Anyone have packing down to a manageable science?

[Aliann]

Posted this in the floataway lounge section, but know it will get buried underneath all the conga line things going on, so I'm repeating it here.

 

I always tell myself I'm going to have packing down one of these days... hasn't happened - yet - but I have faith in all you cruise critics and know there must be SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, who has this downpat. Do you have all your STUFF in one manageable suitcase? Including shoes, toiletries, clothes, everything, and still look good all week?

 

My digital camera gear, underwater camera stuff, film, chargers, etc. take up one complete bag. I'm looking for a simple packing list, not one with duct tape and the kitchen sink, just clothes and neccessities, some sort of system, some sort of miracle clothes squisher (and not one to sqeeze the air out and fit it all in but the suitcase weighs over flying limits).

 

I envy people I see with one little rolling bag while I'm lugging my STUFF off the tractor trailer that was needed to get it to the port!

[cul8er]

Check the site run by cruise diva, she has an extensive packing tips section.

[newmexicoNita]

Sure, you throw all your cool clothes into 2 or 3 suitcases, take 1/2 out, don't worry about things getting wrinkled you can iron them in the hotel the night before or that morning if you go a day ahead. that's all there is to it. LOL

[derf5585]

I believe science is not involved. It is based on "Inteligent Design"

 

Cruise Packing 101

from

http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseplanning/articles.cfm?ID=76

 

Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation

from

http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist.htm

[beechparty]

"I envy people I see with one little rolling bag while I'm lugging my STUFF off the tractor trailer that was needed to get it to the port!"

 

I also envy these people and usually vow next trip to be like them. Then, next trip I am constantly needing things I didn't pack. So, next trip I again pack the kitchen sink and miserable traveling and don't use half the stuff I brought, (usually the stuff thrown in for good measure), and vow next trip to scale back. It's a horrible cycle. Also, I have more luggage than a luggage store because I am always in pursuit of the "perfect" suitcase.:D which I have yet to find. I also alternate between regular box style to duffle always thinking what I am currently using was not the best choice.

I am trying to vow for my January PoAM cruise to pack light. They have a wal-mart in every port. But I keep reading these post and my lists get bigger.

 

Any help out there for us mentally travel neurotics?

[derf5585]

"I envy people I see with one little rolling bag while I'm lugging my STUFF off the tractor trailer that was needed to get it to the port!"

 

Here is how they do it. They by all their clothes aboard ship then return them on the last day.

[iheartshoes]

im a 20 year old high maitence girl! haha and with packing for long trips which i do go a couple times a year...to help save space with clothes my family rolls them-the usually dont get wrinkled. also i take a shoe bag that is like a duffle bag so it colapses under the bed or above the closet and we always take and extra duffle bag in one of the suitcases to bring home all out new purchases. ive never found the need for duct tape-so i wouldnt bring that.

[iheartshoes]

im a 20 year old high maitence girl! haha and with packing for long trips which i do go a couple times a year...to help save space with clothes my family rolls them-the usually dont get wrinkled. also i take a shoe bag that is like a duffle bag so it colapses under the bed or above the closet and we always take and extra duffle bag in one of the suitcases to bring home all out new purchases. ive never found the need for duct tape-so i wouldnt bring that.

[Don Haynes]

I'm a low maintenance over the hill guy who can pack everything I need for a seven day cruise in one small carry on suitcase. The key is to pack for a seven day cruise three or four sets of clothing: polo shirt, kacki slacks, socks, and boxers. I'm wearing the fourth set of clothes, with a ball cap and hush puppies (casual) shoes. Add a swimsuit, one pair of kacki shorts, a rain resistant light jacket, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, comb, and razor. Also a small bottle of mouthwash, and a small bottle of cologne. I also carry one camera with bag around my neck. Battery fully charged before leaving. Possibly one book I want to read. That's it....minimum.....

 

Use the laundry and cleaning service. I do. It will probably cost you less than what you plan to lose at the casino or spend on expensive shore excursions.

 

At most buy only one t-shirt and/or ball cap as souvenirs. The less you pack, the less weight you have to carry or roll around. Since I don't like to wear a tie, I don't bother to pack any formal clothes, after all, its freestyle Norwegian style cruising.

 

The ship provides soap and shampoo. You can purchase anything else you need at the giftshop.

 

No need to pack small televisions, small cd players, dvd players, laptop pcs, cell phones, or video games, and therefore no need to pack more batteries. I am cruising to escape the real world, in deperate need for rest and relaxation.

 

The last time I weighed my suitcase, fifteen pounds total.....

 

I heard the Sun has dvd players hooked to their tvs. I might bring a few dvds along this next time. But only a few.....

[Aliann]

Sure, you throw all your cool clothes into 2 or 3 suitcases, take 1/2 out, don't worry about things getting wrinkled you can iron them in the hotel the night before or that morning if you go a day ahead. that's all there is to it. LOL

 

 

My luck I'd take all bottoms or all tops out! lol

[Aliann]

It is based on "Inteligent Design"

 

Maybe that's why I haven't mastered this skill yet. lol

[Aliann]

"I envy people I see with one little rolling bag while I'm lugging my STUFF off the tractor trailer that was needed to get it to the port!"

 

I also envy these people and usually vow next trip to be like them. Then, next trip I am constantly needing things I didn't pack. So, next trip I again pack the kitchen sink and miserable traveling and don't use half the stuff I brought, (usually the stuff thrown in for good measure), and vow next trip to scale back. It's a horrible cycle. Also, I have more luggage than a luggage store because I am always in pursuit of the "perfect" suitcase.:D which I have yet to find. I also alternate between regular box style to duffle always thinking what I am currently using was not the best choice.

I am trying to vow for my January PoAM cruise to pack light. They have a wal-mart in every port. But I keep reading these post and my lists get bigger.

 

Any help out there for us mentally travel neurotics?

 

MY TWIN! And you're right, a horrible, horrible cycle I've fallen into and can't get out of!

[Aliann]

Iheartshoes and Don would make the perfect travel pair! One so high maintence and one so low maintence.lol And Don... 15 pounds? My suitcase ALONE weighs 15 pounds with nothing in it.

 

I sincerely appreciate all the comments and postings. I'm trying to prepare myself now because this is going to be one of my New Years Resolutions, and if I start practicing now, maybe for once in my life I will have at least accomplished one resolution goal.

 

Keep them coming as my notes are racking up. One little piece of info here, a little trick there, and before you know it, mystery solved.

[BellaOnline]

The key is to remember this is a vacation. Nobody is going to care if you wear the same shorts 2 days in a row. Bring a full set of underwear and one pair of PJs. Other than that, a swimsuit and then a couple of clothes - that mix and match. People should remember you and your personality - not your outfit of the moment :)

[SKP]

I am making a commitment to join OPA and try for one suitcase....not two. I am going to need alot of help. You guys are my inspiration!

 

My list so far...

suitcase--26"

--light raincoat.

--2 disposible cameras.

--3 blouses

--3 slacks

--one exercise outfit.

--one pair of shoes (besides the ones I am wearing.)

My husband will be thrilled.

OPA....OPA I will try!

[shoreguy]

The last time I weighed my suitcase, fifteen pounds total.....

 

.....

 

 

My Travel Pro carry on wieghs 9 pounds empty - found this out flying to the Jewel in Dover. Virgin Atlantic has a 13 pound limit on carry ons.

[derf5585]

Electronic stuff I pack

 

Here is what I have.

OH and don't forget to bring along AC extention cords with plenty of outlets.

 

1. laptop

2. still camera

3. toothbrushes (2)

4. video camera

5. fan

6. noise machine

7. PDA

8. cell phones (2)

9. crok pot

10. Alarm clock

 

Need about 12 outlets

[lastingtouch]

Electronic stuff I pack

 

Here is what I have.

OH and don't forget to bring along AC extention cords with plenty of outlets.

 

1. laptop

2. still camera

3. toothbrushes (2)

4. video camera

5. fan

6. noise machine

7. PDA

8. cell phones (2)

9. crok pot

10. Alarm clock

 

Need about 12 outlets

Sorry but what on earth do you need the crok pot for??? :confused:

[L0204]

For what????

[shoreguy]

Sorry but what on earth do you need the crok pot for??? :confused:

 

To slow cook the fish you catch off the balcony. Personally I bring a charcoal grill - I hate fish stew, :D

[derf5585]

For what????

 

Heating water

Cooking alligators;)

[SailAways]

Color coordinate your wardrobe to mix and match.

 

If something which you wanted to wear again gets soiled,

send it out to the ship laundry, or do it yourself.

 

Only take a couple pair of shoes which match your chosen wardrobe.

 

Leave all of the "techno" stuff at home.

 

One digital camera with extra memory cards is great.

 

Packing with layers of tissue paper between clothing, or actually

folding clothing with tissue helps with the wrinkle problem.

[kataiga]

I am in the battle of deciding what comes and what has to stay home.:(

This is not as easy as I think it should be :o

[karebear]

kaitiaga....you have my permission to leave the crok pot at home :)

 

See you Monday Dec 5 at the Star Bar....Karen

[shoreguy]

I am in the battle of deciding what comes and what has to stay home.:(

This is not as easy as I think it should be :o

 

Here are the facts - you will bring more then you need but there will always be something else you wish you had packed.

 

For me one cruise it was my left dress shoe:D Sure did not need the right one on that cruise:D