Make a list and stick with it. Resist the urge to toss in something “just in case”—that’s the item you surely won’t need. Tuck a copy of your list in with your documents. If your luggage is waylaid, you’ll have a record of what it contains.
Color coordinate your wardrobe. Select one or two colors and mix and match items. Create different looks with accessories, either from home or purchased in port. Take only two pairs of shoes; comfortable all-purpose sandals for day and dressier shoes for evening. If you must have your big, clunky athletic shoes, wear them and pack the others.
Shop for clothing made of lightweight microfiber. It takes up less room, sheds wrinkles, and dries quickly. In terms of comfort, microfiber wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and requiring fewer clothing changes. In a pinch, wash these items in your sink and hang to dry. A hairdryer speeds the process along in record time.
Pack small. Undergarments and knits take only a third of the suitcase space they normally occupy when they’re compressed. Simply fill the largest size zipper top kitchen storage bags with these articles and force all the air out before zipping them shut. Plan ahead and shop for sample or small size containers of your favorite toiletry items.
For wrinkle free garments, leave them on their hangers, cover them with dry cleaning bags, and fold over once before placing them in the suitcase. Unpacking is a snap. With this method, there’s no need to bring along a travel iron or steamer.
The ship has self-service laundry facilities you can pack lighter and wash clothes mid-cruise. Remember, other passengers have the same idea and you might encounter long lines and surly tempers. Use the ship’s laundry service instead. It’s pricier but who wants to spend valuable cruise time washing clothes?
Use every bit of luggage space. Women’s shoes will fit inside men’s. Stuff socks and other small items inside larger space wasters. A tote bag that folds into its own zippered pocket is handy as a shopping or beach bag and invaluable when it’s time to pack the souvenirs that are preventing your suitcase from closing.
Cross-pack your luggage with your travel companion. Chances are if a suitcase is missing, it’ll turn up eventually. In the meantime you’ll both have fresh clothing until it does. It goes without saying, jewelry, medicine, cameras, and travel documents should never be packed in your checked luggage. Those items and a change of underclothes belong in your carry on tote.
The essential carry-on bag
makeup remover
freshener/moisturizer
cotton balls/q-tips
toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/floss
perfume/body & hand lotions
deodorant/talcum powder
sun screen
eye shadow/liner/mascara
powder/blush/concealer/lipstick
nail polish/polish remover pads
shampoo/conditioner/gel/hair spray (non-aerosol)
brushes/combs
bobby pins/clips/bows/hair bands
hair dryer/curling iron/shower cap
make-up mirror/plug in cube tap
lint brush/Woolite
folding tote bag/fanny pack
caps/visors
Zip-Lock bags/garbage bags
jewelry
medicines/bandages/antiseptic cream
feminine hygiene products
germicidal hand cleaner
extra glasses/contact lens supplies
camera/film or memory cards/extra batteries/binoculars
passport/money/documents/keys (home & luggage)
watch/travel alarm clock
Extra Stuff
Shaving kit (his includes what he needs)
MP3 player & charger
Cell phone & charger
Thermal insulated mug
Short, multi-plug extension cord or power strip
Notebook & pen
Strapping tape/duct tape
Cable ties
Small flashlight and/or night light
