Packing For Your Cruise. 6 Things You Should Be Doing

75% of cruise passengers say they get packing for a cruise wrong. I share my cruise packing tips based on the 78 cruises I have done at time of recording this. How to pack for a cruise and make sure you do not take too much and still have everything you need.
My packing checklist: www.tipsfortravellers.com/pac...
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00:00 Start
00:36 Size Matters
02:15 Clean Up
03:17 Day By Day
05:00 Specific
06:02 Codes
07:01 Active
07:45 Shoes..
08:53 Must Have That
10:25 It Is Time

[@georgefraser589]

I’m a great believer in choosing clothes of the same colour. By that I mean choose blue clothes ranging from light blue to navy. You will find that you can mix and match more easily.

[@richards.4116]

I watch Rick Steves travel and his method. I bought his carry on/ with backpack straps. Flew to Madrid for 3 nights, then on to Lisbon for 3 nights, 10 night cruise to Barcelona, 2 night there, then return to the USA. So much easier at airports and the cruise. The carry on defined how much to take. Did laundry in Madrid, Lisbon in our Air BNB and once on the ship.

[@bolaplenty1024]

Gary, I have to say you look great in a tuxedo.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks 😀

[@PuenteAJ]

Smashing

[@designdoctor247]

We said the same thing! The gentleman Gazzet neeeeed him!!!

[@bernadettec6386]

Yes he scrubs up well.

[@broccanmacronain457]

I also think the dress shoes are great.

[@lisaspikes4291]

I always make a list. I spend a few days thinking about where I’m going and what I’ll be doing, and anything else I may need. I hone it down, eliminating superfluous things, then I take the list and pack. As I put an item in my bag, I cross it off. It’s always worked for me. I’m a great packer!

[@deniseharwood9521]

Hubby and I went to Italy for 11 days with a tour group and I was determined to do it in a carry-on. Took a while, but I detailed out our activities each day and evening, and exactly what clothes each of us would wear each day. "green cargo shorts/dk blue t-shirt/sneakers" "black ankle pants (rolled up)/red tank (not tucked in) etc. I made it work, but it was kind of funny when he would pick up a black t-shirt and I was like "no! that's for tomorrow!'. I actually printed the list out 4 days to a page and cut them up to create a little booklet for each of us. A bit of overkill, but it made kind of a fun scrapbook addition.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I love how organised you are. I thought I was but I need to up my game it seems 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kays749]

It bears repeating that ladies should take an adequate supply of feminine supplies because they may not carry the brands you like on the ship or in port.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good tip and watch out!

[@FerretKibble]

Also if they do have them, they'll be more expensive than standard supermarket pricing.

[@wanderingstormjen]

most definitely! And as someone who has now been "surprised" twice on trips (thankfully in a place I could go to a store though) you should pack a few "just in case"

[@smalls9852]

I like to pack socks and underwear into my shoes that I pack. Saves some space since shoes can take up a lot of space in the bag.

[@TheJalesa1207]

Fantastic idea

[@TheGrumpyAngelPR]

Put the undies in a plastic grocery bag then stuff em in the shoes. Keeps your undies from getting all the nasties that our feet have, and possibly the smell 😂

[@sunspot42]

You can also use the shoes to store other items, like an electric razor, or non-liquid toiletries like soap that you won’t have to pull out at security. Pop them in a plastic bag before stuffing them into your shoe. I used a pair of shoes I packed on my last trip to store a clothes line, collapsible hangers and detergent sheets, so I could do laundry in my hotel room’s bath (I also packed a giant Ziplock bag to function as my “washing machine”, and left the clothes to soak overnight).

[@Rottnwoman]

Yes, we have always done that. Also some jewellery and medications can go in shoes. I NEVER take anything that won't drip dry overnight or that would need ironing.

[@davidh9844]

save your shoe space for pills, medications, toothpaste, stuff than cannot be packed completely flat!

[@alladreamwedreamed]

Best tip - keep your suitcase small so you can self-disembark! I do this too. I lost a checked suitcase flying once and ever since I've been loath to let go of my bags, ever. It causes me to pack lighter all the time.

[@cceatl]

Yes indeed also you can switch airplanes if you have carry ons

[@pxn748]

I always try to make all my clothes match everything else, so I don't have to worry about that, and near the end and I don't have worry about not having anything that goes with each other.

[@gwenmarshall587]

I have found that the 'packing cubes' make it easier to pack and unpack while on the trip. Basically, I just unzip the bag and leave the contents in many of them before putting the cubes in the drawers or on the shelves. Also, when I was cruising more often, I didn't really unpack after a trip - I still have stuff in my suitcase from when I was going on a March 2020 cruise.... I do hand wash laundry during my trip and hang items to dry in my shower/bath room using the 6 plastic hangers that I bring with me. I don't have to take a bunch of dirty laundry home with me that way and I don't need 30 pairs of underwear when I'm on a month long trip. I am eligible for getting a free bag of laundry done, but don't use that perk. My roommate was thrilled to have that when she used my coupon on the trip she went on with me. I do bring 'first aide' supplies with me for colds, allergies and so on and too often have needed that as well as the huge assortment of vitamins I take each day. This does lead to extra weight in my luggage as well as my camera gear so I tend to take less items of clothing than most women who cruise.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tips !!!

[@chriswilliams6568]

A great weight saver is to take those new laundry strips, instead of pods or liquid.

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

@@chriswilliams6568 yes they're great! I use the earth breeze ones for travel

[@wanderingstormjen]

Look at that handsome devil at 1:09! Haha seriously though: great tips for someone like me who is planning a first cruise and hates the idea of lugging a bunch of nonsense all over and is overwhelmed by all those "lists" out there with SO MUCH useless advice! Always great advice from you!

[@peggyhernandez9832]

i have been on ALOT of cruises by MYSELF. I hold onto my clothing months before the cruise that’s getting a little older or ratty looking and instead of throwing it away I take it on the cruise… Disposable clothing! When it’s dirty I just throw it away… Old panties… Old pajamas… Even at the end of the cruise bathing suits that has seen better days. My friends all laugh at me because I’m known to carry a full luggage on the cruise and return with very little in the bag.

[@thehangmansdaughter1120]

As a boarding school girl I can assure that a check list is the best option. There will always be small things you forget, which will cost a small fortune on board, I should imagine. Print out your list and attach it to the inside lid of your case, ensuring you leave nothing behind when packing to go home. Also, always pack warm socks, there's nothing worse than cold feet when you're trying to sleep.

[@makomadns4]

One of my “must travel withs” is a small 3 plug power strip with 4 usb ports. Helps keep chargers down to a minimum. And adds a couple extra outlets which are often a rarity in the cabins. This is obviously down to what electronics you & your roommate have. For me 4 usbs isn’t always enough between us so i often also take a multi port usb wall charger. This way everything we have can get plugged in at the end of the night without worrying about remembering to swap devices to charge. I also bought some very short (6”-1ft) charging cords so i don’t have a bunch of longer cables making things messy. As an apple user i also bought a combo cable that i use to charge my watch & earpods using just one cable. Finally I usually take 2 usb batteries. One small one i keep with me during the day. However the second one i use to charge my phone at night next to my bed, this way I don’t have to worry about having a free plug next to my bed (especially since i use a cpap) nor run long cables.

[@KarD818]

I am opposite of my husband. I pack very light, a true "carry on" traveller. My last 5 cruises were all packed with a carry on bag, including my Alaskan cruise + an extra week in BC after the cruise. Tip - Key is to avoid bulky, thick, heavy clothing/shoes and think of layering that will give you the versatility to adjust accordingly to weather without the need to pack too much.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tips! Thanks for watching

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

One of my methods of packing light is take shorts and trousers, of course depending on the climate of cruise, of a basic color such as khaki or tan or olive green or navy blue. And then polo shirts, button-down etc. of a few different colors that go together so you feel like you have something different with just a few things.

[@HeatherTravels]

We do the same!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tip!!!

[@sunspot42]

Yea. I take shorts and slacks in darker, fairly neutral colors like gray, olive or grayish brown. I avoid khaki or black tho, as the former shows dirt easily and the latter shows lint. Then just pack shirts and jackets that don’t clash with them and you have a slew of pretty well-coordinated, smart outfits for a range of situations and weather.

[@33Jenesis]

I took my mom to a 3-week land based trip in Nov every year. Between us we shared a 20” carryon, a 16” carryon, and an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack. I can carry the backpack and a carryon in each hand to walk up and down staircases. My mom is in her 80’s therefore I don’t want her to handle any luggage. The two wheel carryon is my preference because it won’t run away on slanted ground and easier for me to pull. I am a female that used to backpack in the backcountry during winter so I’ve perfected the art of packing and traveling light lol.

[@leacalais]

Love this. I’m a pretty organised packer so I was glad to see I’m not missing too much. I make packing lists for all holidays and then it’s easy to pull out and old list for a similar holiday and just update it for recently bought clothing you might want to take. For women I would add that the shoe problem is even more difficult because when wearing dresses or shorts you shoes are an obvious part of the outfit and must match. Therefore all your evening wear must have a colour in common so you can wear the same evening shoes with every outfit. You can take this further and make most of your skirts/pants/shorts the same base colour eg black, navy, grey, white - so that all your tops will then match all your bottoms. This can make it easy to make a quick change to add or remove layers as everything will match. Ie if you are wearing black shorts and it gets cooler you can change to black pants and add a black jacket to go outside without changing your top (and possibly bra). Also if you have a list you don’t need to pack all at once. I leave my open suitcase in the hall or somewhere central in the house the week before I leave so that as clothes come out of the wash that are on your list you can add them and then on the last day you have to organise all the items but everything will be there by then and you don’t have to search for it.

[@ZForce5496]

Have your first aid stuff. I cut my foot at the pool once. The store was sold out of bandaids and the doctor’s office refused to give me one. I had to bleed all over the ship. I don’t go on many cruises, but when I do, I make sure all medical supplies are in my bag.

[@visionist7]

Sue their asses

[@ZForce5496]

@@visionist7 LOL!

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

What kind of medic/doctor refuses to treat a bleading foot ??!!! I'd sue them...

[@sunnyscott4876]

I love it when you say "smart trousers". We've gotten to the point no one cares what anyone is wearing. It's just awful. Thanks for being a charming gentleman. ❤💖❤

[@terryv]

Same with flying an airliner or going to church. Times have changed, I’m afraid.

[@elouise5593]

@@terryv At my church, most of us wear dresses/suits or shirt and slacks. It's a sign of respect. We won't throw anyone out if they wear jeans, though. Some may not be able to afford something nicer.

[@terryv]

@@elouise5593 - I certainly understand, but surely you’ve observed as many instances as I have of teenagers wearing a tank top, a sports jersey, or a vulgar silkscreen t-shirt to church, when a simple, presentable, collared shirt would be just as easy and less costly? There’s simply no excuse for the trashy look people favor these days.

[@NCC1371]

@@elouise5593 I wear a pair of black jeans a nice T-shirt and my good denim jacket to church. Mostly because I despise dress clothes and the feeling of wearing them. I hate the materials they’re made from and I think they look ugly. Dress clothes from the 1700s were the peak of fashion. Everything went downhill after that. Bottom line is, I’d rather be comfortable and focused on the sermon than distracted by how uncomfortable my clothes are. I don’t like it when people dress “casual sleazy” but you can dress casually and still look nice.

[@bernadettec6386]

"No One Cares" - mores the pity.

[@davidh9844]

I'm an overpacker. After 10 years (with a notable gap...) of cruising, I've almost got it down pat. First, there is an onboard laundry, and while pricy, the on board dry cleaner is superb. I have found in my travels that invariably, something horrible spills on me in flight. This never happens on the ground, only while in transit. I wear a travel outfit that in a bind can be worn in decent company. Shoes. ALWAYS 2 pair, plus sneakers/trainers if there is going to be any walking or hiking, sandals for routine travel, and my flip flops for the pool/beach. I'm a swimmer, so wherever I go, I've got my ONE bathing suit, goggles, swim cap, flipflops. They absorb virtually no space in the suitcase. 3 pr trousers packed, plus the travel outfit, 4 and ONLY 4 long sleeved shirts, 4 decent short sleeved polos, two maximum short sleeved shirts. Underwear: 7pr shorts, 3 tee shirts, one worn in transit. I wear my tees to the pool, only, I don't need 7 pr. Socks, 5pr including 1pr worn in transit. Packing packing: Gary, one of your final scenes shows you properly folding your long sleeved shirt. WRONG! You do NOT want to fold it, you want it flat on the bottom of the suitcase. It is amazing how much volume a folded shirt absorbs. For the same weight, you buy extra volume by NOT folding. Same with tee shirts, especially tee shirts and shorts, and socks. It's amazing how much volume a rolled up sock eats up, and how little if just left flat. I travel will a roll aboard, as does my wife. The two of us share (yeah, right) a MEDIUM sized suitcase that can be checked, and briefly lost in transit. That contains the shoes, the accessories, etc. If I travelled with a suit, it would go in the checked bag. Same with my blazer which does get packed, just not schlepped by hand. Essentials like laptop, my medical kit/stethoscope (I'm an MD), phone charger, papers, tickets go in the carryon handbag. And it works. We have almost 7 weeks of back to back cruising pending this fall. Maybe we will both pack an extra outfit, but if it doesn't go into the carryon, checked bag, and hand bags, it isn't coming.

[@sunspot42]

Sharing one large checked bag as a couple traveling is a great idea.

[@bigdogoutdoors4985]

The clip of the guy fussing with his hair is priceless!

[@gregcarpenter9200]

To Gary and fans of Gary, this worked well for me in the Mediterranean and Carribbean: casual, below-the-knee knit dresses to wear with walking sandals and a light shawl in port, fine for touring churches and museums. Back on board, put on sparkly sandals or low heels, a jacket and a bit of

[@loumello8813]

I used to definitely over pack, I would have a t shirt and a regular polo shirt for every day and a nice smart shirt for dinner. That's three shirts a day and we generally don't do any less than 14 day cruises with usually a two day pre-cruise. That was obviously crazy to do. So now I do something similar to what you described and note what I will need for sure each day and then I just cut it in half. I have found that we can do laundry oursleves very easliy or, in most cases, we get two or three bags of laundry included. We did a 7 day cruise last November, (yes, the SeaDream fiasco) and between the two of us, we only packed one suit case and it was barely half full.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks as always for watching. It’s much appreciated. Sounds like you have a packing system mastered 👍🏻

[@larry4111]

My first cruise I went online to read articles & watch videos for first-time cruisers. I found a great article that listed all the must-haves with links to Amazon to buy them (that should have been a red flag right there). I bought all the items they recommended - and ended up using none of them, and have not needed them on any cruise since. If I could pick one tip that has saved me a lot of space packing, for both cruises and flights, is that I decide whatever the nicest outfit I will need - collar shirt, slacks, nice shoes, jacket, etc. - and I wear those to the cruise port or on the plane. I can usually fit dress socks, ties and accessories if needed, etc. in the pockets. And if I need a jacket or coat for outdoors I just carry it on my arm. And, of course, I stash whatever I can into all the pockets of my coat and jacket (making sure they don't fall out).

[@lorettaolson8748]

We are 4 star mariners with Holland America, that means free laundry service!

[@susieturner3243]

Wow, after 25 cruises I still overpack but you've made logical sense. I usually use Princess as I get free laundry, but next year 30 nights on NCL with no guest laundry - quite rude actually. Lots of washing undies in the shower!!! Plus we've gotta fly to the other side of the world so quite a challenge. Thanks Gary for another great video 😃

[@IMOO1896]

I learned a great tip from friends I met on a Hawaii cruise. They would put back clothes throughout the year that weer still wearable, but they no longer enjoyed wearing ( for one reason or another) with the intention of donating. These were the majority of day clothes they brought and just left the clothes behind, to lighten their home bound luggage, and allow space for souvenirs.

[@jeannesaalfrank9416]

Friends and I did this on a tour through the UK years ago. Was a super way to do it. Leaves lots of room for souvenirs to bring home!

[@cherylkoski7184]

Why would someone wear "ugly" clothing on a cruise or any other vacation???

[@romeoslover817]

I did this in Ireland, and the homeowner chased me down as was leaving to tell me I left some things behind. He did not want the stuff, either.

[@jerseycatmews828]

I leave behind toiletries for the cruise crew because I don’t wanna fly back w/them either and have room for souvenirs. They really appreciate free toiletries

[@tuvia4082]

As always Gary, great concise info. I, myself, am a minimalist so I take the same route as you. Think it through first, pack later. A good exercise in critical thinking.

[@lilbatz]

I went to Japan for two weeks with back pack. Had dress up days too. I hate dragging things around.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful. Minimalist thinking is definitely a plus !!

[@Neonapi]

Yes! Garanimals mix n match and re-wear! 🤓

[@manolokonosko2868]

When I travel alone, I bring and wear old clothes I no longer want to bring back. Once worn, leave it behind. Lightens up your baggage. If it's a long trip (2 weeks), I may bring two pieces of luggage, one which I have no intention to bring back as it is old. Great way to get rid of unwanted items.

[@ericericson3535]

Great video! As always, great advice! Having been on over 40+ cruises, I now have "go bags" that I have packed in advance, and use on every cruise. They are based on the length of the cruise. I just put them in those web bag containers, and I am able to pack in literally minutes with just the right clothes for every cruise. Besides, I haven't seen the people I will meet before, and probably not see them again!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful. Love your system!!

[@TheGrumpyAngelPR]

I am over packer, but since I'm starrting to travel more now I am learning to pack smartly. Thank you for the tips Gary! I will apply them to my travels by airplane as well 💕

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@davidandrew1078]

The HAL Unlimited Laundry was an amazing deal. Who wants to do laundry on a cruise?

[@stephanguitar9778]

If there is a flight involved and the hand luggage is 7KG then that is what we take. Also have to catch 2 or even 3 connecting trains to either port or Airport so once again, minimal baggage. This guarantees we will never do Cunard, having to get dressed up like a 1920s undertaker. As it stands we avoid the dining rooms on formal nights.

[@irishinusa1615]

Reminds me of my Air Force days. You have 1 "Kit Bag" "make it work". Great piece of advice. Not least, choose a medium case and this will control your weight. When Traveling, spreadsheets are my best friend. 👍👍👊👊👊 Thanks Gary 😊

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree! I was in army in my youth and I had forgotten that! Now makes sense why I’m still thinking that 😀😀

[@stevebartley8594]

My first trip to Europe with my wife was a cycling vacation. I limited her to one change of clothes. So for our first cruise to Europe, her suitcase was over 50 pounds !

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

🤣

[@hettytravels]

Love it. Oh the shoes. My issue too. And we have the same suitcase! Just got the Away medium in Coast for precisely that reason. And you are also right about the type of cruise-airport….fly home right away or not. I’ve decided to go with one suitcase and a backpack. So at least one hand is free. And then a smaller bag for on the cruise and evening. I’m definitely going to look at your list. Thanks Gary!

[@tipsfortravellers]

I love my Away suitcases 😀😀 Thanks as always for watching and being so supportive of my videos. Hope you’ll be using your case and packing system very soon

[@ammiellelooby6063]

Another great one Gary 😊I have personally gone carry on only while other members in our group did an additional checked bag, and I’ve found that once you plan and do laundry you feel so liberated by hanging less stuff to lug around. I actually felt sorry for some of them having to carry and keep track of so many bags. Our trip was a Mediterranean cruise plus some time in London for a total of 16 days. Trust me it’s possible and more enjoyable to travel carry on only!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree!!!! Thanks for watching and great to hear you enjoyed

[@Rottnwoman]

We never go for less than 6 weeks, usually at least 8 weeks, so I doubt we could fit it all in a carry on.

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Thank you!!! Finally, a no-nonsense, easy explantation of what is essential/seasonal packing. Of course, being female doubles the volumn. I'll try to keep it rational. Lol

[@Bozbaby103]

Female here, too. The double amount of packing doesn't have to be that way. The Navy taught me how to pack very light for a 6 month long cruise, which sounds on par with Gary's suggestions. You can do it; the anxiety that many women feel while packing is the thought "what will the people travelling with me think if I wear the same clothes/shoes/outfits twice". Ask yourself how many outfits combos can be made with 3 shirts and 2 bottoms. We don't need all the normal day-to-day stuff, either. Cruising/Vacationing is meant to relax, not be stressful. No one will remember us - or if we wore the same thing more than once - after the cruise. Those that may can __________________.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful and practical

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for adding these tips and insights 👍🏻👍🏻

[@cherylkoski7184]

I travelled from the U.S. to Egypt with nothing more than a carry-on, and I am female.

[@jackhance1754]

Thx Gary very timely topic. The Jackster 😎

[@miked8817]

This summer we'll hopefully be flying across the Atlantic to cruise. That will be our first time really having to pack strategically. Living in Florida, we didn't have too worry much about it before. Thank you for the tips.

[@chriswilliams6568]

There are so many cruises that go nowhere near Florida, (most of them) that you have missed out on.

[@rs120]

Another great video Gary.. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@carolynnmathisen8754]

Thank you. Great packing list

[@highbaritone]

Great video as always. Yes, even when being careful we often pack too much.

[@doreenfriel7039]

Gary, I LOVE your videos... and just love to hear you speak... thanks for all you do!

[@loopy570]

Finally, a packing video that is insightful and original! Thank you 😊

[@aaronloritts3937]

Very helpful, informative!

[@NCC1371]

I only have two pairs of shoes. Lol one pair for work and every day wearing and a pair for being active. I’ll probably have a third pair for fencing in the future. I don’t have any dress shoes. Lol

[@katsasstrophy2334]

Thank you for this, and the link for your checklist.

[@70PaulK]

Good tips, especially with shoes. I tend to board the ship with a smart jacket & shoes, as these will be worn in the evenings. Often find the air conditioning in the lounges is too cold, so need to wear a jacket at night. Also need to carry electrical adapters for cabins.

[@AnthonyWilliams-dc5ez]

Great tips, Gary! Thanks so much!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@deadiemeyers1661]

Practical and well thought out suggestions. Many thanks.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

Thank you so much for these amazing videos Gary! I am getting ready for my first cruise next month. I'm usually a light packer but this trip was having me stumped. The combination of Alaskan summer weather, excursions, the fact that I love the opportunity to get dressed up AND bringing a newly potty trained toddler... I needed this video! Thank you for sharing your checklist document, I just downloaded it and am double checking the laundry facilities on board. You're the best!

[@edeathg8789]

Starbucks singles are always with me on cruises. Coffee isn’t always great on board.

[@jnbond]

Ugh you are so right! Only one RC cruise under my belt so far, so didn’t know this applied to other cruises, but the coffee was horrible no matter where we tried getting it from while cruising! Just the worst when you’re really looking forward to that glorious day starter. ☕️🧋

[@annestephenson1548]

Another helpful & informative video Gary - Thanks ! Will definitely be taking a look at your packing check list! We have booked a Seacation on Sky Princess so are excited about that!

[@davidlawton5553]

I always use packing cubes which have double zips as they compress, or vacuum type, light weight shoes and none iron material clothes where possible. My partner has very lightweight wraps that can be interchanged with other clothes. On a one week cruise that means one suitcase between us and one carry on each at the most. as long as I don't take too many cameras! For a 2 week cruise nearly all items are quick dry.

[@l.faraday8767]

Good tips Gary, thanks!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@cababyboomerq6012]

I just love your videos Gary. Thanks so much for all of them.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks ! Really appreciate you watching

[@lisal2245]

Very helpful Gary, thanks!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@colleenla40]

Great tips and well done video . Thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@historicalfashionpassion]

I’m afraid the last thing I want to do on my holidays is laundry!....I’m sick of domestication at home, so I’m not doing it on my hols! I just keep watching your videos because I can’t go on my hols at the moment.....I’m craving a holiday!....thank goodness for your videos!

[@lilbatz]

Love this! You can use this list for any travel. 😍😍 You're the best 💋

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks!

[@8803surri]

Good video and a freeby too. Also excellent how each part is sectioned and timeframed. Thanks.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chellib3533]

Good tips

[@chuckarock2001]

Excellent video Gary. I like the planner. Regards from Australia 🤓🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@jdhsingi]

Wonderful tips. I especially like your suggestion to pick your suitcase first.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@conniebyes2472]

Nice tie and grey shirt.

[@Idaho-Idaho]

One idea that works for me. I pack disposable clothes. Old, well worn, or items that I purchased at a garage sale that I will use then discard at the end of the trip. This will create space in my luggage on the return home that can be filled with survivors.

[@chriswilliams6568]

So that means you wear old crappy clothes on your cruise. Weird. Take care.

[@visionist7]

Survivors?! :-0 :-p

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

​@@visionist7 The clothes items that REFUSE TO SINK....😂

[@grahamsclater9988]

Alan Whicker always took a blazer which he wore much of the time including travelling

[@texasboy5117]

We have taken dozens and dozens of international trips. We agree 100%; the check through suitcase is the key. We also have a small carry on to hold a few days of clothes.

[@evelynhillier2877]

I always make a list to include what I need, covering our planned activities, formal nights and beachwear. It really helps. It's still tempting to add an optional extra or two so on the day there's a choice.

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

Thank you Gary for a very essential video.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear you found it helpful

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

@@tipsfortravellers Gary there isn't anything I could add on your video list. You are doing a wonderful job. One thing I would like and i have mentioned it once before is a video of your daily programme during a cruise. One day of course !!

[@toothybj]

Thanks for this. I always tend to overpack....”what if I need this?” Etc etc. Most of the time, i don’t even wear or use half of the things I brought.

[@sunspot42]

One thing I haven’t seen anyone mention, especially if you’re flying to your cruise: upgrade your suitcase to a lighter model. I swapped out a pair of cheap, aging soft sided suitcases I had for years that I thought were pretty light with new ones from Delsey that were a couple of pounds lighter. Airlines were becoming stricter about carryon luggage weight and thanks to packing cubes I was really cramming stuff into mine. Even with my larger checked bag for long trips, shaving a couple of pounds of weight off made it much easier to haul around airports. Definitely something you should consider if you haven’t already. I also changed up my personal/laptop bag, getting a small model that allows you to use it as a shoulder bag but that also has stowaway straps which let it be used as a backpack. Handy for when your hands are gonna be full at the airport, but you want a smarter-looking shoulder bag for the rest of your trip.

[@joannbanks9963]

Lighter luggage makes all the difference! I take my small luggage scale to the store when looking for luggage. I have retired perfectly good pieces because they weigh too much!

[@Mister_H]

Very good video Gary and some interesting pointers. I recognise the photo at 6:18 . It was Queens Grill on Queen Elizabeth May 2011, you can just see me speaking to the lady at the table next to us. I was not aware of your channel back then, otherwise I would have said hello 😃

[@geoffreystone1598]

Go to a thrift or op shop before embarking on the cruise. Abandon any clothes before flying home.

[@dawnpowers7626]

Just booked a cruise! I don't have to fly so I can take as large a case as I want but I will definitely use your tips. I don't want to bring things I don't need. (No laundromat on the ship.)

[@lynnfranklin427]

I love snorkeling. And now more then ever. My hubby and I use ship flippers. But we bring our own mask and breather if you never been. Bring water"sock" flipper go on easier and great for climbing in and out boat

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree! Like that sock tip !

[@boysrus61]

Just printed your two lists! thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jasonpresley690]

I totally overpacked for Alaska. I packed a bunch of sweaters and jackets thinking it would always be cold. However the only day when it was cold was when we were going through Glacier Bay. The rest of the time we just wore shorts and t-shirts.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great watch out! Alaska is one definitely many over pack for....

[@terrifromm5085]

Take suitcase out first, then choose clothes. Check.

[@Rottnwoman]

We plan to do a month in Alaska when my husband retires, cruising north and staying in.the cruise line lodges. Then we will rent a car and drive around for a week or two. Our problem is that being Australian, we always stop in Honolulu for a few days, in each direction. The sheer climatic range we will encounter means we have to pack everything from swimsuits to REALLY warm clothes. Our solution is to fly with Hawaiian Airlines for their 64 kg per person limit. Then we drag our 64 kg plus carry on wherever we go. This will be our ONLY cruise, ever, so we want to get it right.

[@susieturner3243]

We're from Aus and do exactly the same thing...but our next big holiday to Alaska and Japan is with 2 other couples so not sure how we'll do that!!

[@chriswilliams6568]

If it is 64 kg it will not be a carry-on. Carry-on bags have a limit of bout 10-15 kg. Most airlines limit any suitcase to 23 kg. Due to the fact that agents have to be able to lift them. .

[@HeatherTravels]

Does Cunard offer tuxedo rental? These are excellent tips, Gary, and we already use a lot of these. Here are two more that I use: 1) When purchasing luggage, be mindful of the weight of the suitcase; even a slightly lighter one can be helpful in making sure you don't go over the airline weight limits. 2) We try to stick to 2-3 colors of clothing. That way, no matter the weather, everything can be mixed and matched.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching as always. Really appreciate your support. They didn’t used to do hire, and haven’t seen anything that shows a change. Great point on the suitcase weight !!!!

[@dmoore7519]

Thanks for your tips over the years. My wife’s health will not allow us to travel ever again. Farewell.

[@mjgorges1502]

Oh, and Kindle+charger!

[@mjgorges1502]

I find that far more of my travel gear is composed of gadgets and chargers than ever before. Phone+charger; fitbit+charger; camera+charger (I bring a my Nikon for some trips); Fitbit thermos+charger. Occasionally, my laptop+charger Aargh!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree! There’s always so many to take !!

[@jacquelyns9709]

If my underwear and socks are getting raggedy and it's time to replace them, I take those on trips and after I wear them I throw them out. Makes more space for any items I buy on the trip and I don't have to wash them. If I don't any any available I pack thin and light ones in a compression packing cube. Wear your heaviest, bulkiess shoes for traveling and boarding ship. For the ladies: buy folding ballerina flats for evening wear on the ship. Basic black can go with anything. I have seen gold and silver ones for sale. They are light and take up little space. I took a pair on my last cruise and walked all over the ship in them; even out on deck. I like to take 2 or 3 lightweight, calf length, multi- color skirts for the evening. I pack thin, silky tops in solid colors to go with them. You can wash the tops in your cabin sink and hang in the shower to dry

[@susanthielen4464]

My husband and I do the same with our underwear and socks. We keep a “cruise basket” and as we wear out socks and underwear, we put them in the cruise basket and then when we pack for a cruise, we take socks and underwear from the basket.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Not heard that tip before and I like it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ghost307]

@@tipsfortravellers I did 2 weeks overseas with a carry-on and had enough room for souvenirs in my bag going home after I had pitched all my old socks and undies in the bin.

[@joannbanks9963]

Down side to this idea is it requires the ship to dispose of your discards! Goes to a landfill vs. a fabric recycler.

[@jacquelyns9709]

@@joannbanks9963 It would go to a landfill anyway. We have no fabric recycling where I live.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

If cruising out and flying back there are two things that can be done .... pack some cheap extra clothes like tee shirts / underwear / socks and chuck them away as you use them or post stuff home.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tip !

[@blatherskite9601]

You can "make" a bit of space, as well as preserving the shape of your shoes, by stuffing them with clean socks and underwear. Tee-shirts and scruffy shorts can be used to fill the gaps between shoes.

[@elinorosterhoudt7932]

I'm concerned about the number of folks who take "old" pieces and then abandon them. How does this help the places where these items are left? Aren't we just feisting our "leftovers" onto others?

[@joannbanks9963]

Yes! Not a great plan!

[@timsanders9111]

Good advice. Two things I do that save space... I cram as many socks or other malleable items as possible into my shoes. And then pack the shoes. That way the space in the shoes is not wasted. Second... No coat hangers, especially for suits. They are bulky and waste space. Then I just hang my suits on the hangars in the stateroom. Can’t wait til I need to pack again for a cruise !

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tips. I do both and as you say make a big difference. Thanks for adding these as sure this well help as I didn’t have these in the video

[@broccanmacronain457]

After 20 years in the Navy, I pack like a sailor so I get along with a suitcase half the size of my wife's. everything is folded and rolled and packed tight. I very rarely have wrinkles and the ones that do pop up come out very quickly when worn or hung up.

[@kathryncashner3294]

For women, black sandals become almost a "go everywhere." Properly chosen, they are great for around the ship and can replace heels on formal nights. I try to choose things that can serve more than one purpose, and stick to a color scheme. For instance, if I go with blue and black, virtually any of my clothes can go together. I also have some sheer, jacket type "toppers" that take practically no weight or space in a suitcase, but can turn an outfit from "basic" to "dress up." No, not good enough for formal night, but great for specialty restaurants. Another hint for those on multiple medications, your pharmacist (that's a chemist in the UK) will often supply you with a smaller, properly labeled container than you normally keep at home. After a recent serious illness means that I'm on 6 daily meds, reducing the size of those bottles really made a difference in packing! And, of course, always place meds in your "personal item." Your carry on can be required to be "gate checked" if there is not enough overhead space on the plane, and you don't want your meds out of your control at all!

[@brentseizer1019]

Princess, and Holland America will not allow anyone to wear shorts, t-shirts, or sneakers in the main dining room for dinner during any night. Not just formal nights.

[@edroyster797]

Enjoy your videos. We want to do a South Pacific Cruse. We are thinking Hawaii to Australia. Is there a best direction to start. Hawaii or Australia. Thank you again for the videos

[@davidcichra1373]

Wife took a suitcase full of shoes on first cruise.

[@chriswilliams6568]

Beware folks, it shows a person putting cash and other valuables in a suitcase, not a wise thing to do. Always put valuables and meds and passport in your purse, or personal bag.

[@Hawkeye2001]

I've cruised many times and use a similar, less formal approach to planning and packing. I downloaded your planners, as they seem a better organized approach. Thanks.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Hope they help !