Ladies, do you take your pocketbook...

[Books]

We are first time cruisers(age 60) leaving for a 7 day cruise to the southern Caribbean. When visiting ports, my DH will carry a backpack with some necessary items and also a thin wallet with his important documents in his front pocket. I'm not sure if I should take my regular shoulder bag. It has a short shoulder strap and cannot be put across my body. I also don't expect to carry much with me - cruise card, ID, credit card, copy of passport, some cash, sunglasses, lip balm. I bought a little change purse type item (2" x 4") that would hold the cards and cash and figured my glasses & lip balm could go in DH backpack. I thought I would keep the Purse in my short's front pocket. Now I am having second thoughts because women's pockets are not very deep and I think it's too easy for someone to reach the purse. I also have a small black wallet type bag on a strap. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or across the body or around the waist as a dressier fanny pack. Would this be a better, more secure, choice in port? If so, which is the best way to wear it? I appreciate any help you experienced cruisers can offer. Packing for a first cruise has me boggled.

[Spikesgirl]

You might want to look into getting a travel wallet from either a catalog (Travelsmith)or travel store. Or you might want to look into getting a fanny pack instead. Wear it around front and it's very hard for someone to get in there without your knowing it. You might want a clutch for dinner, but I would definitely lose it(the pocket book) for excursions.

 

Charlie

[jettaleea]

Your black wallet type bag worn across the chest or around the waist sounds perfect. I never buy a purse any more that won't go across the chest. I just find it's easier to always have my hands free.

 

jettaleea

[celbercrz333]

I agree with the fanny pack idea. Best to keep all of your valuables on you securely and you can rest your hands on it while in a crowd. I'm not the trusting type when it comes to travel.

[EggDropErin]

I have what is called a messenger-style shoulder bag. I can carry it over my shoulder and under my arm. It's made by Travelon and can be purchased at http://www.ebags.com

[SugarPlum]

Here are two nice purse for traveling. You can purchase both bag from The Container Store on line if you don't have a store near by.

 

Designed by an international flight attendant, the Wallet Bag is a compact microfiber bag that converts from a wallet to a shoulder bag or waist pack. The black microfiber is ultra-light, water-resistant, and exceptionally durable. Double zippers are made from handsome nickel. An adjustable shoulder strap and belt loops allow for use in a vertical or horizontal position. There's an exterior zippered pocket that's ideal for a boarding pass, cell phone, or map. Inside, there are three zippered and three open gusseted pockets. On one side, the open pocket features slots for ten credit cards; on the other side, there's a pocket sized to accommodate a passport. Two elastic loops accommodate a pen or a lipstick tube.

[travelbugs]

I've been using a fannypack made by Pacsafe ( I think that's how it's spelled). It has hidden metal in it so it cannot be cut and all of the zippers are hidden under fabric and can be locked easily. They make different sizes ( I think they make purses also). It's great to have 2 free hands and I was amazed at how much I could pack into that thing! Hope this helps. Happy cruising! -Travelbugs

[jazzlvr57]

I have a small bag with several pockets that I use in port. It has enough room for my camera, sunscreen, small wallet, etc. It has a long enough strap that I can put it over my shoulder and carry the actual bag in front. I can tuck a few dollars in an outside pocket for small purchases so I don't have to show my whole wad. I purchased the first one in the Bahamas several years ago and found 2 more this year in St. Martin.

[Cotton]

I take a lightweight tote bag that I can either put over my shoulder or carry. It's always right w/me, securely, so no one could grab it. I put my wallet and other essentials into the tote bag. I would never carry or wear a regular purse when going ashore.

[mickey001]

My husband also carries a back pack with our towels, sunscreen, etc. The only things I bring are lipstick, by cruise card, a credit card and some cash. That all fits in my water wallet which I can either wear around my neck or throw in the backpack.

[Janespup]

I always use a fanny pack when traveling, particularly outdoors or in casinos. It's just great to have your hands free and safer as well. I also have a waterproof fanny pack (made by Aquapak, I think), that is about 5 x 7 inches big. It is great if you don't want to leave important small things on the beach when you go swimming, etc.

[careywv]

I just purchased a Vera Bradley hipster for our upcoming cruise. It goes right across the body and it's flat against the side.

 

I also purchased a couple of wristlet style purses for dinner, and if we have dinner in port.

[paytongirls]

im packing 2 options to take on shore with me....1st a hip pack that has a large compartment on the back (part that rests agasit your body) that i can put all my important documents(or copies) and boarding passes..then i slip my camera and other items that i dont mind someone happening to see as i take something out but they never see my $$ or documents (i go to the restroom into a stall to transfer $$ from the back to the front pouch)...2nd a thin wallet that is on a over the shoulder strap under my shirt or between layers and holds the documents and since i only need whats in it in case of emergency noone knows i have it

travel safe and have a great time...youve earned it