What NOT to pack

[Sugar13]

Very funny thread, since everyone has different opinions and experiences about what's important on a trip, what not to pack, and also what to pack. We always pack too much, but I'm working on traveling lighter.

 

Hmmmmmmm, the clothespins didn't help much with the shower. It was a love/hate relationship, loved being able to take a shower, hated the curtain caressing my body, despite the clothespins. At the end of the cruise, I was glad to see that relationship end. Concerning the curtain between beds, I can see how clothespins would have been handy, I travel with safety pins, since many hotels have curtains that don't close well. We didn't have a problem with that on the ship though.

 

Duct tape, scoffed at this, until we were checking bags coming home and the duffel I bought from RCI split it's seams. Luckily, the man helping us at the airport got a heavy, plastic bag that is used for childrens' carseats and put our bag in it. It was amusing seeing our bag, dirty laundry exposed, tumbling down the airport conveyor belt. Duct tape could have come in handy before checking the bag.

 

Power strip, packed this, but couldn't find it under the other crap we packed. Didn't need it though. Our Jr. BS had enough outlets to accommodate the video cam battery, fan and night light. (so you know we packed those!) We didn't charge the cell phones until we were approaching port.

 

Shoe holder, I thought this was crazy but got one cheap at a drugstore. It did not work on the bathroom door as the hooks were too thick, but worked great in the closet. We even put shoes in the bottom pockets! All other bathroom items were packed in ziplocks, but transfered to shelves or the shoe holder. Easy to organize what is needed daily, or not as often.

 

Left home the pets, clothes line, lawnmower, hair dryer (with that humidity, don't wash your hair in the morning, pull it up, don't worry about makeup, but bring some bandanas to mop your brow, neck, face, etc.), At times, I wish I had left DH home. Just kidding!

 

Did bring a big tote bag, with multiple pockets, and one small purse. Left the others at home. Also brought some thin beach towels. They did come in handy, as the ship's towels were so heavy to carry, especially when wet. I'm such a wimp. :o

 

Brought one pair of sneakers, comfortable Birks, flip flops, and all purpose dress up shoes, should have left one pair of shoes at home.

 

Hope you have a fabulous trip! Let us know what you decided to leave behind, and pack!

 

:D

 

[RLMass]

Pack your appetite!!!! I just packed mine for tomorrow's departure on EOS!

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

I know the subject is what NOT to pack. That would be whatever you took on the last cruise and didn't use/need/want.

 

We always pack Post-It notes to leave notes for each other as well as sticking them on our friends' doors to let them know where we are. And Highlighters in different colors to indicate who wants to do what on the daily calendar. One yellow and one blue - if we make green then we have found something we BOTH want to do.

[cruisingrightalong]

If you do pack the clothes pin....bring the plastic type with the "hook" on the end. That is what you hook onto the deck chairs behind them to dry the clothes you wash in the shower so that you don't bring too many clothes!!!!

 

The hangy door thing we used to bring and now have found a fold up flat stacker that looks like lots of bird houses stacked up with large holes....the top wraps around the hanger rod.....folds PERFECTLY FLAT! and then we throw underwear, socks, shoes, etc in that! and put any toiletries that are used rarely....anyway it has 6 holes and goes from rod to floor!

 

Then we have tons of drawer space left over.

 

I laugh about the duct tape. I have some in my carryon bag that is folded small (some people flatten a toilet paper center)...and daughter needed it before we ever boarded last week for Vegas....suitcase issue! and duct tape holds those curtains closed. and even holds a door open if needed.

 

Lou

[grandmallie]

So ductape, clothes pins, and a shoe holder, are must haves, sounds logical to me.this will be my 2nd cruise DH first,I dont want to pack alot of clothes,we are not doing the dining room thing, doing the WJ , so I wont bring dress up clothes,how many outfits for a 7 day cruise?

Oh by the way sailing AOS on the 23rd of September

[FlyingPhotog]

they have a clothes line over the shower, so you can take that out, and ditto for the clothes pins. In 13 cruises I have never found a need for duct tape though many on the boards swear by it.

 

I completely agree with Sue! Same goes for bungee cords.

[cruisingrightalong]

grandmallie-some people don't like my packing list but here goes:

for 7 days segment you would need:

shorts/capris- 2 total

1 matching shirt for each 2 days (including 1 day of travel) = 4 shirts total

1 bathing suit

 

sleeping clothes

 

dinner:

1 pair black slacks

1 pair tan/brown

 

3 shirts for dinner to match

 

1 formal outfit if needed

 

shoes:

1 pr. sandals

1 pr. dress

1 pr. tennis

1 pr. pool type shoe

 

 

mix and match is the name of the game! you can actually eliminate the shirts down to 3 regular/2 dinner easily

 

Lou

[LABCHICK]

Some people bring winkle release . I did on our first cruise, but never needed it. Left it at home after that. If you do have some wrinkled clothes just hang them up in the bathroom and turn the shower on and steam them. The way I pack is I lay top on the bed, make sure they are smooth, lay a small piece of tissue paper on top and fold them as the stores fold. No wrinkle when I unpack.

 

Judi :)

[Little Elm]

I am always amazed at how much the posters on this board pack to go on vacation. This is only our 2nds cruise, but we have been on "land" vacations every year. My rule. If it doesn't fit in my roll aboard case (airline overhead size) it doesn't go. (pre 311 rule) Now, if it doesn't fit in that case, and a small make-up bag (that has to be checked) it doesn't go.

 

Then again, we are not doing any formal nights. But' that should only be one other bag. So for the two of us we would have one roll aboard each, one make-up bag, and one suit bag.

[Annefran]

Leave your Blackberry and work at home, a must to relax! :D I'd even say your laptop and cell phone for COMPLETE AND UTTER relaxtion but they may be going a bit too far, hehehehe.

[buchie614]

Don't pack your bad attitude or complaints. Do pack your smile and easy going spirit. :)

Gotta love that statement.

[Schplinky]

I'd say pack half as many dress shirts and twice as many t-shirts.

[ElsieToo]

I am always amazed at how much the posters on this board pack to go on vacation. This is only our 2nds cruise, but we have been on "land" vacations every year. My rule. If it doesn't fit in my roll aboard case (airline overhead size) it doesn't go. (pre 311 rule) Now, if it doesn't fit in that case, and a small make-up bag (that has to be checked) it doesn't go.

 

Then again, we are not doing any formal nights. But' that should only be one other bag. So for the two of us we would have one roll aboard each, one make-up bag, and one suit bag.

 

Your "rule" may not work very well in all situations; a lot of how much you pack depends on the length of your cruise and your destination. I'm doing an 11 day cruise next month - it's reasonable that I would take more than someone doing a 7 day cruise. Also, people sailing to Alaska, for example, are always going to take more luggage due to the sheer bulk in packing cold-weather clothing.

[barbaragrace]

they have a clothes line over the shower,

 

 

About the clothes line, I say bring it ONLY if you have a balcony. We always used it for wet bathing suits and towels.

Now for the kitchen sink, leave THAT home. I've packed it a few times and never used it.

[cheshire999]

Forget the duct tape, odds are that there are at least 20 Cruise Critic members on your ship that you could borrow some from! If you have a balcony, the clothes pins are essential to clip your wet suits to the chairs to dry. Otherwise, they'll get blown overboard! :eek: I bought some that have magnets on the back of them and are also handy to stick up on a door and put notes in, instead of post-its.. which usually end up all over the place. The over the door shoe holder is a godsend. It keeps all our "junk" off the floor and out of the way.

 

But this was about what not to pack... sorry, you're talking to someone that brings a suitcase just for shoes! :o

[BethCarp]

[quote name='Laura05']I have heard some say they use the tape for the hairdyer button. [/QUOTE]
Why is this necessary?
[quote name='Little Elm']I am always amazed at how much the posters on this board pack to go on vacation. This is only our 2nds cruise, but we have been on "land" vacations every year. My rule. If it doesn't fit in my roll aboard case (airline overhead size) it doesn't go. (pre 311 rule) Now, if it doesn't fit in that case, and a small make-up bag (that has to be checked) it doesn't go. [/QUOTE]
Wow I envy you. I'm a notorious over-packer and this will be our first BIG vacation with the whole family. I want to go as lightly as possible. I went on a 3 day cruise with some girlfriends and I packed a LARGE suitcase for just myself. One of my friends managed with one large backpack! I can do better--I think. :D

[Dolby1000]

Parkas
Snow Blowers
Mittens
Shovels
Windshield Washing Fluid

More seriously:
Umbrella (its not helpful, too windy)
Jeans (if you are in the hot weather; on 5 Carribbean cruises, I have never needed a pair of jeans, only shorts, khakis for informal nights and my dress pants that go with my suit. If you are cruising to cooler climates, then, yes jeans are helpful)
Towels (RCCL provides enough of them, not great quality, but good enough)
Soap & Shampoo (unless you are addicted to certain brands/types)
Hair Dryer
Film (I'm all about digital baby)
Expensive Jewelry (you look great without it, why risk losing it; FYI: my honey has a counter-arguement! :) )
A lot of cash (unless are doing pre or post cruise stops, the only reason for cash on board would be the Casino, or to pay off your Ship Charges)

That is all for now, if I come up with other ideas, I'll pass them along.

Dolby1000

[Snoopycollector]

Don't forget the Rain Ponchos!! OK, I know - it's a "what NOT to pack list" and someone said umbrellas -- which reminded me, that you NEED the ponchos.... you can get a pack of 2 for $1 at Dollar Tree... and they are folded nice and neat and small... and if you have zero rain -- you can bring it home and save it for next time.

I brought a rain jacket "just in case" -- we left the ship for an excursion in St. Thomas during sunshine and then it poured BUCKETS - and the jacket was in the room... we got back later, I put on the jacket and was standing by the exit on the ship to go back out and no less than 5 people offered to buy it from me!! (I'm not saying you should stock up on ponchos and resell them... or am I?? LOL) If you need one, it's priceless...

Sandy

[sack]

Dolby1000 has it "right on". I may have missed this information but there are a couple of factors in answering this posting.

1. How long is the cruise
2. Are there kids involved

I going to proceed as if children aren't going (and therefore, the length of the cruise doesn't matter).

Take only the items that you'd grab if you were leaving in a hurry because the hospital called and told you that your "honey" was in the emergency room. That's the best way I can describe it.

1. No makeup except extreme basic - it's going to "run" anyway and your swty already knows what you look like - everyone else doesn't matter!
2. Personal affects that you use on any given day - not things out of the ordinary.
3. Forget the jeans!!
4. Other than my wedding ring - I don't bring any other jewelry as this gives me a reason to buy "bling" on board that I like
5. Always remember - ELASTIC WAISTBANDS are your friends!

So to recap a recent trip I took (3 day - Sovereign) using a "roll-on" that would fit in an overhead compartment of a plane and a back-pack that could double as a purse and an excursion bag.

1. Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, scrunchies, lip gloss/mascara, shampoo/conditioner (all travel size).
2. One "quasi" dressy outfit (1-piece dress)
3. Underoos, socks
4. Digital camera
5. Wore a pair of flipflops and "cute" athletic outfit that could be broken down into 2 other outfits. Packed 2 pairs shoes that were universal
6. Bathing suit, coverup, sunscreen, book
7. 3 "cute" t-shirts, 3 pairs capri's, 1 short/shirt outfit

That was it...if I needed it but didn't have it, I bought it onboard or in Nassau.

Sack:)

[bickee]

Can I ask why it matters if I overpack? Am I hurting the environment somehow? Nobody gets hurt if I have 5 suitcases. ;)

[sack]

Actually, you have a point...it's really all up to you on how much you pack and how many suitcases. You may take the advice to "pack light" and be severly dissappointed in what you left behind. On the other hand, you may "pack like a mule" and find out that you only used items that would've fit into one suitcase. I hope you have a fantastic time no matter what you bring w/you. I just thought I'd provide my personal experience whereby my first 4-day cruise, I packed as though I wasn't ever returning and then got stuck lugging it into the port, trying to find places to put my stuff when I unpacked, trying to find places to put the empty cases while on board and then having to try and repack it all before disembarking. Either way, pack with "comfort" in mind and you'll have a blast!

Sack:D

[0ldog]

Medimusal - Plenty of fruit and prunes on the ship.
All pants without elastic waistbands.
75% of what's in my wallet, keep 2 CC, DL & Picture of my Grandkids to bore everyone.
Hat - I buy one at the first port.
Newspaper - I've canceled that for duration.
Mail - That's being held till I get back.
Bigotry - I'm going to meet people from every walk of life, rich & poor, young & old and those from many country's that most people only dream of meeting........... yet we all have one thing in common WE'RE CRUISING.

[LisaH]

[quote name='danya83']Ok, I have most of my list written out and a box started for the "to pack"....which includes, but not limited to Clothes Pins, Clothes line, duct tape, and a few others .... I want to know....

What should be in the DO NOT pack box...I already have the KIDS, DOG, and Kitchen in it....DH was lucky to not be in it! LOL Soooooo....[/QUOTE]

panty hose

[ILoveScotland]

[B]Love this thread![/B]

[B]Add me to the Duct Tape is a must list. Last November the handle on a brand new piece of luggage broke before I boarded the first plane. Duct Tape saved the day.[/B]

[B]I also agree about don't take more than one purse. I just bought a large black leather shoulder/over the chest bag that will be useful on the overnight flight to Europe as it will almost be another carryon. And inside I'll tuck a small wallet type purse that I'll use when in port.[/B]

[Laura05]

Originally Posted by [B]Laura05[/B] [URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=11243547#post11243547"][IMG]http://boards12.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif[/IMG][/URL]
[I]I have heard some say they use the tape for the hairdyer button.[/I]
[quote name='BethCarp']Why is this necessary? [/quote]

I really have no idea... that is why I said.... (I have heard some say). Just repeating what I read. I personally don't use a hairdryer normally..unless I am in a big hurry. But I am never in a hurry on a cruise. :D