Anyone have packing down to a manageable science?

[ISLABONITA]

the over the door hanger, the electrical extension cord, laptop, snorkeling masks, beach shoes, beach bag, extra beach towels, night lights, beer, wine, champagne, hard liquor, etc... that I have seen posted?

[mr green]

With new air line restrictions, weigh, AND measure all bags. Most airlines have weight limits on larger bags, and a few for 'carry on'. Also check to see if your air line has a limit on linear size! john

[Happy ks]

the over the door hanger, the electrical extension cord, laptop, snorkeling masks, beach shoes, beach bag, extra beach towels, night lights, beer, wine, champagne, hard liquor, etc... that I have seen posted?

 

I'm guilty of the shoe holders, but not much of the other stuff! Well, OK, we do take a bottle of wine and a bottle of Jack for the DH. We can then use the bubble wrap from the bottles to wrap any souvenirs (although I hardly ever buy any). I actually find the cabins so well organized with the shoe holders, it's well worth the space used in the suitcase!

 

We take advantage of the onboard laundry/dry cleaning and wear a few items twice. We will wear the same outfits for embarkation/disembarkation, as well as the same clothes first and last nights, no one will ever remember, unless you wear really odd or eye catching clothing. The same pants can be worn 3 times with different tops. I've learned the hard way to leave the cute shoes at home and wear the comfortable ones. You cannot have a good time if your feet hurt. We also don't plan clothing for at sea days, unless it's cool (Alaska for instance) we figure we'll be in bathing suits most of the day there.

 

Making a chart is a very good way to determine just how to mix and match your clothes. Another comment I read here, and have lived these moments is, if you have fewer choices, you really don't worry so much about it. People really do stress out way too much about clothes. While I like to look nice, I've learned that what you see on a cruise ship is average people, no one is a fashion model. That said, I have seen plenty who may have given it more thought than throwing in the yard work/housework/car washing clothes for vacation!

 

As far as the electronic devices go, we have learned to leave most of them at home. We only take a digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards, one cell phone, fully charged and turned off, only used for emergencies. We leave the camcorder at home, DH doesn't like spending his vacation behind a camera and we have learned that we pretty much only watch the video once, while we are unpacking. Forget about taking your own music, we have learned to live without it for the week. We have elimintated post it notes, stamps with address labels (postcards never get sent:o ) extra pens or highlighter, water wallets, thermal cups (have never taken one, but you see them on most lists!) and many of the items you see on lists.

 

I keep our toiletry bag packed all the time, I refill bottles when we get home. I've found that this bag takes the longest to organize, if you list what's in there, the list is long! We take a small first aid kit, with remedies for typical ailments, just a few tabs of each plus bandaids. We just deal with the same shampoo and conditioner (dh and I use different choices at home). We don't take anything extra and have eliminated many items we've found just don't get used, or we can improvise. My makeup is condensed to one choice for each daytime and nighttime, which is hard for me, I'm a makeup hound. I have some little cloth drawstring bags (thanks, Chicos!) for costume jewelry so I pin jewelry for outfits right to the inside label of the clothing.

 

We've learned that the cruise ships are very sophisticated and will provide for almost every need you have, with the exception of your clothes. Even then, there are onboard shops as well as purchase opportunities in port. So, the bare minimum to get by will really do, extra stuff is just more to haul and I hate being a pack mule.

 

Finally, we never pack an empty bag in a bag, although we have a market bag that folds down to a keychain and is clipped on the outside of my carry on. If you want to have a beach bag, or small cooler with you, pack it as your carry on.

[beachnative]

Instead of throwing away clothes at home we retire them to a box before they look too used. We include as many of these items in our packing as appropriate and as we use them on the cruise they go into the waste basket. Here is an example: gym shoes need replacing at least twice a year...they look great on the outside but have lost most of their bounce. They go on the cruise to be used either in the gym or on shore...and they never return home (excellent for using when climbing Dunns River Falls or walking in the rain). This is true for t-shirts that won't be seen by the public or gym t-shirts that are just beginning to loose their brightness. Take them on a cruise and and toss them after wearing them...replace them with souvenier t-shirts and you have additional t-shirts to wear to the gym at home and to toss on the next cruise. A decent pair of khaki pants or shorts that would be replaced next season are taken and never return from the cruise. Socks are another good one...especially gym socks...retire them just before they loose their fresh look. We are taking sweat shirts and sweat pants (for layering under clothes) to Alaska this summer...won't see them return either as they are close to retirement. Almost all reading material is tossed as well as beach towels (if on a land trip). We've even carried our own canvas fold up chairs on a Star Clipper cruise (they go to more remote beaches) and gave them to the crew when we dis-embarked. When we fly to St.Martin each spring we wear cotton sweaters and when we arrive they are removed and tossed.

All of this may make it sound like we look a little ragged on a cruise, but not at all. We do stick with black, white, tan and make sure we don't carry things that would require brown shoes. We dress nicely and appropriately. Living in a beach town helps because we are always ready to replace some things by the end of summer that is perfect for a Caribbean or Med cruise. This isn't to say that we don't also carry nice clothes...we certainly do, but using this way of packing allows for purchased trip memories to have space for the return flight.

[miksilver]

I used to be able to pack really, really light with just my husband and myself. I had it down to that elusive "science". For three weeks in England (plus a side trip to Malta) I packed two 24" suitcases and two carryons. That's not too bad considering there's a climate change.

 

But now...I have a 10 month old DD and my packing is so much more! It hurt when I had to buy another suitcase for her :rolleyes: ...and then I packed it full! Ah...oh the stuff a baby needs... When she was 6 1/2 months she went on her first cruise and I thought I took everything with me. I packed too many clothes for DD, but my DH and I were fine. And I did use everything (except the emergency meds. and aloe -- no sunburn that trip) I packed.

 

So, I guess I didn't do too bad, but all the extra luggage felt like I was going away for a month -- 3 24" suitcases, 2 carryon's, big diaper bag, stroller... Trying to carry 3 suitcases, push a stoller and lug carryon's on your shoulder makes you want to not bring anything next cruise.

 

In June we'll cruise again and unfortuanely I don't think I can bring any less. In fact I'll have to add laptop case to that pile since it's a work trip and I'll need it. Oh well...guess I shouldn't complain too much, it is a cruise after all...;)

[dbookman1]

One quick tip, on the last cruise I spent a about 4 hours doing 3 load's of laundry. I would put them in go upstairs to the casino come down and switch them out. I went home with clean clothes all neatly packed with just one dirty outfit.

[moosetracks17]

Alright so I packed for a2 month trip into 2 duffle bags. I practically moved across country and had no problems!

 

1st things first- get your cosmetics, hair stuff, blow drier, straightener, shoes, bras, socks, undies, tops, bottoms, dresses... everything out that you'll be PACKING into your CHECK IN luggage.

 

2nd- You can pack 1 of 2 ways.... 1st is to put all tops together, 2nd is to put each outfit in a bag... whatever you choose. Take your first items (usually 2 bottoms or 3 tops) and put them in the gallon size bag. roll the shirts or flat fold the bottoms and press all the air out. Close the zip log about 9/10 of the way and put your knee on the bag to squeeze the last bit out. Close the bag and realize you just packed about a waffle size worth of clothes. Throwing a downy dryer sheet in with my delicates is always refreshing!!!

 

3- REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT. (note: if you have a printer I suggest taking digital pics of what items you put in the bags to put them on the top of each bag so you know the contents)

 

4- I would suggest packing each outfit into its own bag. Put 1/2 the outfits in your bag and 1/2 in your DH's bag. Let him put 1/2 in his and in yours. This is great in case 1 item is lost- you still have a few outfits left.

 

5-Put all the clothes stacked together or laying flat on the bottom of the luggage. All your other stuff goes on top or around the stack. Be sure to put the heavier things toward the bottom (shoes, curling iron) to prevent wrinkles.

 

6- throw some extra hangers in there.

 

7- Your carry on should be filled with your lap top, battieres, car air freshener, and random things that you CAN take on the plane. This will allow you to evenly distribute the weight between carry on and checked luggage.

 

8- The ultimate goal is for you and your DH to have 1 big checked bag, 1 carry on, and both of you to have another bag (your purse or large tote, and his sports duffle with his shoes and reading material)... Total of 4 items is very managable in the airport and in the room as they will all pack inside each other through the week.

[PrincessDaphne]

I heard mention of these in this thread somewhere. About packing up, is there a way to vacuum them on the ship?? I have the bags already.

I am definitely looking at ways to pack lightly because last time I had this heavy gym bag on my shoulder along with my rolling suitcase and my daughter's. It will just be myself and my daughter, so the lighter the better.

This thread is helpful!

By the way, this is a 7 day cruise...am considering very seriously the advice about either washing mid-way or sending clothes out to be cleaned.

[WKM]

I'm going to print out my list of things to bring. These are from CC people that I have met and the list keeps getting bigger. You pick from the items to make your own list.

 

#1 List

First Aid Kit

 

O Prescriptions in original containers

O Hand Sanitizer

O Pepto Bismol Tablets

O Washups

O Itch Beat'R

O Peroxide

O Neosporin

O Baking soda

O Imodium A-D

O Benadryl

O Sudafed/Ibuprofen/Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil

O Diamamine

O Eye Drops

O Roll Aids

O Band Aids

O Suntain Lotion

O Aloe Vera Gel

O Insect Repellant

O Lip Balm

O Ace Bandage

O Mending Kit

O Safety Pins

O Peppermints

O Gas-X

O Cold Pack

O Blister Kit

 

 

This is one of 5 Lists. Print them out as I type them. As I said you do not need all of these things but..............

[WKM]

List #2

Bathroom & Makeup Necessities

 

O Make-up mirror

O Shampoo/Conditioner/Gel/Hair spray

O Brush/Comb

O Hair Dryer/Curling iron/shower cap/Rollers

O Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash/Floss

O Deodorant

O Barretts/bobby pins/clips/bows/hair bands/scrunches

O Razor/Shaving Cream

O Body Lotion/Hand Cream/perfume/cologne

O Nose Strips for snoring

O Clothes steamer/lint brush/woolite

O Tweezers/Sewing Kit

O Earplugs

O Makeup Remover

O Cotton Balls/Q-Tips

O Eye shadow/Liner/Mascara

O Powder/Blush/Concealer/Lipstick/Foundation

O Nail Polish/Polish Remover Pads

O Nail Clippers/Scissors/nail File/Buffer

O Moisturizer

 

End of #2 List

 

If you can think of anything I left out let me know so I can add to this list or the last one.

[WKM]

List #3 Anything and Everything List

 

O Strapping cables for suit cases

O Ponchos/umbrellas

O Extra Glasses-Reading/Sun/Contacts/Solution

O Banaculors/Video Camera/Camera/GPS

O Tapes/Film/Disc/Batteries

O Playing Cards/Books/Games/Magazines

O Small Alarm Clock

O Duct Tape

O Swiss Army Knife

O Glade Plug-In with Light

O Downey Wrinkle Releaser

O Clothes Pins/Pop up hamper/clothes line

O Clear Plastic shoe holder (hangs in closet)

O Badge Holder

O Insulated Mug with Lid/Collapsible Cup

O Walkman/speakers/tapes/CD's/batteries

O Fish Food (Dry Dog Biscuts) for underwater activities

O 2 Mesh Laundry Bags (Black-White)

O Sea Bands

O Pens/notebook//Highlighters

O Small travel size of Kleenex

O Zip Lock Bags (different sizes)

O Folding tote bag/fanny pack/Back Pack

O Small Flashlight

O Money Belt

O Flask

O Clothes Steamer/lint brush/Woolite

O Sticky Notes

O Wash Clothes

O Talcum Powder

 

End of List #3

 

Two more lists are coming up.

Remember if you want to add some of the things that you can't do without, let us know so we can add. Maybe I forgot something important.

[WKM]

List #4 Clothes

 

O Dresses-Formal/Cocktail/Casual

O Skirts/Tops

O Jackets

O Shorts/Capris/Jeans/Pants/Dockers/Slacks

O Shirts-Dress/Casual/Formal

O Polos/T-shirts

O Handkerchiefs

O Jacket/Suit/Tuxedo

O Studs/Cummerbund/belt/cuff links

O Ties-Formal/informal

O Workout clothes-bra top/shorts/tights/pants/shoes/socks/t-shirt

O Underwear/Bras/slips/undershirts

O Pantyhose/kneehighs

O Socks-Athletic/Formal/Dress

O Shoes-Walking/Dress/Sandles/Workout/flip flops/

O Shoe buffer

O Nightgown/Pajamas/Birthday suit/Robe/slippers

O Purse-Daytime/evening/Backpack

O Jewelry-Watch/earrings/necklaces/bracelets/rings

O Travel iron

O super glue

O Jacket-Light coat/water resistant windbreaker with a hood/sweater

O Hat/Visor/Baseball Cap

 

Warm Areas

O Swim Suit/Coverup/Beach Towel/Beach Bag

O Snorkle Gear

O Golf Equipment

 

Cold Areas

Warm Hat/Gloves/Coat/Scarf

[WKM]

As promised my last list.

 

List # 5 Essentials

 

O Passport/documents/Drivers License/Airline Tickets

O keys (home and car)

O Confirmations-Car/hotels

O Insurance information on car and Body(You)

O $1 bills for tips

O Money/credit and or debit card/ATM cash card/traveler's checks/a couple of

personal checks.

O List of family and neighbors E-mails/addresses/phone #'s

O Photocopies of passport and drivers license

O Passport holder

O Voltage adaptor

O Money exchange calculator

O Inflatable pillow

O Journal

O Tiny locks to lock your backpack etc.

O Gifts (trading cards, pens, pencils, stickers, hats, flower seeds)

O Coin Purse for foreign currancy

O Salt & Pepper/sweet & low

O Check weight limit of your airlines on bags

O Stop Paper/Stop Mail/get reservation at kennels for pet

 

End of List #5

 

This is it! There is no more. Now I want to see everyone try and get all this stuff into your bags and not be over the weight limit. :D

 

Happy Packing

Carol

[Vampire Parrot]

Packing is easy.... I just let the house-elves do it.

[WKM]

I heard mention of these in this thread somewhere. About packing up, is there a way to vacuum them on the ship?? I have the bags already.

I am definitely looking at ways to pack lightly because last time I had this heavy gym bag on my shoulder along with my rolling suitcase and my daughter's. It will just be myself and my daughter, so the lighter the better.

This thread is helpful!

By the way, this is a 7 day cruise...am considering very seriously the advice about either washing mid-way or sending clothes out to be cleaned.

 

I bet the room attendent will let you use his vac if you do it early on in the day when they are not so busy.

[cruisin0504]

Great ideas, thanks!

[northBailey]

I too, plan out each days attire instead of just picking out certain things. I take one "day" outfit per day (shorts, capris, tops, whatever) a "night" outfit for dinner (pants that I try to wear with whatever shirts I've taken for the day) and then my formal wear and undergarments.

This sounds really logical to me, but as a first-time cruiser I find it really hard to envision what I'll want to wear, both onboard and for excursions.

I also can't predict how hot/cool it will be - whether to bring more skirts or more pants.

[WKM]

This sounds really logical to me, but as a first-time cruiser I find it really hard to envision what I'll want to wear, both onboard and for excursions.

I also can't predict how hot/cool it will be - whether to bring more skirts or more pants.

 

If you are going to a warm area. Take jean shorts or capris for day. You can get away with wearing them at least two times. Bring more knit tops to add to the jeans, shorts, or capris. For night time I took black tops and dressey pants then took jackets, shirts or evening tops for evening. Just got back from Panama Canal and it worked out great. I took one black dress and a skirt but never wore them. I have on other cruises but depends on how dressed up you want to be. In Alaska I took sweater sets. Worked out great.

[mokatee]

I print the list from http://www.onebag.com. I use it as a handy tool. I try to stick to it, it doesn't always work, but it sure helps.

[Geoinftl]

While everyone else was posting what to pack, I thought I'd share a few tricks on how to pack it . . .

 

• Put pants in first on the bottom of the suticase, BUT LEAVE THE LEGS OUT
  
• Place the heaviest items (ie: toiletry bag) along the hinge of the suitcase so that they rest on the bottom when you carry it.
  
• Use t-shirts, socks, and underwear to stuff in and around shoes.
  
• Instead of rolling up belts, place them all along the edge at the end.
  
• Place shirts and jackets in suticase (on top) with as few folds as possible (in other words, shirts should take up the entire width and length of the bag so, ideally, all you're folding in are the sleeves and one fold at the waist.
  
• Lastly, fold in the pants legs that were hanging out! See? No creases at the knees!
  

 

Good Luck and enjoy!

[Lesx2]

This is a trick my mother taught me as a child .. It's called the '2' rule. Never take more than 2 of anything...

 

2 colors (I usually stick to black/white and break the rule with one other color like blue or red)

2 jeans (usually one blue, one black pair)

2 shorts

2 pants/capri's

2 dresses

2 s/s t-shirts

2 long sleeve t-shirts

2 blouses

2 bathing suits

etc. etc.

 

you get the idea. Everything should mix and match. The rule doesn't work for all items- ie: underwear, but if you try and follow the 2 rule as much as possible, you suitcase will be compact and light! I have never lacked for clothes to wear, event on a 15 day cruise.

 

My husband and I also agreed along time ago that we only take one suitcase (with wheels) each (and it has to weigh less than 50 pounds). We each carry a back pack on the flights w/ books, snacks, etc. The back pack becomes a beach bag, shopping bag, picnic basket, etc. when we hit port.

 

We never have to hire porters, we can get through airports easily, and fit into any size taxi. By limiting ourselves to one bag, we pack really light! Yes, we do use laundry services at hotels and on ship for longer trips. Compared to the cost of excess baggage charges, having to lug stuff, etc. laundry is cheap.

 

Happy packing!

[MichaelJess]

If you are female and going to a warm place, you can take light-weight sundresses for both dressy and casual look. They pack down to nothing. They can be worn over bathing suits. They are more comfortable than shorts and shirts. They will work for all but the formal dinners and best of all, they are very inexpensive. My husband and son packed twice the weight and space that my daughter and I required on a recent trip to Jamaica.

[Geoinftl]

What happens if I bring 2 socks but they don't match?:D

 

Sorry, couldn't resist!:p

[bjdamascus]

Plastic bags are DEFINITELY the way to go! However, be careful because by compacting everything, and with more room, it's easy to pack more than you need and to exceed the weight limit. For a 7 night cruise, my husband and I took a large suitcase to check, a smaller (flight attendant type) bag as a carry on (checked on the way home), a small backpack each (with cameras, personal kit, change of clothes) and a small purse. We are getting pretty good at packing light, although this past cruise we still managed to bring a total of 5 extra shirts and 2 extra pants. My husband LOVES polo shirts - which are bulky and weigh a lot... still trying to convince him that seersuckers are the way to go! Now I just need to find seersucker blouses for MYSELF! Also, I need shirts with sleeves that are large enough for my bulky arms!

[san4u2]

We are eight in our family. I help most of the kids pack and my dh packs himself. Last cruise, each person took one suitcase, size according to age. The girls all packed their clothes in ziplock bags and dated the bags for dates to wear what they took. It worked out fine and we are doing that again. In addition, we took one dress/suit bag and an extra bag to carry things to the beach and then used it for souvenirs on the way home. Going down, we had nine suitcases and one suitbag and coming home, eleven checked items. The plastic bags really help.

 

I used to do this sending my kids off to summer camp. I didn't have to clean the clothes that were still in the zip lock bags when they camp home.:rolleyes: Still wondering what my son wore those weeks:eek: .