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So I was thinking of just traveling with a backpack

thissnub

By thissnub,
in First Time Cruisers

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thissnub

thissnub

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I haven't really decided on when I'm going to go on a cruise but I know i will be planning one shortly. Honestly I was just thinking of packing just a backpack with a few days worth of clothes. I don't really plan on buying souvenirs and it will just be a 4-5 day cruise to the Bahamas. Anyone else ever traveled with just a backpack before?

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calliopecruiser

calliopecruiser

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I haven't really decided on when I'm going to go on a cruise but I know i will be planning one shortly. Honestly I was just thinking of packing just a backpack with a few days worth of clothes. I don't really plan on buying souvenirs and it will just be a 4-5 day cruise to the Bahamas. Anyone else ever traveled with just a backpack before?

 

I've done a backpack road trip of4-5 days; I imagine it would work equally for a cruise.

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Sauer-kraut

Sauer-kraut

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Just make sure you pack the proper attire based on the cruise line's guidelines. You might have to wear pants to the dining rooms in the evenings or a sport jacket and tie. I don't see why you couldn't do it in a backpack, I have done 7 days out of 19 inch suitcase :D

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OCruisers

OCruisers

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Would the MDR have specific clothes guidelines?

 

Seems you'll be on Carnival. While a very relaxed dress code, on Carnival's Elegant nights you'll need long pants and a shirt with a collar for the MDR ... but there other places to eat.

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Jana60

Jana60

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Posted (edited)
I haven't really decided on when I'm going to go on a cruise but I know i will be planning one shortly. Honestly I was just thinking of packing just a backpack with a few days worth of clothes. I don't really plan on buying souvenirs and it will just be a 4-5 day cruise to the Bahamas. Anyone else ever traveled with just a backpack before?

 

Yes but not on purpose! My flight was late arriving to Miami for a seven day cruise and the Carnival bus driver said they would have the luggage sent after me and that if I waited I would miss my cruise. I headed for the ship but my luggage didn't arrive. I had only a backpack with one pair of jeans and a blouse an extra set of underwear and thats it other than the capris and t shirt I was traveling in. I didn't even have a bathing suit on a seven day cruise! Worst thing is I'm a big girl and they didn't have my size in the gift shop so I had to wait till the third day of the cruise when the ship arrived in Grand Cayman to go shopping for some clothes. For the first few days of the cruise the casino staff took pity on me and gave me a couple of casino t-shirts that they normally give out as prizes. My luggage followed me about a day behind all the way through the cruise so without me my luggage visited Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Jamaica. It arrived to me about one week after the cruise was over and my jewelry case was open and all the costume jewelry was laying in the suitcase but everything made of 14 karat gold or better was gone. Now I always caring all jewelry, electronics, medicine, & a small supply of toiletries and clothing that I could survive with if I had to for the whole cruise in a carry on.

Edited by Jana60
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xxoocruiser

xxoocruiser

Posted
Posted (edited)
I haven't really decided on when I'm going to go on a cruise but I know i will be planning one shortly. Honestly I was just thinking of packing just a backpack with a few days worth of clothes. I don't really plan on buying souvenirs and it will just be a 4-5 day cruise to the Bahamas. Anyone else ever traveled with just a backpack before?

 

I use only an 18" carry-on regardless of the number of days which is smaller than most backpacks, For the record I'm a woman and had everything necessary and was never turned away from the MDR. The trick is that every items packed must be able to be interchanged with at least 2 other pieces and can be dressed up or down as the situation requires. Traveled the world 28 weeks out the year when working using the same packing method.

Edited by xxoocruiser
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paulh84

paulh84

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What type of pack do you have in mind? A regular school type backpack or an actual backpacking pack? If it's the backpacking type, you can most definitely do it. They are very very easy to travel with. I did three weeks in Greece with a 70L pack which is on the smaller end for a mens pack.

 

Avoid looking at the 'packing list' threads on here and convince yourself you need to take kitchen appliances, accent lighting and closet organizers. Fit what you need, then maybe a 'nice to have it' item only if space allows. However if you have a regular school type backpack in mind...that may be a tight fit but if you are truly a minimalist packer you could do it.

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chipmaster

chipmaster

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I haven't really decided on when I'm going to go on a cruise but I know i will be planning one shortly. Honestly I was just thinking of packing just a backpack with a few days worth of clothes. I don't really plan on buying souvenirs and it will just be a 4-5 day cruise to the Bahamas. Anyone else ever traveled with just a backpack before?

 

I manage most cruises with just a carryone and a backpack. With just a backpack will be a challenge for your formal wear and shoes :D

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Piggeldy

Piggeldy

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Well, there are backpacks and then there are backpacks.

 

Could I make do with a day hiking backpack? Probably not. But there are backpacks out there that are made with the 'guaranteed carry-on sizes' of different airlines on mind which even fit a suit (if you don't mind folding the coat). I have traveled to Iceland for a week with just a Cabin Max Metz. So it can be done.

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jehane

jehane

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I did 6 weeks in Europe (not cruising) with a 35L backpack. Not a specialist hiking pack, just a regular cheap one. Was still able to pack clothes for everything from hiking to the opera. Hostelling, so I also carried a towel and toiletries. Was *very* happy to be travelling light when I encountered the 4 flights of stairs at the hostel in Warsaw...

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GMRPHRN

GMRPHRN

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I went to Italy for 10 days last year carrying only a back-pack carry-on (ebgs - love it!). I know it is possible but I'm not sure I would do it again. I did miss things (being female it is hard to limit yourself to that quart bag of liquids) and have to do laundry. That said, it was a multiple city trip and it was easier for train and bus connections than lugging a large suitcase. On a cruise though I would rather have the suitcase and the extra shoes!

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