Packing for a 12 night cruise, need advise please.

[phrankbama]

Taking a 12 night cruise of the British Isle in July, and I was wondering if anyone had some valuable insight on how to pack for that many days.

[Mabbiesmum]

You should take clothes to cover every kind of weather with the possible exception of snow, although if you are visiting the Highlands of Scotland.....

 

Last July it was very hot but, as they sat in the adverts " past performance is no guide to future performance", you should certainly allow for cold nights (and days) and most definitely for rain.

[LHT28]

Mix and Match, washable, quick dry take layers.

We took a lightweight fleece jacket, rain jacket with a hood (in case it got cold)

T-shirts, zip off trousers (then if it is warm you have shorts) Sweater.

we took 2 X 22 " rolla boards for 18 day cruise

If you need formal wear that could be a problem...DH just wears a blazer /dress pants and I wear a dressy looking 2 piece washable microfibre that can mix & match with skirt pants etc...

saves space.

A hat that ties on...it is very windy up north!!

[ali07]

I concur with the mix and match. For dinners and dressy occasions, I tend to bring basic black (formal skirt, regular skirt, dress pants etc) and then mix and match my favourite tops. I saves me bringing lots of shoes and accessories. Also, I used to bring too much on these long trips but found out I'm better to just bring those things I really like to wear and send them out to be cleaned when necessary. The rates are not to bad and the service has always been very good. Some ships even have laundry facilities on board but you don't want to be bothered with that on your vacation.:) Check in advance for the ship that you are taking.

[TravlGrl]

You might also want to consider purchasing some Packmate compression bags. When we travel for longer than just a week, we roll our clothing in these compression bags. It allows us to take a bit more than just one week's attire, yet it doesn't take up any more space. You may want to have some of your nicer tops pressed once you get on the ship, but it's a great way to travel fairly light.

 

Also, our general rule on any trip longer than 7 days is this -- if you are not going to wear it 3 times, then don't bring it. It was a hard rule for me to initially follow, but as long as you're fine sending your clothes to be laundered, it's the best way to travel.

 

Here's a link to the compression bags -- http://www.packinglight.net/plight/dept.asp?dept_id=3065&

 

These bags are ESPECIALLY helpful for packing jackets and sweaters. They get rolled up so tight that they take up less space than a blouse!