Can light packing be a reality?

[pampaul]

This is going to be our first cruise (3 weeks away) and I'm going over our packing list and what clothes we'll be taking with us and it looks like we'd be bringing almost twice as much as we would if we had gone on a week's vacation on land. And I'm thinking it's because we'd wear an outfit either on deck or on the islands and then come back and change into "resort casual" for dinner. We are each bringing only a few pairs a pants/shirts for dinner and gonna switch them out throughout the cruise since we'll only be in them for dinner. But it seems like so much more. What's your thoughts.

[claroquesi]

I think it can be done, but you`ll have to do laundry...

You`ll wear your bathing suit more than I think you realize;)

[watchdiva]

If you find a way to pack light - please let me know:D . I always take WAYY too much - I like to have options dontcha' know. I find that I wear about 1/3 of what I bring - spending most of the time in my swimsuits. I usually take 4 swimsuits so that I always have at least one dry suit. The best thing about freestyle is no need for formal clothes (which leaves more room for my swimsuits!).

 

Enjoy your cruise.............

[watchdiva]

If you find a way to pack light - please let me know:D . I always take WAYY too much - I like to have options dontcha' know. I find that I wear about 1/3 of what I bring - spending most of the time in my swimsuits. I usually take 4 swimsuits so that I always have at least one dry suit. The best thing about freestyle is no need for formal clothes (which leaves more room for my swimsuits!).

 

Enjoy your cruise.............

[electricron]

I have always packed one suitcase for a seven day cruise per person.

Even so, there will be a few items never used. So it can be done.

 

The key to packing light is to realise that there will be shops aboard the ship and at the ports to buy items that you require for circumstances that might pop up. You don't have to pack for every situation that may arise. Also, just as important, is to plan your trip thoroughly, as far as for clothes. Only pack the clothes you will definately need, not what you might need.

For example, on a seven day cruise, you're wearing clothes already for embarkation day. If you're quick to change clothes once aboard the ship, you can use them again for disembarkation day. You'll only need to pack one or two pairs of clothes for dinner, swapping them out during the week. That leaves 6 days of clothes to pack while aboard the ship and ashore. Plan what actvities you will definately do, and pack clothes for them. Don't forget, you'll probably buy some clothes along the way, such as caps, shorts, trunks and t-shirts. If you are, don't pack these before the leaving your home. Last, don't pack any formal clothes, you don't need them aboard NCL cruise ships. If you pack formal clothes, pack them in a seperate suitcase. Formal clothes require you to pack dress shoes, socks, shirts and hats; and other accessories you would otherwise not require.

 

More hints, pack matching clothes as for color, or clothes you can mix and match. I don't even pack shoes, as the walking style shoes I"m wearing aboard I can wear all week. Think utility and function instead of fashion.

[pzler147]

I find that the most important idea that helps us to pack light is color coordination. What I mean is that I try top pick a color combination and then pack everything I have that matches,so I can mix an dmatch everything. That way I also do not have to take many pairs of shoes. This cruise to Alaska I am using a lot of chocolate brown. I am bringing one pair of shoes to wear at night and one pair of walking shoes or walking sandals.

For night I have maybe 2 pairs of slacks or capris an d1 skirt. The tops can be mixed with all of them.For daytime the same thing. A few bottoms with tops that can be mixed. This has become a game with us now. "let's see how little we can take" I don't think anyone on the ship cares if you wear part of an outfit 2 times.

[newmexicoNita]

After all the years of traveling we are getting better, but it's hard. of course the secret is 1-either plan on having some of your clothes launderd and 2-lots of mix and match. Remember those casual clothes you wear tonight can be worn more than once. You will just be going to dinner, a show and maybe to the bar for awhile or the casino, whatever. On sea days, you will spend much of the time in your swim suits probably or inside where you will not get dirty. We take 1 suitcase per person plus a good sized carry on. Now, going on a cruise with formal, traditional dining is a little harder, especially a 10 dayer, but it still can be done. choose capris that will go with a couple different tops, maybe a formal outfit and then a nice skirt with 2 choises of tops: same with the guys; one sport jacket, and maybe a suit or tux. Shoes are always a challenge: DH if he takes his tux does have to take tux or dress shoes; he wears his top siders on the plane and bring tennis shoes and sandles. I do about the same: one pair of black, dress heels (sandle types) for evening; a coupld pair of sandles and tennis shoes. It's fun to dress in something different every day, but not necessary. Good luck and just enjoy your cruise. Remember you will need room in your luggage to bring back all your fun purchases and lugging too much is a big pain when the cruise is over. NMnita

[hawaiincruiser]

I roll my clothes up for more room. If you roll your T-shirts and shorts you can fit a lot more than if you were to fold them. Remember you will want to save some space incase you buy anything while you are there. I only bring 2 pairs of shoes, they can take a LOT of space.

Enjoy your cruise!

[newmexicoNita]

I roll my clothes up for more room. If you roll your T-shirts and shorts you can fit a lot more than if you were to fold them. Remember you will want to save some space incase you buy anything while you are there. I only bring 2 pairs of shoes, they can take a LOT of space.

Enjoy your cruise!

The rolling is an excellent idea, we too roll, but I can't quite do the 2 pr of shoes. I have to have tennis shoes for walking, at least one pair of sandles and 1 pair of dressy shoes. NMnita

[NJBear]

One of the most true posts I have seen on packing here on the CC boards was:

 

Lay out everything you think you'll need for the cruise and only pack half of those!

I think of that on every LAST DAY of the cruise when I look at my unworn clothes that I'm re-packing:rolleyes:

[miami]

Since I don't like to check my bag when flying, I managed to pack a week's worth in a carry-on and a tote. I took a hint from several people on these boards and picked up 2.5 gallon ziplock bags. Put your clothes in and squeeze out the air. They will flatten out and fit perfectly in a carry-on. I wore flip-flops and took sneakers and sandals. Color coordinated clothes helps a lot.

[derf5585]

1. Go on a nude cruise

2. Pack clothes that you are planning to throw away anyway. More room for soo van ears

3. Buy the clothes onboard then return them on the last day.

[cruisegurl]

Now that's thinking outside the box!!

Thanks for the laugh.

 

Sandra

[macdays1]

I always say I'm going to pack lightly, but I never do. I do bring less than I used to, but I still have at least 12 outfits with me for a 7-day cruise. I pack one suitcase, but it's a big one. I also pack a collapsible NCL luggage bag that I bought in the gift ship on one cruise. I use that to bring back all of my dirty laundry. On top of my packed clothes, I also bring one of those mesh pop up laundry bag/basket types. By the way, that fits perfectly in the closet, beside the safe cabinet. That way I keep all of my dirty clothes in one convenient spot, and it's not in my way. I'd like to say I'll get brave and pack less clothes this time, but I know better. I do enjoy all of your suggestions though.

[maurick]

Since I don't like to check my bag when flying, I managed to pack a week's worth in a carry-on and a tote. I took a hint from several people on these boards and picked up 2.5 gallon ziplock bags. Put your clothes in and squeeze out the air. They will flatten out and fit perfectly in a carry-on. I wore flip-flops and took sneakers and sandals. Color coordinated clothes helps a lot.

 

I have heard of this here. Just what do you pack for a 7 day or longer cruise. Does your clothing come out wrinkled from the zip loc bags? And what store do you find that size bag? Thanks

[maurick]

DH is booking us for the Dawn leaving for 10 days in Dec. We will be getting off a 9 day cruise Oct. 15th. He found such a great deal and can't pass it up. Anyone else cruise this close after finishing one cruise?

[hotspur]

DH is booking us for the Dawn leaving for 10 days in Dec. We will be getting off a 9 day cruise Oct. 15th. He found such a great deal and can't pass it up. Anyone else cruise this close after finishing one cruise?

Sure. We finish our Majesty cruise to Bermuda on September 24 and fly to Barcelona on October 17 for the Jewel trans-Atlantic. Only the cat will be upset.

[maurick]

I wanted this to be a new thread.

[deedee666]

how big is that trunk?

[cruisin'-on-the-cheap]

We have taken multiple cruises and found that I packed about 2 suitcases per person - one large and one small. Two years ago we took an 18-day tour of Great Britain with a Rick Steves tour. (Great company, by the way!) We ere encouraged - almost required - to pack very light. We each followed their suggestons and took this trip and never checked one piece of luggage. We each carried one carry-on rolling flight bag and one backpack. We never had any problems and from now on that is how I will travel - LIGHT. For information go to: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight_new.htm

 

John

[miami]

I have heard of this here. Just what do you pack for a 7 day or longer cruise. Does your clothing come out wrinkled from the zip loc bags? And what store do you find that size bag? Thanks

 

I found them at a local food store but I have heard that Target also has them. If you don't overstuff and fold carefully, they come out fine. They work similar to the travel space bags but cheaper.

 

For a 7 day cruise, I packed underwear (of course), bathing suit, some neutral colored capris and shorts, nice t-shirts. I wore flip-flops (easier for security purposes) and only brought one pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals. Of course, this was a June cruise to FL and Bahamas. Next year I'm going to Alaska.... but I still plan on taking only a carry-on and a tote. The key is neutral colors, mix and match.

[sweetpea-2]

the lighter you pack the happier you will be....we do our own laundry and that saves on packing too many under clothes, tops and shorts that can be worn a few times........good luck ;)