Packing!

[CaroleF]

I don't mind packing for a cruise from Southampton but when it comes to packing for a fly cruise I hate it! We're going soon and staying over at the Hilton in Gatwick for the night before flying. So when packing not only do I have to mind about the weight, the whole plastic bag thing, I have to make sure we've got what we want for the hotel and then remember to put certain things in a hold case, not in my hand luggage - toothpaste etc. John doesn't get the whole plastic bag thing so I have to remind him no it's not ok just to put his shaving foam, deodorant etc in his hand luggage, it needs to go in the hold case. I have succumbed and bought a small amount of extra weight as no way would I manage otherwise. I know some people do, but to get the formal clothes etc. plus all the other necessities in at 23kg I find very difficult. I do read about some passengers managing to get everything in for about 19kg each but I can't do it.

I hate the moment when you set off for the airport and spend the next few minutes thinking of everything you may have forgotten. I tell myself as long as I've got passports, money, tickets, necessary meds. then anything else can be coped with. However, it's all worth it in the end when you board that ship. Even so - I hate packing! How do other people cope? Maybe, like John - he lets me do it all!

Carole

[GillD46]

We struggle with weight limits but tend to fly scheduled so buying extra luggage is possible, or more often than not fly Business so we have oodles anyway. I am like you and find it impossible to travel light, nor do I want to - I like to have what I want with me, offering choice.

Have a wonderful time x

[Jan Rosser]

It should be easy having packed for so many cruises but every time I wind myself up beforehand particularly on a fly cruise and this year's is a Christmas one too - I find it almost impossible to travel light and have in the past like you Carole bought extra weight.

Just started getting clothes etc. together for cruise on Sunday from Southampton so no weight restrictions but that usually means I take more than I really need - I pack for "just in case" and for choice - it's a hard life isn't it

[Whynd1]

I'm the same with sailing from Southampton, I like to have choice.
Last time I did a 17 night cruise I had 2 medium cases and 2 small roller cases.
One I take on board with some alcohol in and the other roller case has shoes, hairdryer as can't stand the lightweight one in the cabin and toiletries etc.
When I got on the minibus at home a couple who were already on said was I on my own and when I said yes why, she said with all that luggage we thought there must be two of you. What a cheek.
Actually for what I'm charged by my travel agent for this door to door service with the single supplement on the coach I think if I want to take it, I will.
The funny thing was when we collected the next couple they had 5 large cases, two roller cases and numerous other bags.

Off in 4 weeks.
Lindsey

[Manoverboard]

Why pack specifically for the Hotel stop over … we have our evening meal in whatever we travelled in, hardly soiled given that it takes us about two hours to get to the airport Hotel, we take all the appropriate ' mini ' toiletries in a bag which we pop into the bin on our way out … sseemples.

ps …. plus some old jimjams as required which also get binned.




.

[CaroleF]

What a good idea, old jimjams, I must go and look in John's drawer!

Thanks for the good wishes Gill.

Carole

[barney]

Confession time !

I start packing on the morning that we leave.
I just chuck stuff into the case and leave the rest to luck.

Have I ever forgotten things? - yep !
Has it ruined my holiday? - never !

As for old jim jams ???
I've not worn Jim jams since I was about 15, except for a very brief stay in hospital.
I tend to go al dente

[Manoverboard]

' Al dente ' is usually hot but not too hard …. just saying

[barney]

Hot will suffice