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Alaska ,what size cases new cruise with no clue


ozzy4me

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Having always travelled the globe with carry on luggage only , have booked first ever cruise alaska aboard radiance for august 2010.

Live in Florida so bound to freeze , What size cases do we need to buy :confused:

If you've traveled the globe with carry on luggage only, you can probably do the same for your Alaska cruise. We couldn't do it but we probably overpack anyway.;) You will need a hat, gloves and a warm jacket, sweatshirt, or windbreaker, but if that global travel has taken you anywhere away from the deep south in the fall or in wintertime, you have probably encountered weather conditions similar to or worse than what you are likely to find in Alaska in August. :) Take a bathing suit, the Radiance's solarium is climate controlled and the water is probably heated.:)

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The ships really don't care what you bring on....usually, it's 200 lbs PER PERSON.....

You can pack your stuff in a suitcase, a barrell, a tupperware container...whatever you want.

There's no need to buy something special to cruise!

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Here is what we pack for 7 night cruise:

 

2 formal dresses, one sparkly top, one skirt, 3 Capris, 4 casual tops, 2 shorts, 3 T-shirts, 2 swimsuits, 1 pr dress shoes, 1 pr sneakers, 1 pr sandals, socks, underwear and panty hose. This all fits into a checked bag (41 lbs) and a carry on (20 lbs) as well.

This is for a 7 day cruise. No problems with airlines and easy to maneuver to and from airport.

 

1 suit, 2 Dockers, 3 dress shirts, 2 ties, 4 polo shirts, 3 T-shirts, 2 shorts, 1 other long pants, 2 swim suits, 1 pr dress shoes, 1 pr sneakers, socks & underwear. It all fits in one checked bag (43 lbs) plus one carry on (18 lbs.). This is for a 7 day cruise. Add a polo shirt, socks and underwear for each additional day, if cruise is longer. Do not pack denim, since it is very heavy.

  

You might rearrange 2 -3 lbs from your checked bag to the carry on to make the 40 lb limit.

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Considering that you are probably going to fly to Alaska, you will need suitcases that are under 63 (or maybe 65) inches, length, plus depth, plus width. If you know what airline you are taking, check their website for baggage requirements. Most have charges for luggage weighing over 50 lbs., and most will have extra charges for cases not meeting the lenght, depth, width requirement.

 

I don't think the airlines would appreciate your clothes being in a barrel or a tupperware container, contrary to what another posted said:D

 

If you are going to do a precruise/postcruise land package in Alaska, you will need to keep those clothes separate, as the cruise clothes should go directly to the ship.

 

Rita

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When we went to Alaska in September, 2008, we were also repositioning and visiting the Mexican Riveira. 18 days and multiple climates, yikes.

We checked with our air carrier (Delta) and found that since one leg of our multi-destination flight took us out of the country we were entitled to 2 checked bags each. This proved to be quite helpful.

I suggest:

1. Check your flight/baggage restrictions and then plan your packing.

2. Layers are good for Alaska and in the mid day to late afternoon you might not need as many layers.

3. Take advantage of the laundry promotions.

4. Alaska voyages tend to be more casual than Caribbean voyages.

5. Have a wonderful time!

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Considering that you are probably going to fly to Alaska, you will need suitcases that are under 63 (or maybe 65) inches, length, plus depth, plus width.

 

Actually, on most airlines, it's 62 inches or less, but you are better off sticking with something a little smaller. I keep my largest bag at 59 inches, so if they decide to count any bulging pockets, handles, etc. in the measurement, it will STILL be under 62 inches & avoid the oversize charge.

 

However, you still have a weight problem since most US airlines will charge overweight fees for anything over 50 pounds. Any bag that is close to the maximum size will likely end up over weight if tightly packed.

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Here is what we pack for 7 night cruise:

 

2 formal dresses, one sparkly top, one skirt, 3 Capris, 4 casual tops, 2 shorts, 3 T-shirts, 2 swimsuits, 1 pr dress shoes, 1 pr sneakers, 1 pr sandals, socks, underwear and panty hose. This all fits into a checked bag (41 lbs) and a carry on (20 lbs) as well.

This is for a 7 day cruise. No problems with airlines and easy to maneuver to and from airport.

 

1 suit, 2 Dockers, 3 dress shirts, 2 ties, 4 polo shirts, 3 T-shirts, 2 shorts, 1 other long pants, 2 swim suits, 1 pr dress shoes, 1 pr sneakers, socks & underwear. It all fits in one checked bag (43 lbs) plus one carry on (18 lbs.). This is for a 7 day cruise. Add a polo shirt, socks and underwear for each additional day, if cruise is longer. Do not pack denim, since it is very heavy.

  

You might rearrange 2 -3 lbs from your checked bag to the carry on to make the 40 lb limit.

For an Alaska cruise you can probably delete at least one of the dress shirts and a tie, not that those two items will cut down that much of the weight, but may allow your wife to bring an extra pair or two of shoes.:D Fleece items are highly recommended because of their warmth and relatively light weight.:)

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If you think you might not need to use large suitcases often, try shopping at a resale/thrift type of store. Maybe Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

They usually have quite a few suitcases on their shelves. You'll love Radiance and Alaska! :)

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