Critique my packing list

[combatboots2jimmychoos]

Tylenol Multi Symptom Day/Night cold pills- got sick half way through cruise and spent 14.99 at gift shop for small bottle of Nyquil........grrr.

[lisa e]

I think your list is longer than when i moved back from Switzerland last year..We have traveled and moved so much I really scale back..I take what I know we will need and what we will wear.. plus dive gear...plus tylenol for the adults and kids..I do usually overpack for my children.. two 6 year old boys do not stay clean very long...I was home visitng my parents last summer and they were packing for a 2 week med cruise..my mother packed enough meds that she could have treated the entire ship if an illness broke out..I never bring anything when I go to my parents I know whatever I need my Mother is sure to have it!! Happy Travels..lisa

[lisa e]

I think your list is longer than when i moved back from Switzerland last year..We have traveled and moved so much I really scale back..I take what I know we will need and what we will wear.. plus dive gear...plus tylenol for the adults and kids..I do usually overpack for my children.. two 6 year old boys do not stay clean very long...I was home visitng my parents last summer and they were packing for a 2 week med cruise..my mother packed enough meds that she could have treated the entire ship if an illness broke out..I never bring anything when I go to my parents I know whatever I need my Mother is sure to have it!! Happy Travels..lisa

[dc-snoopy]

Despite what others say, we do use the over-the-door shoe carrier and the power strip a lot. I bring my laptop computer because I download photos from our digital camera every night and I write my diary on the computer and I keep a lot of files that we might need. In our case, DW is a transplant patient and we keep medical history, current medication lists, her medic alert profile and other emergency info on the computer. I have scanned copies of our passports in case we need them. I have files/information for emergencies. So, I frequently have my laptop plugged in.

The shoe carrier really allows us to have lots of small stuff that normally hogs up the counter space all tossed somewhere where we can see/find it easily and not take up the counter space. It means that it is much easier for us to get out quickly because we can find junk easily. Yes, only a convenience, but important for us.

A few tips on cutting back on the clothing:
From experience, I am switching most of my t-shirts from standard ones to the moisture wicking ones (in our case, CoolMax brand from LL Bean). I sweat a lot in the sun and the regular tees get soaked and heavy. The CoolMax ones evaporate the sweat so much faster. I stay dryer and the shirts stay more comfortable. Then, instead of needing to change to a dry t-shirt, I can make do with one. Works well, even if I go swimming or we get rained on. So, now instead of two t-shirts per day, one for before excursions and one for after...I can get by with one per day. That lightens the load. I have also switched to bathing suits that look like cargo shorts. I find that they can be worn any day that I will be in and out of the water and they don't look like bathing attire. I bring two suits so that I can wear one while the other one dries. And I spend much of the trip in the bathing suits. Then I only need one other pair of shorts for a week.

[dc-snoopy]

Despite what others say, we do use the over-the-door shoe carrier and the power strip a lot. I bring my laptop computer because I download photos from our digital camera every night and I write my diary on the computer and I keep a lot of files that we might need. In our case, DW is a transplant patient and we keep medical history, current medication lists, her medic alert profile and other emergency info on the computer. I have scanned copies of our passports in case we need them. I have files/information for emergencies. So, I frequently have my laptop plugged in.

The shoe carrier really allows us to have lots of small stuff that normally hogs up the counter space all tossed somewhere where we can see/find it easily and not take up the counter space. It means that it is much easier for us to get out quickly because we can find junk easily. Yes, only a convenience, but important for us.

A few tips on cutting back on the clothing:
From experience, I am switching most of my t-shirts from standard ones to the moisture wicking ones (in our case, CoolMax brand from LL Bean). I sweat a lot in the sun and the regular tees get soaked and heavy. The CoolMax ones evaporate the sweat so much faster. I stay dryer and the shirts stay more comfortable. Then, instead of needing to change to a dry t-shirt, I can make do with one. Works well, even if I go swimming or we get rained on. So, now instead of two t-shirts per day, one for before excursions and one for after...I can get by with one per day. That lightens the load. I have also switched to bathing suits that look like cargo shorts. I find that they can be worn any day that I will be in and out of the water and they don't look like bathing attire. I bring two suits so that I can wear one while the other one dries. And I spend much of the trip in the bathing suits. Then I only need one other pair of shorts for a week.

[simplelife]

Well-planned list.

Some have questioned the need for some items on your list that I see as important:

1. Insulated Coffee Mug - Those of us who like to stroll the decks in the morning with a cup of coffee fully understand the need for this. I used mine everyday - I also used it to keep soda, tea, or water cold poolside.
2. Various OTC medicines - These take up very little space of weight in the luggage and are very expensive if you have to purchase them on board or in port. And the all-purpose items (like Pepto) don't work as well for me as the individual items.
3. Shampoo, Conditioner, body wash - You MAY be able to use the all-purpose stuff on board; it depends on how sensitive your skin is and or and how it works for your hair. Anything you CAN cut back on (or pack in the checked luggage in Ziplocks) is good, because that 1 qt bag can get very full. Pantene makes a good shampoo-conditioner combination that works very well and you only need a little bit.

I do agree that you do NOT need to bring:
1. Beach Towels - these are provided by the ship
2. BOTH the beach tote AND a backpack (bring one or the other).
3. Plastic cups: If you have the water bottle and insulated mug (Which can both be used for lots of different kinds of drinks), I don't see the need for large plastic cups - you steward will bring all the glasses & cups you need.

To consider omitting:
1. I've never brought or needed the power strip/extension cord or closet and shower organizers, but you are the best judge as to whether you need these or not (and as an admitted OCD you probably do need the organizers)
2. Umbrella. Substitute a hooded plastic poncho instead (Dollar Tree and similar stores sell disposable ones that take up very little space/weight - these are less bulky and more effective and practical too.
3, Depending on the itinerary, you may not need to pack the jeans (although you might want to wear jeans enroute from-to NH)

Have a great time on your cruise.

[simplelife]

Well-planned list.

Some have questioned the need for some items on your list that I see as important:

1. Insulated Coffee Mug - Those of us who like to stroll the decks in the morning with a cup of coffee fully understand the need for this. I used mine everyday - I also used it to keep soda, tea, or water cold poolside.
2. Various OTC medicines - These take up very little space of weight in the luggage and are very expensive if you have to purchase them on board or in port. And the all-purpose items (like Pepto) don't work as well for me as the individual items.
3. Shampoo, Conditioner, body wash - You MAY be able to use the all-purpose stuff on board; it depends on how sensitive your skin is and or and how it works for your hair. Anything you CAN cut back on (or pack in the checked luggage in Ziplocks) is good, because that 1 qt bag can get very full. Pantene makes a good shampoo-conditioner combination that works very well and you only need a little bit.

I do agree that you do NOT need to bring:
1. Beach Towels - these are provided by the ship
2. BOTH the beach tote AND a backpack (bring one or the other).
3. Plastic cups: If you have the water bottle and insulated mug (Which can both be used for lots of different kinds of drinks), I don't see the need for large plastic cups - you steward will bring all the glasses & cups you need.

To consider omitting:
1. I've never brought or needed the power strip/extension cord or closet and shower organizers, but you are the best judge as to whether you need these or not (and as an admitted OCD you probably do need the organizers)
2. Umbrella. Substitute a hooded plastic poncho instead (Dollar Tree and similar stores sell disposable ones that take up very little space/weight - these are less bulky and more effective and practical too.
3, Depending on the itinerary, you may not need to pack the jeans (although you might want to wear jeans enroute from-to NH)

Have a great time on your cruise.

[cjackso8]

What about a waterproof camera for snorkeling? I've gotten some pictures off of those that are better than what my digital can do.

I always travel with a few plastic bags. Grocery store bags or the oversized ziplocks (grocery store bags are free though) great for bringing home wet bathing suits/clothes

Wear your jeans and your sweatshirt on the plane so it doesn't weigh so much.

Also if you haven't flown since the Detroit scare a few weeks back, make sure not to put anything too breakable in your carry on. EVERYTHING (including purses) must go into overhead storage now. nothing can sit on the floor under the seat in front of you. You can take things down during the flight, but once you are within an hour of your destination, everything must be returned, and no leaving your seat for any reason (this may not apply to all airlines, but it does to Delta)

OP, you have inspired me to start making my lists, and dare I say break out the luggage. (Meanwhile my Christmas tree is still standing very lonely in the corner of my living room) Priorities!

[cjackso8]

I forgot. If you are bringing snorkel gear, bring your mask and snorkel. Forget your fins. if you are a germaphobe bring an old pair of socks and wear those with rental fins and throw them away when you are done. Im a diver, and the things I've seen people do to their snorkels/masks give me the heebie jeebies:eek:, always better to know where it's been I say.

[Krissta]

[quote name='cjackso8']I forgot. If you are bringing snorkel gear, bring your mask and snorkel. Forget your fins. if you are a germaphobe bring an old pair of socks and wear those with rental fins and throw them away when you are done. Im a diver, and the things I've seen people do to their snorkels/masks give me the heebie jeebies:eek:, always better to know where it's been I say.[/QUOTE]
Ew. Thanks for the tip. I think I'll take this advice... :D

[Krissta]

[quote name='cjackso8']What about a waterproof camera for snorkeling? I've gotten some pictures off of those that are better than what my digital can do.

I always travel with a few plastic bags. Grocery store bags or the oversized ziplocks (grocery store bags are free though) great for bringing home wet bathing suits/clothes

Wear your jeans and your sweatshirt on the plane so it doesn't weigh so much.

Also if you haven't flown since the Detroit scare a few weeks back, make sure not to put anything too breakable in your carry on. EVERYTHING (including purses) must go into overhead storage now. nothing can sit on the floor under the seat in front of you. You can take things down during the flight, but once you are within an hour of your destination, everything must be returned, and no leaving your seat for any reason (this may not apply to all airlines, but it does to Delta)

OP, you have inspired me to start making my lists, and dare I say break out the luggage. (Meanwhile my Christmas tree is still standing very lonely in the corner of my living room) Priorities![/QUOTE]
:D Yeah, I start pretty darn early... But! In all fairness! I have not started packing, and I just bought my first batch of cruise clothes yesterday. ;)

[G&TQ]

Thanks for posting your list. It gives me a great starting place.

[Traveler353]

[B]Critique my packing list[/B]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred]Lay it all out on your bed. Now, put half of it back. Way too much useless stuff that you will never use. Pack for the best case not the worst. Packing lite is so much less stressful. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[irb33785]

I may get blasted but I never travel on a 7 day or more cruise without my collapsible clothes hamper. It can easily fit in the suitcase and is really convenient for us. On certain cruise ships an over the door hanger is great. We pack our items in ours, roll it up and it makes unpacking easier. If I can, I will pack clothes on hangers so I don't have to spend time hanging them up. Cross packing is a must with todays airlines.

[ScottsSweetie]

Just a couple of things: You have a clutch purse on your list - why? I personally don't understand why women want to walk around the ship with a purse?? You don't need money, or keys, or most of the other junk in there. I also took a small dressy purse with me on the first couple of cruises, and then realized I didn't need it. I assume that you are thinking, like I did, that you will take it with you on elegant night? It's kind of awkward to lay a purse on the table with all the place setting pieces laid out. What do you need other than your S&S card for the duration of dinner? I always have DH carry my card inside his jacket, or I leave it in the room for dinner - I'm with him, anyway. I have not taken my purse in many, many years. I usually empty almost everything out of my purse, and it hits the safe when we hit the ship, and gets removed at disembarkation. On our last cruise, I watched couples who were exercising on deck, walking 'round and 'round on the jogging trail, and yep - some of the ladies carrying their purse on their shoulders! :confused:

As far as reading material goes, I try to hit up our local Goodwill where I can get paperbacks for .75c each, and after reading I leave them on the ship.

I would buy disposable ponchos instead of bringing the umbrella - .99c at Wal-Mart, folded into a 3"x2" square package. We've been bringing the same packs for our last several cruises.

After reading this thread, the most excellent suggestion I've seen is the zippered school pouch for all papers and docs - I'm going to add that to my shopping list!! :)

[cjackso8]

[quote name='Krissta']:D Yeah, I start pretty darn early... But! In all fairness! I have not started packing, and I just bought my first batch of cruise clothes yesterday. ;)[/quote]


I bought my last batch yesterday! AND I'm packed! (even my rum runners are ready to go!) The only thing to pack now is deodorant, toothbrush, hairbrush, and my purse! Everything else is waiting to go!:D

[HoustonTodd]

just bookmarking the thread

[JHCALLAHAN]

Looks like you've got a pretty good list. I leave the toiletries and use the ship's (guys aren't as picky.) I'd scrap the organizers too (we never used ours, rolled it up and put it away. I'd nix the cups and glasses, but do usually take a 32 oz insulated mug with lid. Comes in handy for totin' soda back from the lido, and shore excursions. They're light but bulky. Take lots of ziplocks, various sizes. 1000 uses and very lightweight. I also take some plastic lock ties. Again, can be very useful, weigh almost nothing. I also take a small, quality flashlight (probably a guy thing ;)).

Have a great cruise!
JHC

[CHENELLEH]

Just a note---a friend told us a long time ago to chew a pepto tablet everymorning on your trip, this keeps the tummy from getting upset when eating foods you are not used to. We do it every time we go on vacation now and what a help it is. Also if you are prone to travel sickness- try Bonine--I take one in morning and one in evening--and have been on some pretty rocky cruises and did ok. (I get car sick driving) These are what airplane pilots use, because you don't get drowsy--a pilot friend told me about them. also duct tape is great for sealing up cracks on your balcony if you don't want your neighbors peeking.--Just some tidbits for thoughts.

[gsb]

[URL="http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html"];)http://www.geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html[/URL]

[soozles]

[quote name='ScottsSweetie']Just a couple of things: You have a clutch purse on your list - why? I personally don't understand why women want to walk around the ship with a purse?? You don't need money, or keys, or most of the other junk in there. I also took a small dressy purse with me on the first couple of cruises, and then realized I didn't need it. I assume that you are thinking, like I did, that you will take it with you on elegant night? It's kind of awkward to lay a purse on the table with all the place setting pieces laid out. What do you need other than your S&S card for the duration of dinner? I always have DH carry my card inside his jacket, or I leave it in the room for dinner - I'm with him, anyway. I have not taken my purse in many, many years. I usually empty almost everything out of my purse, and it hits the safe when we hit the ship, and gets removed at disembarkation. On our last cruise, I watched couples who were exercising on deck, walking 'round and 'round on the jogging trail, and yep - some of the ladies carrying their purse on their shoulders! :confused:

)[/QUOTE]

Not everyone travels with a husband, so what are we supposed to do with our card and lipstick? I'm single, I usually travel with another single girlfriend of mine, and neither one of us has pockets in our formal dresses. And not everyone sticks side by side with their spouse or traveling partner either, what would happen if he wanted to go to the casino and you wanted to go to the show? I usually bring a little wristlet that can hold my card, some cash for the casino, my lipgloss, and eye drops. I don't have anyone that can hold it for me.

[Krissta]

[quote name='soozles']Not everyone travels with a husband, so what are we supposed to do with our card and lipstick? I'm single, I usually travel with another single girlfriend of mine, and neither one of us has pockets in our formal dresses. And not everyone sticks side by side with their spouse or traveling partner either, what would happen if he wanted to go to the casino and you wanted to go to the show? I usually bring a little wristlet that can hold my card, some cash for the casino, my lipgloss, and eye drops. I don't have anyone that can hold it for me.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, and knowing DH, he'll turn to me and say "Can you put this in your purse?" and proceed to empty his pockets! hah!

[eng4]

[quote name='Tbay-eh']It can be empty - as long as it has a magnetic strip on it. I use my airmiles card, others use old credit cards, gift cards, point cards etc. What ever floats your boat (or ship)[/quote]

I'm soooo lost with this magentic strip stuff for the safe??? Someone please explain.

[IAMCRZIN]

[quote name='eng4']I'm soooo lost with this magentic strip stuff for the safe??? Someone please explain.[/quote]

[B][COLOR=purple]I have not been on a cruise yet but my understanding is that you just need like an old gift card with a magnetic strip on the back that you can use to open your safe. And you will use that at all time to open your safe. I also understand not to use your S & S card. Hope this helps![/COLOR][/B]

[eng4]

HUH???? It doesnt have a lock or a key pad or something?? That makes no sense to me at all. So anyone can open my safe with a magnetic strip??