Cruising with ONLY Carry On Luggage

We are cruising 14 nights on a Baltics/St Pete Cruise.

Considering trying to do this with only a carry on (Fly-Lite - a UK brand).

Flying from the US.

Has anyone managed cruising with a carry -on only?

Have read some threads regarding a River cruise done this way. Given the weather and need for various light layers I think it might be possible.

Thoughts?

Advice?

I would say that the weather and need for layers would be a resaon why this will not work - two weeks is a long time, you also need evening wear, toiletries, etc...baltics could be hot, cold, wet, etc so surely you will need more clothes not less? I know you can buy toiletries etc onboard, or in port, but even so, I would not see this as viable really, is there a reason you dont wish to check a bag in?

I would die if I had to do this!!! Are you a man? Just my shoes takes up my carry on!! :D:D:D

No reason to not bring checked bags...we have found in the last few months of traveling (4 days max) that being in one small bag is great in hotels, airports, etc...and we don't over pack. DH did it in a carryon for 10 days including his suit- which was hung up and managed well.

When I see the clothes in the closets vs the ones that get worn-- I think we could do with less.

I will say that I am trying tp pair down the makeup-toiletries--as that can take up ALOT of space! :D

We did a 15 night Panama Canal with a carry on each and a small back pack each. My husband had a blazer in his for formal nights and I had a couple of easy care dressy outfits. I came home with a few tops I hadn't even worn. There are a few youtube videos with some great hints. Now I always roll my clothes. It is amazing the differnence in space requirements. As well, things don't wrinkle.

Having done the baltics twice and being port intensive I could do daytime from carry on but I like to dress up for the evenings and that would wipe me out. I'm concerned at my 44lb allowance in the summer never mind just using carry on

80+ cruises and only checked bags on the very first cruise. Always take a tux and an additional sports jacket in a carry-on within the 22x14x9 size.

80+ cruises and only checked bags on the very first cruise. Always take a tux and an additional sports jacket in a carry-on within the 22x14x9 size.

Can you give advice--if you get it all into a carryon-- do some things do double duty? With 80 cruise I imagine you send a lot to the laundry/cleaners gratis...yes?

We did a 15 night Panama Canal with a carry on each and a small back pack each. My husband had a blazer in his for formal nights and I had a couple of easy care dressy outfits. I came home with a few tops I hadn't even worn. There are a few youtube videos with some great hints. Now I always roll my clothes. It is amazing the differnence in space requirements. As well, things don't wrinkle.

Any advice on packing lists--what to leave out?

Twice now our luggage has not turned up until the day before a cruise., once in Miami and once in Rio. Each time we had flown into the city 5 days before the cruise which is just as well as I would not want a two week cruise with no clothes!!

This experience has taught us how to travel with just one hand luggage each.

I now would rather have less and know its going to make the cruise.

Now days I wonder what I used to pack!! Its also so quick and easy unpacking when I get home.

Last year we did Galapagos on the Xpedition including 3 nights Quito and 5 nights Machu Pichu.

British Airways has a very generous hand baggage allowance and we just about managed it including specialist sun protection clothing for the Galapagos and 5 outfits for evening wear,

(mix and match so never looks the same outfit!).

There were so many internal flights on this cruise and it was so nice to know that our belongings were not leaving our sight.

As far as toiletries I got it all packed including lots of suncream. Ikea sell 100ml toiletry bottles that are square so more fit in the zipped poly bags for security .

Ive learnt so many ways to get extra stuff in my bags!!

I know its not for everybody - I would never have thought it would be for me until we lost our bags!

I can do 1 week and be dressed up every night. 2 weeks in the Baltic would be hard.

I have been at a three nights cruise with only carry-on luggage (No formal night). - I can not imagine, that it is possible to take a week or 14-day cruise with only carry-on - part of a cruise is also festive attire in the evening - and differently depending on restaurants and activities

Twice now our luggage has not turned up until the day before a cruise., once in Miami and once in Rio. Each time we had flown into the city 5 days before the cruise which is just as well as I would not want a two week cruise with no clothes!!

This experience has taught us how to travel with just one hand luggage each.

I now would rather have less and know its going to make the cruise.

Now days I wonder what I used to pack!! Its also so quick and easy unpacking when I get home.

Last year we did Galapagos on the Xpedition including 3 nights Quito and 5 nights Machu Pichu.

British Airways has a very generous hand baggage allowance and we just about managed it including specialist sun protection clothing for the Galapagos and 5 outfits for evening wear,

(mix and match so never looks the same outfit!).

There were so many internal flights on this cruise and it was so nice to know that our belongings were not leaving our sight.

As far as toiletries I got it all packed including lots of suncream. Ikea sell 100ml bottles that are square so more fit in the zipped poly bags for security .

Ive learnt so many ways to get extra stuff in my bags!!

I know its not for everybody - I would never have thought it would be for me until we lost our bags!

I am going to look for those Ikea bottles.

Did that Xpedition etc include any formal nights?

DH and the adult sons 19 and 22 will each have a suit/2 shirts/2 ties. I can get by with a couple of packable cocktail dresses.

My "question" will be walking shoes that don't look like clunky American touristy shoes.

I think with multi-day medication packing containers I can par that down.

Google capsule packing! I think it can be done. I have a pinterest account and have found many links to capsule packing and packing light.

The key is to pack versatile clothing that goes together, Pack light with the shoes too. One going out pair, one for walking and some flip flops for around the pool.

If you are anything like me I tend to live in one or two pairs of shorts or jeans if the weather is cooler.

Have fun. (and remember that wash stuff is mostly provided!)

Check out the thread below from post #116 onwards - lists and photos of travelling with a carry-on. Couldn't do it myself, but remembered reading this review :).

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2118870&highlight=packing&page=6#

We met a couple that only packed one carry one each. They both had high level and stressed professions, both were doctors and department heads in hospitals, so money wasn't a concern or issue. They went on a cruise to relax. They always ate in the buffet, and only packed very casual clothes. She didn't bring any makeup or anything to do her hair. They just hung out , relaxed and enjoyed themselves.

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

We use only a carry on for cruises . The longest when have done a 15 day to Hawaii . We just get laundry done every 5 to 6 days.

Cheaper than a checked bag . We have to pay about $50 to check a bag one way on the plane. Laundry costs about $50 every time.

Check out the thread below from post #116 onwards - lists and photos of travelling with a carry-on. Couldn't do it myself, but remembered reading this review :).

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2118870&highlight=packing&page=6#

Thanks...will start reading

We are on the Baltic/St Pete cruise, with 5 days precruise in London, and my plan is to take a carryon and a large Vera Bradley duffle bag. On previous cruises I've been able to wash clothes (yeah! Mom gets to spend time in the laundrymat while others go to the pool, read on the balcony, etc.) I wish we had that option on the Eclipse.

I'm a simple person and I'm planning on a pair of jeans, a pair of black pants, a couple of capri pants, plain knit shirts in all colors to go with them. A couple of dressy tops and a long black shirt. Wear tennis shoes on the plane and take a light jacket.

My husband is a large guy and his stuff just won't fit in a carryon. Two daughters -- one could probably do a carry on; the other will want a new outfit and matching shoes each day.

We have never checked our luggage when we travel, especially when going overseas for a cruise. We each carry on two pieces of luggage, one goes in the overhead and the smaller one goes under the seat. We each have nylon type hiking pants which can be easily washed and quick to dry. Our waterproof jackets are carried on. All of our clothing is rolled and we usually have one nice blouse/shirt or sweater for formal nights just to be presentable on the ship. We don't eat in the MDR for formal nights. Traveling like this does not work for everyone but it does for us. We do send some clothing out to the laundry but only those pieces which can't be washed and dried easily.

This makes it easier to disembark early and travel on trains. Have fun on your trip.

The problem is some airlines are very strict with carry ons, American Airlines being one of the examples. We are flying SAS and they only allow one carry on within certain dimensions and I believe 18 lbs. Sometimes the carry on itself weighs 5 lbs.

We did a transAtlantic with 2 carry ons--and picked up our checked bags in Miami after return. It was no problem, and I told my wife that we could do this each time. Apparently, she didn't hear me!

A few years back I research luggage and chose Fly Lite from the UK because it was lighter than others and fit Ryan Air

Figured if we flew to the UK and then went to a bucket shop for a ticket to the mainland/Eu we'd be able to get on without the burdon of more baggage.

OUr carry ons have never been too heavy so thats why I am considering that with a carry on and personal item--we will be able to fly

We fly Virgin to the UK and Delta back to the US

Baggage claim is such a PITA

I have overpacked several times-- too many pairs of shoes... too many dresses...too many toiletires and "just in case" items that can be found onboard or at a local pharmacy...

Hope that with guidance we can pack smartly....

Thanks for all opinions and advice. Truly.

Did almost 4 weeks in Europe like this (two week cruise) caveat, we fly in a class that allows us two carry ons each

If you sailed Princess it would be easy as all their ships have self service laundry.

Only wish Celebrity had the same.

We never check a bag when we travel without our kids. Usually it's just for one week travel, but with access to laundry facilities aboard a cruise ship, I imagine it can be done for two weeks too. We are planning 2 weeks abroad with kids this summer and it's my goal for each of us to only have a carry-on plus a personal item.

My husband travels a lot for work, and checking bags is a personal pet peeve that drives him nuts. Naturally I want our vacations to start out on a positive note :)

The trick is to shrink your toiletries down to only what you'll need, make do with just 2 pairs of shoes (pumps/sandals for dress and a sturdy pair for walking/exercise) and really calculate what you'll wear each day and only take that. You will be surprised how freeing traveling light can be.

Enjoy your trip!

We are cruising 14 nights on a Baltics/St Pete Cruise.

Considering trying to do this with only a carry on (Fly-Lite - a UK brand).

Flying from the US.

Has anyone managed cruising with a carry -on only?

Have read some threads regarding a River cruise done this way. Given the weather and need for various light layers I think it might be possible.

 

Thoughts?

Advice?

Check at your local grocery store(or BBY - the stock symbol) for Ziploc Vacuum bags. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your suitcase. You place your clothes inside the bags, then roll them to remove the air. It is amazing how much space you will save.

My husband and I are airline employees and never check bags. We have easily done a ten day cruise with carry-ons and would not hesitate to do a 14 day the same way - and we never miss a formal night!!