Out of pure excitement, how soon do you start packing? I'm a well known over packer and over thinker so I start about a month before hand. Clothes go in and out and by the time the trip comes, I know I'm positive about my choices. I have a neighbor that starts 3 months in advance and a co worker who packs the night before. Where are you all on that time line?
Contributor Level:
Purser
When do you pack?
96 Answers
Contributor Level:
Purser
Originally posted by:
AlanAndGlory
There are two types of people who pack for vacations. Those that panic if they're not packed a month ahead of time, and those that are comfortable packing at the last minute. They're usually married to each other.
This would be my husband and me. I start planning my outfits months in advance, he doesn't even think about what he wants to take until the night before we leave. About two weeks out I start putting my outfits and accessories into the suitcases, which are open on the bed in our spare bedroom. One week before my suitcases are packed and ready to go. My husband gets his things together the morning we are leaving and always has time to finish before we walk out the door. I don't know how he does it.
Our son put a kink in our plans this year. We had planned a wonderful trip to Las Cruces, Arizona for the first week of June (my husband refuses to cruise). The weekend of Memorial Day our son asked if he could move back home for a short time (break-up with gf). He was having trouble locating an apartment that was okay with his 95lb. Black Lab. So, being such wonderful parents, we said yes but only through Labor Day. Anyway, I had to get the suitcases out of the spare room so he would have a place to sleep. Since my husband and I have recliners I decided to put them on the sofa so I could add and delete as needed. Our son was shocked that we didn't have anywhere for him to sit! He survived and we did have an incredible vacation!
Looking forward to my first cruise this December! I finally broke down and put all my new cruise outfits (purchased and packed in 2019) into the closet and refuse to wear them until I get on the Sky! Can't wait!
Contributor Level:
First Mate
The night before.
Contributor Level:
Purser
I start planning everything (amenities, shore excursions, etc.) the day I book. I plan what I'm going to take about a month before so I don't forget anything, like water shoes . But I don't pack until the night before. And I make sure all medications are packed just before leaving my house. This next cruise will be my 16th and this method works for me.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
I pack about a week before, but my wife starts the night before and always forgets something.
Contributor Level:
Purser
I like to start EARLY, like 8 to 10 weeks out. I like to get all of the "non-clothing" items together and put into one of the bags. Cruise is Oct 9th, and I got the bags out Sunday and we decided which ones to take. Good thing we didnt wait until last minute, as the zipper on our garment bag was messed up. After a google search, a small cut with a razor blade, and sewing up the cut ( on the zipper), all is good. Last cruise we overpacked, and I swore we wouldnt do that again. STILL have 2 duffles and a garment bag. Better that the 5 bags we had last trip. Happy sailing y'all.
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Thank you for the reminder on checking luggage zippers
I remember that we have a zipper on one of those external pouches that was completely destroyed on our last cruise in March 2020. Time to get it to our wonderful family owned luggage and shoe repair shop for our October 10 cruise out of Galveston. Enjoy your cruise, we look forward to ours and will be happy to be on a beautiful ship even with masks.
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