Packing. This has been a debated topic for as long as vacations have existed. There are generally two philosophies:
I am going to pack EVERYTHING! Three suitcases, two weekenders, a backpack and a handbag. I am NOT going to forget anything. Look out, Airlines, here I come!!
I am a carry-on passenger ONLY! I will pack whatever I can fit into my carry-on (and maybe a backpack), but under no circumstances will I be checking my bags. I will buy whatever I don't have when I get there.
Obviously, destination matters. Going to Alaska? Why, yes, two suitcases and a backpack are totally acceptable. It's cold, and everyone needs layers. Going to the Caribbean? One medium sized suitcase should do the trick. Did you know that cruise lines have laundry service? They do! Some ships even have a do it yourself laundry (although, most have a paid laundry service where they pick it up and return it to you washed, dried, and folded).
Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong way to pack. Some love to dress fancy and put on their best duds for dinner and dancing and painting the town red. Some want as little as possible to weigh them down. Cruise lines make this very easy as well. All cruise lines offer restaurants with dress codes, and most now offer dining options that are purely casual. For example, Norwegian Cruise Lines has three specialty restaurants in their Breakaway class that require dress codes: the French restaurant, Le Bistro, the seafood restaurant Ocean Blue, and one of the main dining rooms, Savor (for dinner only). All other dining options on these ships allow you to wear shorts, pants, dresses, gowns, or whatever you want to wear! So, when packing for your next cruise, consider what kind of packer/traveler you are, but, remember, sometimes waiting for that luggage to arrive steals valuable vacation time, and if you are flying with multiple stops, sometimes luggage doesn't always make it to the final destination.
Wondering what to pack for your next vacation?