Cruising is Overwhelming

[poobears]

Why a sand bucket - they have all sorts of buckets around for the beer. Just grab one of those and leave on ship when you debark.

 

 

I think she wants the bucket for the kids to use on the beach.

[jame_g]

So I'm leaving for my first cruise in 25 days, yay! I am so overwhelmed. I'm trying to do a lot of research so I don't forget anything but it seems I need day clothes, evening clothes, workout clothes, formal clothes, swimwear and then everything from extension cords to duct tape to over the door contraptions to pop up hampers. Ugh, this is tiring.

 

How many pieces of luggage does one woman normally bring? I was just planning on brining a 21" carry on and a 29" upright suitcase but I think I may be over the 50 lb airline weight limit with all this stuff and if that's the case I need another piece of luggage.

 

Take a guess at what you might really use. More than half the things that people recommend, I've never taken, never needed, and never missed. I've never needed bungee cords, duct tape, alarm clocks, night lights, extension cords, power strips, or most electronic gadgets. (I only bring my cellphone and while on the ship it is turned off, it may even spend the entire trip in the safe.) Your own needs might be different. I'm sure I bring some things that many others don't.

 

Take clothing that is versatile, can be mixed and matched, and used for several occasions. Also, coordinate the colors you bring so that you can minimize the number of belts, pairs of shoes, and other accessories.

 

I like the hints that some others have, like bring underwear and socks that are at the end of their useful life so that you just throw them away and use the space for your souveniers. Never tried it though...

[Sherman Oaks]

So I'm leaving for my first cruise in 25 days, yay! I am so overwhelmed. I'm trying to do a lot of research so I don't forget anything but it seems I need day clothes, evening clothes, workout clothes, formal clothes, swimwear and then everything from extension cords to duct tape to over the door contraptions to pop up hampers. Ugh, this is tiring.

 

How many pieces of luggage does one woman normally bring? I was just planning on brining a 21" carry on and a 29" upright suitcase but I think I may be over the 50 lb airline weight limit with all this stuff and if that's the case I need another piece of luggage.

Pack lite, no one is going to care if they see you twice or more in the same outfit.

[bonnie&clydecruzers]

I like the hints that some others have, like bring underwear and socks that are at the end of their useful life so that you just throw them away and use the space for your souveniers. Never tried it though...

 

Even though it seems like a good idea, I feel SORRY for their cabin steward. Honestly how much room does underwear take? Especially for women.

[Ms Belvedere]

Don't the airlines allow two checked and one carry on PP? That should be more than enough room.

 

It depends on the airlines, most are charging for the 2nd bag, $25 - $50 apiece. We have a small local airport that makes non-stop runs to Orlando twice a week, the flights are $69 - $99 each way, they charge $25 per checked bag, no freebies. Carry ons are free but regulated on size.

Ms B

[terratrac]

Well I just got back from my first cruise last week. Let me say I too felt overwhelmed at first but C.C. was a great help. Bungee cords, duct tape really? Dont waste your time worrying about rediculious things like that to bring. Pack half the clothes you were going to and twice the money for your S&S card if you like to drink, shop, or gamble. I believe the double what you payed for your cruise is a pretty good estimate what you will end up spending. One thing that I do want to say is, when you go to dinner or out on the lido take a different route or elevator everytime you will be surprised on what you find!

[jame_g]

Overpacking......

 

Most definitely! :p But I've seen something similar in my own cabin. (But not me.)

[GreenZolie]

Have a wonderful cruise and remember-no one is going to pay any attention to what you wear so be comfortable and wear things more than once-no one will notice!

 

I noticed several people onboard last week who 1) had on a different bathing suit EACH DAY! Who does this!?! 2) Different outfits with a DIFFERENT pair of shoes each day and night!!!! Holy crap!!!! 3) Enough makeup to cover Manhattan on some women

 

That's what I love about this board - for every suggestion and viewpoint posted, there is a nearly opposite suggestion/viewpoint. :D

 

So, the moral of the story is that everyone should pack and do whatever suits you. Whoever posted that you won't really know what suits you until you do your first cruise was correct! After that, you will be an old pro and will know exactly what to pack and do next time!

 

Another thing to consider is who you are traveling with. I like clothes and shoes and accessories, etc, so I dress accordingly. But, I have friends and relatives who are strictly t-shirts and jeans type of folks. When I am around them, I dress more casually so as not to be overdressed. But when I am around fellow clothes lovers, I dress to the nines!

 

It's all relative. :)

[GreenZolie]

We also noticed a man wearing red sweats the entire cruise........I can't even imagine.....eeww!

I would rather bring too much then not enough......

 

Oh poor man - maybe his luggage was lost? That would be so horrible to happen!

[GreenZolie]

When we get back from excursions, we are sweaty or wind-blown or sandy or.... well you get the picture. The 1st thing we do when we get back on the ship is shower and change. Usually into something comfortable and casual.... until it's time for dinner. And although we don't dress up every night, we typically change into something nicer than shorts and t-shirts. So yes, we change again.

 

Yes, same here. I actually thought I would be able to wear the same capris I wore on the first port day, on the second port day, too. But they were so sweaty and yucky I couldn't wear them again.

 

I'd rather pack one or two extra outfits, than to wash clothes on vacation - it's a 6 of one and half a dozen of another kind of thing.

[gal14]

My dh and I will be cruising with our 4 children. I am shooting for a total of 6 suitcases and a garment bag for the 6 of us. One for each person (my 2 small dd's will share) and a suitcase for all the junk (soda, ex. cord...and so on) A garment bag for our dressy clothes. Thank goodness we will have two rooms or we wouldn't have enough room I guess!:p I am wondering about one thing though I purchased today. A sand bucket. It's bulky, but I guess I can put stuff in it while it's packed and for a buck I will leave it on the beach for somebody else.:)

We cruise with kids, too and I had always packed out clothes in seperate bags (one for mine and DH, one for DS, one for DD, one for toiletries, etc.) but I have picked up a tip here that makes A LOT of sense. Instead of sorting it out this way, pack 1-2 days worth of clothes and some toiletries in each bag. That way, if one bag gets lost, or arrives really late, you don't end up with DS not having any clothes for the cruise. Also, pack swimsuits and clothes for first night dinner in your carry on bag so you can swim right away (great especially for the kids) and you won't have to worry about missing the first night in the dining room if your luggage is delayed. Oh, and with kids, you tend to take more of the "stuff" (night light, post-it notes, etc.).;)Just some thoughts, but that's all they are, take them for what they're worth.:D

[lidodeckbound]

Me:D Oh and dh too;)

guilty

[Vanessa L]

guilty

 

Hey, more power to ya--AND your DH's back! Unless of course you tote your own 4 suitcases. :eek:

[sharonny]

First of all I must admit that I am the "World's Worse Packer". That said, a couple staples that I do bring is........small power strip, those tiny packets of tide detergent for spot cleaning, washing suits, etc. and a Ziplock big bag. Dirty clothes goes in the big bag then just toss it in the suitcase for the trip home.

[delluser]

I cruised on 8 day last November with everything in one 21" rolling bag (the kind that fit in the airline overhead). It was not that difficult. I packed the following:

2 pr. workout shorts

2 sports bra tops

socks, underwear, bras (only packed three of each)

1 pr. fancy/dress shoes

1 pr. sandals that were comfortable (walking in ports, to pool etc.)

2 pr. casual shorts

4 t's/tank/ casual tops to mix with shorts/capris

1 pr. black capri pants

4 dresses (wore 1 twice...once to dining room, once to specialty restaurant)

2 swimsuits and 1 coverup

1 hat

travel size toiletries except for sunscreen

curling iron, 3 books to read and my own insulated mug for keeping drinks cold. Yes....that all fit in a small rolling bag. Much easier to travel light. We also take advantage of midweek laundry special...stuff as much into laundry bag as you can for $15. Well worth it. Enjoy your cruise. You'll come back addicted and laugh at yourself for having worried so much!

[poobears]

I believe the double what you payed for your cruise is a pretty good estimate what you will end up spending.

 

Wow we gamble and I can't imagine spending double our cruise price as our S&S account. Have no intentions of spending over 2 grand on board although I know a few do. Heck with the kids I'd be looking at a $7,000++++ bill.

 

I think the general rule is plan for $100 a day on average and adjust up or down for your spending, never heard of double your cruise price.

[bugeater2]

You guys are like us lol! We change about 3 times a day too......how can you not:p Wait make that 4 times when I change for bed:D

Our luggage consist of one large suitcase each and a garment bag......which we handle just fine.........afterall we only wheel them to the airport/ship/hotel......and again on the way back....the majority of the time they are in the hands of airport/hotel/cruiseline employee's:p

We also noticed a man wearing red sweats the entire cruise........I can't even imagine.....eeww!

I would rather bring too much then not enough......

 

 

you have clothes for bed:confused:

[Kurbanfan]

you have clothes for bed:confused:

 

 

Jammies:D

[Vanessa L]

you have clothes for bed:confused:

 

See? I was thinking the same thing ;)

[GreenZolie]

you have clothes for bed:confused:

 

Some of us sleep in clothes, otherwise known as pajamas, and some of us sleep in the buff. Nothing wrong with either choice. :) I'm in the latter group - not that anyone asked, lol - but on the ship, I wore pajamas, well, just because. Something about being on a moving vessel with some 5,000 people, I guess. ;)

[Vanessa L]

Wow we gamble and I can't imagine spending double our cruise price as our S&S account. Have no intentions of spending over 2 grand on board although I know a few do. Heck with the kids I'd be looking at a $7,000++++ bill.

 

I think the general rule is plan for $100 a day on average and adjust up or down for your spending, never heard of double your cruise price.

 

We cruised for a week. INCLUDING the gratuities of $140 for both of us, the total S&S bill was $191. :D It REALLY helps when you bring your own booze, cameras and sodas. Oh, and never step foot in the casino.

[poobears]

I was thinking the same thing about clothing for bed. It would take some weight out of your suitcase if you just left them at home :D

 

Of course if you are traveling with parents, kids, siblings etc in your room, that may not be a good idea.

[SheriNtexas]

Overpacking......

 

 

Oh MY...:eek::D that is a LOT of shoes!!:D

[Vanessa L]

I was thinking the same thing about clothing for bed. It would take some weight out of your suitcase if you just left them at home :D

 

Of course if you are traveling with parents, kids, siblings etc in your room, that may not be a good idea.

 

That's true and in November when I cruise with my kids I will take one, count it--one, extra T shirt for same. Very tiny addition to the luggage, I'll never notice it.

[Wants2cruise]

So I'm leaving for my first cruise in 25 days, yay! I am so overwhelmed. I'm trying to do a lot of research so I don't forget anything but it seems I need day clothes, evening clothes, workout clothes, formal clothes, swimwear and then everything from extension cords to duct tape to over the door contraptions to pop up hampers. Ugh, this is tiring.

 

How many pieces of luggage does one woman normally bring? I was just planning on brining a 21" carry on and a 29" upright suitcase but I think I may be over the 50 lb airline weight limit with all this stuff and if that's the case I need another piece of luggage.

 

 

I just returned from the Fascination, so this is the voice of experience. I packed the following : two bathing suits and one cover-up, 7 casual type of tops 4 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of pants, one lightweight long dress & slip for formal night, the usual undies, a mix of socks and one pair of nylons, 2 pairs of PJs, and a lightweight jacket (which we never touched) For shoes : 1 each, pumps, tennis shoes, crocs, and loafers.

 

I packed one large suitcase that was underweight on the way there, but was overweight on the return trip. We had two extra days pre and post cruise before flying home. So you will need even fewer clothes than I did.

 

I purchased the travel size items of various hygiene items, but that is because I am allergic to many of them. I just don't want to risk having a problem on vacation.

 

I do wish that I had brought a power strip to recharge our laptop, camera stuff and other toys. We had to rotate all of our stuff to make sure it was ready to go, especially for port days.

 

The reason I was over on the return trip was due to our visit to the Kennedy Space Center. We went crazy in there buying t-shirts and other goodies which ended up in my suitcase.