bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 #1 Share Posted July 16, 2018 My sister and I are taking our first cruise ever in February on the Carnival Dream. We're flying into New Orleans, staying overnight, then boarding the Dream for a 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary. When the cruise ends we will be staying on in New Orleans for 6 extra days through Mardis Gras and on until Friday. I find it a lot of fun to plan and organize, and I've sort of volunteered to take care of almost every detail in terms of what we need in the room so my sister can just show up and order a drink. :p:pSo to research what we'd need I've watched a ton of videos and read a ton of cruise packing lists and suggestions and started pulling it all together. I indulged in buying a bunch of packing cubes to help me bring order to the chaos and pack things meaningfully. I've shared below how I've organized different cubes. I'm storing a lot of this stuff already packed into the appropriate cubes so when the cruise gets here I can just move the cubes into suitcases, pack up some clothes and personal items, and hit the road. I also included here some personal packing lists of things I'll want when I leave my cabin to go to the pool, the beach, a shore excursion, etc. I intend to do laundry once on the ship, hopefully on the 5th day or later. Would love to hear feedback if anyone thinks I've forgotten something! :) Room Packing Cube Nightlights travel alarm clock magnetic hooks Magnetic clips ziplock bags power strips with USB ports highlighter pens pen Sticky notes rechargeable fan Duct tape Sewing Kit Glasses repair kit Poopouri toilet spray mesh shower tote (to hang our stuff in in the shower and to carry it to the spa) duct tape Over the door organizer dish soap YETI/Straws door decoration Beach Bag Packing Cube 6 1oz tubes 30 spf sunscreen lock bag wet bag microfiber towel waterproof phone case beach towel chair straps Luggage/misc. PackingCube Luggage tags Sanitizer wipes Lens cloth Laundry Packing Cube Collapsible hamper Tide for 3 regular washes Tide for 3 sink washes Dryer sheets Bungee clothes line Sink stopper clothespins Downy Wrinkle Releaser Port Packing Cube Rain poncho 2 waterproof bags on belts 2 collapsible water bottles with carabiners bug spray with DEET Reef safe spf 30 sunscreen Collabsible tote bag portable toilet paper Snorkel Gear Medical kit Antibiotic ointment Antiseptic towelettes bandaids bandages iodine moleskin gauze tape pepto bismol tums scissors tweezers thermometer rehydration salts Benadryl decongestant Tylenol ibuprofen motion sickness patches bonine ginger candy Important documents folder for carryon Passport. Put copy in separate bag Cruise documents Excursion documents email confirming steakhouse reservation email confirming Chef's Table reservation Plane ticket info Hotel(s) info Land transfers, rental car, bus, etc. Travel insurance Emergency #s and addresses for post cards Travel partner's emergency numbers Insurance card Carryon Packing list Passport License Credit cards Important Documents folder Phone and charger Watch Gum Snacks Medication Pen and small notebook Camera Sunglasses Dollar bills for tipping Luggage IDs Lanyard Rain poncho if weather sketchy headphones PJs Bathing suit and coverup Outfit for boarding the ship Lanyard Camera Kindle remote charger(s) for phone Personal toiletries makeup laptop Overnight bag – add these items to carryon in NOLA hotel for boardingship Hat/Visor Binoculars Beach packing cube towel Toiletry bag sandals Toiletry bag Shampoo/conditioner/hairspray/hairproduct/elastics nail clippers face products Eyedrops Flonase Allegra deodorant Perfume Lotion bath pouf Razor ear plugs lanyard jewelry Clothes Dinner outfits for 7 nights Afternoon outfits/casual outfits for 5 days (One should be an outfit it’s ok to get muddy) 2 nice dresses 2 bathing suits and 2 coverups underclothes 5 pairs socks Sneakers, sandals, flipflops (closed toed shoes required for Roatan ATVexcursion) 3 pairs pjs Small hand bag Sweater 4 tshirts Excursion packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) port packing cube (see above) Lanyard IDs, cash, visa (if needed) Camera snacks and beverages Change of clothes Swimsuit Swimsuit cover Hair clip/hat Flipflops/water shoes Small medical kit (bandaids Neosporin eyedrops) Sunglasses small notebook/pen Chapstick Dollar bills watch cell phone headphones Beach bag on sea days packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) Swimsuit cover lanyard Camera Water bottle Small notebook/pen Highlighter Watch cell phone chapstick Sunglasses Hat Lotion Kindle Earplugs headphones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted July 16, 2018 #2 Share Posted July 16, 2018 My sister and I are taking our first cruise ever in February on the Carnival Dream. We're flying into New Orleans, staying overnight, then boarding the Dream for a 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary. When the cruise ends we will be staying on in New Orleans for 6 extra days through Mardis Gras and on until Friday. I find it a lot of fun to plan and organize, and I've sort of volunteered to take care of almost every detail in terms of what we need in the room so my sister can just show up and order a drink. :p:pSo to research what we'd need I've watched a ton of videos and read a ton of cruise packing lists and suggestions and started pulling it all together. I indulged in buying a bunch of packing cubes to help me bring order to the chaos and pack things meaningfully. I've shared below how I've organized different cubes. I'm storing a lot of this stuff already packed into the appropriate cubes so when the cruise gets here I can just move the cubes into suitcases, pack up some clothes and personal items, and hit the road. I also included here some personal packing lists of things I'll want when I leave my cabin to go to the pool, the beach, a shore excursion, etc. I intend to do laundry once on the ship, hopefully on the 5th day or later. Would love to hear feedback if anyone thinks I've forgotten something! :) Room Packing Cube Nightlights travel alarm clock magnetic hooks Magnetic clips ziplock bags power strips with USB ports highlighter pens pen Sticky notes rechargeable fan Duct tape Sewing Kit Glasses repair kit Poopouri toilet spray mesh shower tote (to hang our stuff in in the shower and to carry it to the spa) duct tape Over the door organizer dish soap YETI/Straws door decoration Beach Bag Packing Cube 6 1oz tubes 30 spf sunscreen lock bag wet bag microfiber towel waterproof phone case beach towel chair straps Luggage/misc. PackingCube Luggage tags Sanitizer wipes Lens cloth Laundry Packing Cube Collapsible hamper Tide for 3 regular washes Tide for 3 sink washes Dryer sheets Bungee clothes line Sink stopper clothespins Downy Wrinkle Releaser Port Packing Cube Rain poncho 2 waterproof bags on belts 2 collapsible water bottles with carabiners bug spray with DEET Reef safe spf 30 sunscreen Collabsible tote bag portable toilet paper Snorkel Gear Medical kit Antibiotic ointment Antiseptic towelettes bandaids bandages iodine moleskin gauze tape pepto bismol tums scissors tweezers thermometer rehydration salts Benadryl decongestant Tylenol ibuprofen motion sickness patches bonine ginger candy Important documents folder for carryon Passport. Put copy in separate bag Cruise documents Excursion documents email confirming steakhouse reservation email confirming Chef's Table reservation Plane ticket info Hotel(s) info Land transfers, rental car, bus, etc. Travel insurance Emergency #s and addresses for post cards Travel partner's emergency numbers Insurance card Carryon Packing list Passport License Credit cards Important Documents folder Phone and charger Watch Gum Snacks Medication Pen and small notebook Camera Sunglasses Dollar bills for tipping Luggage IDs Lanyard Rain poncho if weather sketchy headphones PJs Bathing suit and coverup Outfit for boarding the ship Lanyard Camera Kindle remote charger(s) for phone Personal toiletries makeup laptop Overnight bag – add these items to carryon in NOLA hotel for boardingship Hat/Visor Binoculars Beach packing cube towel Toiletry bag sandals Toiletry bag Shampoo/conditioner/hairspray/hairproduct/elastics nail clippers face products Eyedrops Flonase Allegra deodorant Perfume Lotion bath pouf Razor ear plugs lanyard jewelry Clothes Dinner outfits for 7 nights Afternoon outfits/casual outfits for 5 days (One should be an outfit it’s ok to get muddy) 2 nice dresses 2 bathing suits and 2 coverups underclothes 5 pairs socks Sneakers, sandals, flipflops (closed toed shoes required for Roatan ATVexcursion) 3 pairs pjs Small hand bag Sweater 4 tshirts Excursion packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) port packing cube (see above) Lanyard IDs, cash, visa (if needed) Camera snacks and beverages Change of clothes Swimsuit Swimsuit cover Hair clip/hat Flipflops/water shoes Small medical kit (bandaids Neosporin eyedrops) Sunglasses small notebook/pen Chapstick Dollar bills watch cell phone headphones Beach bag on sea days packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) Swimsuit cover lanyard Camera Water bottle Small notebook/pen Highlighter Watch cell phone chapstick Sunglasses Hat Lotion Kindle Earplugs headphones Lots of useless stuff on that list except essentials (beyond personal choice of clothing/toiletries) : IDs Smart Phone Meds Required docs Personal electronics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haladdict Posted July 16, 2018 #3 Share Posted July 16, 2018 That's hilarious. It must be a joke to post a long packing list. We are all different and have different ideas on what to pack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teknoge3k Posted July 16, 2018 #4 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Will the port even allow you to park a U-Haul there? Holy cow!!! I hope this isn't serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Yes, I am serious. Geez. You all make me wish I could remove my post but I don't know how. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare puppycanducruise Posted July 16, 2018 #6 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Wow, that's quite a list. Just a couple of thoughts. Under "beach packing cube" you have 6 1 oz tubes sunscreen. That doesn't seem like enough sunscreen. Not sure why you need a sink stopper. What are "rehydration salts"? Motion sickness patches and bonine and ginger candy? I like to be prepared, but, portable toilet paper? Pack what you want, but that's too much for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted July 16, 2018 For what it's worth, I wanted my sister to feel like she had everything she needs, no matter what. She and I lost both our dad and our stepdad this spring. When they both had cancer and were very sick, she and I started planning this cruise so we would have something to look forward to together. So, yeah, I've put a lot of thought into it. And maybe I've gone overboard. It has been an escape and a labor of love. If you don't like the list, be helpful and suggest what you wouldn't take on it. Don't just be mean. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruseforme Posted July 16, 2018 #8 Share Posted July 16, 2018 HAHA! You are taking an ATW right? 180 Days? Otherwise, pick one or two items from each list that you cannot do without, and leave the rest in the storage bin at home. For a three week cruise (we take 21 Days), I take 1/4 of what you have listed. 1 suitcase is plenty, with a small carryon with personal items. I know some are overpackers, but this is a bit excessive. Toilet paper?! You going on a safari, because you may need a couple of those items for that....otherwise, nope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #9 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Wow, that's quite a list.Just a couple of thoughts. Under "beach packing cube" you have 6 1 oz tubes sunscreen. That doesn't seem like enough sunscreen. Not sure why you need a sink stopper. What are "rehydration salts"? Motion sickness patches and bonine and ginger candy? I like to be prepared, but, portable toilet paper? Pack what you want, but that's too much for me. That's just the amount of little sunscreen I have. I'll have a larger tube as well. The sink stopper came in a laundry kit. The variations of motion sickness cures are because I have no idea if we'll get seasick and, if we do, what remedy will actually help. The toilet paper is just this little roll, like an inch around, that's from my camping gear. Just saw it recommended somewhere and since it weighs nothing and takes up hardly any space, I threw it in. But maybe it's overkill lol! Thanks for the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #10 Share Posted July 16, 2018 HAHA! You are taking an ATW right? 180 Days? Otherwise, pick one or two items from each list that you cannot do without, and leave the rest in the storage bin at home. For a three week cruise (we take 21 Days), I take 1/4 of what you have listed. 1 suitcase is plenty, with a small carryon with personal items. I know some are overpackers, but this is a bit excessive. Toilet paper?! You going on a safari, because you may need a couple of those items for that....otherwise, nope. lol thanks for your insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teknoge3k Posted July 16, 2018 #11 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Room Packing Cube power strips with USB ports rechargeable fan mesh shower tote (to hang our stuff in in the shower and to carry it to the spa) YETI/Straws door decoration Beach Bag Packing Cube 6 1oz tubes 30 spf sunscreen lock bag waterproof phone case Luggage/misc. PackingCube Luggage tags Sanitizer wipes Lens cloth Laundry Packing Cube Tide for 3 regular washes Dryer sheets Downy Wrinkle Releaser Port Packing Cube Rain poncho bug spray with DEET Reef safe spf 30 sunscreen Snorkel Gear Medical kit Antibiotic ointment Antiseptic towelettes bandaids bandages iodine moleskin gauze tape pepto bismol tums scissors tweezers thermometer rehydration salts Benadryl decongestant Tylenol ibuprofen motion sickness patches bonine ginger candy Important documents folder for carryon Passport. Put copy in separate bag Cruise documents Excursion documents email confirming steakhouse reservation (I'd do this electronically) email confirming Chef's Table reservation (I'd do this electronically) Plane ticket info (I'd do this electronically) Hotel(s) info (I'd do this electronically) Land transfers, rental car, bus, etc. (I'd do this electronically) Travel insurance (I'd do this electronically) Emergency #s and addresses for post cards (I'd do this electronically) Travel partner's emergency numbers (I'd do this electronically) Insurance card (I'd do this electronically) Carryon Packing list Passport License Credit cards Important Documents folder Phone and charger Watch Gum Snacks Medication Camera Sunglasses Dollar bills for tipping Luggage IDs Lanyard headphones Bathing suit and coverup Kindle laptop Overnight bag – add these items to carryon in NOLA hotel for boardingship Hat/Visor Binoculars Beach packing cube Toiletry bag sandals Toiletry bag Shampoo/conditioner/hairspray/hairproduct/elastics nail clippers face products Eyedrops Flonase Allegra deodorant Perfume Lotion bath pouf Razor ear plugs lanyard jewelry Clothes Dinner outfits for 7 nights Afternoon outfits/casual outfits for 5 days (One should be an outfit it’s ok to get muddy) 2 nice dresses 2 bathing suits and 2 coverups underclothes 5 pairs socks Sneakers, sandals, flipflops (closed toed shoes required for Roatan ATVexcursion) 3 pairs pjs Small hand bag 4 tshirts Excursion packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) port packing cube (see above) Lanyard IDs, cash, visa (if needed) Camera Change of clothes Swimsuit Swimsuit cover Hair clip/hat Flipflops/water shoes Small medical kit (bandaids Neosporin eyedrops) Sunglasses Chapstick Dollar bills watch cell phone Beach bag on sea days packing list Beach bag packing cube (see above) Swimsuit cover lanyard Camera Water bottle cell phone chapstick Sunglasses Hat Lotion Kindle headphones You have a lot of duplicates but here's where I would start, and even this is quite a bit. I'd almost cut this list in half as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #12 Share Posted July 16, 2018 You have a lot of duplicates but here's where I would start, and even this is quite a bit. I'd almost cut this list in half as well. The duplicates are because I was thinking about packing day bags that would have some overlap in terms of what was in them. Thanks for the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teknoge3k Posted July 16, 2018 #13 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Room Packing Cube power strips with USB ports door decoration Beach Bag Packing Cube 6 1oz tubes 30 spf sunscreen Luggage/misc. PackingCube Luggage tags Sanitizer wipes Lens cloth Laundry Packing Cube Tide for 3 regular washes Port Packing Cube Rain poncho Reef safe spf 30 sunscreen Snorkel Gear Medical kit bandaids tweezers Tylenol ibuprofen bonine Important documents folder for carryon Passport. Put copy in separate bag Cruise documents Excursion documents email confirming steakhouse reservation email confirming Chef's Table reservation Plane ticket info Hotel(s) info Land transfers, rental car, bus, etc. Travel insurance Emergency #s and addresses for post cards Travel partner's emergency numbers Insurance card ALL of this except my boarding pass and Passport would be digital Carryon Packing list Passport License Credit cards Important Documents folder Phone and charger Watch Gum Snacks Medication Camera Sunglasses Dollar bills for tipping Luggage IDs Outfit for boarding the ship (I would already have this on) Overnight bag – add these items to carryon in NOLA hotel for boardingship Toiletry bag deodorant Lotion Razor Clothes Dinner outfits for half the nights Afternoon outfits/casual outfits for 5 days (One should be an outfit it’s ok to get muddy) 2 bathing suits underclothes 2 pairs socks Sneakers, sandals(closed toed shoes required for Roatan ATVexcursion) 1 pairs pjs Excursion packing list IDs, cash, visa (if needed) Camera Swimsuit (I would wear this off the ship) Beach bag on sea days packing list Camera Sunglasses Using your list, this is what I would personally pack off of it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothFlying Posted July 16, 2018 #14 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Hmmm… Looks a LOT like my wife's packing list on our first cruise in 2007 (well, in this lady's defense, she doesn't have the SIX matching evening outfits w/shoes, like my wife did !:eek: I did notice a couple of items that were duplicated, but she may have done that on purpose? I've never seen these items called a 'packing cube' soooo I'm wondering how many suitcases we're talking about here ? Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #15 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Hmmm… Looks a LOT like my wife's packing list on our first cruise in 2007 (well, in this lady's defense, she doesn't have the SIX matching evening outfits w/shoes, like my wife did !:eek: I did notice a couple of items that were duplicated, but she may have done that on purpose? I've never seen these items called a 'packing cube' soooo I'm wondering how many suitcases we're talking about here ? Mac It all fits in a medium size suitcase and 2 carry-on bags. But they're heavy. Not over the airline weight limit. But heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothFlying Posted July 16, 2018 #16 Share Posted July 16, 2018 (edited) It all fits in a medium size suitcase and 2 carry-on bags. But they're heavy. Not over the airline weight limit. But heavy. Well, that doesn't sound too bad, You can always find a porter if you need one at either end of the cruise. ENJOY your cruise !! We've done two on the Dream ! The first was out of Port Canaveral and then out of NOLA, where you'll sail down the Mississippi River (she's my wife's favorite CCL ship !) And she's a BEAUTIFUL Lady ! Mac Edited July 16, 2018 by SmoothFlying misspelled Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted July 16, 2018 #17 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Stay home. By the time you finish unpacking it will be time to repack and disembark. Too funny-especially for these two carry on only oldies. Where is the mini socket wrench set on that list? Get back to the drawing board and finish the list-complete this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaKa2002 Posted July 16, 2018 #18 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Post #15 finally got half the info I was looking for - Would it all fit within airline weight limits in one suitcase and one carryon per person? Secondly, is this list just for one person, or two? Remember, you have to haul this stuff around and it gets heavy... We use a mixture of packing cubes and other containers for segregating items in the suitcases; you have a good idea there to start; you may change your mind over several trips as to how useful they are to you. It appears to us many items you will not use, even on a cruise of several weeks. (Many of those items we have never taken on a cruise) However, my DW packs our suitcases until both reach the limit - 48 pounds! (We reserve 2 pounds for potential errors in scales.) I suggest you obtain a small digital scale for weighing luggage on the return trip; somehow when repacking, everything always weighs more:(. If you plan on buying souvenirs and other things on the trip, you may need to leave a few more pounds available in the suitcases. A couple final suggestions: 1) if you are using two suitcases, be sure to "cross pack" - half your stuff and half your sister's stuff in each suitcase. That way if one suitcase gets lost, you both have some things! 2) be sure to have one complete set of clothing in your carryon, just in case both suitcases go 'elsewhere.' 3) take a copy of your list with you, and as you use something, mark it on the list; when you get home, look over the list to identify what you did not use; then for the next trip you can evaluate again the need for those items not used. Finally, we hope you have a fantastic time on your first cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Dazzles Posted July 16, 2018 #19 Share Posted July 16, 2018 I hope you enjoy your cruise. You can definitely refine your lists! Way too much stuff - especially pharmacy, toilet paper, duct tape - you just will never use much of what you have listed. Flying is going to be tight. One bag, one carryon and perhaps a purse/tote depending on the airline. Don't forget you may want to bring home souvenirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvetwater Posted July 16, 2018 #20 Share Posted July 16, 2018 (edited) TBH, when you get to the medical kit my list is rather similar and long (I don't pack for the room/laundry and my sun cream and deet etc are in my medical supplies). I think if a lot of us took time to write all our cruise packing down it would be quite long and various cruise channels and blogs and so forth also have a lengthy list. My main advice is do not feel like you need to pack so much for the room and laundry or even do laundry at all. I have a small £1 net bag for laundry items and thats it. My dirty laundry gets thrown in my case under the bed so I do not need a pop up hamper. Also I took a water bottle for my cruises and never used it. Also so not bother with duct tape,pot puorri and wipes etc etc as cruise ship rooms are noted for being cleaner than hotels. Also ships have towels and bar soaps so you will not need those I am also a fan of the cruise document folder with confirmations and tickets etc. Electronic is good but we have all been hit by technical fails. Also kudos for the passport copy...always an essential. I also take a mini pharmacy with me as most Brit medicines come in blister packs so take no room at all. The only things missing I can see is a mini roll of cellotape for our luggage tags and a mini luggage scale so we have no airport surprises. Looks like you are doing fine. Have a good cruise! Edited July 16, 2018 by Velvetwater 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #21 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Well, that doesn't sound too bad, You can always find a porter if you need one at either end of the cruise. ENJOY your cruise !! We've done two on the Dream ! The first was out of Port Canaveral and then out of NOLA, where you'll sail down the Mississippi River (she's my wife's favorite CCL ship !) And she's a BEAUTIFUL Lady ! Mac Thanks, Mac! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted July 16, 2018 #22 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Sorry to hear about your dad and stepdad. I hope you and your sister have an amazing time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #23 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Stay home. By the time you finish unpacking it will be time to repack and disembark. Too funny-especially for these two carry on only oldies. Where is the mini socket wrench set on that list? Get back to the drawing board and finish the list-complete this time. Glad I amused you. I don't think I will stay home. I think I'll go on my cruise with everything I feel like bringing and I'll have a great time. I hope you have a great time bringing whatever you feel like bringing on your next cruise, too. Cheers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted July 16, 2018 #24 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Clothes Dinner outfits for 7 nights - You are not talking 7 different outfits? Afternoon outfits/casual outfits for 5 days (One should be an outfit it’s ok to get muddy) 2 nice dresses - That is for evening, right? 2 dresses are fine. 2 bathing suits and 2 coverups - very good, but one cover up is enough! underclothes - very good! 5 pairs socks - Five days of wearing sneakers? Bring only as many socks as you'll wear sneakers. Sneakers, sandals, flipflops (closed toed shoes required for Roatan ATVexcursion) - one each, bring old sneakers that can become muddy and maybe ruined. 3 pairs pjs - 2 pairs are enough Small hand bag - ok Sweater - For the plane and cold areas in the ship? 4 tshirts - Aren't they part of the casual outfits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbtbear Posted July 16, 2018 Author #25 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Post #15 finally got half the info I was looking for - Would it all fit within airline weight limits in one suitcase and one carryon per person? Secondly, is this list just for one person, or two? Remember, you have to haul this stuff around and it gets heavy... This is everything for my sister and I except her clothes and toiletries. This is everything for not just the cruise, but a second week in New Orleans through Mardis Gras. We use a mixture of packing cubes and other containers for segregating items in the suitcases; you have a good idea there to start; you may change your mind over several trips as to how useful they are to you. I'm excited about them so far. I had to do a lot of traveling across the country this year and I've found them to be my friends. :) It appears to us many items you will not use, even on a cruise of several weeks. (Many of those items we have never taken on a cruise) However, my DW packs our suitcases until both reach the limit - 48 pounds! (We reserve 2 pounds for potential errors in scales.) I suggest you obtain a small digital scale for weighing luggage on the return trip; somehow when repacking, everything always weighs more:(. I have a lightweight digital luggage scale. That's how I know they're under the weight limits! If you plan on buying souvenirs and other things on the trip, you may need to leave a few more pounds available in the suitcases. Yeah, I plan to account for that. But I'm flying on Southwest, where 2 checked bags under 50 lbs per person are free. So I could even check an empty suitcase and bring it with me and be fine in terms of weight coming back. A couple final suggestions: 1) if you are using two suitcases, be sure to "cross pack" - half your stuff and half your sister's stuff in each suitcase. That way if one suitcase gets lost, you both have some things! That's a really good suggestion! We're flying into NOLA from 2 different cities, but we could mix our things together that night in our hotel before we board in the morning. 2) be sure to have one complete set of clothing in your carryon, just in case both suitcases go 'elsewhere.' Check! Part of the plan! 3) take a copy of your list with you, and as you use something, mark it on the list; when you get home, look over the list to identify what you did not use; then for the next trip you can evaluate again the need for those items not used. Really sound advice. Thanks! Finally, we hope you have a fantastic time on your first cruise! Thanks so much! I really appreciate all your thoughtful feedback and kindness! Best wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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