Hubs and I just returned from a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas. Here’s what worked and what didn’t, and what I’ll do differently next time:

Three Dresses: I really only needed two. The dress in pic 1 was perfect for hot weather, it kept me cool and comfortable. The dress in pic 3 was perfect for formal night (unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of DH and me all dressed up, just this not-so-great mirror selfie). I brought an additional sundress that only got worn once, really I didn’t need it at all.

One skort, one skirt (pics 4-7) Yes! I was very glad to have both of these. I brought two white shirts and two graphic tees to go with these. The skort was my travel outfit. We had a 3 hour drive to and from the port in Bayonne, NJ, and the skort was great for that, and the first day/night on the ship.

Pic 8 was my lounge wear outfit (aka what I wore to sleep in). I ended up throwing on a sweater and going on the deck to watch the ship leave port one night.

Pic 9: I brought one bathing suit, and one tankini and board shorts (not pictured). Not enough! Next time I will pack at least three or four bathing suits, as they get worn every day.

Pic 10: White capris (pic taken pre trip). I wore these twice, with the pink/red shirt and with a graphic tee (not pictured).

I packed three lightweight sweaters (white, pink, gray) and wore them a lot in the air conditioned areas on the ship. Three was perfect.

I didn’t bring shorts as I wanted to be a bit dressier, but next time I will throw a pair in the suitcase. They are needed for the cruise ship’s zip line (I wore my longer swim/board shorts and that was OK).

I ended the trip with only one tee and blouse not worn, so I’m getting better at packing. Next up is a 12 day extended family camping trip, with an entirely different style of clothing - shorts and tees, swim suits, hiking gear!