7 day cruise with only a carry on????

Has anyone ever done a 7 day cruise with only a carry on? This is a Caribbean cruise. Does anyone think it is doable?

I've done it twice.

This is what I brought the last time.

2 pair shorts, one black, one nicer brown could wear for dinner

1 printed skirt for swimsuit cover up with a tank or tee

2 tee shirts

1 tank top

3 shirts that were nicer for shopping or dinner

3 dresses that could be scrunched up small

1 cocktail type dress (could have brought 2 but thought I'd wear the same dress twice this time since it was new and I liked it. Turned out I got sunburned and the dress was red. Changed my mind and wore one of the other dresses I brought on the second elegant night.)

2 swimsuits

one pair black heals, one pair wedged sandals

underware...

Since DH doesn't use all the space in his quart ziplock for liquids I put some of my stuff in there.

I wore a pair of jeans, nice tee and cardigan, with sandals to fly.

This doesn't look like alot compared to what some people pack but I know if I need to I can always do laundry. Though I haven't had to yet. A lot of times I might have a shirt or shorts on only for alittle while so I don't mind wearing them again.

It's great not having to wonder when or if you'll get your luggage.

Kelly

And u fit all that pluse your toiletries, etc in a small carryon? OMG, i need to take lessons from you :D We went on a 2 nite i had a carryon (airline regulation size) AND a 31" suitcase lol How did u do this and how large was your "carryon"?

I don't bring formal wear, clothes do double duty and I do laundry aboard ship if available.

It's really not a big deal and fairly easily done.

I'm really going to try it. I always bring so much stuff. I never wear it all.Thanks for the detailed packing list.

Shoot--I like my choices! No way would I attempt a carry-on--even for a weekend! My make-up and hair stuff is in a "carry-on" sized bag alone!

Shoot--I like my choices! No way would I attempt a carry-on--even for a weekend! My make-up and hair stuff is in a "carry-on" sized bag alone!

CB, I'm with you lol :D

I use a normal size carry on. I forgot to say I take a large purse that holds my book, magazines, funpass, airline tickets, an empty large bottle with a wide mouth lid to fill with water & ice on the ship. And the quart zip lock goes into the purse so I don't have to open my suitcase.

I started out taking alot more but found I did not use most of it.

I roll my clothes and put them into 2 gallon zip lock baggies. Anything I think might wrinkle I put tissue paper between when rolling.

I have 3oz or smaller bottles that I refill for shampoo, conditioner, gel, curl cream, gloss drops, face cleanser, eye makup remover, toner.... plus a travel downy wrinkle release. You get the idea. I travel with alot of product but I can easily get through a week with the bottles I have. I do buy a large bottle of sunscreen either in FL before we get on the ship or just buy one on the ship. That is the only thing we would not be able to do a travel one off.

Even my kids are amazed at what I can pack.

Kelly

Has anyone ever done a 7 day cruise with only a carry on? This is a Caribbean cruise. Does anyone think it is doable?

Definately doable. I did 9 days with only a carry on when I did a B2B a couple of months ago. Here's my basic list for pretty much any cruise longer than 3 days:

3 pairs black slacks (dining room atire)

various casual tops to wear with the black slacks

2 dressier tops to wear with the black slacks on elegant nights

1 reversible outfit (took care of 2 nights in the dining room)

3 skorts w/tanks or tees (for port days)

2 pairs shorts (1 black...1 tan - easy colors to mix & match tanks or tees)

3 swimsuits w/sarongs-cover ups (for sea days and beach port days such as HMC & Grand Turk)

1 pair dressy black strappy sandals

1 pair flip flops

1 pair flat casual sandals

unmentionables were packed in spacesaver bags because I always take extras

The slacks and tops for the evening are usually some type of lightweight (somewhat slinky) fabric that doesn't wrinkle no matter how tightly I roll it and that type of fabric takes up very little space.

I used either 2 or 3 oz bottles for lotion, facial moisturizer, conditioner, mouthwash for the flight. I don't use liquid make up (use mineral powder) so thats one less liquid to pack. I take individually wrapped make up remover cloths and I saturate cotton cosmetic squares with toner and put those in a small ziploc bags (actually the tiny pill bags) so that's also less liquid to take.

Since sneakers take up so much space I wear those for the flight.

Also, I took advantage of the free laundry service. I packed less since I knew I would use this service if necessary.

But for 7-nights - no way! We like the Caribbean and it is always hot which means more showers and more changes of clothing. Even with the onboard laundry, you figure 2-3 outfits per day times 7 days - even wearing some items twice - and there is simply not enough room in a 21" case. Plus I like to change things up. I get tired of the same outfits. I'm not big on cosmetics (everything fits in a tidy 3"x4" pouch I carry in my purse) but I do carry a variety of shoes.

Sneakers and flats kill my feet because of my high arches, so after traipsing around islands all day in flat shoes, I need a heel in the evening to balance things out. Plus we usually add a day or two on either the front or back end of the cruise and use any extra space left from removing our take-on drinks (water & Pepsi) to pack away any souvenirs. We never take anything smaller than a 25".

Only if my carry on was the size of a VW!:D It's wonderful how some people can pack, and still have space. I have not mastered that yet. I've tried rolling, and space bags, etc, to no avail. We always have at least four pieces of luggage including a garment bag for a three or four night cruise!:eek: I do manage to put my formal night dress in the garment bag with DH tux and sport coat, but shoes alone would take up a carry on!;)

I have seen passengers, usually very young ones such as college age, leaving the ship at the end of seven-night cruises who had only a back pack! I have really puzzled over what they had in those backpacks.

It might be feasible if they never go to the main dining room, casino or theater and just do swimming and pool activities and eat all meals in the WJ or Johnny Rockets.

I travel with a 22" travelpack (convertible suitcase with hidden backpack straps). I like a couple of things about it. It's much lighter than a typical suitcase when empty, about 3 lbs or so, and it holds considerably more than my 22" rollaway. I can pack for at least a week including evening wear and 3-4 pairs of shoes using just the travelpack and the tote. I am careful about the types of items I pack when I travel to save on space too, such as a lightweight merino cardigan instead of a thick sweater and jersey dresses instead of a heavier evening dress.

Hi Katmu, can I ask what brand suitcase you have? I've been wanting a new one.

Kelly

I have done a 2 week Med. cruise and a 2 week land trip to Italy using only a 22" carry on and a large tote bag.

I do use the laundry room (Princess) which is wonderful or I do a hand wash in the sink each pm in the cabin for panties,etc.

I participate in formal night too; all my outfits co-ordinate colourwise.

Bring black dressy sandals, flip flops, pair of runners for the gym, sandals or comfy shoes for port days.

pack in ziploc type bags or use dry cleaner bags for my dressy stuff.

it does work!

this does not appeal to everyone, of course, but yes, it is possible if you wish to try this idea

Hi Katmu, can I ask what brand suitcase you have? I've been wanting a new one.

Kelly

It's from Ebags. I think it's called the Weekender Convertible.

I come close, but still have not been able to pack in just a 22 inch case.

Pack from the shoes up, limiting your choices, I still can't get below 5 pair. I wear the same black pants several nights with different tops. I wear the same clothes the first and last night, for embarkation/disembarkation.

I think a lot of it depends on the type of fabric you pack as well. I see these posts where women take heavily beaded, floor length gowns that probably take up a quarter of a suitcase. I pack knits and jerseys, things that don't wrinkle, weigh little and pack easy. I don't pack for every single day, I have found by trial and error that I never wear all the clothing if I pack that way. I've started packing cocktail length dresses instead of long dresses.

The only thing I don't limit is bathing suits, those pack up so small and I don't want to wear the same 1 or 2 all week.

Toiletries are all travel sizes and lots of samples that I collect and can toss after use. My toiletry case is packed all the time, you need the same type of stuff whether you go away one night or a month, only quantities change. I don't over-use product so I never take full sizes of anything. I pack a small first aid kit, it's in a little 4X6 clear cosmetic bag, only a sampling of typical OTC meds.

Underwear, it's no problem to throw a few pair and a couple bras in the sink with soap, let them soak during my shower, rinse and hang up to dry, I do take a few small clothepins for this purpose.

I eliminate anything and everything that the ship provides for you. I don't pack cups, special pens, electronic gadgets other than my DVD player and my camera charger. I don't pack duct tape, laundry hampers, over the door shoe holders, extra empty bags etc....

There are lots of ways to limit the heavy load without sacrificing style, you just have to give it more thought. My husband and I always dress nicely on a cruise and we see people at disembarkation with a pile of suitcases they cannot manage on their own. It's a pleasure to breeze right by them and not need assistance.

I didn't bother trying to pack light for my first cruise, since I wasn't absolutely sure what I'd really need, but for my next I'll definitely be aiming for less luggage. The main thing I noticed is that dresses are great because they don't take up much more space than a shirt, and they don't have to be coordinated with pants/shorts. They also can be covered up with a cardigan for casual dinners then recycled for wearing over a swimsuit the next day.

For a week I packed two pairs of flip-flops (in case one pair got lost or the strap broke), a pair of water shoes, a pair of black flats, and my formal shoes. I think next time I'll take my chances with one pair of flip-flops, the water shoes, and resign myself to not wearing anything that requires formal shoes.

Does anyone have any great ideas of what my husband could wear on formal night? He doesn't want to take a suit coat of any kind and he doesn't really like long sleeve shirts...gets too hot. I suggested a long sleeve black shirt with tie, but he really hates long sleeve and would probably never wear it again. Thanks

Also, someone mentioned rolling their clothes and putting them in a ziploc bag. Just curious as to why you would put them in the ziploc? I know rolling saves space and helps with wrinkles.

It's interesting to read the different approaches to packing but i would say on a 7 night carribbean cruise a carry on should be enough.

I used to be a Flight Attendant with a capsule wardrobe in black/white/navy/red that tooke me everywhere at the drop of a hat. Hmmm....I need a week or two to plan and whittle things down now!

I would go for one black dress that would roll up small and have a velour one and a bias cut chiffon polyester that fit the bill. They are both cheapies but neither crease and dress up well with accesories. This one dress would do all the formal nights, there is no reason why you take a different one for every formal night unless you are a vain shopaholic like me that buys so much in between cruises that it needs to be packed so it gets an outing and needs to be photographed on the cruise too! My 'inner traveller child' says one black dress is enough!

I generally travel there and back in the same clothes but if you wore zip off pants as your outfit these could double up as shorts for the week. Due to baggage delivery arrangements the first and last nights are generally casual nights so no need to impress on either of these. Last cruise I packed a dress in my handbaggage in case my case went astray but as I had no heels to wear with it I went to dinner in my travelling clothes. It would have looked silly with sneakers!

I have a couple of pretty cotton

print dresses which are well cut and look great with pantyhose and heels (I pack just one pair of silver heels an matching silver purse which does every evening for me). I dress them up with jewels in the evening for casual/informal nights but they look just as good with a bikini underneath by day.

I would add a glam silk kaftan top to wear one night with black trousers and the rest of the week wear it over a swimsuit/with shorts.

With those black trousers a couple of cami tops rolled up shouldn't take up much room in the case. Wear those for evening wear and hopefully again by day.

I think if you keep shoes and bags to the minimum that helps with the packing. I'm going to take a full suitcase for 12 nights Med cruise in May but will pack just a pair of high heeled silver shoes for evening, a flat pair of black sandals, a pair of black Crocs Mary Janes for pool/beach/casual nights and a pair of sneakers for travelling and walking.

In terms of toiletries you could buy essentials onboard and at the first port. Hubby and I take half each, so one of us takes the shower gel and the other a shampoo and toothpaste to share. As Hubby is blessed and does not need makeup ot jewels to dazzle in the dining room he will need to carry all the suntan lotions for the two of us!

When space is at a premium I would take free sample or miniature perfumes, moisturiser etc.

IN SUMMARY: try and pack things that you can wear for an evening then wear again the next day.

As a small woman who packs lots of slinky clothes, I can easily pack all my clothes in a carry on bag. Now DH, even though he is only a medium sized guy, fills up the luggage very quickly since his clothes are all cotton and huge. His formal shoes alone fill up half the carry on since they are so large. I always stuff them with socks and small things which help. Last time I managed to pack his formal shoes, his formal clothes, 2 t-shirts, a pair of shorts, 2 boxers and a few socks into the largest carry on bag possible. That's about 1-2 days worth of clothes. Boo..

Oh wow, those of you that travel only with a carry on are giving me hope that I can do the same!

Clothes should be easy, but I am not confident in my ability to downsize my giant toiletries case to airline approved sizes :p

I am wondering that also. I know the airlines post the regulations but can anyone condense it? Everything 4 oz or less? Is there a limit on how many items? Does everything have to be in the original container?

I am wondering that also. I know the airlines post the regulations but can anyone condense it? Everything 4 oz or less? Is there a limit on how many items? Does everything have to be in the original container?

Actually it's 3 oz. or less, if you have 4 oz. bottles they can and will make you discard those larger bottles. It does not have to be in the original container. And it's not the airlines making the rules, it's the TSA and it's international. They state they want everything to fit comfortably into the baggie, so they can see all the items without having to open it.

It can be a chore, but it is possible. I have refillable bottles for stuff like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, facial wash, etc... I use a few products by Lancome and Clinique, when they have giveaways I stock up on what I use then and keep the gifts for my toiletry kit, sharing some of the stuff I don't need with friends. I ask for cologne samples or keep the little samples you sometimes get in a magazine (not the rub-off kind), I take the small tube of toothpaste the dentist gives me. We're not frequent travelers, usually 3-5 trips a year, but whenever I see a product that can work in the 3-1-1 bag, I'll toss it into my vanity drawer to save for the kit.

There is usually a travel sized section in stores like Target and larger drug stores, we have Longs Drugs here in CA. Not only for liquid samples, I get travel sized Q-tips (I refill that little container as well) and tissues (I don't care for the harsh feel of cheap tissue).

My husband never uses all of his 3-1-1 bag, so I steal space from him if we are going on a longer trip. I know that's not an option for everyone.

You also have to pare down to the bare minimum, only take what you absolutely cannot go without. I will use products that don't have to go into the 3-1-1 bag, packing a seperate makeup bag in my purse. Such as powder instead of liquid foundation.

I think people also use too much product, like shampoo and conditioner. I can make 1 oz. of shampoo last about 2 weeks, I only use about the size of a dime, same with conditioner. I wash my hair every single day. The hardest product for me to find in the smaller containers is hair spray, so that always goes into the checked luggage. If I see a can that's small enough, even if it's not what I use, I buy it and put up with it for the few days we are on vacation.

On the way home, with the exception of my expensive cosmetics, everything goes into the checked bag. I discard as much as I can, except the refillables. Many times on the way home the only thing I have in the 3-1-1 bag is hand lotion, lip balm and lipstick, I can't spend hours on a plane without those items.

Finally, don't fret that you might run out of something, there are stores all over the world with toiletries!

As far as toiletries, I would just place those in my purse along with a small assortment of medications. One or maybe two nice pairs of earrings and a necklace or two will not take up too much room. Shoes take up a load of room so i would find one nice pair of sandals that you are comfortable walking in as well. Any magazine or book you want can be placed in your carry ons outside zipper along with your travel docs. As far as clothing, well, I sew a lot and I'm sure it can be done. I don't ever do it mind you, I like bringing a big suitcase, but I also do not usually have to fly to my port so I am not restricted. Here is a pattern I plan to make for my next Disney cruise. i plan on making two of the shirts. It's all about mixing and matching: