their gyms) the gym is slightly aft of forward, on the starboard side, so you do not face forward.

Oh! I wouldn't have thought about that. I was thinking about people having issues with free weights, but I guess they wouldn't allow people to use them if there was an issue. Your explanation makes sense.

 

[Dug720]

I love this thread. Keep em coming!

My first ever cruise is in May, and without kids! (Mom and I are going... It'll be magical.)

Do you think a 7 night cruise to Alaska (with 3 nights in Vancouver prior) is do-able in a carry on, or is that too ambitious?

I know there are people who say it's impossible, but I've been on 2 "Great Alaskan Running Cruises" (one on HAL and one on RCCL)with a couple of nights before and/or after in Seattle and have done those in carry-on only.

And to note, there were 4 "races" that I needed my running clothes, shoes, handheld water bottle, and visor for. Plus a swimsuit for the spa room a la the Rainforest on Disney. Plus regular clothes for the days we were not "racing" AND for after the "races. As well as clothes for dinner - especially on HAL where they were stricter about the dress code.

It's all about rolling and condensing (I used 2-gallon ziplock bags) the clothes, limiting the shoes to the minimum (in my case I had running shoes, "retired" running shoes for walking around, flip flops, and sandals for evening, and finding hair-care such as bar shampoo and conditioner, etc.

Definitely doable!

 

[RedSox68]

Shoes are always a tough one to gauge. I usually bring 4 - runners (wear on plane/walking track), sandals (ports of call), "dress" shoes (for dinner/formal night) and flip flops (just about everything else).

I brought aqua shoes once, and that was specifically because I was doing Dunn's River Falls. I didn't find a use for them otherwise.

We use our aqua shoes at CC -- the adult side has a lot of shells and rocks in the water.

 

[st0nehedge]

I know there are people who say it's impossible, but I've been on 2 "Great Alaskan Running Cruises" (one on HAL and one on RCCL)with a couple of nights before and/or after in Seattle and have done those in carry-on only.

And to note, there were 4 "races" that I needed my running clothes, shoes, handheld water bottle, and visor for. Plus a swimsuit for the spa room a la the Rainforest on Disney. Plus regular clothes for the days we were not "racing" AND for after the "races. As well as clothes for dinner - especially on HAL where they were stricter about the dress code.

It's all about rolling and condensing (I used 2-gallon ziplock bags) the clothes, limiting the shoes to the minimum (in my case I had running shoes, "retired" running shoes for walking around, flip flops, and sandals for evening, and finding hair-care such as bar shampoo and conditioner, etc.

Definitely doable!

Thank you for your reply! I'm tempted to swing the trip with only a carry on. I'll see if it's possible!! I do have a larger suitcase if needed

 

[Dug720]

Thank you for your reply! I'm tempted to swing the trip with only a carry on. I'll see if it's possible!! I do have a larger suitcase if needed

You're welcome! I know it's not doable for everyone, but it is possible!

 

[aksearaven]

Just curious, as I was planning on checking out the gym. What were the issues with using it while at sea? Was it not stable enough to be safe?

On the magic the treadmills and ellipticals are in two rows if you are in the first row (right in front of the windows) you have to be under 5'8 or 5'9 or you will bump your head. plus looking out the window while you are moving and working out caused me to feel very seasick. In the back row on the equipment i just felt the boat motion more then i saw it. unless you are a diehard workout person i would suggest just doing the run around deck 4, 3 times around the ship is a mile on the wonder and magic. Also you are actually more active all day long going from event to event you don't realize how many more steps you put in unless you are tracking it. Just my opinion but the next cruise I will just stick to walking or jogging.