Have your packing habits changed over time?

[CaroleB]

Same here. I packed way more than needed on my first cruise, but by cruise #3, I had it down to a T. I pack 2 pairs of dress shoes, 1 pair sandals, 1 pair runners (tennis shoes). Three pr shorts, and same for shirts. Two formal outfits, 2 swimsuits. NO computers (not interested in that when I am cruising - no internet cafe either). Cameras/chargers, phone/chargers. I never ever use my phone on a cruise but for driving to and from, so it goes in the safe till the night before we get home, then I charge it and it goes home. :) No texting or talking on cruises, just fun. I also pack a smaller suitcase inside the bigger one. When we leave, I have a separate suitcase for souvenirs and any clothing bought on the islands.

TIP: everyday at bedtime, I put that days outfit in the suitcase. By the time we are on the last day, most everything is packed so I have more time to have fun and less time in the room trying to get everything packed. I also put my souvenirs in the suitcase the same day they are bought. :) I also bring my own mask/fins/snorkel after seeing how they "clean" snorkels for rent. YUCK.

We certainly do pack less than when we first cruised. Lately, we have been doing more cruises that we drive to and then we don't really care how much we bring. Still less than what we used to bring.

[DebbieandJerry]

Absolutely have streamlined my packing. Back in the day, at least 2 changes of clothing for the daytime, evening wear (for every night) and then something comfy for the casino (but no casual) AND shoes for every outfit. Don't forget the skinny clothes vs not so skinny clothes.

Now it's mix and match with lots of black and lots of repeats. One pair of dressy shoes, sneakers that I wear on the plane, and one pair of sandals,1 bathing suit, only the camera, and all the medicine!!! Honestly, the bathroom stuff is an entire suitcase.

[ChrisMorgan]

First Cruise we went on we brought 5 big bags! Second cruise 3 bags 1 large and 2 small and pretty much all after that have been a 3 bagger. 2 for cloths and 1 for shoes and an electric fan. We try to keep a small bag with our swimsuits and 1 change of clothing in one small bag that we carry on the ship ourselves in case of the occasional loss of baggage. I would like to eventually go to 2 medium bags so we could just carry them on ourselves but 10 cruises later we still follow the same model...

[Smudge]

My packing has become a bit of an art....and as yet, I have not managed to go overweight on the flights (that is not to say that I might one day though).

At home I have two fitted wardrobes...one 4ft wide with everyday type clothes and one 8ft wide that has the cruise/holiday clothes.....in the cruise wardrobe I have 15 full on formal dresses, all floor length cos I absolutely love formal nights

Generally I pack a month or so out....usually one full outfit for each day/evening of the trip plus enough formal dresses to cover how ever many Gala nights happen on the cruise.

On my longest cruise/stay which was 34 nights, I still managed to take just one checked suitcase at 23kg + one handluggage suitcase + flightbag and all were under the weight allowances.

My next trip is 7 days on the ship with a night each end at the local airport hotel (due to early flight out, late flight back and having train journeys to/from the airport)...I have packed enough for each day and evening, incliding 3 full on formal dresses in a single 22" suitcase, so for the first time I am looking forward to flying with handluggage only

[cruisetarp]

Smudge - please teach us how you pack. Although I take a lot less now than I did in our early cruising day, I still can't manage with only 1 suitcase and a carry on.

[Shari2]

Definitely pack lighter than I used to...orders from headquarters...my DH...LOL He's the one who has to drag them all, except my carry-on and purse...I roll my carry on along, and stuff a large purse for travel...pack a smaller light one for onboard and onshore, and one small dress purse. I try to bring things that will mix and match and I can re-wear again...just once. I keep it down to two pairs of shoes and one good pair on for travel and walking. I did do laundry once onboard, but some of the ships I have been on don't have a self-laundry. I always worry about sending things out since I have had them shrunk before. I have to keep it at one large suitcase, and then my carry-on and large purse. It's not easy though...I always want to bring more. I don't bring the long evening dresses anymore...just bring some silky pants and glitter top or dressy top. Usually two each.

[DebbieandJerry]

Even though I cut down on our last cruise, I still need to cut down. Especially with Carnival where we get free laundry! I agree about the dressy clothes. There really is no more long evening dresses. As for Jerry's tux, he wore a silk sweater under his jacket and didn't want to mess with the formal shirt, buttons, tie, etc. And he was still overdressed.

[jacketwatch]

Actually we packed very light this cruise and used the ships dry cleaning more. No problems. It worked fine. I'll continue to do this in the future too. Once on board X gave us two 10% off dry cleaning coupons so that helped. Just wait and senda bunch of stuff at the same time.

[jobowl]

We have been driving to port so really not to concerned about how much we take.

Joe

[MissMeliss2012]

I pack one huge suitcase, one rolling suitcase, and a daypack. It's a lot for one person, but I have many "cruise-specific" things like snorkeling gear, wide-brimmed hat, water shoes, etc that takes up a lot of space. I will have to pack less tho for upcoming cruises, since I just had a baby and will have loads of baby stuff to carry!