Ladies, what kind of purse do you use when cruising?

[cv322]

We leave on FOS June 20th. I would like to find a new purse that will work at the airport, on the ship, and in the ports. I know I want a shoulder strap. I'd also like an outer pocket for sunglasses and my cell. I'd also like an inner zip pocket. I'd really like to take 1 purse that will go with everything I wear. Is that even possible? Do you take a purse with you into ports? I probably won't take one into Coco Cay but I might into St. Thomas and St. Martin. Do you carry a purse around with you on the ship?

 

I would love any advice! If you have something you love, please suggest it and maybe even post a picture! Thank you!

 

I've never been able to get away with 1 purse for everything. I have a leather shoulder-strap bag (RED!) that I use cross body during the day onboard. It holds my glasses, S&S card & casino cash. It's about 9"x 9" and has an overflap & a zippered compartment inside.

 

Additionally I bring 2 beaded evening clutches for formal nights.

[sdrocks]

On the ship do not use a purse, just carry seapass card and slip

camera in my pocket. Use a small clutch for evenings that have had

for years and many cruises.

On excursions just purchased a crossbody baggallini bag that has many inner & outer pockets (cell phone and pen & notepaper or whatever)

previously had a smaller bag I had gotten at Walmart. (new bag considerably higher, but more serviceable I believe) ;)

[KellyJean]

I just bought this bag a couple of days ago. I plan on using it as a purse pre/post cruise, in ports, etc. and as a carry on. I bought it at a Totes outlet store for $10. It has a velcro closure pocket on one end that is perfect for my cell phone. A large velcro closure pocket that takes up the entire back of the bag that I figured would be perfect for carrying boarding docs, maps, etc. A large zippered compartment and two pockets on the front of the bag. The entire main compartment has a zipper closure with a couple of smaller zipper closure pockets inside.

 

Front

 

I bought a little gold bag from the clearance section of the Avon catalog a few years ago that I used on formal night. It was just large enough to carry say lipstick, seapass card and my camera in. It was gold lame and only costs $1. I gave it to a bar waitress on my last cruise because she just loved it and then went home and ordered a couple more while they were still on sale.

Edited August 9, 2010 by KellyJean
Added description and text

[shiningprincess]

Whether dirt-cheap backpacking or cruising, my cross-body Mountain Equipment Co-op Travel All Shoulder Bag has been pretty much equally useful and amazing. It's amongst the more utilitarian of my bags in design, but the thing is like a bottomless pit, all for $15 CDN:

 

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441774985&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302861417

 

I can generally fit a large guidebook, a camera, a bottle of water, a notebook, a phone, an iPod, pens, lipgloss etc, and wallet, cards, and so on without too much of an issue. I usually end up carrying something for my husband as well.

 

I also always wear a money belt with travel docs and cash when in port, and keep minimal money and other important stuff in my bag, but I'm that kind of paranoid. ;)

 

I like to bring a little fancy clutch for formal nights because it feels necessary!

Edited August 9, 2010 by shiningprincess
Forgot the other purse!

[CupKayke]

I'm another one that doesn't even bother with a purse on vacations ~ never even took a purse on my last cruise ~ and I LUV purses and bags ~ I'm a Coach, Gucci & Dooney fan. I like to use a huge purse/bag/tote for my airline "purse" and a backpack if needed for the cruise excursion day. My mother-in-law travels frequently and she carries her money, passports, etc in her "top" ~ literally. Ha! :)

 

After reading everyone's posts.. I'm off to checkout a Vera Bradley backpack...

[Beth C]

One heads up about the vera bradley style backpack bags with the drawstring straps... I had a bag this style for in port days and unfortunately I had a run in with the sun the day before (my SPF 60 might as well have been SPF 4!) enroute to the Caymans and my shoulders were soooo burnt there was no way I could have anything like that on my shoulders... ended up in the shop on board and picked up this Royal Caribbean bag that expands if needed, had padded strap, can go cross body or 1 shoulder for under $15

[Karma5]

We leave on FOS June 20th. I would like to find a new purse that will work at the airport, on the ship, and in the ports. I know I want a shoulder strap. I'd also like an outer pocket for sunglasses and my cell. I'd also like an inner zip pocket. I'd really like to take 1 purse that will go with everything I wear. Is that even possible? Do you take a purse with you into ports? I probably won't take one into Coco Cay but I might into St. Thomas and St. Martin. Do you carry a purse around with you on the ship?

 

I would love any advice! If you have something you love, please suggest it and maybe even post a picture! Thank you!

 

Try LLBean. I bought one a few years ago that is sporty but fits everything. I do not carry a purse on the ship or off , just airports and when needed.

[ZoeyVictoria]

No purse for me, either. I use my beach bag on most excursions and carry a tiny evening bag for dinner/shows/casino. Be careful of evening bags, though. Mine had a magnetic clasp and wiped my sea pass card. I found out when I returned to the cabin without my husband and couldn't unlock the door.

[gyork0206]

no purse for me, use OH wallet instead, as he has secret pockets so safer, and keeps me from spending too much !!

[texancruzer]

I will be honest and say I havent read the previous posts...... but I have to comment about the question of carrying a purse on the ship......

 

Can't for the life of me figure out why during the day some women carry around a huge purse stuffed with who knows what all over the ship...... on sea days. I have seen some with what appear to be small suitcases - being lugged all over. Then you have to watch them (as anywhere else) etc etc.

 

While I am on the ship I have a lanyard with my seapass on it (get the purser to punch a hole in one end) and then my reading glasses hang from it as well.

 

Now on formal nights I usually have a small (keyword small) formal clutch or such with lipstick, comb, $$ (for casino) - altho you don't need it with new casino machines that use your seapass, and seapass that will match my formal.

 

In port we have a wonderful bag we use for all our "port stuff"

[cooncat_mom]

I have a Laptop tote that I use for the airplane - holds my netbook, cell, meds, water, books, etc. For the ship I only carry my seapass so I either use a pocket if I have one, or will bring my work ID holder (it's a retractable badge holder). For excursions, I'll wear the ID holder clipped to my waist, and carry a little, lightweight purse. HSN has one that is OK looking, but is extremely light, holds my cell, money, Tylenol, bandaids and has a clip on crossbody strap

http://home-solutions.hsn.com/leopard-print-organizer-by-traveltrend_p-5864725_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=5864725&sf=hw&dept=hw0063&ocm=HW|hw0063&prev=hp!sf!dept&ccm=HW|hw0063

Since the strap clips on, I can unclip it and put it around my waist when it rubs enough to annoy my neck! For water bottles I have a holder that clips on to my belt loop.

 

I had looked at the PacSafe bags, but wasn't sure if the thin strap would annoy my neck muscles which are always ready to spasm....stress is a lovely thing!

[ckrobyn]

So excited!

No Vera Bradley in Canada, but I am on vacay in Orlando and just bought a gorgeous Vera Bradley hipster because my friends on CC said it was the best bag to carry on cruises and in ports! I love it!!! :D (My DH thinks it looks like an oven mit! LOL)

Is it machine washable?

[jorapp]

My "over the shoulder boulder holder" is my purse on cruises. ;)

 

On board, all I carry is my cruise card, and that is tucked into a pocket or "close to my heart".

 

On shore, I always wear clothes with pockets, and that's where the camera goes. Cruise card, credit card and copy of passport are again under my "cross your heart". DH carries his crackberry and water bottle, but I try to keep my hands free for shopping or holding on to banisters, etc. His wallet is in his front left pocket and I have taught him to put his hand in that pocket whenever someone approaches us.

 

If we are doing a beach day, I carry a canvas tote with suits, towels, lotions, etc., but nothing valuable.

 

My thoughts are:

1. I never carry anything in a bag that I don't want lost or stolen.

2. I always carry everthing I will need if DH and I are separated or stranded. Anticipate the best, prepare for the worst. :cool:

[sandinmypants]

My "over the shoulder boulder holder" is my purse on cruises. ;)

 

Cruise card, credit card and copy of passport are again under my "cross your heart". :cool:

 

Eeeeewwwww. So you mean you'll pull your credit card out of THERE and hand it to someone? Ick. :eek:

[Ladydee]

To my cruise, and at the ports, I usually bring a small straw-colored, crocheted-type purse. The shoulder strap is long enough to wear across my body, or I can choose to just hang it on my shoulder. Its small enough that it never gets too heavy, but large enough to fit necessities while away from the ship.

 

I like this color better than white, or multi-colored print because it goes with much more, and can fade easily into the background if I forget to remove it for picture-taking.

 

On the ship itself, I do not carry a purse. I have made beautiful swarovski-beaded lanyards for my seapass, which are attractive and convenient. If I really need anything else, I figure I can always run back to my cabin.

[jorapp]

Eeeeewwwww. So you mean you'll pull your credit card out of THERE and hand it to someone? Ick. :eek:

 

Yep. But I should have clarified each card is wrapped in tissue so they don't stick to me. We aren't mega-shoppers, so I don't really use it much and if DH is close by, he handles most transactions. I do carry a few singles for tips/snacks/beverages on shore, and those are in a pocket.

 

Never had anyone complain or pause to take my card. They are happy to receive my business, doncha know. I'd rather carry those items "near and dear" than risk being pickpocketed and go through the hassle of reporting/replacing.;)

Edited September 2, 2010 by jorapp

[sandinmypants]

To my cruise, and at the ports, I usually bring a small straw-colored, crocheted-type purse. The shoulder strap is long enough to wear across my body, or I can choose to just hang it on my shoulder. Its small enough that it never gets too heavy, but large enough to fit necessities while away from the ship.

 

I like this color better than white, or multi-colored print because it goes with much more, and can fade easily into the background if I forget to remove it for picture-taking.

 

On the ship itself, I do not carry a purse. I have made beautiful swarovski-beaded lanyards for my seapass, which are attractive and convenient. If I really need anything else, I figure I can always run back to my cabin.

 

I have a similar style of bag that I bought at Target last year, I was considering taking that for excursions. And - great idea for the beaded lanyard, I'll have to try my hand at a couple of those - and maybe a sports-theme beaded one for my son? What do other 9yo kids do with their seapasses?

[suezyq50]

I don't carry a purse. I have my beach bag. I use to carry an evening clutch. But stopped that too. One less thing to worry about.

[wwcruisers]

No purse for me, either. I use my beach bag on most excursions and carry a tiny evening bag for dinner/shows/casino. Be careful of evening bags, though. Mine had a magnetic clasp and wiped my sea pass card. I found out when I returned to the cabin without my husband and couldn't unlock the door.

 

LOL -- and I thought I was the only one that had ever happened to! :p

Several years ago, I found what I thought was the perfect travel purse -- room for everything, and a handy-dandy outside pocket that was just big enough for my seapass card. Problem was, the magnetic flap over the pocket kept wiping out my seapass card. Of course, I had NO clue about why my seapass would work once or twice and then stop. :eek:

On my third trip to the purser's desk to get it replaced, the nice young lady behind the desk asked if I was placing my card in any sort of magnetic field. Well, the light bulb came on -- and boy, was I embarrassed! Hasn't happened since, though! :o

[mdance19]

I'm probably a little old-fashioned in this but I agree with most of you I don't like to have things I have to hold on to or have flung over my shoulder. I got one of those under $20 fanny packs at Walmart (black so it goes with most everything and blends in well!) that way i carry the most important stuff -seapass card, camera, etc with me, around my waist and front so that I can see if someone is trying to steal stuff. This works for me from the airport to the cruise and islands and back!

This especially should be helpful as I will have my hands full with a toddler on our next cruise. I think I am a little crazy, but it is a big family group cruise!

[Brownchristi66]

Okay I’m a little lost with the purse issue. I have meds I have to take with me I also unfortunately the cruise was booked by someone else so it will be that womanly time of the month. Unless your not having the monthly which unfortunately I am and need my meds how can you not have something. Also thank you for the comment on the Walmart bag I have heard so much about Vera Bradley stuff since I’m going on my first cruise sorry but not able to do that . Ross or target has some nice things lol

Edited May 8, 2018 by Brownchristi66
Adding more

[vamartha]

Nope, no purse on the ship. Do carry a clutch on Elegant Night (for phone and smokes). And usually a rolling backpack on a beach/snorkel port day.

[kccrzr]

When I’m in port I almost always use this small crossbody purse. It is the perfect size for me - large enough for lipstick, wallet, pen, phone, passport and a map but small enough to tuck away in my carryon backpack at the airport...

 

 

When I go to the pool or beach, I use this packable tote bag. The pouch becomes a zippered compartment inside the unfolded tote. It also comes in very handy if I buy too many souvenirs as I can use it as a separate carryon and check my roller bag.

 

 

If I don’t want to carry a purse in port or I’m going to a pool or beach I carry my sea pass card and any necessary credit cards or cash in this little travel wallet I found at Target. It fits in a pocket, can be worn around the neck or just tucked away in the tote pocket if I am carrying that as well.

 

 

In the evenings, I use either an evening bag or clutch.

 

 

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[cpayne]

I use this great purse called “my husband’s pockets”! He doesn’t quite feel the same way as I do about my “purse”, but is always a good sport! Hate trying to keep up with a purse on and off the ship!

 

 

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[Cuervosar]

I would like to register a complaint regarding the sexist title of this thread.