Beauty

[KoKo]

Have not traveled in some time and would like packing tips for a 2 week cruise this summer. Helpful hints, outfits most used for on ship and daily off ship trips sightseeing etc. Thanks

[Zcat]

Oooooh, a cruise. Where are you going? Alaska or a warmer climate?

I say dress for comfort -- cute comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. You will be doing quite a bit of walking as most cruise ships are huge these days.

[MarenSeattle]

On 2/15/2014 Zcat said:

Oooooh, a cruise. Where are you going? Alaska or a warmer climate?

I say dress for comfort -- cute comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. You will be doing quite a bit of walking as most cruise ships are huge these days.

Espadrilles! Years ago QVC had a drawstring bag of espadrilles -- 5 pair in different colors (one blue and white striped!) and they took up very little room because they squash flat. I walked all over Italy for 3 weeks and one day when it rained and ruined the shoes, I just tossed them. Those were all I wore except some sandals that I wore with dressier things. Too bad the Q doesn't have that set any longer.

Back then, broomstick skirts were "in". You could tie it up in a knot and cram it in the corner of your suitcase. You could, as they say, dress it up or dress it down and a couple got me through. Maybe there are similar skirts/fabrics today? Very comfortable and easy.

If you're going somewhere warm (hot?), most people on the ship are "typical Americans" wearing shorts, sandals and sleeveless tops. Some people REALLY dress for the Big Dinner, some' don't. I've done both but don't think I'd go to the trouble of getting a Captain's Dinner dress again. Personal preference, though. :-)

Cruises are pretty casual these days, so just be comfortable and remember we always tend to pack too much!

A woman I was on my Italy tour with (3 weeks!) only brought a roll-on suitcase! Two pairs of pants, different tees and dressy tops, scarves, and bling and not-bling jewelry. I could never do that!

[Tigriss]

Pack clothes you don't need to iron, so the loose skirts, maxi dresses, comfy shoes, bit of makeup and hair, not whole hog (who are you going to impress, if you are go for it, but lighter is better), space bags make for easy packing, and try to take things that you can wear with each other. An old fashioned tip would be that if you didn't get sweaty that day, hang your clothes you wore and let them air out, so you can wear them again. I would wear shoes that I could go sockless in. Don't forget a small bottle of baby powder. Pack double duty products like 2n1 shampoo, cream to powder foundation, a few eye shadows or a pallet that will do for the cheeks and lips as well (ELF makes several cream shades that work for all three), cheap jewelry if any, a simple evening dress to add bling to for the big dinner, something like a flat iron that you can curl or go flat with or the Perfector/Prestige so you don't add bulk there, a pillow(it takes space but man does it make the difference in sleep), undies, a few bras (let them air out), two swimsuits, and that is really it. If you don't want shorts, go for capris or skirts, but be comfy especially if you are going someplace hot or where you will be doing activities. Pack some basic meds like advil, tylenol, anti-diarrhea meds, sea sick pills (Bonine doesn't make you sleepy and works for 24 hours), bandages, antibiotic ointment, and allergy meds, plus whatever you usually take in the original bottles. Make sure everything is either in small packets with the names on them or in small bottles so you are accused of transporting meds that don't belong to you. A cash belt next to your body or a small wallet that will fit in your front pocket (they are out there for women), or just keep it in your bra if you have enough to hold it there (no pickpocket can get it from there without you knowing). Hair towel...that is really needed.

[KoKo]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions. It always helps to have others input! They are all great suggestions. I am going to have to adapt to wearing flats and carrying a small crossbody bag as I am a big bag girl and always like a heal or wedge, but know I will have to cave in and buy some flats..

[Nancy Drew]

Where are you going? You said summer but that doesn't mean much for an Alaskan cruise. I went on 2 week Hawaiian cruise last March and brought all summer items and needed warm items for the cooler ""at sea"" days. Have fun. I LOVE cruises.

[Nancy Drew]

Where are you going? You said summer but that doesn't mean much for an Alaskan cruise. I went on 2 week Hawaiian cruise last March and brought all summer items and needed warm items for the cooler ""at sea"" days. Have fun. I LOVE cruises.

[Theresa1121]

I always plan on wearing my "bottoms" twice such as pants, capris and shorts. We dress less formal than when we started taking cruises and I take my SG knit pants (slinky black type fabric) and two dressy tops for the formal nights. Other nights it is mostly capri pants and a nice top.

About a month before a vacation I have a portable clothing rack that is my Holding Area, and I start placing things on there that I think I want to take and iron them as I go along. To avoid wrinkling I purchase dry cleaning bags at the local dry cleaners and put each top or bottom on a wire hanger. Cover each item with a bag. When making the final decisions, cover what you want to pack with a bag and the morning you leave take the hanging clothing, fold group in half and lay on the top of your suitcase over folded items like tees, shorts, under garments etc. A bit messy but tuck in all the plastic, zip the suitcase and when you get to your cabin just hang it all right in the closet! So much easier than doing it when you get there and minimal wrinkling. Put the folded items in the drawers and shelving and you are unpacked quickly and can start your vacation.

Also, the best packing tip I ever read was-Once you are done packing, take half of it back out! I am getting better at overpacking, especially shoes.

Have fun on your cruise!

[Kachina624]

There's a thread under Beauty Banter than you may want to look at on this subject.

[Sister Golden Hair]

Make a list of what you will need then mark it off as you pack. I do this even for short trips.

I like to choose one basic color. It makes it easier to mix and match.

I do take a large handbag with a small crossbody (all my important items in the crossbody) inside.