My Cruise Adventures

Packing

On our first cruise, we used nested suitcases and just filled up the smaller one. We ended up needing every bit of the space in the larger one to bring back gifts. As we've done more cruises, we don't buy as many gifts so we don't take extra suitcases any more. We do occasionally bring an extra "gym bag" type of suitcase in case we have an overflow.

What do we pack in those suitcases? Well, it depends. Certainly clothes and toiletries. Something to read. Formal wear for those formal nights (which we enjoy). Chargers for camera and camcorder batteries. Camera and camcorder. Binoculars. Snorkeling gear, if we're going to the Caribbean. Coats if going to Alaska or the Baltic. Sandals and dress shoes.

Clothes - I plan on one set of underwear and one T-shirt per day. Add two pairs of long pants, and two swim trunks. For a 7-day cruise, at least 5 collared shirts. And either a suit or tux for formal night. I only take a couple of pairs of sox as they only get used for dinner each day.

The TSA requests that you don't lock your luggage any more. We use the twist-ties for trash bags to give any thieves at least a little grief. Plus, we don't pack the expensive stuff in the checked bags. All electronics, jewelry, and optics go in a carry-on bag. Your carry-on should also contain your toiletries, medicines (in original bottles), and a spare change of clothes. If your luggage is lost, you can at least get by with what's in your carry-on for a day or two. Remember that you can't carry on things like knives, nail clippers, scissors, and similar implements - those should go in your checked bag. Your checked bag should also contain those toiletries that exceed 3 ounces, like that jumbo sunscreen container.