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

[new_cruiser]

I don't think you've said how you are getting from Florida to Arizona. Some of the US carriers are limiting baggage to 50 lb (20 kg) per piece on domestic travel. I think they all allow 2 pieces. You might want to check that before planning on using the full Quantus allowance. It still allows you twice what you originally thought.

[lahore]

Excellent point new_cruiser. Thank you, I hadn't considered that. We are flying from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans, and then from there to Vegas, so will need to be mindful of USA domestic limits. This is one GREAT thread, it has been so useful, thanks everyone! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

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[lahore]

Just a general note to all, but especially to Masterbaker - you were right! It seems I can lug more than I could possibly carry to the US as long as I can fit it into two bags of predetermined sizes. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Te he...you watch me, those vacuum stuff down bags are going to be used to the hilt. I no longer need to worry about hiring a jacket, as he can take his. The woman I spoke to at Qantas was unable to explain why the USA has a more generous limit than the rest of the world and seemed as bemused as I was...one can only speculate. But I am not going to waste as much time speculating as I am about rethinking my packing strategy...however I am so into the Sari idea now I will still be doing that. Cheers all, from Melbourne.

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[masterbaker]

lahore, I'm glad that I could help you. Remember though that your USA domestic flights will have a 50 lb. limit per bag. (I'm sure you can figure that out in KG) I hope you have a wonderful cruise and an enjoyable stay in the USA.

[tomko2]

You will be fine with satin or silk pants and something dressy to top them off; I wore satin pants and camisole along with a glittery jacket on RCCL's Splendor of the Seas for a formal night and looked and felt just great. You can see from all the replies that there really are no hard and fast rules. I also think you would be fine in the saree. Check out some of the photos people have posted. My husband will not wear a tux nor a dark suit; he does wear a sports jacket and a tie on formal nights; other nights he wears either a short sleeve shirt or golf shirt with pants.
Vegas will be cool in Feb. hopefully you are staying on the Strip and will just hop in and out of casinos (it's the wind that can be really cold); a good fleece top that is easy to take off and carry around inside would be ideal.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!

[quote name='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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[mousecruiser]

Took this info from Delta Airlines, but more of the others are the same. The airline websites have all of this info listed.

Weight Limitations
Items on domestic flights should not weigh more than 50 lbs
Items on domestic flights weighing between 51 and 100 lbs will be charged an excess baggage fee
Items on international flights should not weigh more than 70 lbs
Items on international flights weighing between 70 and 100 lbs will be charged an excess baggage fee
Items weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted
Computing the Charges
Delta charges an excess baggage fee if you have more than two pieces of checked baggage per ticked passenger, or if one or more of your bags exceeds the weight or size restrictions outlined in the charts below. This can carry a triple whammy! For instance, if you have an extra piece of baggage that exceeds the weight limitation and the size limitation, then you will incur the excess charge 3 times: once for the extra piece, once for exceeding the size limitation, and once for exceeding the weight limitation. (Fees listed below apply to travel in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. Check with your airline for International rules.)
Excess Baggage Fees:
Number of Additional Bags Fee Due at Check-In
First additional item $40
Second & third additional items $80 each
4th, 5th, 6th additional items $105 each
7th or more additional items $180 each
Excess Weight Fees: Bags Fee Due at Check-In
Weighing 51 to 70 pounds $25 each
Weighing from 71 to 100 pounds $80 each
Excess Size Fee: Number of Bags Fee Due at Check-In
Any item over 62 inches (not to exceed 80 inches) $80 each
Additional conditions for acceptance of excess baggage:
Charges are for each additional bag, each way. When more than one carrier is involved, charges will be incurred on each carrier.
Scuba diving equipment will be accepted as checked baggage and will always be subject to an excess baggage charge. One dive bag containing scuba equipment, other than an empty dive tank, may be accepted as part of the free baggage allowance. An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the free baggage allowance and will always be subject to an $80 fee. Scuba equipment accepted in excess of the free baggage allowance will be assessed the appropriate fee based on destination.
The amount of excess baggage may be limited when such excess prevents the airline from carrying each traveler's free baggage allowance.

[Redtravel]

Get some zip off pants. LL Bean sells them. They convert from long pants to shorts by just zipping the legs on or off. Also, get some basic black Chico's travelers pieces. I took a long skirt, a pair of pants, a top and a dress. A few scarfs or beads and you get a new look. They do not wrinkle and look great. You can wear them on any night and feel in place. They also wash well.

[lougee1043]

lahore

if your friend is going to rent a tux - you might want to consider doing it on line thru the cruise ship --that way it will be in his room waiting for him and if it needs minor alterations it can be done on the ship ---if the ship carries tux for rental on the ship their choice of size and color might be very limited