ctcruisers87 Posted November 6, 2006 #1 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Are there any good tips for packing?? There are five in opur family and we need to pack as compact as we can, yet still have the things we need. example: hair straightener, beach towels and blanket. although we don't NEED these things, these are the things we feel we have to bring. Please HELP!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electricron Posted November 6, 2006 #2 Share Posted November 6, 2006 If you're going to pack all things you know you don't need, you might as well buy several steamer trunks. There's no way you're going to be accepting any advice we might give. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dforeigner Posted November 6, 2006 #3 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Are there any good tips for packing?? There are five in opur family and we need to pack as compact as we can, yet still have the things we need. example: hair straightener, beach towels and blanket. although we don't NEED these things, these are the things we feel we have to bring.Please HELP!!!! You may want to do a search as too many have posted rather useful packing tips. You may want to remove beach towels and blanket from your list as these items will/can be provided by the cruise line. Now you have some extra packing space! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizaMM Posted November 7, 2006 #4 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I am very much a creature of comfort and when on vacation that is more true than ever! I want to have ALL things that make me feel wonderful!! Beach towels will be provided by the cruiseline for use both on the ship and while in port so no need to bring those along. Also, the bedding is quite comfortable so you can skip taking that. With out knowing what cruise you are taking it is hard to add any specific suggestions....BUT....I have cruised as a family of 5 and I think one of the best investments I have made is a set of luggage with different sizes. When empty they fit neatly inside one another and then can be tucked away inder the bed in the cabin. There are many wonderful packing lists and suggestions which can be found on the web. Linda (CruiseDiva dot com) has a bunch of links to some really great ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walsky Posted November 7, 2006 #5 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Are there any good tips for packing?? There are five in opur family and we need to pack as compact as we can, yet still have the things we need. example: hair straightener, beach towels and blanket. although we don't NEED these things, these are the things we feel we have to bring.Please HELP!!!! Don't forget, if your'e flying, the weight limit is 50 pounds per bag. With a family of five, you might find yourself having to take items out you need to take, even though the suit cases are not full. We do a trial run packing and weighing the day before we are leaving and have discovered that a 24" or 26" pullman, fully packed with clothes will weigh over 50 pounds. We are having a problem trying to pack for two people for a 15 nt. cruise using 3 pullmans and 1 carry on and make the 50 pound limit. In order for us to make our flight home from LAX, we have to use the "express" debarkation, therefore, can only take bags we can handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddee Posted November 8, 2006 #6 Share Posted November 8, 2006 Yes, Walsky, we are having the same problem with our 14 day South America cruise. With the drastic weather changes ranging from 85 degrees to start, then down to the 40's then back up to the 80's we need 2 different wardrobes. It will take a lot of time and work to narrow things down to just exactly what we will need, without a lot of frills. Good luck to you, I know We will need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KreinKrunker Posted November 9, 2006 #7 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Do not have a bag for each individual. If one bag is misplaced, that poor person has no clothes. Put a little of everyones clothes in each bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy ks Posted November 10, 2006 #8 Share Posted November 10, 2006 You do not need to haul along beach towels or blankets on a cruise. You really do not have to have them. While blankets aren't available to take off the ship at port, beach towels are. You can have a fresh towel each day vs. having the same dirty towel the whole week. If you really feel you must take along a blanket for the beach, look for an emergency disposable blanket, or even a picnic tablecloth. That will be much easier and lighter to pack. Most people do pack way too much for a cruise, so if you find you come home with clean, unworn clothes and gadgets that never make it out of the package, you are in good company. I've learned the hard way, after my first couple of cruises where I packed everything I could conceive of that we may need. I've not only cut way back on clothes, but the paraphernalia that is mentioned here and on other boards now stays home. The ships are pretty sophisticated and will provide for you all but the most personal necessities. You really only need: clothes (casual daytime, casual evening and formal evening) shoes (at least one pair of comfortable shoes that you can walk in) bathing suits (minimum 2, 3 is better, you will wear these more than clothes) toiletries a small first aid kit a good camera And of course all travel documentation you require. Cross packing is a great idea, pack one outfit from each family member into every suitcase. If a case goes on a separate vacation, at least the person will have an outfit (or 2 or 3) to change clothes. Make lists and follow them. I find that if I pack with time to spare, as in not at the very last minute, I won't pack unnecessary items as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lougee1043 Posted November 13, 2006 #9 Share Posted November 13, 2006 pack half as much as you think you need and use the ships laundry service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted November 13, 2006 #10 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Are there any good tips for packing?? There are five in opur family and we need to pack as compact as we can, yet still have the things we need. example: hair straightener, beach towels and blanket. although we don't NEED these things, these are the things we feel we have to bring.Please HELP!!!! you are right, you do not need beach towels or blankets so why would you bother to bring them? The ones offered by the cruise ships are very nice and quite acceptable. The hair straightener, that is different. Remember you can always bring outfits that are mix and match, you don't need to plan on changing cloths 2 or 3 times a day, and keep the number of shoes to a minimum. Believe me, this advise is coming from someone who has cruised 20 plus times and is still learning. To me, ideally I finish the cruise with one or two things left I didn't wear. Even jewelry, although it takes no space can be minimized. I always bring 3 or 4 times what I wear. This next cruise I will not. Back to the shoes: 7 day cruise, I am down to 4 pair as a rule, 1 is what I wear onto the ship: tennis shoes, 2 pair of sandles and 1 pair of dress shoes, usually black low to mid heals. Maybe one more pair, generally not. On a cruise we took a few years ago there were 3 couples: me with my 4 pair, another gal with 5 pair and third gal, 8 pair. DH will bring sandles, tennis shoes, top sider type and dress shoes. You only need one bathing suit per person. The old saying, put everything out on the bed you think you need and put 1/2 of it back. NMnita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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