Lou’s Packing Weirdness

So you can look at all those web sites that tell you how to pack for a cruise. I’ve read them all.  Several times.  Taking notes!  But the way I pack is an eclectic mix and has served me well.

Looking at my past history you wouldn’t guess that I’m really not into cruising. But I make sure to have fun wherever I go so cruising is wonderful since my family loves it.  But I pack, with that goal in mind.

Everyone’s thinks that their packing list or method is the best and only way to pack.  My father-in- law and I, have had many discussions about his 10-minute-packing time frame verses my 10-month-packing time frame.  Both are extreme.  I’ll share with you some of the more universal ideas I have come up with.

Magnets, magnets, magnets!!!  Most of the walls in cruise cabins are steel so if you glue a magnet on “it”,  it doesn’t take up room on the dresser, counter etc.  Only once did our shower not have a steel wall so if you glue a magnet onto anything you need in the shower it is close always close at hand.

The same is true for things on your bedside table or anywhere else. If you use a hot glue gun you can peal the magnet off when you come home.

Here is the site where I get my attachment devices: K&J Magnetics  (We get no kick-back from you using this link).

Speaking of which, I always plan something special for when we get home.  Coming home is comforting but sometimes a let down.  Making plans for a drink with friends or saving a special movie to watch at home makes the holiday feel like it continues and not end so abruptly.

If you are traveling with someone else I totally extort you not to put all your stuff into one suitcase and the other person put their stuff into a different suitcase.  Even if you initially pack this way, take a moment before you close the suitcases and put at least one entire set of clothes of yours into the other persons suitcase and vice versa.  My suitcase was “delayed” when we went to a family wedding and it was almost a disaster. Shopping might help in some cases but not when you are expected at a function in 20 minutes and not on a cruise ship.

Last thought. I travel with the idea that I can abandon certain items when I disembark.  For instance, I take a deodorant that is mostly gone. I use it up and I don’t have to carry it off the ship. If you have an old pair of running/walking shoes that you are  going to replace anyhow, throw them away if you need the packing space.  Hubs packs his older socks so if we need to save room we can leave them behind.  I generally plan for one less suitcase when I travel home.

Cruising Tips from Ted and Lou

What Why
Summer Clothes Before you pack them away in the fall season, determine if you will need them on the cruise.
Seasonal Clothing Fall is the time to shop for a spring cruise as they are closing out the stuff you will want next spring!
Packing Pack everything that you need for the first day in your carry-on!
Dramamine Most cruise lines will give it out if you need it (most people don’t need it!).
Strong Magnets Walls and doors on a ship are steel!
Wild Matching Shirts For travel and embarkation days, its easier to spot your group while traveling.

Sunscreen

 Remember your destination will be different than your current location

Things Not to Forget on Any Cruise

Travel Documents (passports, set sail pass, credit card, travel insurance documents, cash).
Clothing (the right stuff for the climate you are traveling to visit).
Toiletries (medicines, first aid kit, sunscreen, deodorant, extra glasses, hair care, and teeth supplies).
Accessories (power strip, extension cord, highlighters, camera, memory cards, chargers, and a small excursion bag or backpack).

These tips are compiled from multiple sources

Often you don’t realize that you have over-packed for your cruise until you are trying to get ready to walk out the door. This is when you become aware that it is difficult to carry that oversize suitcase, a backpack, and a carry-on. While other cruisers’ saunter through the airport, you are lugging with the luggage. Here are some tips to avoid this situation.

  1. Pick a Palette
    It makes sense; if you have limited suitcase space, you can stretch your outfit choices by mixing and matching clothes that are similar shades. Restricting yourself to a handful of similar colors also means you can cut down on shoes.
  2. Two if by Sea
    The rule of “twos” can help you plan the perfect wardrobe. Pick two outfits — one for day, one for night — for each day you travel, as well as workout clothes, bathing suits, and PJs for every two days. Then cut the total amount in half — remember, no one is going to notice when you wear the same shirt twice. Also, restrict shoes to two pairs (more about shoes below).
  3. Layer Up
    If you’re heading to a chilly climate, you can wear the same upper layer repeatedly, while only changing the lighter layer close to the skin. Bring more lighter layers or do laundry on-board. Wear the heaviest outer layer — a hoodie or a sport coat — on the plane to save packing space.
  4. Get a Shoe Clue
    Shoes take up the most space in your suitcase, so be smart with how many pairs you bring. Limit yourself to two, in neutral colors, and chose ones that can do double duty. Boots, for example, can pair with a nice dress AND jeans. Ditto ballet flats or Mary Jane’s. Above all, choose comfort over fashion; nothing is worse than limping around a port in poor footwear.
  5. Stay Fresh
    Bring travel-sized Febreze spray to freshen up items to re-wear. A small sachet can make clothes in a drawer smell better. Clothes and underwear can be washed in the sink and hung on the clothesline to drip dry. (Or just spring for laundry.)
  6. Accessorize
    The same nice dress can look different with a new scarf or eye-catching jewelry so this is one area to bring multiples. Pashmina scarves can be particularly versatile, brightening up neutrals or serving as a shawl on chilly planes and in dining rooms.
  7. Be Clever With Carry-Ons
    Rather than pack a separate beach bag, look for a waterproof tote that’s big enough to serve as your airplane carry-on. Tablets are your best entertainment investment, as they can be used for e-books, downloaded movies and news sources.
  8. Roll Up
    Roll clothes when packing them. You can fit more in your luggage that way, and it also helps to minimize wrinkles. Rolling socks and stuffing them into shoes is another space saver.
  9. Divide and Conquer
    If you and your companion have both vowed to stick to carry-ons, don’t be afraid to co-mingle bags. The taller person might have larger things, so splitting the stuff is more efficient.
  10. Tame Toiletries
    If you can live without your brands, go with the toiletries provided on-board. If you need a larger size, stop at a drugstore near the port, and buy it there. If you don’t need the full 3 ounces, re-bottle potions and lotions in a contact lens case. If you travel frequently, save time by keeping a bag of already measured liquids ready to go.
  11. Single Out
    It’s not cheap, but buying single use products can save space. Many products such as antibacterial lotion, nail polish remover, insect repellent and sunscreen come as wipes and cloths, not bottles. Simply toss when done.
  12. Take Inventory
    When you get home, look hard at your suitcase and take note of what you did and didn’t use. These can provide clues for the next cruises packing adventures. And then write yourself a reminder not to over-pack next time!
  13. You have …
    Remember if you are arriving at least a day early. You can shop for items that you do not want to carry on the airplane and iron anything that needs it in the hotel. Also, check with your hotel, you may be able to ship items that they will hold for you.