BIG packing problems - also don't think my attitude matches - but will this isolate us?

[lahore]

Hi. I am an Aussie woman travelling with my partner (male) on a 14 day Panama RCCL cruise in December 2004. So here's the run down:

1. We have a 20kg luggage limit each [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img].
2. We are away for six weeks
3. We will be in the tropics on the cruise
4. We will be in the desert in around Grand Canyon and Vegas in the middle of winter (eg; freezing I understand)
5. We want to do shopping so can't come with full suitcases
6. I am an old hippy type - conservative formal dressing is really not me and I tend to dress 'backpacker' style (travel cargo pants and T shirt) during the day - at night we don't ever go to 'formal' do's.

What would you do in this situation? I feel like bringing one pair of shorts, couple of summer tops, a lightweight travel jacket that is waterproof, two or three pair of linen pants, some undies and bras, some long black pants and a black top with a dressy silk shawl and probably buying some winter gear over there (our cruise ends in Fort Lauderdale so I was thinking of hitting one of those huge factory outlets like Sawgrass Mills). I am the Imelda Marcos of T shirts so expect to add those to my wardrobe on my travels. As for him - there is NO WAY we can afford to pack a suit in terms of cabin baggage weight. He has some nice quality shirts and pants (eg: Polo Ralph Lauren types). He has a very classy double breasted jacket etc., but that would take up an unacceptable amount of luggage limit for the two or three nights it would be 'required' by the ship.

So what to do?? Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

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[natndon]

You don't mention what cruise line you're on...some are more casual than others. You can certainly get away without the tux thing on formal nights, but I really do think your husband would need at least a jacket. No one would probably say anything, but you might feel uncomfortable at your table with everyone dressed up so much more.

Or, if it's not important to you to eat in the dining room on those nights, just do the alternative casual dining on formal nights.

Whatever you do, ENJOY...your trip sounds wonderful.

[Lois R]

Hi[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Sounds like you are going on a wonderful adventure!!
But I agree with Nat about the Jacket. What cruiseline are you sailing on?
Now, if you are totally dead set against "dressing for formal night" most ships have alternative dining rooms.
Even on informal and casual nights I would suggest a collared shirt rather than a t.
For you ...on the informal and casual evenings ..how about a pretty skirt and top...that can be very easy to pack. And there are a couple of brands that fold up to nothing...Chicos Travelers and QVC Citiknits. You can really dress them up or down. They are a wonderful "No Wrinkle" knit material..doesn't cling either[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img].

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and have a fantastic 6 weeks.

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising"]http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising[/url]

[Laurab23]

I actually did see men in shirts and ties and no jackets on formal nights. No big problem as far as I was concerned,it didn't ruin my dinner. We were on Carnival Legend and never saw anyone denied entrance to dining room because of clothing. RCCL might be more strict but I doubt it. If you feel comfortable dressing this way,then IMHO (no flaming please)go for it. You see people dressed in all manner of outfits.

Laura

[lahore]

Thanks for the responses so far, which are really appreciated. I forgot to say we are going on RCCL's Legend of the Seas, it's a Xmas cruise too so that might be even more formal nights. Gee.....I don't know.....

I look ghastly in a skirt, and don't really posses any, although maybe a full length one might be the go. I don't know any of those brands mentioned so far, is there some reason why a skirt is better than 'dressy (eg; satin or silk)pants?

The only time I go out to anything formal is when I go out with my Indian friends and wear a saree. Now that is REALLY flash, glittery and all, and they pack down flat. But i suppose that would really draw some stares......

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[dustyroad]

have you thought about renting any clothing for formal night from the ship? i know the carnival ships have a good nice looking selection in the clothing shop. this might help. have a good time on the trip. it sounds like fun.

DUSTY

Carnival Spirit, 9/10/03 Alaska glacier bay

Carvival Spirit, 5/11/05
Alaska glacier bay again

[Lois R]

Hi, you can wear dressy slacks too[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

And a saree would be just fine for formal nights. I have seen long ball gowns, short cocktail dresses, silk pants suits, you name it.
Actually I bet the saree would look absoluletly beautiful and if it easy to pack I say GO FOR IT [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising"]http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising[/url]

[Mariposa]

Don't forget your swim suit and cover up. Actually a long blouse or Tshirt would be quite acceptable. I took along with me a pair of those long flowing type pants (actually looked like a long skirt) and could have worn them for any evening, including formal night. Maybe you should pack 2 or 3 pairs of shorts though, it is mighty humid in the tropics so you actually might need to change once during the day on really muggy days if you sweat a lot. I wore my good sturdy, yet cute sandals everywhere. Add one pair of dressy strappy shoes and some flip flops and you're good to go for the cruise.

I know it can get quite cold in Vegas, but remember the inside is always climate controlled. Your lightweight jacket idea is great for this location.

Maybe at some point during your trip you could mail a box of no longer needed clothing (and purchases) home, thus making more room in your suitcases for what you will actually be wearing for that particular location.

Have fun on your grand adventure.

Mariposa

[Jane110]

Lahore,

I agree with the others, your guy's going to need a jacket, a shirt and a tie. There are a couple of catalogs - one is Tilly's and the other is TravelSmith. They have clothes meant for travel. They probably have some nice non-wrinkle blazers for him. Instead of packing it, why not just have him wear it when travelling? I buy my husband pants from them that are pick-picket proof when we're travelling to countries where that's a problem.

For you, they'll have some nice non-wrinkle pants and/or a long black skirt. All non-wrinkle and can dressed up or down. With a sweater and casual shoes during the day, with a dressier blouse/tank and dressier shoes at night.

By all means take the saree! They're gorgeous and pack flat. Women often wear pretty outfits from all parts of Asia. You won't look out of place.

Jane

[lahore]

Thanks everyone again. Well I think, blow it, I might just go with the saree. Even though I am a white woman, all my Indian friends say I look really classy in a saree which I wear quite often as I go to their children's dance class balls etc.(BTW, this is more compliments than my attire ever gets in any other situation [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]). I love wearing saree too - only trouble is actually putting one on is a nightmare so I better start practicing now! I usually get my friends to dress me. 6 metres of fabric - all I need is a bit of ship lurching and I'll be tangled inextricably in the cabin before i even get out the door [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks for the other suggestions too - yes bathers, definitely I need them. And something to cover the cellulite ..... a sarong ought to do it and could double as street attire in port.

With shorts - is it culturally appropriate to wear shorts in central america and mexico? I have noticed that the local women don't seem to in photos - in Asia I am always very careful about the way I dress. I lived in Singapore and I know what the locals think of Ang Moh women in shorts, especially larger ones (that includes me).

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[kitty9]

Being on a cruise ship during the holidays will be more dressy than at other times. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will have everyone dressing to the nines and I don't think just a shirt and tie will be enough for those formal nights. Plus, you really don't want to miss some of the best parts of a cruise that you're paying for--formal nights and the best food you'll have. Don't want to miss lobster, prime rib, chocolate souffle or baked Alaska and some of the best memories you'll have for the entire cruise. Have you thought of shipping your luggage right to the ship and then shipping them back home once the cruise is over? There aren't the weight restrictions for shipping bags that there are for airlines. I shipped two bags via Fed Ex from my home to Sydney for a 30 day cruise last year. It was easy and great not to have to lug all that stuff in the airports.

For your partner, he can rent a tux on the ship. They're great and he will look fantastic. See, it's not that difficult to pack creatively.

My best advice for you is to buy a little black dress--a long one. I have a beautiful sleeveless, long black dress that folds into nothing and looks great with a strand of pearls and black sandals. Throw on a pretty shawl for another night and you have two formal nights taken care of. Your Indian Sari would be great and you won't get any stares. On one of my cruises that stopped in Mumbai, I went and bought a sari made of deep purple with gold embroidery. I thought I would look out of place, but on the next formal night there were at least 20 other women who had purchased a sari and wore them throughout the rest of the cruise.

Darcie

[lahore]

OH, sorry, and another question. I like the idea of posting used clothes (and purchases probably) home. In Singapore I used to post huge boxes home by sea mail for SD$50. Anyone have any idea what it would cost to send a big box of stuff by American post (or would you guys recommend private crews like DHL or others)? Australia Post has a website with package post prices on it - can anyone tell me if American post does, or even what 'American Post' is called so I can look it up? Thanks again, Lyn

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[ASM]

United States Postal Service. Good luck and have fun!

[lahore]

Hey Kitty9 - you're great thank you. Congrats to all those women who learned to tie sari so quickly - I have worn one dozens of times and still have difficulty!

Please treat me as the uninitiated - how did you send your suitcases to Sydney? Did you address them to the hotel you were staying in? Was it expensive? I presume it would be cheaper than airline excess baggage costs. Our other option is to rejoin the elitist Qantas club but for $500 that will only get us an extra $10 ks (and a sandwich in the lounge) each way so is probably not worth it. Please tell me more about the Fed Ex idea? Also - I think my partner might just have to hire the on ship tuxedo idea. I like the idea of the white jacket a la James Bond - but he would be a big James!! I might contact RCCL and find out about sizes (unless anyone here knows) as he is a very big lad by Australian standards (ex Rugby Player), but Americans (no offence please) tend to be big, so maybe they will have sizes to fit him.

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[S&D]

Hi there.
we are from Aus also... we were away for a month on our cruise, we took a couple of formal things, the rest was pretty casual stuff.

If you are going to Las Vegas, be sure to go to the Belz outlet mall, south of the strip, there are all types of clothes there...lots of t shirts too!! We spent a day there, great place for bargains.

We packed for a month in 2 large suitcases and 2 carryons...we did quite well for that time away.

The saree sounds lovely! and a couple of nice tops and evening pants would be a good alternative for other nights that you didn't want to be too dressed up.

Regards...and have a great time !!!!

S&D
[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.cyberbreezes.com/images/animated/7bdolph.gif[/img]



Star Princess Sept 2002 Mexican Riviera

Star Princess February 2004 Asia

Sapphire Princess March 2005 Asia

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2005;3;7;21;00;00&timezone=GMT+1000[/img]
BBC's...Bangkok or Bust Cruisers...Sydney/Bkk

[kitty9]

lahore, shipping to Sydney was easy. I went to a local shipping agency near my home where they are also an agency for DHL, UPS and Fed Ex. I took the packed bags to the shop, filled out all the Customs paperwork, paid the fees plus insurance fees, and away they went. It took 10 days to arrive. I shipped the bags to the local port agent for Crystal Cruise Lines in Sydney. The bags were delivered to the port agent's office and he delivered them to the ship. They were in my cabin when I arrived on the ship. You can also ship your bags to any hotel. Just call the hotel and tell them you will be Fed Ex-ing luggage and when they will be delivered. We shipped bags to the Four Seasons in Miami and they got there with no problem. Fed Ex then came to the port at an appointed time to pick the bags up for shipment home when we arrived home from the cruise.

Darcie

[pcur]

Your sari sounds great, as well as a pair of black satiny pants and a dressy top like you mentioned. I have several formal night outfits that I take on cruises, and 3 of them are very dressy pantsuits. Be comfortable, don't stress, and enjoy.

The rest of your clothes sound perfect, too.

I agree that Las Vegas is very chilly at night, but you're walking between casinos all the time, and if you're outside at the Grand Canyon it's going to be during the day where it will probably be in the 40's - 50's. Layers work great. I wear a medium-to-heavy weight denim jacket in Vegas during the winter.

Men's jackets are a hassle to pack, and do take up a lot of luggage space. What about a formal vest, shirt, tie and slacks. The vests can also be rented (I think) on board the ship, or he can probably pick one up very cheap on ebay. Sure, it would be nice to have a jacket to wear, but for a six week trip where he would only wear it a few nights, I'd pass on packing it, too.

Shorts in Mexico are fine. If you go on any tours in the South American cities, especially to any government buildings or churches, then you need to wear crop pants, capris, or long pants.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[lahore]

Thanks everyone. I have been up to the border of our state and back today for a meeting - 3.5 hour drive each way, so my eyes are hanging out but I couldn't resist a look at the board. Now I have a really good idea of what is going to be the best way to go. When i have a bit more time I will do some research on postage and courier costs - I hadn't ever thought of couriering luggage but from my ebay experience you guys in the USA use the likes of DHS etc. much more than private citizens do here in Australia. Mostly businesses use DHS etc. so I hadn't thought of that but it's not a bad idea at all.

The Sari and the black silk pants will be the go I think, and he can hire something.

S&D - great to hear from someone else from Australia. What did you think of your Mexican Riveira Cruise? Would love to know more - how different from Aus and Asian touring??

Thanks all....yawn...I am off to have a toasted sanger and hit the sack.

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[S&D]

Hi there lahore,

Yes, we loved our Mexican riviera cruise, only thing was...it wasn't long enough. 7 days is too short !!! We would have loved to go to Acapulco, maybe next time. The ports are very laid back, very casual. Good shopping for lots of great stuff, especially leather goods, jackets, shoes, boots etc., and lots of lovely jewelery. It is a lot less crowded in those ports than the Asian ports, we loved both cruises though. Weather was hot in all the ports, as we went in the hot season both times. We are happy as long as we are on a cruise, doesn't matter where we are going to !!! Happy cruising to you !!

Regards

S&D
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Star Princess Sept 2002 Mexican Riviera

Star Princess February 2004 Asia

Sapphire Princess March 2005 Asia

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2005;3;7;21;00;00&timezone=GMT+1000[/img]
BBC's...Bangkok or Bust Cruisers...Sydney/Bkk

[new_cruiser]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lahore:
Thanks for the responses so far, which are really appreciated. I forgot to say we are going on RCCL's Legend of the Seas, it's a Xmas cruise too so that might be even more formal nights. Gee.....I don't know.....

I look ghastly in a skirt, and don't really posses any, although maybe a full length one might be the go. I don't know any of those brands mentioned so far, is there some reason why a skirt is better than 'dressy (eg; satin or silk)pants?

The only time I go out to anything formal is when I go out with my Indian friends and wear a saree. Now that is REALLY flash, glittery and all, and they pack down flat. But i suppose that would really draw some stares......

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<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dressy silk or satin pants should be fine. I don't like to wear skirts so I wore pants and a dressy (sparkly) top on formal night on Celebrity. It seemed to fit in fine. On that line, the men were pretty much all wearing suits on the formal night. A rental tux may be the best answer to the packing for your husband.

I'm not sure whether the outlet malls in Florida have much winter stuff. Maybe they do to cater to tourists.

For Grand Canyon in winter you can probably manage with pants, a fleece sweater or a down one under your lightweight water proof jacket especially if you also throw in a wool hat and knit gloves. I normally travel places like that with a Gortex shell, fleece jacket and fuzzy hat. That shouldn't weigh much. For the plane flights I take the fleece sweater as carry on because the planes are sometimes cold.

Are you sure about the 20 kg luggage limit? Most of the carriers I know of have a 20 kg (or 50 lb) limit per checked bag but they allow two checked bags per person.

[gambler]

RCCL does not have self serve laundry but they do offer dry cleaning and laundry service at fairly reasonable prices. This might help.

Monarch of the Seas 09/92
Majesty of the Seas 11/93,11/95
Sovereign of the Seas 09/94
Grandeur of the Seas 11/99,11/00,06/01,02/02,05/04
Navigator of the Seas 12/02,11/04
Rhapsody of the Seas 06/03
Radiance of the Seas 11/03

[lahore]

Hi, sorry i've been slow to respond, have been away for a few days. Yes I am certain that Qantas only allows 20 kg per person - I wish I was wrong. I know flights to USA on other airlines often allow a per bag rather than a 20 kg allowance but as far as I know Qantas sticks to its painful baggage allowance - if anyone knows different I would LOVE to be told I am wrong [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

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[masterbaker]

I think you may be wrong [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I have copied this off the Quantas website for you, it looks like you may check 2 pieces for each passenger 32kg (70 lb) per piece.

Passengers (including children) on Qantas are allowed the following baggage. No single item may exceed 32kg in weight.

Route Piece Allowance and Dimensions Weight Allowance
Australian Domestic Business: 3 pieces
Economy: 1 piece

Total dimensions* of each piece must not exceed 140cm (54in)
Infants: Nil 32kg (70lbs) per piece
Dash 8 Economy: 1 piece
Total dimensions* of each piece must not exceed 140cm (54in)
Infants: Nil 20kg (44lbs) total
New Zealand Domestic Economy: 20kg(44lbs) total
Infant: 10kg
(22lbs) total
Travel to/from USA, US Territories, Tahiti, South America and Canada^
via the Pacific First: 2 pieces
Total dimensions* of each piece must not exceed 158cm (62in)
Business/Economy: 2 pieces
Total dimensions* of the 2 pieces must not exceed 270cm (106in) with no 1 piece exceeding 158cm (62in)
Infants+: 1 piece
Total dimensions must not exceed 115cm (45in) 32kg (70lbs) per piece
All other International^ First: 40kg (88lbs)
Business: 30kg (66lbs)
Economy: 20kg (44lbs)
Infants+: 10kg (22lbs)

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Panama Canal Transit 4-16-05

[lahore]

hi Masterbaker. I am amazed. According to that website I can have two pieces at 32ks each, that's 64 kilos per person to take to America yet I have travelled really extensively in Asia and it's always 20kg per person. that's a massive difference and one can't help but wonder why? Weird, really weird. If that is the case (no pun intended) I will be a very happy woman. Thank you for freeing me of my misconception, but I am going to phone Qantas on Monday just to be completely sure. If so, this is me [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

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[This message was edited by lahore on 06-19-04 at 05:37 AM.]

[This message was edited by lahore on 06-19-04 at 05:38 AM.]

[new_cruiser]

I agree it is really weird. It looks like on trips to Europe the limit would also be 20 kg. The US carriers flying North America to Austrailia allow 2 pieces. Maybe competition with them keeps Quantus to two pieces on that run. But one would think that that would also apply to competition going to Europe as well.