The essential carry-on bag --
(No one needs everything on this list but I start out with it for every cruise. I mark off the things I need as I pack them and simply cross off the ones I don't. Want to print this list? Here's a "printable page"
- 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
- clothes steamer/lint brush/Woolite
- folding tote bag/small backpack
- caps/visors
- Zip-Lock bags/garbage bags
- jewelry
- medicines/bandages/antiseptic cream
- feminine hygiene products
- germicidal hand cleaner
- extra glasses/contact lens supplies
- flasks
- camera/film or media cards/extra batteries/binoculars
- MP3 player/charger/speakers
- cell phone & charger
- passport/money/documents/keys (home & luggage)
- watch/travel alarm clock
With post-9/11 airline regulations prohibiting sharp objects in carry-on bags, I now pack the following in checked luggage:
- nail file and buffer/nail clippers & scissors
- tweezers/sewing kit/small scissors
- razor/shaving accessories
MORE about Packing & Organizing -- I have a special treat for cyber-cruisers! An entire PAGE of packing tips. Here you'll discover some Secrets for Packing and Organizing. Not all my secrets, mind you. However they are some of my favorites.
Another way to plan... Chart Your Course Day-by-Day
(A wardrobe plan for a sample 7-night Caribbean cruise with pre-night hotel stay.)
Fly to San Juan and a one-night hotel stay pre-cruise
- sweater set/navy print slacks/tennis shoes (plane)
- shorts (hotel afternoon)
- purple top and flowered skirt/sandals (evening)
Embarkation Day (San Juan) - Casual
- shorts and polo top/tennis shoes
- purple crinkle rayon pants and tunic/black sandals
Important Note: Carry on the outfits you want to wear to dinner--your luggage might not get delivered to your cabin in time to change!
Day One (at sea) - Formal
- exercise shorts and t-shirt
- swimwear
- flowered shorts and top
- print cocktail dress/black heels
Day Two (Martinique) - Informal
- exercise shorts and t-shirt
- navy paisley shorts and top
- swimwear
- navy and gold pants and tunic/gold sandals
Day Three (Barbados) - Casual
- exercise shorts and top
- shorts and polo top
- swimwear
- black linen sundress/black sandals
Day Four (Antigua) - Casual
- exercise shorts and top
- shorts and polo top
- swimwear
- blue flowered slacks and tunic/black sandals
Day Five (St. Marteen) - Formal
- shorts and t-shirt (for sailing excursion)
- swimwear
- shorts and top
- black cocktail dress/black heels
Day Six (St. Thomas) - Casual
- exercise shorts and t-shirt
- swimwear
- shorts and top
- black flowered slacks and cotton sweater/sandals
Day Seven (Disembarkation-San Juan-fly home)
- navy print slacks and white top/tennis shoes
Misc. Clothing and Accessories
- night gowns/robe
- pantyhose/knee-high stockings
- bras/panties/slips
- white shorts/white slacks/two blouses or polo shirts
- knock around shorts and t-shirt
- flip flops/water shoes
- swimsuits (3)/cover-up
- jewelry
- socks/white tennis shoes
- purses (daytime & evening)
P.S. Ladies, pack something for your husband, too! See Packing for Men.
Do you have a favorite packing idea? Have I left something out that you feel is absolutely essential?
and let me know!
