When the port is your hometown - advice for what to carry on vs what to pack

[roberooski]

I will be boarding the Dawn next Friday and can't wait!! This will be the first time that I board a ship in Boston, where I live. As a matter of fact, I'm only about 20 minutes from the Black Falcon Terminal and I work about 2 blocks away! LOL!

 

I won't be packing a carry-on bag for a plane ~ WOOT! ~ but plan on packing that bag as I would if I were leaving my cabin for the day on deck, but including my cruise documents, passports, etc. This means I will have my suntan lotion, Kindle, Bubba Mug, etc. My husband will likely pull a roll-on small suitcase just in the rare case that we don't get our luggage before dinner.

 

With all of that being said, I'm curious from those who have boarded their ship without having flown in first if you packed differently and, if so, how?

 

Also wondering what I can carry on in terms of, say, a 12 pack of Diet Coke cans?

 

Thanks!

~R

[ColeThornton]

You can't bring on either water or soda. You can bring on wine and pay corkage. See the NCL FAQ's for further info. Nothing difficult about what you want to carry on but I would make sure you carry on any prescriptions you many need.

[roberooski]

You can't bring on either water or soda. You can bring on wine and pay corkage. See the NCL FAQ's for further info. Nothing difficult about what you want to carry on but I would make sure you carry on any prescriptions you many need.

 

Thanks! <blushing> I should have checked there. OOPS! LOL! Thanks! And good call on the prescriptions! I will remember that.

 

~R

[phissy]

We don't pack quite as efficiently as if we were flying. If in doubt, pack it. Able to take one empty bag on so we can put purchases in it and get them home safely.

Easier to take wine onboard, don't have to worry about breakage from flight. Just put in carry on tote bag.

the only sad part (for us) is 20 minutes after disembarkation, you are home and shock of vacation being over hits hard. :rolleyes:

No time to really decompress.

[Misself]

Bearing in mind when cruising out of Southampton you don't often get fantastic weather, I try and keep hand luggage to a minimum as hate having to lug it around until the cabin is ready. The benefit of being close to the port is I know what the weather is like before I leave home so can dress accordingly, rather than not quite being 100% sure if you've got too many layers or not enough! I've been known to head into work after disembarking ship..... no point taking a days holiday when I can be home by 8.30 am

[garycarla]

Hmmmm...

 

We now do only carryon for two week cruises, but.... I am thinking the packing really would not be much different. The only big changes I can think of are:

 

- no worry about liquids since you do not go through TSA

- way less worry about important stuff getting lost with checked bags

- much easier to bring booze home if you are inclined to buy some on the ship or overseas.

(not us, we drink it all onboard)

[Quilting_Cruiser]

Seattle's not my hometown, but if I cruise from there I do drive to the port. The biggest difference in the way I pack is that I can take more and that's a good thing since it's usually Alaska I'm going to. I don't take the usual carry-on; just a backpack with medication and whatever I think I may need until my bag gets to the cabin later. I tend to board after the rush, and my cabin is usually ready when I board. It's nice to be able to take liquids without their being tiny.

 

Have a great time! I love being able to debark and drive home instead of heading for the airport. :D Unlike Phissy, I love being home mid-morning on debarkation day!

[roberooski]

We don't pack quite as efficiently as if we were flying. If in doubt, pack it. Able to take one empty bag on so we can put purchases in it and get them home safely.

Easier to take wine onboard, don't have to worry about breakage from flight. Just put in carry on tote bag.

the only sad part (for us) is 20 minutes after disembarkation, you are home and shock of vacation being over hits hard. :rolleyes:

No time to really decompress.

 

OH MAN! Good point!! Quick to the fun....quick to the re-entry!!! Never thought of that! LOL!

 

~R

[roberooski]

Bearing in mind when cruising out of Southampton you don't often get fantastic weather, I try and keep hand luggage to a minimum as hate having to lug it around until the cabin is ready. The benefit of being close to the port is I know what the weather is like before I leave home so can dress accordingly, rather than not quite being 100% sure if you've got too many layers or not enough! I've been known to head into work after disembarking ship..... no point taking a days holiday when I can be home by 8.30 am ��

 

Great point! It's so nice to hear from those in other countries!! <Waving from Boston!!>

 

~R

[roberooski]

Hmmmm...

 

We now do only carryon for two week cruises, but.... I am thinking the packing really would not be much different. The only big changes I can think of are:

 

- no worry about liquids since you do not go through TSA

- way less worry about important stuff getting lost with checked bags

- much easier to bring booze home if you are inclined to buy some on the ship or overseas.

(not us, we drink it all onboard)

 

Thanks! I doubt we can fit it all in carry-on sized bags......that would be great though!

 

~R

[roberooski]

Seattle's not my hometown, but if I cruise from there I do drive to the port. The biggest difference in the way I pack is that I can take more and that's a good thing since it's usually Alaska I'm going to. I don't take the usual carry-on; just a backpack with medication and whatever I think I may need until my bag gets to the cabin later. I tend to board after the rush, and my cabin is usually ready when I board. It's nice to be able to take liquids without their being tiny.

 

Have a great time! I love being able to debark and drive home instead of heading for the airport. :D Unlike Phissy, I love being home mid-morning on debarkation day!

 

There are definitely pros and cons to it. True about being able to take the full size bottles - hadn't thought of that! I will have to see how I feel about cruising from so close to home and give everyone my trip report when I return!

 

~R

[easyboy]

When cruising from home port, we pack clothes not considering the use of the laundry service. Flying out, it is less clothes and use the ship's laundry service.

[rayness]

When cruising from home port, we pack clothes not considering the use of the laundry service. Flying out, it is less clothes and use the ship's laundry service.

 

 

 

I'm going to do the exact things. I'm bringing enough clothes so I won't have to use laundry. I'm leaving on a cruise out of Tampa in January so I'm taking an Uber over to the port. I live real close to the port so this will be a new experience. I might bring an extra suitcase for purchases and I'm bringing a couple of real books instead of my electronic reader.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Aquaphobic]

You'll love cruising from your home port! I live in Beverly and always take the MBTA to Black Falcon. What a joy to not have to deal with airplane flights and hotel reservations.

 

The only difference in how I pack is that I don't worry about having too many liquids or gels in my hand luggage, since TSA rules don't apply at Black Falcon. I also carry an empty shopping bag for all those Bermuda rum cakes I buy.

 

Have a wonderful time and please tell us all about it when you return!

[biker@sea]

I will be boarding the Dawn next Friday and can't wait!! This will be the first time that I board a ship in Boston, where I live. As a matter of fact, I'm only about 20 minutes from the Black Falcon Terminal and I work about 2 blocks away! LOL!

 

I won't be packing a carry-on bag for a plane ~ WOOT! ~ but plan on packing that bag as I would if I were leaving my cabin for the day on deck, but including my cruise documents, passports, etc. This means I will have my suntan lotion, Kindle, Bubba Mug, etc. My husband will likely pull a roll-on small suitcase just in the rare case that we don't get our luggage before dinner.

 

With all of that being said, I'm curious from those who have boarded their ship without having flown in first if you packed differently and, if so, how?

 

Also wondering what I can carry on in terms of, say, a 12 pack of Diet Coke cans?

 

Thanks!

~R

 

We take everything.

 

We start vacation from home.

 

Weird little fact.

 

Black Falcon parking is $140 for the week.

Limo service charge's $75 Inbound $70 outbound for Black Falcon service.

 

= $5 plus tip for a LIMO.

 

Let the driver haul your bag's from Your Driveway. :D

[phoenix1181]

We can be at Black Falcon in 10 minutes if the traffic gods are with us. We just love the Dawn & the ease of cruising from our home port. We don't over pack because we had too many cruises where we brought unworn clothes home but it's wonderful not having to weigh our suitcases or be concerned about what's in our carryon.

 

That said, the only things in our only carryon (small w/wheels) are what we consider to be "must haves." Prescription meds, cruise docs, passport, credit cards (1 for onboard account, 1 for purchases on shore), cash for the casino, & a change of clothes in case luggage is lost. Also, I don't carry a pocketbook or bag of any sort.

[NJGeorge]

I get to bring all my fishing stuff with me.

I gave that up when I fly to cruise too many security hassles;)

[tempus137]

Besides the items that you mentioned, we also pack our valuables (DW's jewelry) in our carryon.

[cruisegal40]

We are north of Boston and thinking of jumping on the 9/8 sailing. I would love not to have to worry about delays with airlines. Last December was a nightmare. I think we would take a limo back and forth. Much easier. Less luggage as we usually also fly in a day ahead. No need for that.

[Something fun!]

You'll love cruising from your home port! I live in Beverly and always take the MBTA to Black Falcon. What a joy to not have to deal with airplane flights and hotel reservations.

 

The only difference in how I pack is that I don't worry about having too many liquids or gels in my hand luggage, since TSA rules don't apply at Black Falcon. I also carry an empty shopping bag for all those Bermuda rum cakes I buy.

 

Have a wonderful time and please tell us all about it when you return!

 

Beverly here also! 👋 What is your MBTA route? I haven't decided whether to drive to the port or take public transportation.

 

Valerie

[roberooski]

You'll love cruising from your home port! I live in Beverly and always take the MBTA to Black Falcon. What a joy to not have to deal with airplane flights and hotel reservations.

 

The only difference in how I pack is that I don't worry about having too many liquids or gels in my hand luggage, since TSA rules don't apply at Black Falcon. I also carry an empty shopping bag for all those Bermuda rum cakes I buy.

 

Have a wonderful time and please tell us all about it when you return!

 

Thanks!! We love Beverly - my daughter graduated Endicott! Love Hale Street Tavern. Thanks for the wishes and I'll be sure to post about it when I return.

 

~R

[roberooski]

We can be at Black Falcon in 10 minutes if the traffic gods are with us. We just love the Dawn & the ease of cruising from our home port. We don't over pack because we had too many cruises where we brought unworn clothes home but it's wonderful not having to weigh our suitcases or be concerned about what's in our carryon.

 

That said, the only things in our only carryon (small w/wheels) are what we consider to be "must haves." Prescription meds, cruise docs, passport, credit cards (1 for onboard account, 1 for purchases on shore), cash for the casino, & a change of clothes in case luggage is lost. Also, I don't carry a pocketbook or bag of any sort.

 

Literally EXACTLY what I was thinking!! I feel better knowing that I have a spirit animal out there with the same ideas!

 

~R

[roberooski]

We are north of Boston and thinking of jumping on the 9/8 sailing. I would love not to have to worry about delays with airlines. Last December was a nightmare. I think we would take a limo back and forth. Much easier. Less luggage as we usually also fly in a day ahead. No need for that.

 

Jump on the 8/18 sailing and join us!! LOL!

 

~R

[Maraprince]

If leaving from homeport, I carry on a change of clothes along with shoes (including slippers/shower shoes) and handbag for that evening either in my roll on or in a shopping bag along with any toilet items needed to shower and put on new make up. Definitely keep any prescriptions/vitamins with you along with any valuables. Lock any checked luggage before giving it to the terminal porters. Unlike the airlines, 3 oz. liquid rule does not apply to hand carries. But it is so much easier to pick up travel size products and pack them.

 

MARAPRINCE

[roberooski]

If leaving from homeport, I carry on a change of clothes along with shoes (including slippers/shower shoes) and handbag for that evening either in my roll on or in a shopping bag along with any toilet items needed to shower and put on new make up. Definitely keep any prescriptions/vitamins with you along with any valuables. Lock any checked luggage before giving it to the terminal porters. Unlike the airlines, 3 oz. liquid rule does not apply to hand carries. But it is so much easier to pick up travel size products and pack them.

 

MARAPRINCE

 

Thanks Mara!