Serious post-What not to pack?

[1937olds]

For the 1st time cruisers-- suggestions of what not to pack (besides the prohibited items listed on Celebrity's page) All of you experienced cruisers

have already figured out what you have taken in the past and do not really need. How about some suggestions?

[Ocean Dancer]

set out all your clothes, take half. :D:D i'm serious..............

[BroncosFan2010]

I second that, half as many clothes and twice as much cash!!

[VikingRob]

set out all your clothes, take half. :D:D i'm serious..............

 

I totally agree!! Kim

[BonnieVA]

Before my first cruise I read all about over-the-door organizers, electrical tape, etc ... all sorts of crazy stuff. Glad I never brought any of that because I've never needed anything out of the ordinary (nothing that I wouldn't have packed for any other type vacation).

[pattyj 1204]

I would like to say that a thermal mug was something that my husband who drinks coffee really appreciated that I brought. Personally, I wouldn't bring high heels, I don't feel steady enough in them, a nice pair of dress shoes is way sufficient. But then I'm older and not a fashionista.

[cl.klink]

Read onebag.com on how to travel light. It has great suggestions. Pack as little as you can.

- Joel

[docandbabe]

No question about it: pack as lightly as you can. My belief is that you can use a good carry-on style of a suitcase and get in everything you need for up to a 10-day cruise to warm climates. But then again, I am a guy!!!

[Waswo]

Don't pack shampoo or conditioner. Not only are they a drag if you are flying, but you won't need them on the ship. I do pack a large pocketbook and then a much smaller one--I use the smaller one to go to dinner and lug the large one about during the day.

 

Remember any medications; also I think there will be (or should be) a laundromat on board so you might do a laundry and get away with bringing fewer items of clothing.

[13yranncruise]

I second that, half as many clothes and twice as much cash!!

 

We've only been on one cruise so obviously I am not any kind of expert...but I sure can attest to all of the above recommendations - especially the one quoted above!! Seriously, only take half the clothes and cut down on the number of pairs of shoes. Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched and coordinated easily.

 

My husband and I are not big drinkers, but our alcohol budget went through the roof. Turns out we like to drink a lot more than we thought we did :D

[bighairtexan]

Don't count on there being a laundromat on board. But they do have laundry service.

[Nonna and Papa]

Consider the items that are most necessary to you everyday. Then reconsider what you actually can't do without and that's what you pack. I wish I could follow my own advice. Don't worry about bringing the kitchen sink, because I'll have one!

 

Mary

[laurieb]

I disagree about the shampoo/conditioner IF you have dry hair or hair that frizzes.

I've learned to cut down on the shoes: 1 pair flip flops, one pair dressy sandals and 1 pair dress shoes. I only bring tennis shoes if it's cold when we're flying and I need something warm on my feet.

[lcmslady]

I agree with the put half the clothes away but I still end up with my big suitcase full.......

Seems I end up bringing more of other stuff - this time it's snorkeling gear and more chargers......

[cb at sea]

For 1 week, you can do without most anything.....pack as you would for ANY vacation to that climate....and remember, you can wear things more than once! No one will care or even notice!

[mapsmith]

Don't pack more than 2 T-Shirts!!! You will buy new ones as souvenirs in Port. So you don't really need one for each day.

[jdolphins68]

Honestly if you could pack less shoes, I packed way to many shoes. One common pair that will go with everything will do just fine. Thats what I am doing the next time, and less clothes, you end up wearing the most comfortable things, over and over. I packed way too much stuff.

[sandravb79]

Before my first cruise I read all about over-the-door organizers, electrical tape, etc ... all sorts of crazy stuff. Glad I never brought any of that because I've never needed anything out of the ordinary (nothing that I wouldn't have packed for any other type vacation).

 

MTE. Before our first cruise, I had read lists and lists of all sorts of crazy things to take. We didn't take any of it and didn't miss it at all.

 

What's a pocket book?

[MEcruzr]

Don't bring separate outfits... mix and match is the way to go. I pack based on one dark neutral, either black or navy. Everything else goes with that base color and I don't need two sets of shoes. Three tops and two bottoms makes six outfits. 'Nuff said.

 

Cut out the extra formal attire... a dressy pair of black pants/heels can turn into a week of evening clothes. Add a sparkly top for dress up, add a blouse or sweater set for the other nights. Same thing can be done with a black skirt or LBD. If you need to have something laundered, send it out.

 

On toiletries I bring way less than I used to. I only bring the sample size and if I have any leftover, I leave it. I don't bring regular size on anything... including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant, perfume. I bring the minimum on makeup, too, just powder, two shades shadow, one blush, one mascara, two lipsticks. Use the hairdryer provided. Use the bathrobe provided. If you know you won't go to the gym.. leave the workout wear at home. Sundresses can double as a bathing suit coverup.

 

If you're traveling with someone, don't bring doubles... only one of you needs to bring sunscreen, for example.

 

My final advice... "When in doubt, leave it out." If you're not SURE you need it, you don't need it!

[Dunmore2]

A pocketbook is a purse.

Use the X body shampoo for washing delicates in the sink.

[cookiejarvis]

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes. After all of the walking and sodium laced foods, swelling occurs. I was miserable until I found fancy black flipflop shoes in ship store.

[frankdp]

I make it a point to never bring my piano, but that's just me....

[kelmac]

Very proud of my wife Lauren! -- she only packed two pairs of dress shoes for a 15 night cruise, on the Queen Mary 2, no less. Five formal nights, six informal, and four casual.

Onboard laundry is your best friend!

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[lakeladyar]

A power strip is extremely valuable especially if you have 2 women in the same cabin. Curling irons ipods and cell phones eat up alot of outlets

[tamara01]

I would bring less casual clothes then you think you will need. There were many times when we got dressed for breakfast or lunch and then were in our bathing suits the rest of the days - sea days. You can wear them again since they are still clean, we would wear them the next port day.

 

I will say I am the opposite of some on here, I love wearing different outfits for formal nights and always bring the jewelry, shoes, small clutch purse to match. I bring sundresses for casual nights with sandles.

 

I probably pack way too much, ha... but figure it is my vacation so I want to enjoy and be happy, I don't worry about the extra charge for the suitcase, we normally always have 2 a piece plus a carry on for jewerly and medicine.

 

But I am also weird and bring a small fan - need the white noise to sleep :)