Clothes Planning for Cruise

[JudyKa]

Well, we finally got our docs today. Now if I could just get wound up about what to bring...other than formal wear that is. I know what I need at those times. I start thinking about it and get totally confuzzled about what I will really need and need to buy.... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img] Guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed...lol! Isn't that silly! I'm not a swimsuit person.....so won't have to worry too much about swim wear.....just crop pants, or the like for up-to-the-knees wading. Yada yada yada! Guess I need to just lay out what I have and when I will wear it....and if I really need it, huh?

=o) Judy (o=

[hstrybuf]

Not silly at all. Many of us experience pre-cruise depression, men included. Since I have to pack for both my DH and myself, I often feel overwhelmed. BUT once you realize how close you are to your cruise, then something kicks in and the packing gets done one way or another. Good luck and have fun!

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[sangoofy]

what worked for me in planning clothes to bring was to put a simple spreadhsheet together laying out for each day what activities were already planned (excursions, etc), by examining activity was able to figure out what type of clothes needed for each day and then re-used shorts, pants a 2nd time with another shirt/top to reduce packing. For non-formal nights, have planned a mix of sundresses and dress capris with dressier tops.

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[Jane110]

I do something similar that Sangoofy, though I don't make a spread sheet. I do make lists.

First I list the days and what kind of clothes I'll need, then add evenings.

Then I make a list of the clothes and what goes with what. If something only goes with one other thing, then it usually gets tossed - unless it's a special occasion outfit.

I also try to pack in color "stories" such as earthtones or pinks/blues and keep almost everything in that color family. This cuts down on the amount of extra's - like handbags, belts, shoes & accessories that I bring. I also keep DH in either an earthtone mode or a blue/grey mode. Again, this cuts down on the amount of shoes, belts, jackets he has to bring.

[JanetMarie]

As the girls know on these boards, [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] part of vacation, to me, is the planning process [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]. I love, love, love, to plan for vacation.

The week before our last cruise I had completed everything, though, and I hit a slump. I was so in the dumps because all that I had "planned" [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] was finally coming to fruition. Enjoy the planning process! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

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[Scarlett Fever]

I'm just like sangoofy and Jane. I'm an organizing freak ! I make lists, try on complete outfits and pack using a checklist. I envy people who can just toss stuff in their suitcase and off they go.

[NancyA]

I'm a disorganized organized freak. There is order in my disorder!! I love the planning process. My husband just says,"just let me know when I have to show up." I love to plan everything from itinerary, flights, tours, to outfits. It really is fun!

I learn more about packing efficiently yet fashionably with each cruise. Am I really going to wear 5 different pairs of shorts on vacation? No. Do I really need 8 pairs of shoes? No (YES! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img])
My goal for our next cruise is to get everthing into one 21" roll-on suitcase, still having multiple choices of outfits. My husband just laughed when I told him. He said that I might get my shoes and toiletries in the suitcase, but where would I put my clothes?
The challenge is on...lucky for me dresses, shorts, and tops really don't take up too much room. (Especially if I roll them) The shoes are another problem all together! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

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June 6-Golden

[furkidsmom]

I am so unsure of the weather we will be having. I've been tracking the weather and most ports have been showing a low in the 50's and a high in the high 60's - 70's. NOW the weather is showing 30's - 60's [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

I am sooo confused. I don't know what to take...I know it should be layers and layers...but jackets? shoes? ugh

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[Mariposa]

I think the most practical packing advice I have ever read was this: When you think you have your complete wardrobe ready to pack, try on each and every outfit, complete with undergarments, shoes and all accessories. This way you test out if you STILL really fit in them all, and if you need to change, add, or delete anything. As you remove each outfit, place it in the packing pile and check off each item. Only after this 'dry run' are you sure you have everything together and you will have no surprises on the cruise (such as 'oops I forgot my sausage thingie' or 'oh no, my slip is half inch too long for the cocktail dress'or I forgot to buy those red earrings)

I also found that by hanging up my clear plastic 'shoe bag with pockets' on the back of my bedroom door a week before the cruise I can tuck all the misc items in one place first. (cruise docs, first aid, cameras, batteries, stamps, etc) This way I know for a fact that I have actually gathered all the items I want in one spot and am able to see them, and not just have them purchased and sitting in a drawer somewhere waiting to be packed. It was also easy to use something (like my favorite pair of earrings), then put it right back again. Can't tell you how many times I tossed smaller items into the suitcase then forgot later if I actually put it in or not or just had them in the house READY TO PACK and had to go rummaging around to see for sure. Only after every single item was accounted for did I actually place things in the luggage and carryon tote.

The hardest part is NOT using anything again once you actually do pack it. I think many of us end up looking pretty ratty those last couple of days before our cruise cuz we already packed all the 'good stuff'. LOL LOL

Mariposa

[Mariposa]

Furkidsmom, from reading the Alaska board I learned that if you plan on layering shirts, light weight sweaters or sweat shirts, etc then the outer jacket should be very light weight and waterproof. Maybe that microfiber stuff that zips. If it is really gonna be cold, pack some silk long johns as well. Plus mittens, ear muffs, hat and a scarf. This way you will be ready for anything if you are going near any glaciers.

About those shoes, geez, that's a tough one. Will you be hiking? I've read most don't actually pack hiking boots, just good walking shoes and warm, lightweight socks.

Mariposa

[furkidsmom]

Great idea! I think the shoe bag idea is wonderful. I've been thinking about gathering jewelry and accessories in one place where the cats won't carry them off!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

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[furkidsmom]

I remember freezing when we were on our Alaska cruise! Of course, we live in Florida and 70 degrees is freezing to us!!

The shoes are still a problem. No hiking, but we are doing some of the city walking tours. I wouldn't want hurting feet for that.

I really thought I had things figured out until the temperatures took such a dip. I'll keep watching till we go and hope they change.

Constellation Baltic Cruise
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[gayla59]

I think planning is my favorite part of a cruise. I use a spreadsheet to coordiante my thoughts, then use it as a check list when I begin packing. Mariposa's idea about the shoe thing really helps with those small items. I got most of my best cruise tips from this board. After reading the Who's still here I noticed I have been checking in a little more often. It is fun to share the enthusiasm.

Gayla

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