Standard Recommended Packing List?

Is there a standard packing list for men for the trip from Istanbul to Athens. I'm pretty clueless as to what I will need in terms of clothes and other items.

Is there a standard packing list for men for the trip from Istanbul to Athens. I'm pretty clueless as to what I will need in terms of clothes and other items.

I've got my standard "FAQ" answer on packing lists (of course, some of this doesn't quite count for Oceania since there's no formal nights):

*************************************************

For a seven night cruise:

Men: One small carry-on size rolling bag.

7 pairs undershorts

5 pairs socks (Don't need them for at-sea days)

4 T-Shirts (we'll pick up a few more as souvenirs along the way)

1 pair shorts (They're good for at least a week)...

1 pair long pants (only because they make you wear them in the dining room)

1 pair shoes

1 Swim suit

NO Suit or Tuxedo (Rent it on the ship so you don't have to schlepp it all the way there and back)

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Razor

Camera

Women: One large suitcase for Casual clothes

One Large Suitcase for Formal clothes

One large duffel bag for shoes

One suitcase for toiletries, cosmetics, creams, shampoo/conditioners, lotions, etc.

One suitcase for purses, accessories, grooming equipment, travel irons, steamers, etc.

One carry-on with hairbrushes, vitamins, pain relievers and other prescriptions, cosmetics that they forgot to put in the suitcase, last minute items needed past packing of other suitcases.

One purse the size of a suitcase filled with all the usual junk: lipstick, chewing gum, mints, keys that she can't even remember what they go to and don't need on the cruise anyway, photos of the kids, credit cards for every department store and shop known to man, even ones no longer in business, gym membership card she never uses, hair pins, loose change, old candy wrappers, mints from the restaurant she ate at a month and a half ago, that bag of peanuts from the flight in on Southwest...and so on ad infinitum...

Specifics:

14 panties (one pair each day plus one for evening)

20 hose or pantyhose (accounts for 7 evenings as at least half or more will run while putting them on)

7 casual skirts and/or Bermuda shorts (something that covers the knees and most of the imagined cellulite)

7 casual blouses or tops...actually, make that 14 as most "outfits" require a top covered by a blouse hanging over it)

[NOTE: One can never be seen wearing the SAME outfit TWICE!!]

7 pairs of "casual" shoes...as each "outfit" must be particularly coordinated with the precisely perfect pair of shoes

5 dressier skirts and/or pairs of slightly dressy slacks for casual evenings

4 formal gowns (Yes, I know that there are only two formal nights, but one won't look exactly right and she'll need to put it back and wear something else...and a second won't fit right anymore by the end of the cruise)

5 more pair of slightly dressy shoes...and...

4 pairs of "formal" shoes (again, each "outfit" must be coordinated with the proper shoes)

[NOTE: All formal gowns and formal shoes MUST be purchased special for the cruise. God forbid someone on the cruise MAY have been at your niece Jessica's wedding in June and has already seen you in that gown!!]

Assorted (meaning at least 10 of each) belts, scarves, etc. A woman needs to "accessorize"...

14 purses (again, must match the "outfit")

At least 70 assorted pieces of Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, rings) of various types from diamonds down to cheap costume jewelry (again, the accessories must complement the particular outfit being worn)

6 swimsuits, though she'll never actually make it up to the pool deck...besides, "I can't be seen in public in a swimsuit"

6 "cover-ups"...just in case she braves wearing a swimsuit...

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Eye Shadow

Eyeliner

Blush

Foundation

Lipstick

Lip Gloss

Eyebrow pencil

Nail polish

(At least 4 or 5 shades of each variety of make-up)

Make-up remover

Moisturizer

Face cream

Cold Cream

Anti-wrinkle cream

Body lotion

Cotton Balls

Q-Tips

Razor

Shaving Cream

Tweezers

Hairbrush (at least three varieties)

Suntan lotion

Sunscreen

"Feminine Products" (though most often the item forgotten or not packed enough...just so YOU will have to go running around the streets of Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas looking for drug stores and trying to explain this to a clerk who only speaks Spanish)

Hairdryer (even though they supply them on the ship--it's a reflex motion...but the excuse is "I don't like theirs")

Curling iron

Iron (even though the ship says they're forbidden..."I NEED it")

Steamer

Sewing Kit (like she's going to actually sew)

Eyeglasses

Sunglasses

Contact Lenses

Contact Lens solution

Advil

Midol

Dramamine

Pepto Bismol

Tums

Rolaids

Campo-Phenique

Pepcid

Metamucil

Any other possible medication for any other real or imagined malady which MAY arise during the course of the cruise--which they obviously don't sell anywhere but here at home...

Hair dye (just in case the roots start showing during the cruise)

And, this is just off the top of my head...I KNOW I'm leaving off lots of stuff...

It's a good thing airlines allow you two fifty pound each pieces of luggage plus a carry on each...

All of YOUR stuff can go in your carry-on, while hers MAY neatly fit into the four allowed pieces of luggage plus her carry-on...

Even with the extensive package, know that there are simply things not accounted for which now MUST be acquired in port...Besides, some of these ports are just great "shopping towns" ...After all, how important are a bunch of old churches and museums when each port has so many nice stores?

**********************************************

Seriously, though...

Keep it simple...

You don't need formal clothes...

If you are not really into wearing a blazer or sports coat to dinner, don't pack one--it's not needed...

Pack socks, undershorts and T-shirts or golf shirts or whatever you like wearing and some cargo shorts or comfortable longer pants, whatever you prefer...for the DAY time in the ports, touring around...plan for comfortable--depending on time of year, this region can be HOT...enough for about half the cruise...Same with evening attire...casual...dockers, sports shirts, socks...enough to get you through about half the cruise...Then, plan on using either the dry cleaning/laundry service or the self-service laundry to allow you to launder everything and wear it a second time...This way, you don't have to pack two or three weeks worth of clothes--the airlines have luggage restrictions... and you also don't want to have to schlep too much stuff...don't overpack...

Add to the above a pair of swim trunks for at sea days or if you plan on hitting a beach anywhere...and toiletries--razor, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant...and whatever else you feel is necessary--hairbrush, whatever else you ordinarily use.,..Don't pack large containers of anything--if it comes in a big bottle, get a sample size--or pour a couple of weeks worth into a smaller bottle...

I don't know your dates, but if it's summer in the Mediterranean, 99.999% chance you won't need rain gear, jackets, etc...don't waste the space...but remember a hat and sunscreen...Oh yeah...TWO pairs of shoes--one comfortable pair of walking shoes for touring during the days...and one pair of nice casual shoes for the evenings...Maybe sandals or flip-flops for the pool on at sea days...

Bottom line is to keep it simple, keep it casual...don't overpack...dress nice, but relaxed...Cotton clothes are best in the Med...

Hope that helps...

Hahahahahahahahahaha...laughed my head off...too close to the truth for comfort!

Thanks for the chuckle. We have gone from 4 large suitcases plus carry-ons to 2 small suitcases plus carry-ons

Don

Thanks so much for the help. We are going May 24-June 5 From Istanbul to Athens.

Still laughing, but you have been trained quite well.

I've got my standard "FAQ" answer on packing lists (of course, some of this doesn't quite count for Oceania since there's no formal nights):

*************************************************

For a seven night cruise:

 

Men: One small carry-on size rolling bag.

7 pairs undershorts

5 pairs socks (Don't need them for at-sea days)

4 T-Shirts (we'll pick up a few more as souvenirs along the way)

1 pair shorts (They're good for at least a week)...

1 pair long pants (only because they make you wear them in the dining room)

1 pair shoes

1 Swim suit

NO Suit or Tuxedo (Rent it on the ship so you don't have to schlepp it all the way there and back)

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Razor

Camera

 

Women: One large suitcase for Casual clothes

One Large Suitcase for Formal clothes

One large duffel bag for shoes

One suitcase for toiletries, cosmetics, creams, shampoo/conditioners, lotions, etc.

One suitcase for purses, accessories, grooming equipment, travel irons, steamers, etc.

One carry-on with hairbrushes, vitamins, pain relievers and other prescriptions, cosmetics that they forgot to put in the suitcase, last minute items needed past packing of other suitcases.

One purse the size of a suitcase filled with all the usual junk: lipstick, chewing gum, mints, keys that she can't even remember what they go to and don't need on the cruise anyway, photos of the kids, credit cards for every department store and shop known to man, even ones no longer in business, gym membership card she never uses, hair pins, loose change, old candy wrappers, mints from the restaurant she ate at a month and a half ago, that bag of peanuts from the flight in on Southwest...and so on ad infinitum...

Specifics:

14 panties (one pair each day plus one for evening)

20 hose or pantyhose (accounts for 7 evenings as at least half or more will run while putting them on)

7 casual skirts and/or Bermuda shorts (something that covers the knees and most of the imagined cellulite)

7 casual blouses or tops...actually, make that 14 as most "outfits" require a top covered by a blouse hanging over it)

[NOTE: One can never be seen wearing the SAME outfit TWICE!!]

7 pairs of "casual" shoes...as each "outfit" must be particularly coordinated with the precisely perfect pair of shoes

5 dressier skirts and/or pairs of slightly dressy slacks for casual evenings

4 formal gowns (Yes, I know that there are only two formal nights, but one won't look exactly right and she'll need to put it back and wear something else...and a second won't fit right anymore by the end of the cruise)

5 more pair of slightly dressy shoes...and...

4 pairs of "formal" shoes (again, each "outfit" must be coordinated with the proper shoes)

[NOTE: All formal gowns and formal shoes MUST be purchased special for the cruise. God forbid someone on the cruise MAY have been at your niece Jessica's wedding in June and has already seen you in that gown!!]

Assorted (meaning at least 10 of each) belts, scarves, etc. A woman needs to "accessorize"...

14 purses (again, must match the "outfit")

At least 70 assorted pieces of Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, rings) of various types from diamonds down to cheap costume jewelry (again, the accessories must complement the particular outfit being worn)

6 swimsuits, though she'll never actually make it up to the pool deck...besides, "I can't be seen in public in a swimsuit"

6 "cover-ups"...just in case she braves wearing a swimsuit...

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Eye Shadow

Eyeliner

Blush

Foundation

Lipstick

Lip Gloss

Eyebrow pencil

Nail polish

(At least 4 or 5 shades of each variety of make-up)

Make-up remover

Moisturizer

Face cream

Cold Cream

Anti-wrinkle cream

Body lotion

Cotton Balls

Q-Tips

Razor

Shaving Cream

Tweezers

Hairbrush (at least three varieties)

Suntan lotion

Sunscreen

"Feminine Products" (though most often the item forgotten or not packed enough...just so YOU will have to go running around the streets of Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas looking for drug stores and trying to explain this to a clerk who only speaks Spanish)

Hairdryer (even though they supply them on the ship--it's a reflex motion...but the excuse is "I don't like theirs")

Curling iron

Iron (even though the ship says they're forbidden..."I NEED it")

Steamer

Sewing Kit (like she's going to actually sew)

Eyeglasses

Sunglasses

Contact Lenses

Contact Lens solution

Advil

Midol

Dramamine

Pepto Bismol

Tums

Rolaids

Campo-Phenique

Pepcid

Metamucil

Any other possible medication for any other real or imagined malady which MAY arise during the course of the cruise--which they obviously don't sell anywhere but here at home...

Hair dye (just in case the roots start showing during the cruise)

 

And, this is just off the top of my head...I KNOW I'm leaving off lots of stuff...

 

It's a good thing airlines allow you two fifty pound each pieces of luggage plus a carry on each...

 

All of YOUR stuff can go in your carry-on, while hers MAY neatly fit into the four allowed pieces of luggage plus her carry-on...

 

Even with the extensive package, know that there are simply things not accounted for which now MUST be acquired in port...Besides, some of these ports are just great "shopping towns" ...After all, how important are a bunch of old churches and museums when each port has so many nice stores?

 

**********************************************

 

Seriously, though...

Keep it simple...

You don't need formal clothes...

If you are not really into wearing a blazer or sports coat to dinner, don't pack one--it's not needed...

 

Pack socks, undershorts and T-shirts or golf shirts or whatever you like wearing and some cargo shorts or comfortable longer pants, whatever you prefer...for the DAY time in the ports, touring around...plan for comfortable--depending on time of year, this region can be HOT...enough for about half the cruise...Same with evening attire...casual...dockers, sports shirts, socks...enough to get you through about half the cruise...Then, plan on using either the dry cleaning/laundry service or the self-service laundry to allow you to launder everything and wear it a second time...This way, you don't have to pack two or three weeks worth of clothes--the airlines have luggage restrictions... and you also don't want to have to schlep too much stuff...don't overpack...

 

Add to the above a pair of swim trunks for at sea days or if you plan on hitting a beach anywhere...and toiletries--razor, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant...and whatever else you feel is necessary--hairbrush, whatever else you ordinarily use.,..Don't pack large containers of anything--if it comes in a big bottle, get a sample size--or pour a couple of weeks worth into a smaller bottle...

 

I don't know your dates, but if it's summer in the Mediterranean, 99.999% chance you won't need rain gear, jackets, etc...don't waste the space...but remember a hat and sunscreen...Oh yeah...TWO pairs of shoes--one comfortable pair of walking shoes for touring during the days...and one pair of nice casual shoes for the evenings...Maybe sandals or flip-flops for the pool on at sea days...

 

Bottom line is to keep it simple, keep it casual...don't overpack...dress nice, but relaxed...Cotton clothes are best in the Med...

 

Hope that helps...

are you my husbands long lost brother??** hahahachuckling and laughing out loud attracting boss and "cell" mates from close by cubiclesis probably not the best way to get a raise....but thanks, it had to be done !!

Best post on CC in a long time. Thanks for the chuckles.

Joanne

I don't understand the problem....The Rule of Marital Closet Space clearly states that the wife is entitled to 95% of all closet space. Since a suitcase is merely a small closet, the wife is automatically entitled to 95% of all suitcase space. Upon arrival, the wife also is entitled to 95% of all closet space in the cabin or hotel. It's really quite simple.......

I am really fortunate -- Betsy can pack for a 16 day cruise in a duffel bag (everything rolls up). I, on the other hand,need two suitcases for my Diet Pepsi...:rolleyes:

:)I am still laughing. but he left a few things out.

Post of the Year!

.

One purse the size of a suitcase filled with all the usual junk: lipstick, chewing gum, mints, keys that she can't even remember what they go to and don't need on the cruise anyway, photos of the kids, credit cards for every department store and shop known to man, even ones no longer in business, gym membership card she never uses, hair pins, loose change, old candy wrappers, mints from the restaurant she ate at a month and a half ago, that bag of peanuts from the flight in on Southwest...and so on ad infinitum...

Ahhh, Steve, you are the witty one! :)

Steve,

Hmm....your list for the ladies suitcase is close, but I noticed a few glaring ommisions:

Designer shampoo; Designer hair conditioner; thick and saucy hair gel; designer hairmist.

I for one couldn't leave home without these.

ROTFLOL!!

Oh, Steve, I have been away from internet communication for five days dealing with some lousy parental health issues, and your words have provided me with much-needed cheer and laughter.

Fantastic post.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!:D

Pam

"One large duffel bag for shoes" - We made friends with folks on our Oceania med cruise that can relate. She took a seperate bag just for shoes when she went on her honeymoon years ago and the airline lost it! I don't know what she did to match her ensembles.

I forwarded Bruin Steve's packing list to my DW. SHe came back and said that there were a FEW things left out of the man's list. Here is her added suggestions:

What they left out for the man…

electronic device 1

electronic device 1 – larger size

electronic device 2

electronic device 3

battery charger for 1and 2

battery charger for 3

battery charger for cameras

10 extra batteries in case the chargers don’t work

electronic book

paper book in case the electronic battery runs out, the charger does not work and the batteries are wrong size

GPS for continually knowing exactly where you are in the world

charger for GPS

extra batteries for GPS

extra camera in case lose first camera

forget to bring… instructions for how to use the new electronic devices

forget to bring batteries or charger for extra camera

What do you think guys?

This "men's packing list" really, really is exactly what I am dealing with for our trip !! Perfect description of my husband's packing. Being an engineer, he is oblivious to what he is wearing......wears same shirt three, four or five days straight and then says he is "retiring" it. When I ask how an outfit looks on me, his answer is, "Everything looks good on you!" What a nice, diplomatic answer, but when I want the truth, it is frustrating.....Oh well, I am thankful that is is always prepared.....means more than how we look, I guess!!!

I forwarded Bruin Steve's packing list to my DW. SHe came back and said that there were a FEW things left out of the man's list. Here is her added suggestions:

What they left out for the man…

electronic device 1

electronic device 1 – larger size

electronic device 2

electronic device 3

battery charger for 1and 2

battery charger for 3

battery charger for cameras

10 extra batteries in case the chargers don’t work

electronic book

paper book in case the electronic battery runs out, the charger does not work and the batteries are wrong size

GPS for continually knowing exactly where you are in the world

charger for GPS

extra batteries for GPS

extra camera in case lose first camera

 

forget to bring… instructions for how to use the new electronic devices

forget to bring batteries or charger for extra camera

 

What do you think guys?

She forgot the power strips to allow all the chargers to plug in, and the power converters for foreign travel.

Hey, I think the power strips are the only things my husband has NOT thought of. However, on second thought he may have something newer than that...to do the job!!!I see the Garmin instructions lying out....the big decision was whether to buy all new maps for all European ports that we are visiting on our Rome to Stockholm cruise. I do not even know what his decision ended up being......!! I have enjoyed reading all of the above!!

There is a serious and mental health threatening omission from the list: the DH's custom fitted universal remote control device.

Steve, I laughed so hard my wife had to come see what I was laughing at. Then she laughed out loud too...especially the mens' electronics list. Years ago we spent a month in Europe living out of two carry-ons. I have no idea how we did that...we have been trying to get back to that for years now...slowly, suitcase by suitcase we are getting there. Thank you all for the reminder.

Steve,

I am ashamed to say I ignored this thread intentionally, not knowing what I was missing. I am glad I finally decided to open it - thanks for the laughs.

Steve, If my DH had anything to say his packing list would mirror yours...I usually step in & add more of his clothes.. Your woman's packing list exactly right!:):)

I don't understand the problem....The Rule of Marital Closet Space clearly states that the wife is entitled to 95% of all closet space. Since a suitcase is merely a small closet, the wife is automatically entitled to 95% of all suitcase space. Upon arrival, the wife also is entitled to 95% of all closet space in the cabin or hotel. It's really quite simple.......

Have been trying to tell that to DH for years!.. Have download it in EXTRA Large print & will Tack it in our shared (unfortunately) closet!t

This "men's packing list" really, really is exactly what I am dealing with for our trip !! Perfect description of my husband's packing. Being an engineer, he is oblivious to what he is wearing......wears same shirt three, four or five days straight and then says he is "retiring" it. When I ask how an outfit looks on me, his answer is, "Everything looks good on you!" What a nice, diplomatic answer, but when I want the truth, it is frustrating.....Oh well, I am thankful that is is always prepared.....means more than how we look, I guess!!!

OMG..DH must have another Brother;)...Your DH is just like mine is..Every time we unpack in our cabin, he complains & say's "You brought too much"...Then tries his best not to wear half of what I bring for him..He also says exactly what your's does when I ask him how an outfit looks on me..:eek:

LOL...Betty

Although not specific for cruise travel, here is a good, printable checklist for travel packing:

http://www.1mpages.com/travelPackingChecklist.html