Calling all Ladies Need packing help!!!

[BethyAnn]

Yes I'm pathetic so right off the bat you know what your up against lol.

Ok heres the deal leaving a week from today for 1st cruise. San Diego Catalina and two days at sea. Have NO idea what to pack or how to find out what weather is at sea. I have a general idea of what am bringing but need ideas. Trying to only take one suitcase each and a backpack to carry on (just one backpack).

Here is kinda what I have laid out.

 

Wearing carpris and cute t-shirt day of (long 5-6 hour drive want to be comfy)

A sundress (casual) day at sea?

A couple skorts and cute shirts

Two pairs of Jeans (need for nights?)

Old navy cute beachy skirt

One more pair of capris

A couple shirts to go with skirt and capris

my lil black dress (dd surprised me with it from macys) formal night

 

I also saw some cool ideas to bring from other boards

 

Downy wrinkle release trial sz

shout wipes

wrist cords for s/s cards

little clips with extendable cords (for boys) for s/s card

glade plug in nightlight

 

OMG it sounds like I am going for a month! Have NO idea what shoes to bring am thinking my heels for formal sandals and flops

 

Ok any input GREATLY appreciated.

 

Oh ya also have to bring hair dryer and flat iron. UGH

 

And this is just ME LOL not the kids and dh!!

 

 

I have the makeup/medicine going in carry on. :)

[jenng1976]

Don't forget your bathing suits!!! :eek:

 

You may also want to bring a light sweater in case it's cool at night, and maybe a cover-up for the bathing suit for when you get lunch.

 

Oh - and from personal experience, don't bring your highest heels for formal night!! There's a lot of walking while you're onboard, and it's easier to keep your balance if the seas happen to be rough if you don't have super-high shoes!!

 

Happy Cruising!!

Jenn

[misguidedangel]

First question I have to ask is can you sleep with the nightlight on? There is one plug in and it is at the desk, thus, you'll have a nice glow of light all night long...

 

Wrist cord for S&S--do't bother, get one from the casino and it can be worn around the neck or looped around the wrist,

 

Packing:

Wearing carpris and cute t-shirt day of (long 5-6 hour drive want to be comfy)

A sundress (casual) day at sea?

A couple skorts and cute shirts

Two pairs of Jeans (need for nights?)

Old navy cute beachy skirt

One more pair of capris

A couple shirts to go with skirt and capris

my lil black dress (dd surprised me with it from macys) formal night

I can assume you are going on 4 night cruise. I think you are overpacking. You certainly won't need jeans for the night--your capris should do as it is warm at night (I find the temp to be very warm at night, but I come from a cold climate). I would pack the following for a four day cruise:

One capri (and wear one pair to/from port)

Two shorts

Three tank tops (wear one to/from port)

Two shirts

One dressy outfit

SHOES: One of each velco sandal, flip flop, and dress shoes

Elegant Night--you can get away with a cocktail dress or go with what I do, dress pants and a nice blouse!

What I would suggest is plan each days outfit and bring only those items. I found that most days I stayed in my sorts and tank top after a casual dinner on Lido deck. Occasionally (formal night) I wore my capri's! The easiest way to pack is to plan what you want to wear and bring items that mix and match. My last cruise I brought six tank tops but could have gotten away with four, but I brought two white tank tops and they generally are worn once and because of ice cream or onions, mushrooms, etc I brought an extra one.

I hope you have fun.

 

 

[SueG]

I never pack jeans. I have never had any use for them on the ship.

 

Have a great cruise!

[bfkkbc]

Yes I'm pathetic so right off the bat you know what your up against lol.

Ok heres the deal leaving a week from today for 1st cruise. San Diego Catalina and two days at sea. Have NO idea what to pack or how to find out what weather is at sea. I have a general idea of what am bringing but need ideas. Trying to only take one suitcase each and a backpack to carry on (just one backpack).

Here is kinda what I have laid out.

 

Wearing carpris and cute t-shirt day of (long 5-6 hour drive want to be comfy)

A sundress (casual) day at sea?

A couple skorts and cute shirts

Two pairs of Jeans (need for nights?)

Old navy cute beachy skirt

One more pair of capris

A couple shirts to go with skirt and capris

my lil black dress (dd surprised me with it from macys) formal night

 

I also saw some cool ideas to bring from other boards

 

Downy wrinkle release trial sz

shout wipes

wrist cords for s/s cards

little clips with extendable cords (for boys) for s/s card

glade plug in nightlight

 

OMG it sounds like I am going for a month! Have NO idea what shoes to bring am thinking my heels for formal sandals and flops

 

Ok any input GREATLY appreciated.

 

Oh ya also have to bring hair dryer and flat iron. UGH

 

And this is just ME LOL not the kids and dh!!

 

 

I have the makeup/medicine going in carry on. :)

HOw long is your cruise? I go for 5 days and have found that I never wear everything I bring. I bring 3 pairs of shorts, shirts to match, and capris. A dress for formal night. Swim suit, gym shoes and sandels that can be worn with shorts and dress (metalic birkinstocks sandles go with both;)) downy wrinkle release is a must!! hair dryer, makeup bag of course. sweater or sweatshirt just in case. I think that about covers it.:D Good luck

[dna515]

I always bring several bottles of water in my luggage. The water on the ship is so expensive!

[Shawn loves to cruise]

Yes I'm pathetic so right off the bat you know what your up against lol.

Ok heres the deal leaving a week from today for 1st cruise. San Diego Catalina and two days at sea. Have NO idea what to pack or how to find out what weather is at sea. I have a general idea of what am bringing but need ideas. Trying to only take one suitcase each and a backpack to carry on (just one backpack).

Here is kinda what I have laid out.

 

Wearing carpris and cute t-shirt day of (long 5-6 hour drive want to be comfy)

A sundress (casual) day at sea?

A couple skorts and cute shirts

Two pairs of Jeans (need for nights?)

Old navy cute beachy skirt

One more pair of capris

A couple shirts to go with skirt and capris

my lil black dress (dd surprised me with it from macys) formal night

 

I also saw some cool ideas to bring from other boards

 

Downy wrinkle release trial sz

shout wipes

wrist cords for s/s cards

little clips with extendable cords (for boys) for s/s card

glade plug in nightlight

 

OMG it sounds like I am going for a month! Have NO idea what shoes to bring am thinking my heels for formal sandals and flops

 

Ok any input GREATLY appreciated.

 

Oh ya also have to bring hair dryer and flat iron. UGH

 

And this is just ME LOL not the kids and dh!!

 

 

I have the makeup/medicine going in carry on. :)

 

BethyAnn,

 

My first question to you is where do you live? The reason I ask is..if you come from someplace cold..all of your shorts and sundress will be fine. For me..your list needs to include some warmer clothes. I live in San Diego, and though it is usually nice during the day it is cool at night. I am still wearing a sweater when I leave work at night so if you at sea( with a breeze)..you will be cool. Also in San Diego, we have a saying..May Grey & June Gloom. Meaning some days are overcast with clouds. It really doesn't clear completly till July. Also remember that the inside of the ship is always airconditioned. I always need a wrap, even in the hottest months.

 

The cool ideas from the other boards..save those for a longer cruise. Not worth taking up room in your suitcase.

 

Hope this helps..let me know if I can answer any more questions.

 

Shawn

[BethyAnn]

YAY you guys are terrific! I am going to thin out now!

 

We are in Fresno so used to warm/hot summers and have been to the beach several times so always have a sweatshirt with me ;)

 

If I could ask a few more on this subject.

 

DH is a jeans/short kinda guy. Except for elegant night can he wear his nice shorts in dinning room? Same with son he is basically only bringing shorts and tees/polos sound ok?

 

DD is 19 so dont worry bout her she always looks cute and appropriate...GRRR lol

 

 

There was a mention of getting s/s card hole punched at casino, can we do this right away or hate to wait till it opens?

 

Just watched Samatha Brown on travel channel on a 4 day cruise on carnival. From the looks of the people on board I am way over doing it lol.

Am thinking will have my bathing suit on most of the time with tank and shorts cover up... yes must go thin this out !!

 

THANKS again all wish you really knew how much help you are!

 

HUGS

[AprilRN]

DH is a jeans/short kinda guy. Except for elegant night can he wear his nice shorts in dinning room? Same with son he is basically only bringing shorts and tees/polos sound ok?

Nice dress shorts with a collared shirt is fine.

 

There was a mention of getting s/s card hole punched at casino, can we do this right away or hate to wait till it opens?

The casino won't be open until you hit international waters, but there will be crew there helping people set up their Player's Club accounts and punching holes in S/S cards and attaching them to lanyards.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Kurbanfan]

I think your list is fine......you will find it is cold inside at night and the jeans will come in handy....you might even wear them on embarkation day.....the weather here has been pretty cool lately......

Don't forget your bathing suit in the chance it might be warm enough and I always bring 2 pairs of flip flops just in case I get a blow out:D

Your hubby will be fine in shorts and jeans.

Yes you can get your s&s hole punched in the casino. It is not open until after sail away though.....not sure if there will be anyone there right away to help you.....

Have a great cruise!!!

[La Jollans love to cruise]

I just got off the 3-nighter to Catalina. Weather was beautiful. Sunny and low 70s entire trip.

[dustyroad]

dont forget a batterie operated or wind-up clock. they dont have them in the cabins. also a power strip is neccessary if you are going to plug in more than one thing at a time. also i take a freshner for the bathroom. have a great time.

[Kurbanfan]

I just got off the 3-nighter to Catalina. Weather was beautiful. Sunny and low 70s entire trip.

 

Low 70's isn't very warm while sailing on a cruise ship:D

[EydieG]

I agree with the sweater suggestion because the lounges where the shows are held are sometimes cold to me. I usually just keep on whatever I wore to dinner for the rest of the night so that eliminates a need for another outfit. I have gotten better on packing but after 9 cruises I still take too much.

[Cruzin 1025]

You can get your S&S punched at the purser's desk. That's usually my first stop on board. :D

[cuted126]

I agree with Kurbanfan,those jeans and definitely a sweater will come in handy at night. Some of those lounges are FREEZING. I always overpack,so I thought you list was perfect compared to mines,lol!

[TauruSmith]

I am struggling with packing too. I am staying in Florida for 4 days before the cruise, so I'm packing for those days too. I am so paranoid about NOT having something for a certain event or activity

[Love PalmTrees]

Another valuable item to pack is a small shoulder purse for evenings, just big enough for S & S card, lipstick, kleenex. As a matter of fact, I just bought a new crochet purse that is light-weight and folds flat in suitcase.

 

Also, try to coordinate your wardrobe with all the same underlying color. I usually coordinate with black. Then I do lots of mixing and matching. Even something I wore for dinner, I dress it up with jewelry or sweater and then use it later during the day with capris for more casual look. A nicer looking "tshirt" works great to get maximum usage for multiple wears. I then bring black casual sandles, dressier black sandles, black flip flops (can use poolside or in dining room) and wear gym shoes.

 

My DH travels alot for business and hates to check luggage. Our family has become relative experts at packing light. It all needs to fit in our rolling carry-ons. However, in the past, for 7-day cruises (plus additional 3-4 days pre-and post-) we have done 4 rolling carry-ons and one checked suitcase for 4 people. This year we are doing a 4-day (plus one day pre-) and plan on only rolling carry-ons. And I absolutely refuse to do laundry. Somehow the work "laundry" is incongruent with the word "vacation". :D

 

Another thing to pack is some OTC meds for colds, coughs, allergies, headaches (in case too many DOD's were enjoyed), etc. I try to fit everything into qt size reclosable freezer bag. It doesn't take up too much room and certainly is helpful at 2 am. Plus meds in gift shop are so expensive.

 

Hope you enjoy your first cruise!!! Warning: you may become addicted!! :D

[AprilRN]

Another thing to pack is some OTC meds for colds, coughs, allergies, headaches (in case too many DOD's were enjoyed), etc. I try to fit everything into qt size reclosable freezer bag. It doesn't take up too much room and certainly is helpful at 2 am. Plus meds in gift shop are so expensive.

I agree with taking the meds. Also consider meds for nausea and anti-diarrheals; if you buy it in the onboard shops they may quarantine you to your cabin (or so I've read here and on Carnival Connections).

 

And as far as jeans go, I take a pair on every cruise. Even wore them on my cruise last August. Sometimes the lounges, casino, out on deck, etc. are very cool. A light sweater, jacket, or wrap is also good to have.

[txlonestargirl]

Wearing carpris and cute t-shirt day of (long 5-6 hour drive want to be comfy)

A sundress (casual) day at sea?

A couple skorts and cute shirts

Two pairs of Jeans (need for nights?)

Old navy cute beachy skirt

One more pair of capris

A couple shirts to go with skirt and capris

my lil black dress (dd surprised me with it from macys) formal night

:)

 

I'm SO glad to see you're bringing your CUTE stuff instead of you're UGLY stuff! :p

 

Definitely don't need jeans...they're heavy and take up too much room in the suitcase.

 

Remember, always pack 1/2 the clothes you think you'll need and twice the money!

 

Sail on :)

[Love PalmTrees]

If you want to bring with a pair of jeans, you can always wear them and pack the lighter weight items, ie, shorts, capris. For that reason, I always wear my gym shoes vs packing them because they are the heaviest and bulkiest of my footwear.

[sam1148]

The MIL is a 'one bag traveler' and has a few things from Travelsmiths she loves. They have clothes designed for travel, light weight, wrinkle free and some reversible items. So you can get two looks...even more with scarf and some of the wraps they have.

[bubbles1209]

I always skip the alarm clock, you can set the phone for a wake up call whenever you want one. As far as the weather for the ports, if you go to the Carnival site, click on my reservation, and click on details, find the part that has your itenerary listed. Click on the port of call, and it will give you the average highs & lows for the different months of the year. :) We also look it up on weather. com right before we leave under vacation travel, so we'll know what to expect. I do agree with taking a light sweater though, on 2 out of our 6 cruises, I have needed to use one because certain spots on the ship were always cold, this past cruise it was the amber palace on the Glory where all of the shows were held.

[jbanana1]

It was cold on the inside of the Fantasy and because I spent a lot of time in the casino, I wore my jeans more than my shorts. The pools were too small and crowded for me so I never wore my bathing suit. Had shorts on some during the day and jeans the rest of the time even dinner except for the formal night. It was also very cold in our interior room.

[bklynfinest77]

Ok I just off a five day cruise and this is what i wore

 

Day one

bathing suit with a sun dress ... sandals..day

jeans with cute shirt cardigan.... evening

 

day two

Shorts and tank top bathing suit...flip flops .. day

dressy dress with cardigan ..dressy sandals..evening

 

day three sea day

bathing suit lil shorts tank top.. sandals..day

Dressy sun dress cute sandals with heel..evening

 

day four sea day

another bathing suit w/ sundress flip flops

jeans with a cute shirt..sandals with heels

 

day 5 sea day

shorts with a tank top bathing suit

sundress and sandals

 

day 6 go home

relax sundress for trip home flip flops

 

dont really need a night light ... if u like me the flat iron sound nice and i brought mine but never used it .. my hair stayed in wet a wear

One thing I really wish I had was a watch and a fanny pack .. might sound weird ..i had to carry the camp carnival phone, my camera my s/s card the caper and a few other stuff everywhere and really didnt have any place for it, so i carried my daughter lil bookbag everywhere, it was annoying