Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes

[Macklovin38]

We just went on Breeze in September. This is the first time I hadn't completely overpacked. Well, our connecting flight was cancelled and we were stranded in DC for the night. I had 1 clean pair of underwear and a t-shirt I'd bought in the gift shop on the ship. That's it. Everything else was dirty or a tank top that said "where my beaches at". I also had no toothbrush or toiletries as I take sample sizes and toss them so I don't have to pack them to go home.

 

Note to self, always have an extra travel outfit just in case.

 

 

Laughed so hard at that tank top quote!! Love it!!

[Namelocg]

It will be 5 years ago in December that I took my daughter and her best friend on a 7 night cruise. We were driving to the port but I still limited them to one suitcase and a carry on bag each. When it came time to unpack they had 21 pairs of shoes and 18 bathing suits between them. I was amazed that they could get that much stuff in the bag with everything else they bought.

[Jenhem31]

Laughed so hard at that tank top quote!! Love it!!

 

 

Yeah I also have "aloha beaches" and "beach don't kill my vibe" lol

[SMSACE6]

This story is actually what happened once to my parents:)

 

Back in the day when they still drank alcohol, (like about 10 or 12 years ago), they are well into their 80's now, and rarely drink, anyway......, back then, when it was also easier to smuggle a bottle on board ships, my Dad packed a bottle of scotch in his checked bag, which he had done before successfully on previous cruises.

 

They board the ship, and went around to explore the ship, have a bite to eat etc, came back down to the room later, and as they were walking down the hallway toward their room, they could smell it!!! Booze! The closer they got to their room, the stronger the smell! Yep, it was his bag! The bottle had broken, and leaked all through his clothes, including his suit for formal night!

 

My poor Mother, spent a full day getting his clothes laundered and dried and pressed again, her first day at of the cruise spent working!

 

They don't smuggle alcohol anymore, and don't drink alcohol anymore either, but I think that is about the time I quit smuggling too:D.

[sweenbean21]

Almost had to go Chip n Dale style once, as I packed my tux but forgot my shirt!

 

My husband has done this too! :) We just used one of his shirt sleeve golf polo shirts.

[ladygal4.4]

Band aids. Yeah such a little item, but a nasty blister on my toes had me going to the nurses station for ONE bandaid. They wanted an enormous amount - like 5 dollars for a pack of 3. I said no thanks, and used some toilet paper. Lesson learned

 

 

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[najnelle]

Seriously OVERPACKING!

Like bringing 6 pairs of shoes once!

 

That's a mistake?? Yikes! I always take at least 6 pairs. I cannot help myself.:)

[berrieh]

Biggest packing fail: Forgetting sunscreen and chapstick. Bringing those wristbands but not real dramamine (hadn't used it the previous cruise so didn't bring it - big mistake; the less you have, the more you need).

 

That's a mistake?? Yikes! I always take at least 6 pairs. I cannot help myself.:)

 

Yeah, if we're counting flip flops, I take 6 shoes easily: sneakers (at least 1, ideally 2 types - one bulky and one slim (Keds-esque, I guess?), but depends on if real sneakers are needed for an excursion - so depends on port/activities), watershoes, Toms (1-2), dress-up shoes (2, black and tan, at least, but maybe a fun pair too...), flip flops (at least 2, black and tan, but hopefully a fun pair too)...

 

I pack 1 very large bag, 1 carry on duffel bag, and my purse, and there's always room for 1-2 souvenirs if we buy, but I can fit tons of outfits and shoes in that. We usually drive to the port (not fly) but even if I flew, one checked bag easily fits 6 shoes if some are strappy sandals or flip flops, both of which are light and take up little room. It's usually mostly summery clothes too which take up no space and it's not like I have to bring a gown for Formal night (for women, formal clothes are not really that different to my normal outfits, but I usually bring a LBD and one other cute dress in a fun color). I could never take out half and truly do wear like 3-5 outfits daily and hate repeating outfits (don't mind repeating a pair of tights or a particular skirt or something, but prefer to have new outfits generally - the cute tropical outfits are 1/2 the fun!). We always do self-assist, as hauling one checked wheelie bag and a duffel bag is no issue.

 

Edit: spelling (duffel bag - it keeps trying to correct, but it's right)

Edited October 6, 2015 by berrieh

[Laurie S.]

I, also, easily take six pairs of shoes whether I'm flying or driving. I don't see that as overpacking.

[TxChick]

Best way to not overpack - make a list with each day on it and have a day outfit and evening outfit. Most sea days you will be in a bathing suit and coverup but use that day for your same pair of denim shorts and tank top. Have one pair of dressy shoes that coordinate with all dinner outfits, a formal pair, flip flops, and maybe tennis shoes if you are a sneaker person.

 

I do this every cruise and I never overpack, my husband, on the other hand, still packs like he has a vagina ;)

 

 

Also, bring sample size toiletries that will be empty or near empty and you can toss before you pack for departure. I buy shampoos and body washes that come with the free ones attached throughout the year so I always I stuff on hand. Bring plenty of sunscreen, do not be stuck buying it for $25 on shore or the gift shop.

Edited October 6, 2015 by TxChick

[travelnteach64]

I swear you wear an outfit for more or less three hours out of the day and then it is swimsuit to dinner wear to pj's. Even at an outfit a day I feel like we had too much.

[GUT2407]

I swear you wear an outfit for more or less three hours out of the day and then it is swimsuit to dinner wear to pj's. Even at an outfit a day I feel like we had too much.

 

 

I don't wear a swimsuit very much when cruising, but agree most outfits can be used more than once.

[SDcruiser66]

Seriously OVERPACKING!

 

Like bringing 6 pairs of shoes once!

 

 

I was thinking 6 pairs wasn't enough. I guess I have serious overpacking issues!!

[fruitbat]

Forgot to pack dark socks for formal night. Believe me, a suit is much less dressy with white socks.

[brinvic]

I tend to always over pack and this time went and got another suitcase so when we get to airport were not dividing clothes to make the weight! Hubby wasn't a big fan of that

[flyawayca]

I know it's not the worst thing in the world but I always forget pajamas. I don't know what it is but all of the time, cruising or land vacations. You would think I would learn...

[vdarrell]

As I posted earlier I am an OCD over packer when it comes to clothes

but am worse when it comes to medical /cosmetics/have to have's and don't want to pay high price fors. :)

Being a nurse I am known for packing a medical bag :eek:

 

I make a list of clothing and shoes etc and mark ff as soon as it is in suitcase and start packing a couple weeks before

Also make a list of medical and daily cosmetic needs ( I use alot of sample size products I collect just for vacations)

 

Most important thing for me is NEVER EVER depend on or let hubby pack anything :) :):)

[Jeafl]

My brother in law is infamous for forgetting important pieces of clothing. On their honeymoon he forgot to bring dress shoes to wear with his suit on formal night, so he just wore socks to the dining room. Why he didn't just wear his gym shoes or sandals is beyond me.

 

My favorite though is when our whole extended family went on the Norway and he forgot his bathing suit. He decided that his yellow silk boxers with smiley faces all over them would be just fine to wear on the Lido deck. Trust me, you did NOT want to be around when he emerged from the pool in those boxers!

Edited October 7, 2015 by Jeafl

[GUT2407]

I know it's not the worst thing in the world but I always forget pajamas. I don't know what it is but all of the time, cruising or land vacations. You would think I would learn...

 

 

I always take the same thing i wear to bed at home......

 

 

 

Nothing

[ferfoodle]

Common Sense: When traveling, always keep your valuables including all cash in your possession (your carryon or personable item) at all times until you can put them in your stateroom safe. Remember to bring enough cash including small bills to tip porters, spend in the ports, etc.

 

Better Common Sense: When traveling, always keep your valuables including "paper money" in your possession... NOT a roll of quarters to do your laundry on board. Just go to the casino or guest services to get quarters from the paper bills you bring - trust me.

 

Who knew that going through TSA at the airport with a "dense, metallic object" - the roll of quarters in your carry on kept neatly with the zip-lock baggie of Tide detergent - would get one "selected" for the "thorough TSA screening". :eek: Oops! :o

Edited October 7, 2015 by ferfoodle

[kindatravelsavy19]

Jeafl the only thing I can think of is that the Norway cruise was perhaps in a colder climate hence "shrinkage" was working in your and the other cruisers favor. Unless he liked the hot tub.:eek:

[Boozebabe]

I am a list maker. Something to do with being a Leo I'm told. So I have a travel list in a file in my computer. I print one and put it on a clipboard. So now I'm ready to pack. All my toiletries are in one column BUT they are all packed in a small travel bag. When I return from a trip I replenish used items. I always have enough supplies for at least 10 days. That saves lots of time by having them always ready. We have toothbrushes, combs, brushes etc. always packed. (I take about 3-4 big trips per year). I also plan out our clothes for daytime & evening. I pack a few days to a week before we sail and I check out every item as its placed in the suitcases. I also cross pack for both of us. I haven't forgotten anything yet.

 

Now my BFF is a whole different story. Shes the MOST unorganized person I know. Once we were cruising out of FLL and after checking into our rooms very late the night before sailing her husband realized he had no underwear. BTW there is one store on 17th St that sells mens underwear on Sunday morning. A 3 pack of Fruit of the Looms was $25. That was in 2002. They were some pretty expensive drillies. One pack was all he got. Its now a standing joke when we travel with them that we always ask him if he packed his tidy whities? And shes always knocking on my door to ask if I have "such and such". She forgot hers.

[firemanbobswife]

Not calling to confirm that your kids have all the stuff they need for the cruise actually packed in their suitcases when they are staying with their dad. Let me explain.

 

My boys were living with their dad in Florida at the time and we were going on Celebrity out of Ft Lauderdale. DH and I drove down and met them in Jacksonville at about 2AM. Continued on to Ft Lauderdale and got down there, checked into hotel. We all took a long nap during the day since we were exhausted. Went out to dinner and upon returning, decided to lay out everyone's clothes for the next day to expedite things. Open the boy's suitcases only to discover they forgot to pack all of their khakis and dress clothes! Apparently they did laundry right before and left them folded in the laundry basket.

 

Off we went to all these stores in some strip mall. Couldn't find anything! Made our way to a Walmart eventually and wrapped up shopping at about 10PM. They each got a pair of khakis and a couple golf type shirts along with black pants, shoes, and a dress shirt with a clip on tie in a box.

 

Talk about a stressful way to start off vacation! Thank goodness we went down the night before and we had the car. It was Celebrity so no way were they going to wear jeans to the dining room and of course they needed to be dressed nicely for formal nights.

[mss22859]

I am also a list freak, so my DW says! I start pre-packing at least a month in advance, and check items off as I pack them. I have learned to pack things that we may never use. One cruise, my DW came down with a bad cold/virus, whatever. Bad enough that she skipped dinner. I went to the gift shop and paid just under $20. for a small bottle of NyQuil! The only other time I forgot something, I forgot my prescription sunglasses. Not good in the Caribbean!

[ATL_Miami_Cruiser]

Biggest mistake I've made is forgetting to pack sunglasses for every cruise. I've had to buy numerous pairs of $12 sunglasses at port over the years. Most of which I've lost on a Jet Ski shortly after :)