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Trying Carry-on Only!


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For our upcoming Carnival Vista cruise in November we are wanting to try packing everything in our carry-ons only, with no checked luggage. I've seen other people do this, but we never thought it possible for us. I've always envied the people walking off the boat with hardly any luggage. This is a seven day cruise, and while it probably will be difficult, we are hoping to pull it off. Besides my carry-on, I'll also have my C-Pap in a backpack, and I can stuff several clothing items in with it.. Does anyone have any advice that might help us? 

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Several videos on Youtube show packing for a week and even longer with a carryon. Take a look at those videos. I found them very helpful when I made the switch to carryon plus backpack for all travel including week long cruises. The biggest hurdle for me was shoes. I wear size 13 so I had to be strategic to pack gym, pool, and dinner shoes. 

It's liberating to not check bags at piers or airports. I love to travel and learning how to pack light was a fun challenge. I hope to never go back to big luggage.

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A BIG backpack can carry almost 1/2 of the things you want to take. Then a roll on suitcase usually does the trick. Search Amazon for: cruising backpacks, rolling suitcases, etc. 

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OP I should have added that the quality of your carry-on makes a big difference. A clamshell type where you can pack each side then close the bag together works best. Make sure you pay attention to size restrictions for carry-on and personal bags with the airlines you use. I use a backpack as my personal bag and I can attach it to my wheeled carry-on for ease of transport.

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41 minutes ago, Ilovesailaway said:

I hope to never go back to big luggage.

 

I agree!  After having a flight connection canceled and our luggage lost on our way to a cruise, we only travel with carry-ons now.  It's just easier overall.

Shoes can take up a lot of room -  I am a runner and don't go on vacation without my running shoes, so that usually means I have to wear them on the plane, and pack my less bulky shoes.  We use a lot of sunscreen, so I either put it in 3 oz bottles or buy it on the ship (for a while Carnival had a very reasonably priced, good sunscreen that I would purchase ahead of time (along with bottled water ) and it would all be waiting for us in the room when we arrived (unfortunately with supply chain and staffing issues, I haven't seen it recently).  All hair/makeup/skincare products are in small containers (just enough for the trip)  Check out travel capsules/jars/contains.  We have also used the compression bags for Alaska (when we had bulkier stuff) I find it doesn't really help with my thin/lightweight summer clothing.  And I confess, I wear the same formal clothes to both formal dinners.  On vacation, we want to relax, unwind, and take it easy - we want simple.

Being platinum and having the free laundry makes it easier, but even before that, we'd wash workout clothes by hand or use the self service laundry when needed.

We have a 10-day trip coming up (a cruise being the last 5 days) and we are once again planning to only take carry-ons.

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I just did 11 days out of a suitcase (1 day in New Orleans, 5 days on the Carnival Valor, 2 more days in New Orleans, then 3 days in Jackson, MS before flying back to Los Angeles). I packed 5 days of clothes plus what I was wearing at the time. I did laundry once on the last night of my cruise (halfway mark of my trip).  

 

My Packing List:
5 pairs of underwear/bras
2 pairs of socks
5 pairs of shorts
5 shirts

2 pairs of shorts/tank to sleep in
1 dress
1 swimsuit
1 pair of flats
1 pair of flip flops
What I wore on day 1 (leggings, shirt, sweater, tennis shoes)
Toiletries
Laundry Supplies (garbage bag, Tide pods and dryer sheets)

 

For a 7 day cruise, you can probably pack 3-4 pairs of clothes and do laundry halfway. Totally doable.

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9 hours ago, CruisingFromLA said:

I just did 11 days out of a suitcase (1 day in New Orleans, 5 days on the Carnival Valor, 2 more days in New Orleans, then 3 days in Jackson, MS before flying back to Los Angeles). I packed 5 days of clothes plus what I was wearing at the time. I did laundry once on the last night of my cruise (halfway mark of my trip).  

 

My Packing List:
5 pairs of underwear/bras
2 pairs of socks
5 pairs of shorts
5 shirts

2 pairs of shorts/tank to sleep in
1 dress
1 swimsuit
1 pair of flats
1 pair of flip flops
What I wore on day 1 (leggings, shirt, sweater, tennis shoes)
Toiletries
Laundry Supplies (garbage bag, Tide pods and dryer sheets)

 

For a 7 day cruise, you can probably pack 3-4 pairs of clothes and do laundry halfway. Totally doable.

I used to worry about wearing the same clothes several days in a row, what people would think! Then I realized I can't even remember what I wore the day before so why would anyone else? Cut way down on packing, that and reaching Platinum and having the free laundry!

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10 hours ago, csm5986142 said:

Shoes can take up a lot of room -  I am a runner and don't go on vacation without my running shoes, so that usually means I have to wear them on the plane,

 

This is my issue as well.  My running clothes take up half my suitcase because I need a couple options even if I handwash.  My last cruise (5 days but a hotel stay on either end) that is what I did, wore sneakers on plane, packed one pair of sandals.  With a carry-on rolling bag and a big back pack I had no extra space.  It saved me money because I couldn't go shopping on our last day in Florida. 

 

I haven't tried packing cubes yet but they are supposed to be good as well for helping save space. 

 

I also meant to add, we bought sunscreen when we arrived in Florida as opposed to carrying on. 

Edited by 1kaper
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If you are not flying, your only limitation is how much you can carry or roll on as long as it will go through the security xray to board the ship.

 

We typically do two rollers each (one rides on top of the other) and a small personal bag.  Can get alot of stuff in those, too much really.  But if you like having a bit extra and not needing to worry about laundry; it is an option.  Also the luggage is heavier going with our carryon beverage allowance, nicely lighter going off the ship.

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I have successfully done this, and what I found helped was:

 

*roll your clothes...they take up a lot less space that way!

*wear your sneakers on the ship, and pack your flip flops/sandals.

*if taking a hoodie/jacket (I tend to get cold easily so I always take one along) tie it around your waist instead of packing it....they take up a lot of space!

 

I always have my carry on and a beach bag with handles/straps that goes over the top of my luggage handles, so it is almost like 2 carry ons. Between those two,  as well as utilizing the VIFP laundry benefit, I managed to pack for a 6 day cruise with no checked luggage. 

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Packing cubes, a little hand washing, use the laundry service or laundry room. I’m heading out for a nine day with two days in London before with a carryon and backpack. I do check the roller bag on the way back for convenience and also because I usually come home with a bit more than I went with. 

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13 hours ago, hillbillycruisers said:

For our upcoming Carnival Vista cruise in November we are wanting to try packing everything in our carry-ons only, with no checked luggage. I've seen other people do this, but we never thought it possible for us. I've always envied the people walking off the boat with hardly any luggage. This is a seven day cruise, and while it probably will be difficult, we are hoping to pull it off. Besides my carry-on, I'll also have my C-Pap in a backpack, and I can stuff several clothing items in with it.. Does anyone have any advice that might help us? 

As soon as you board the ship, go to your state room. Even if is not ready, the room steward will let you put your luggage in it. If it is ready, then just unpack if you want and go eat. I recommend before you leave the state room. Put your valuables in the safe. The buffet and usually one dining room is open for lunch. We do this all the time. No need to cart you luggage with you when you go to eat. FYI. You can do just the opposite when debarking. Leave your luggage in your state room. Go have breakfast. When you are ready, go get it and get off. Never had any problems and no carting the luggage around the ship.

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It is really funny seeing how large the bags are for a couple going on a five day cruise. They must change out fits and shoes every few hours. This is Carnival, fashion is never in style.

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7 nights on the Vista this coming Saturday, and I'll have a small carryon and a backpack (with my work computer, etc.). Still have room for anything I might leave the ship with (purchase or casino gifts).

 

I start with the assumption (assertion really) that I need clothing for 4 days. That's about 6-7 outfits with casual + workout + one formal. I learned long ago that the level of work to mess with additional outfits and luggage greatly outweighs the minimal cost (in time or gold) of either using the laundry machines or sending my stuff out (valet). Most of my upcoming sailings are casino offers that include Platinum for the cruise, so for me laundry is free. But I would (and have) paid for it before I'd ever pack more and bring a larger case.

 

I mean, seriously... People regularly balk at spending $6 (laundry) to $25ish (valet) but have no issue spending $35 on the same bag checking it at the airline.

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4 minutes ago, ledges1 said:

It is really funny seeing how large the bags are for a couple going on a five day cruise. They must change out fits and shoes every few hours. This is Carnival, fashion is never in style.


There is a guy on another forum who wrote that his wife packs 12 suitcases. They drive to port.  They carry disposable dishes, cleaning supplies and food in case of forced quarantine. 

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6 minutes ago, ledges1 said:

It is really funny seeing how large the bags are for a couple going on a five day cruise. They must change out fits and shoes every few hours. This is Carnival, fashion is never in style.

 

My teen and I brought a HUGE suitcase, two carry-on suitcases, and two backpacks for a 9-day B2B. All of our clothing/toiletries/etc. fit in the carry-ons and backpacks. The only thing in the giant suitcase was bedding -- two queen-size fluffy blankets, two heavy memory foam pillows, one lumbar pillow, and two microbead throw pillows. 

 

We knew we would be spending countless hours lounging on our balcony, so we brought every creature comfort from home. Since we drove to the port, we figured why not? We dubbed it the Cozy Cruise, and it definitely lived up to the name. ♥️ 

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On our last cruise (which was to Alaska = big jackets), everyone had one back back and one carry on piece of luggage for my family of 4.  I was trying to avoid airline charges and I didn't want to have to be responsible for children and large luggage. This way the kids could pull their luggage and wear their backpack. Worked great!  

 

For us, we vaccume sealed all of the big, fluffy jackets and any clothing that was really large.  You can use a pump on the way back. Really cuts down on space.  We also use their wash-and-fold service.  That way we only have to pack clothes for about half the trip. 

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We did a 4 day cruise out of backpacks and "hope" to the same for a 10 day cruise in Europe. 

 

Obviously we will need on board laundry services. We do not have to pay for luggage to fly from JFK to FCO (Rome), but we want to take the train without a bunch of luggage to wheel through the terminal streets of Rome.

 

It will be a challenge, but as someone mentioned, nobody pays attention to what you wear. 

 

We will probably have an extra bag for elegant nights. I will bring my Tuxedo and my DW will bring a couple of evening gowns.

 

We'll post our actual strategy closer to the cruise.

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I try to do carry on only. Most of my cruises seem to depart from Barcelona, Marseille or Genoa. I always take the train from the UK so there are no real limits on carry on. I have a big wheeled duffle which I can do a fortnight with, and it fits down train carriages. The limiting factor is my strength and endurance for the rolling.  It is always a relief to get to a hotel room or cabin, leave the luggage, and go out to explore without the impediment. 
 

My next cruise involves driving to the port. I will not have to handle my own luggage for once.  I have not done this for many years. I have already selected 25 tshirts for the trip of only 11 nights. It will be nice to have a choice each day. To me a real luxury. 
 

Best wishes, Stephen. 

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I'm in the middle of a 6 day on the Horizon out of Miami.  We are from Los Angeles. We are a family of 4 with 2 elementary school boys.  We flew LAX to MIA the night before our sailing with only carry on rollers and backpacks. I think if you have to fly to the cruise port, its helpful to be able to be among the first groups to board.  I fly united almost exclusively and i am always group 2 boarding and I haven't had to hunt for carry on storage.

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We roll our clothes and use packing cubes. Amazing what you can fit into a carry on with the cubes! We also do laundry midway through a 7+ day cruise. DH stopped packing "formal night" clothes which eliminated the need for dress shoes. We both run daily, so we limit our cruise footwear to a pair of running shoes and a pair of sandals. For formal night, DH wears jeans/button shirt/sneakers and I wear pants/nice top/sandals. I was skeptical about only having 2 pairs of shoes for a week long cruise, but it has worked out so well! 

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We do carry-on in addition to a backpack for DH and a beach-type bag for me for our 7 day cruises, and we have never had to do any laundry on a cruise. I used to always come home from vacation with my giant suitcase still full of clothes I never wore, so I finally learned to be realistic and pare it down to what I knew I would actually wear. 

 

For clothes I typically only pack capris, sleeveless and short-sleeved tops, one or two pairs of sandals/flip-flops, swimsuits, and my undergarments. I stopped wearing make-up years ago on cruises (I have to wear it every day for work, I am not on a cruise to impress anyone, and DH is fine with me sans-makeup!), and all toiletries are travel-sized.

 

It's very liberating to not drag a giant suitcase around. Still not as liberating as it was when we learned how to do Disney World with nothing but our phones - no backpacks, fanny packs, crossbody bags - nothing. No standing in line for security check or trying to stow a backpack on rides - bliss! 

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