Help! Looking for useful suggestions/tips/tricks!

[Mum2Mercury]

1 minute ago, Keksie said:

Not really.

Eh, repeating what I said above -- these are facts, not opinions: 

 

- Most of us don't get free bags when we fly, so it's cheaper. 

- Upon arrival, if you've flown with a carry-on only, you can skip the slow-slow baggage carousel and head straight to your hotel.  Who doesn't want to skip a chore and start relaxing?  

- If you fly with just a carry-on, your luggage won't be lost.  

- Know how your room feels so clean, inviting and spacious when you enter for the first time?  If you bring less, it feels that way for the whole cruise.  Less clutter just makes for a better experience. 

- People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home. 

- If you've packed light, you can enjoy your last evening rather than spending time gathering up excessive clothing and packing large bags.  We put our (open) suitcase on the bottom of our closet and toss in dirty clothes -- on the last night we just drop any shirts /dresses that we'd hung up into the suitcase, and on the last morning we zip it up and packing's done!  

- Less luggage makes self-disembarkation easier.  No schedules to adhere to, no searching for your luggage in the terminal -- just take your one bag and walk off the ship.  

 

The negative to packing light is that it requires more organization /better packing up front, and not everyone can visualize what's really going to end up being used.  

[Keksie]

1 minute ago, Mum2Mercury said:

That's a really pretty shawl, and it looks like it'd fold up quite small.  

It will but when you bring several they add up.  Some of mine are thicker too.  Before you argue to just bring one I don't want too.  I work hard on each one and like to show them off.  I meet a lot of nice knitters that way too.

[Keksie]

2 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Eh, repeating what I said above -- these are facts, not opinions: 

 

- Most of us don't get free bags when we fly, so it's cheaper. 

- Upon arrival, if you've flown with a carry-on only, you can skip the slow-slow baggage carousel and head straight to your hotel.  Who doesn't want to skip a chore and start relaxing?  

- If you fly with just a carry-on, your luggage won't be lost.  

- Know how your room feels so clean, inviting and spacious when you enter for the first time?  If you bring less, it feels that way for the whole cruise.  Less clutter just makes for a better experience. 

- People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home. 

- If you've packed light, you can enjoy your last evening rather than spending time gathering up excessive clothing and packing large bags.  We put our (open) suitcase on the bottom of our closet and toss in dirty clothes -- on the last night we just drop any shirts /dresses that we'd hung up into the suitcase, and on the last morning we zip it up and packing's done!  

- Less luggage makes self-disembarkation easier.  No schedules to adhere to, no searching for your luggage in the terminal -- just take your one bag and walk off the ship.  

 

The negative to packing light is that it requires more organization /better packing up front, and not everyone can visualize what's really going to end up being used.  

You can keep repeating your "facts" all you want.  It comes down to how people want to travel.  Your facts support they way you travel.  My desires support the way I want to travel which includes first class and free bags or driving to a port, also free bags.  I use everything I bring, my room is not cluttered with my over the door organizer, I have never had lost luggage - even with a seven minute plane change, while waiting for my luggage I take a nice bathroom break, freshen up a bit, then get my luggage. We don't do self debarkation.  We get the key so have a leisurely breakfast before being escorted off the ship to retrieve our luggage that took maybe 20 minutes to.pack the afternoon before.

[frantic36]

21 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Well, the facts do lean that direction. 

They're pushing the envelope of what's allowed, but they're not cheating.  

Maybe in the USA but not where I usually travel, probably due to smaller carry-on and personal luggage allowance. Also the Asian and Middle East airlines I use include checked baggage allowance.

 

Hmmm...not cheating...just how big is this envelope?

 

I don't have an issue if you want to travel carry-on only just stop implying you're smarter then people like me who choose otherwise.

[Mum2Mercury]

33 minutes ago, Keksie said:

It will but when you bring several they add up.  Some of mine are thicker too.  Before you argue to just bring one I don't want too.  I work hard on each one and like to show them off.  I meet a lot of nice knitters that way too.

You made that?  Impressive -- knitting's not one of my talents.  

18 minutes ago, Keksie said:

You can keep repeating your "facts" all you want.  It comes down to how people want to travel.  Your facts support they way you travel.  My desires support the way I want to travel which includes first class and free bags or driving to a port, also free bags.  I use everything I bring, my room is not cluttered with my over the door organizer, I have never had lost luggage - even with a seven minute plane change, while waiting for my luggage I take a nice bathroom break, freshen up a bit, then get my luggage. We don't do self debarkation.  We get the key so have a leisurely breakfast before being escorted off the ship to retrieve our luggage that took maybe 20 minutes to.pack the afternoon before.

You enjoy packing and managing more stuff -- and spending more.  I can't get on board with that, but I hope you enjoy it.  

12 minutes ago, frantic36 said:

Maybe in the USA but not where I usually travel, probably due to smaller carry-on and personal luggage allowance. Also the Asian and Middle East airlines I use include checked baggage allowance.

 

Hmmm...not cheating...just how big is this envelope?

 

I don't have an issue if you want to travel carry-on only just stop implying you're smarter then people like me who choose otherwise.

My point is that people aren't cheating if they're bringing what the airline allows.  

Packing light is logical, but I've made my point, and I'm done.  

[ldubs]

46 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

 

They're pushing the envelope of what's allowed, but they're not cheating.  

 

Pushing the envelope by breaking the rules and negatively impacting those who abide by the rules and must deal with their selfishness.     

[Honolulu Blue]

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

I wish the airlines would enforce the "personal item" concept so the rest of us can have a fair shot at an overhead bin.   

I've never had much trouble getting enough overhead bin space in my travel experience. Some airlines enforce their rules more than others. Some commuter jets have bins that barely fit a paper bag, in which case my carry on gets gate checked, which is all right with me.

 

To summarize my feelings on this topic, I don't feel in any way superior because I pack less or more than any way else. It's just what I find works for me. I don't care how anyone else packs. I'm glad the cruise lines are generally good at handling their passengers no matter how much they bring with them. 

 

And that's the lesson I have for the OP, assuming they haven't headed for the hills by now - bring what you want and think you need, then adjust if desired on your future travels.

[navybankerteacher]

2 hours ago, frantic36 said:

Maybe in the USA but not where I usually travel, probably due to smaller carry-on and personal luggage allowance. Also the Asian and Middle East airlines I use include checked baggage allowance.

 

Hmmm...not cheating...just how big is this envelope?

 

I don't have an issue if you want to travel carry-on only just stop implying you're smarter then people like me who choose otherwise.

This - in a nut shell.  Very many carry-on-only folks claim that they happen to be smart packers - as opposed to the other folks.  And, a fair number of them are only able to manage by “bending” the rules dictating ONE  carry on and ONE personal item.

[KenveeB]

Personally, I choose to check a bag and bring only a small carryon so it’s less hassle at the airport. In the old days, I used to travel by carryon only. But since 9/11 changed all the rules about liquids, it’s a huge pain for me to take my toiletries on a carryon. Since I want to put that in a checked bag, I just check everything but a small bag of essentials and entertainment for the journey. No way of packing is inherently superior, it’s just what’s best for you. 

[HBE4]

On 12/28/2023 at 6:32 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

Most of us don't get free bags when we fly, so it's cheaper.

 

Considering the overall price of a vacation, the bag fee is really negligible.  Nickles & dimes actually.  Two less drinks during the entire cruise more than makes up for it.

 

On 12/28/2023 at 6:32 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

Upon arrival, if you've flown with a carry-on only, you can skip the slow-slow baggage carousel and head straight to your hotel.  Who doesn't want to skip a chore and start relaxing?  

- If you fly with just a carry-on, your luggage won't be lost.  

 

Another non-issue. The wait at the luggage carousel is only a matter of minutes.

 & by the time I have my luggage, the lines for taxi/car rental/hotel shuttle have died down so it's really a wash.  Lost luggage has never been an issue.

 

On 12/28/2023 at 6:32 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

Know how your room feels so clean, inviting and spacious when you enter for the first time?  If you bring less, it feels that way for the whole cruise.  Less clutter just makes for a better experience. 

 

My biggest suitcase fits nicely under the bad.  No clutter.

 

On 12/28/2023 at 6:32 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home. 

 

I'm an over-packer but I end up using everything I pack. Sometimes I sweat so much, I need to change my shirt. Or I spilled food or drinks or both on my lap. Dirtied or muddied my footwear while on excursions. Or any other unforeseen circumstances where if you just "pack enough", it's not enough.

 

On 12/28/2023 at 6:32 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

If you've packed light, you can enjoy your last evening rather than spending time gathering up excessive clothing and packing large bags.  We put our (open) suitcase on the bottom of our closet and toss in dirty clothes -- on the last night we just drop any shirts /dresses that we'd hung up into the suitcase, and on the last morning we zip it up and packing's done!  

- Less luggage makes self-disembarkation easier.  No schedules to adhere to, no searching for your luggage in the terminal -- just take your one bag and walk off the ship.  

 

Same. Except I pull the suitcase out from under the bed. But you might have me on this one as it does require some extra effort to pull the bag out, unzip, re-zip and push it back under the bed. But that's my version of working out. 😀

 

I'm last off the ship. Always.

 

To recap, the Tips/Tricks/Hacks that people share are just that. Tips that work for them and people are free to choose what works for them. There is no right or wrong.  It's not a competition. 🙂

 

[akcruz]

23 hours ago, KenveeB said:

Personally, I choose to check a bag and bring only a small carryon so it’s less hassle at the airport. In the old days, I used to travel by carryon only. But since 9/11 changed all the rules about liquids, it’s a huge pain for me to take my toiletries on a carryon. Since I want to put that in a checked bag, I just check everything but a small bag of essentials and entertainment for the journey. No way of packing is inherently superior, it’s just what’s best for you. 

 

This is my issue, I am fine with fitting clothes but when you start with toiletries I want to bring, a checked bag is a must.

 

Suitcase goes under the bed and dirty clothes go in there during the trip.  Everything else fits nicely in the cabin.  The only time we found an over the door hanger helpful was when there were more than 2 of us.

 

As others have said no right or wrong way just what works best for each of us.   If the person traveling is fine with their bags and can control them without infringing on others who cares.  I am not staying in their cabin but mine. 

[Keksie]

When flying another plus to just having a personal item is while other people are standing in the aisle waiting to try to find a space over head for their bag I am already knitting with my beverage.

[K32682]

24 minutes ago, Keksie said:

When flying another plus to just having a personal item is while other people are standing in the aisle waiting to try to find a space over head for their bag I am already knitting with my beverage.

 

When flying another plus of carry-on only is while other people are standing in terminal waiting (hoping?) for their bag to appear on the carousel I'm already on my way to my next destination.

 

Also, you mentioned flying first in a previous post which doesn't incur a fee for checked bags. Why would people be standing around waiting to find space when there is plenty of over head space in premium classes? 

[Keksie]

11 minutes ago, K32682 said:

 

When flying another plus of carry-on only is while other people are standing in terminal waiting (hoping?) for their bag to appear on the carousel I'm already on my way to my next destination.

 

Also, you mentioned flying first in a previous post which doesn't incur a fee for checked bags. Why would people be standing around waiting to find space when there is plenty of over head space in premium classes? 

I was talking about the long line of people in the aisle of the plane which backs up to first.  I am willing to wait for my bags to be able to take what I want.  I have never had to wait that long to get my bags that it wasn't worth it.

[frantic36]

7 hours ago, K32682 said:

Also, you mentioned flying first in a previous post which doesn't incur a fee for checked bags. Why would people be standing around waiting to find space when there is plenty of over head space in premium classes? 

 

There isn't always plenty of overhead space in premium classes because some people with status, families etc who have been allowed to board before you on US domestic flights have taken the opportunity to put their bags at the front of the plane. Another reason I don't like flying US domestic. I don't understand why they do it.

[navybankerteacher]

4 hours ago, frantic36 said:

 

There isn't always plenty of overhead space in premium classes because some people with status, families etc who have been allowed to board before you on US domestic flights have taken the opportunity to put their bags at the front of the plane. Another reason I don't like flying US domestic. I don't understand why they do it.

They do it because too many US fliers are either uninformed, contentious or angry -- sometimes a combination; and the (lazy and/or defensive) staff finds life is easier if they ignore the stuff the passengers pull, hoping that they can skim by with minimum effort.

[K32682]

4 hours ago, frantic36 said:

 

There isn't always plenty of overhead space in premium classes because some people with status, families etc who have been allowed to board before you on US domestic flights have taken the opportunity to put their bags at the front of the plane. Another reason I don't like flying US domestic. I don't understand why they do it.

 

Premium class passengers can usually board whenever they want. If there's not enough space for them they are dawdling. I'm about 50-50 between business/premium economy and economy. Never had a problem getting overhead space in premium or business.  

[frantic36]

Just now, K32682 said:

 

Premium class passengers can usually board whenever they want. If there's not enough space for them they are dawdling. I'm about 50-50 between business/premium economy and economy. Never had a problem getting overhead space in premium or business.  

Maybe I am too polite but definitely on our flights in USA in January & March 2023 if we aren't part of the group they called, which we weren't, we hang back until we were called. YMMV

[Keksie]

If all you have is a small personal item it will fit under the seat and you don't have to worry about overhead space.  

[navybankerteacher]

27 minutes ago, Keksie said:

If all you have is a small personal item it will fit under the seat and you don't have to worry about overhead space.  

Remember -- you are on a thread populated by many folks claim  to cruise with "just carry-on" -- even if they have only one max possible carry-on bag in the overhead, you can bet your sweet potato that their "small personal item" (if there is just one} is likely to easily fit under the seat.

[crystalspin]

On 12/25/2023 at 4:33 PM, ChicagoCruiser2007 said:

Greetings fellow cruisers!

It's been a while since I've cruised so looking for any suggestions/tips/tricks from you that you've found useful when cruising.  Things to do/not do, bring/not bring, in advance of the cruise or during.  I'll be sailing on Celebrity to the Caribbean in February.  Any info would be most helpful! Knowledge is power! 🙂

Thanks in advance,

Erica

Hi Erica!

 

Sorry my meant-to-be-helpful post hijacked your thread. I hope you are getting more helpful answers on the Celebrity board!

 

-- Elizabeth

[cruisemom42]

11 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Remember -- you are on a thread populated by many folks claim  to cruise with "just carry-on" -- even if they have only one max possible carry-on bag in the overhead, you can bet your sweet potato that their "small personal item" (if there is just one} is likely to easily fit under the seat.

Your many comments about space hoggers on flights are based entirely on your assumption that those who carry on more or larger items are not checking luggage also. How could you possibly know this without seeing what luggage they check or pick up?

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if those who bring multiple bags on the plane also check luggage. Heavy packers tend to pack multiple bags, some checked and some carried onboard. I see couples waiting for taxis at ports with 7-8 bags among them, including carry-ons.

 

I agree with those who have said travelers should pack what they need. I tend to be a disciplined and organized packer. I try not to bring too little or too much. For anything over a week I pack one small-ish suitcase, just slightly too large to carry on. And one small carry-on bag that is much smaller than the limit. Used together, I can pack enough for up to a month of travel. And I can easily manage my bags myself on and off trains or walking to my hotel, etc.

 

Using these bags, on my most recent 16-day cruise with one additional city day on the end, I have packed 9 evening tops, (dressy casual to dressy) some of which I can wear in different ways, 3 evening pants, two sweaters, a cardigan, rain jacket, 4 pairs of shoes, 6 everyday pants/crops, 12 daytime tops. Not to mention sleepwear (2 sets), cosmetics, a few OTC meds, underwear, socks, etc some of which I will launder myself during the course of the trip. My travel outfit is nice enough to wear to dinner on the first and/or last night as needed.

 

What I don’t bring are a lot of optional items that I personally find no use for: in-room organizers and hampers, door decorations, insulated mugs, blow dryer, games/books (I use a Kindle) and so on.

 

People constantly express amazement at how much I can fit in the space I’ve allotted. I think this is what is meant by “smart” packing — not some measure of one’s intelligence. 
 

Since I started traveling this way around 20 years ago, I can only think of two among at least 50 trips when I didn’t have everything I needed. One was a trip to Portugal with unseasonably cold weather. The other was a two-week trip to Japan where a favorite pair of walking shoes turned uncomfortable.

 

As to losing a suitcase, never say never. Mine was lost for two weeks during the summer of 2022 — remember all those pile-ups in European airports?  My small carry-on always includes at least 2 full changes of clothing just in case. For inspiration, I keep in mind a lovely couple on my first Egyptian tour whose bags went missing and never showed up until the last night of the trip. They made do with a few hastily purchased cheap tee shirts and washed clothes every day while maintaining a cheerful attitude and not letting it ruin their enjoyment of the trip. I hope I could do the same if needed.

[Keksie]

One of my favorite extra items to bring is my travel lighted 10X makeup mirror.  

[K32682]

18 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Your many comments about space hoggers on flights are based entirely on your assumption that those who carry on more or larger items are not checking luggage also. How could you possibly know this without seeing what luggage they check or pick up?

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if those who bring multiple bags on the plane also check luggage. Heavy packers tend to pack multiple bags, some checked and some carried onboard. I see couples waiting for taxis at ports with 7-8 bags among them, including carry-ons.

 

I agree with those who have said travelers should pack what they need. I tend to be a disciplined and organized packer. I try not to bring too little or too much. For anything over a week I pack one small-ish suitcase, just slightly too large to carry on. And one small carry-on bag that is much smaller than the limit. Used together, I can pack enough for up to a month of travel. And I can easily manage my bags myself on and off trains or walking to my hotel, etc.

 

Using these bags, on my most recent 16-day cruise with one additional city day on the end, I have packed 9 evening tops, (dressy casual to dressy) some of which I can wear in different ways, 3 evening pants, two sweaters, a cardigan, rain jacket, 4 pairs of shoes, 6 everyday pants/crops, 12 daytime tops. Not to mention sleepwear (2 sets), cosmetics, a few OTC meds, underwear, socks, etc some of which I will launder myself during the course of the trip. My travel outfit is nice enough to wear to dinner on the first and/or last night as needed.

 

What I don’t bring are a lot of optional items that I personally find no use for: in-room organizers and hampers, door decorations, insulated mugs, blow dryer, games/books (I use a Kindle) and so on.

 

People constantly express amazement at how much I can fit in the space I’ve allotted. I think this is what is meant by “smart” packing — not some measure of one’s intelligence. 
 

Since I started traveling this way around 20 years ago, I can only think of two among at least 50 trips when I didn’t have everything I needed. One was a trip to Portugal with unseasonably cold weather. The other was a two-week trip to Japan where a favorite pair of walking shoes turned uncomfortable.

 

As to losing a suitcase, never say never. Mine was lost for two weeks during the summer of 2022 — remember all those pile-ups in European airports?  My small carry-on always includes at least 2 full changes of clothing just in case. For inspiration, I keep in mind a lovely couple on my first Egyptian tour whose bags went missing and never showed up until the last night of the trip. They made do with a few hastily purchased cheap tee shirts and washed clothes every day while maintaining a cheerful attitude and not letting it ruin their enjoyment of the trip. I hope I could do the same if needed.

 

+1. When a trip requires that I do check bags I also have a carry-on with a couple changes of clothes, medications and other essential items so that if my bags go astray I don't have to go shopping immediately.

 

There are two kinds of flyers. People who have never had luggage lost or delayed and people who will if they fly often enough.

[navybankerteacher]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

Your many comments about space hoggers on flights are based entirely on your assumption that those who carry on more or larger items are not checking luggage also. How could you possibly know this without seeing what luggage they check or pick up?

 

…

I think you missed my point— which was simply that folks who claim to cruise for a week or more “with just carry on” are likely to have supplemented their packing capacity by “bending the rules” by hauling more than “one carry on bag plus one small personal item” - never implying that they were the only ones to hog space meant to be shared fairly with all others.   
 

I regularly travel for weeks  with one carry on and one checked bag, both of which  I can personally manage easily - be it over cobblestone streets or up and down two or three floor walk-up accommodations.