YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help with cruise packing.

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help with cruise packing. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:48:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260262 Sat, 24 May 2014 20:18:34 +0000 Anonymous 1260262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't been on a cruise for more than 20 years, so I can't advise. I think it's great that you're just taking a carry-on suitcase. If I had to choose for sandals, I'd pick neutral metallic, as long as they're comfortable. My feet swell a lot in heat and humidity.  MsMaven on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260246 Sat, 24 May 2014 19:51:00 +0000 MsMaven 1260246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay--here's a word of advice.  I've done a couple of Caribbean cruises but with checked baggage.  The last one followed a destination wedding in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  I wore a pair of walking sandals that I'd owned for a year with no problem, but after a day of walking and sightseeing, I got a nasty blister.  Feet swell and sweat and sandals rub blisters.  I stopped in a little store and bought a pair of flip flops until we could find a taxi to take us back to the hotel. Day 2 still couldn't wear sandals.  Bride gave decorated flip flops to all the women and asked us to wear them to the wedding.  Great.  Later we drank champagne and danced the Macarena and other fun stuff.  The next day, in line to board the cruise ship, sproing!  I was hit with the pain of plantar fasciitis--just standing there.  This was in 2008, and I'm still not completely healed from that adventure. Moral:  take care.  Feet and shoes act differently in warm humid climates.   I'd start with a list of the days on board and all the activities you will want to do ashore.  I'd advise more good shoes and sandals and skimp on clothes to wear on board.  Take 2-3 swimsuits minimum.  Most time on board you will spend  wearing a suit until you have to dress for dinner.   People are more casual on formal nights in the Caribbean. First trip I got by with a dressy halter top--I can't even remember the bottom.  Some people do go all out so they can wear their formal wear at least one more time, but it isn't necessary.  A simple long skirt or maxi dress that can be rolled up into a tiny ball might work.   Mary's idea of buying a hat there is great, but don't count on easily finding decent footwear in a hurry.  You can also find great scarves and sarongs you can wear as a skirt or even a dress for cheap in the local markets.   MsMary on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260229 Sat, 24 May 2014 19:06:50 +0000 MsMary 1260229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I'm back at my computer!  ;) First of all, I have a Pinterest board with a lot of travel wardrobe ideas including a lot of capsule wardrobes: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/msmarypasadena/travel-wardrobe-ideas/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pinterest.com/msmar.....obe-ideas/</a> Second, think about layering on the plane - wear your heaviest shoes and carry as many pieces as you can on your body!  LOL Third, if it were me and I didn't have a tight flight timeline, I'd re-think limiting myself to a carry-on.  It gets hot and sweaty in the Caribbean, and for me part of the fun of a cruise is having a lot of fun outfits to wear.  The cruise cabins are set up to store your suitcase under the bed and for me the extra trouble to check a bag is worth it..  Your mileage may vary, of course. Fourth, you can always buy hats at the ports.  When I went to Vietnam in 2012 I bought straw hats for, like, $1 each and just left them behind for the flight home.  If you do want to pack one or more, try stuffing clothing into the crown of the hat to hold the shape and that way it won't take up much space at all. Finally, if I were really limiting myself, I'd pack bottoms in neutrals:  black, white, olive, maybe red.  Those colors go with pretty much any color top and you can mix and match tops with any of those bottoms.  For tops I'd take tee-like tops but step it up a notch with nice fabrics and shapes, like the Ted Baker tee below.  Then add dresses for the fancy dinners and you're good to go.  It gets cool in the a/c so I'd add a topper like a linen blazer or maybe a denim jacket.  If I wanted to be fashion-forward with my footwear I'd take my silver Birks and white loafers.  And for the fancy dinners I might take my awesome black midi and a couple of dressy tops, and some dressy shoes.  (And FYI some people ignore the dress code for dinner, although I think it's super fun to participate!)  And a nice belt doesn't take up much space and can dress up a simple outfit. Oh, and pockets are good so you can put your card-key (which you also use to pay for drinks) in 'em! MsMary on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260223 Sat, 24 May 2014 18:46:16 +0000 MsMary 1260223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What cruise line are you traveling? They all have laundry service on the ship and on my cruise they had a special midweek where you could fill up a bag for a low set price. Hint: if you roll your clothes they take up much kess space. Google "rolling clothes in a carry on" and you'll see what I mean. And it works for that laundry bag, too!  ETA or look here: <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise-vacation" rel="nofollow">http://www.squidoo.com/what-to.....e-vacation</a> I'm on my phone at the moment but ewill post more later! May on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260221 Sat, 24 May 2014 18:39:14 +0000 May 1260221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MsMary, thanks for the links!  I love to bring as many suitcases you, but we are trying to avoid baggage check-in at the airport.  We are on a long flight to Orlando.  If you could repack, what items would you take or leave at home?  I like hats and finding it hard to find stylish hats that are packable. rachylou, haven't put much thought into what type of traveler on this trip yet.  I guess it would be for some sun and fun but the average age in our group is about 45.   MsMary on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260217 Sat, 24 May 2014 18:31:23 +0000 MsMary 1260217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ They're still in the closet, Rachy!  Waiting for another cruise.  Except I, uh, spent my cruise money on the divorce lawyer this year...  rachylou on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260186 Sat, 24 May 2014 17:39:28 +0000 rachylou 1260186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look so cute and fresh in that pic, Ms. Mary! But you are not trying to tell me those all your bags, are you? p.s. What happened to the two gowns and the short purple dress? (I'll limit myself to asking after those.) Because where was i? I think they're great! That is so exactly what I'd want to wear on a cruise. Or at a resort where you dress for dinner. MsMary on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260152 Sat, 24 May 2014 17:05:50 +0000 MsMary 1260152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm afraid I can't help you with fitting your choices into a carry-on, but here's what I wore on my Caribbean cruise a few years back:  <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-on-the-oasis-of-the-seas" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....f-the-seas</a> You can also get some great input on the message boards over at <a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.cruisecritic.com</a>. ETA this is how I usually pack for a cruise!  ;) abc on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260136 Sat, 24 May 2014 16:47:41 +0000 abc 1260136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are several threads on packing and if I recall some specifically for cruises. They could give you an idea. I would start with shoes and make outfits from there. rachylou on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260134 Sat, 24 May 2014 16:46:04 +0000 rachylou 1260134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh what fun! Are you feeling high-society, sophisticated international traveler (neutral metallic)? Or fun vacationer out for a little sun and surf (bright and colourful)? May on "Help with cruise packing." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-cruise-packing#post-1260122 Sat, 24 May 2014 16:16:26 +0000 May 1260122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We are going on a Caribbean cruise with a few other couples in a few months and I need some help.  It's a week long cruise with 2 formal/semi-formal dinners.  There will be 4 ports we will visit.  Any suggestions that would fit into one carry-on bag?  My biggest concern are sandals, as I love to bring about 4 (not including flip flops).  Should I stick to a neutral metallic color or be bright and colorful?   How do seasoned cruiser do it?   Forgot to mention, I prefer not to wear shorts and t-shirts every day.