One More Packing Tip Resource?

Want more information and website links on packing tips? Here’s an old blog article I wrote for our Mediterranean cruise. Some of you fellow cruiser may recall this information.Please feel free to explore and discover....

  

Cruise & Travel - Packing Links, Tips, Hints & Lists

http://davismedcruise2008.blogspot.com/2008/10/cruise-travel-packing-links-tips-hints.html

How to Pack Like a Pro...

As though it’s bad enough to be gone for just over two weeks, how about over a month? And unlike Roger who is totally content with wearing his “I Buy Japanese Sword T-Shirt” day after day. Yes, he has many of the “SAME” t-shirts, really

... Anxious, Nervous AND Concerned ---Panic!!! How do you pack for a 32 day Cruise and be dressed in style with at least somewhat of a “fashionista” appeal? Enough luggage for all my “gotta have’s” and still not have to spend tons of dollars on baggage fees?

You gotta start by being tough and creative! I’ve been working on accessorizing, picking my color scheme and know that you will need to bring only the essentials. I also decided that I should try for bringing outfits for two weeks and then planning to wear them again for the second two weeks.

As for dealing with the climate change from humid hot in Bangkok to the cold of Anchorage? Layers- Layers and Layers! Remember, same lightweight t-shirt while strolling humid streets of Bangkok can serve as a "Base Layer" during your sightseeing hike in Alaska! Heavy layers to a minimum wearing sweater or fleece as long as your lighter shirt closest to your skin will be a good option. Bring jacket on the plane so as to not take room in your suitcase.

Another saving space option is to rent your formal cruise wear on the ship. I recently posted a separate article on this option. Roger loves this service and its a big help to bringing your own formal wear especially for the men. For women, the options are limited and so I suggest you do your own ... Ladies , black dress or pants- different scarves, shawls, jewelry or other accessories. Shoes that goes with sundress and informal nights. Think Double duties, ok! Think tops to dress up or down.And yes.... Re-wear skirts, pants, shorts, skorts and dresses.

Lastly, you are in luck as the Diamond Princess has laundry facilities and they will also have laundry special sales during our cruise. So, plan to do laundry and bring the right outfits so you can plan to take advantage of this option.And here's another Carry-On Challenge - How to pack lightly for packing lightly by Independent Travelers .... 

This was a handy YouTube video for packing a suitcase. Thought you might be getting ready to add packing to your Travel 'Must Do' List.

Video provided by YouTube

25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF & MORE

Some of you have been asking me how do you plan your wardrobe for a 32 day cruise? One of my secret is to coordinate my outfit by bringing black/red/yellow/pink/blue top (stay away from white as it picks up drips from your fine dining on the cruise). Add and exchange with either black pants, black skirt, black dress AND THEN accessorize, accessorize, accessorize with your scarves, jewelry, belts. Your combo of outfits are multitude!

Here is a video that fellow cruiser and fashinista Karen Vaughn shared with me. 25 ways to wear a scarf or in our case one (1) scarf and 25 new cruise outfits? Thanks Karen and YouTube!

Packing with the Eagle Creek Pack-It-System

If you are looking for an alternative way to pack. This Eagle Creek Pack System might be worth looking at. Here is a YouTube Video that this woman packed for her family of four for 6 weeks in this system. I have seen some of these items at the Container Store and I'm sure you can look on-line to see what other places sell them.

If you like it...might be on your wish list for the holidays?

Video provided from YouTube.com

What’s Your Packing Personality?

Quiz: What's Your Packing Personality?

So, what is your packing personality? Here’s a fun quiz to take to see what your personality type is for the ultimate choice in packing! Found this on the website of Independent Travelers and the results may just help you with some thoughts on how to prepare as we get closer to our embarkation date. Here is the link http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing-quiz

Packing For a LOOOOOONG Cruise

Anxious, Nervous, Concerned ...Panic!!! How do you pack for a 32 day Cruise and not be dressed in style with at least some what of a “fashionista”, have enough luggage to bring all my “gotta have’s” and still not have to spend tons of dollars on baggage fees?

You gotta start by being smart and tough! Know that you will need to bring only the essentials

Cruise Critic: Long Cruise Packing
 http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1440#



Packing for a 36 day Cruise

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pack-36-day-cruise-17899.html

What to Pack for a Cruise

Grab a drink, a pad of paper and a pen, sit back, you will want to take notes! Watch this helpful video of "What to Pack for a Cruise"! Thought it had some great ideas of what you might want to add to your packing list. If you have about 10 minutes, its worthwhile...check it out!

Video provided by YouTube, What to Pack for a Cruise, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4D_KzcqWVg 

Create Your Personal Packing List

One could easily create your own packing list by simply planning to dump in the corner of your room all the items you want to take and then hopefully eliminating a third to half and then make a list as you pack. 

OR you could also check out these website and print up a copy and since we still have plenty of time. Take the initiative by making a list so you don’t forget anything? Either way, just be sure you make a list of all your items so you have it for insurance purposes (hopefully you chose to opt for that) and also if the credit card you used for your air fare may cover baggage? Worth a phone call...

Below are a sampling of website links that I came across for packing lists. See what works for you.....

Cruising Insider

http://www.thecruisinginsider.com/cruisepackinglistpdf.pdf

Independent Traveler 

http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing

Cruise Diva for Woman

http://cruisediva.com/print.htm

Cruise Diva for Men

http://cruisediva.com/print_a.htm

Cruise Crazies

http://www.cruisecrazies.com/packing_list.php

Rick Steve’s Packing List

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

Universal Packing List- Create Your Own

http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp

Photo provided by Flickr. zingersb (left) and josuppi (right)

Cruise Critic's ...Packing For A Cruise

Came across this very informative article from Cruise Critic’s website, ‘The Ultimate Guide To Packing For A Cruise’. I know many of you might be thinking, “Really Diana, packing already?” Yes, really! It’s a multi-tasking-gotta do-a plan ahead kind of task! Well worth the effort in the thinking-planning-preparation, especially those ‘venturing onward to the 32 day cruise option. Following is the link to the website and check out the list of subject articles below for Cruise Critic’s...Pack This, Not That: Top Tips for packing on your next cruise. Thanks Cruise Critic for this great introduction to "PACKING"

                                                                The Ulitmate Guide To Packing For A Cruise

     http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1436 

The Basics: Cruise Packing 101

Guide to Cruise Line Dress Codes

Graphic: Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-On

12 Tips for Packing for a Long Cruise

8 Reasons to Pack Duct Tape on a Cruise

10 Packing Tips From Real Cruisers

Top 10 Cruise packing Tips

9 'Carry-On Friendly' Mini-Cruises

The Sordid Confessions of an Over-Packer

5 Things You Want to pack - But Shouldn't

Do We Love Free Cruise Bags? Totes! 

Graphic provided by: CruiseCritic.com