started to pack can I get some help

wargofive · 08-21-2007, 09:16 AM

Hi I started to pack and I think I am taking too much. How many dressy items should I pack, for 2 nights or the 7 nights. Can you wear capris and a nice top to dinner and shows? Do they have laundry service on board, say if I want to wash everything before coming home. My husband is taking a tuxedo because I want one nice picture of us together dressed up. Does he need a suit or sport jacket as well?? I know bathing suits, sandals, cover ups etc.
I have not been on a cruise in 30 years (or a vacation in 10 years) so I need all the help I can get.
Also should I bring cash??
Thanks so much
Linda

**Ally** · 08-21-2007, 09:24 AM

I would go for 2 formals, that doesn't have to be total glitz as a smart top & skirt/capris will be fine. Hubby might do well to take a sports type jacket for non formal evening meals (it's also handy for late evening strolling on the decks too). There is a laundry service, there are plastic bags in the drawer units in the cabin with forms to fill in...listing what you want cleaned and any special treatments needed etc. Load the bag(s) a couple evenings before disembarkation and the laundry will be returned to you the day before you leave the ship...your stewardess will advise when you board anyway. Cash is not required apart from tipping over and above the auto-grat (which you can opt out of if you wish by filling out a form given at reception desk).

Barbee524 · 08-21-2007, 10:24 AM

Sorry, I have to disagree with Ally regarding bringing cash. I recommend you bring at least $100 for incidentals off the ship. Not every store or vendor will accept credit cards. Personally I bring more cash with, I can always take it home.

**Ally** · 08-21-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbee524

Sorry, I have to disagree with Ally regarding bringing cash. I recommend you bring at least $100 for incidentals off the ship. Not every store or vendor will accept credit cards. Personally I bring more cash with, I can always take it home.

Hmmm..I should have said that, I didn't cos I use travellers cheques, not credit cards (don't have any).

**alphakitty** · 08-21-2007, 10:47 AM

I usually take a pair of black slacks and 2 nice tops for formals on a 7 night. Mix and match saves some packing. Capris are fine for casual nights, again one pair can be worn more than once with a different top.

I bring lots of $1's for tipping. Room service, I usually tip $2.00, porters, $1.00 per bag.

I overpacked on our first cruise and didn't wear half of what I brought....I consolidate more now.

joeyanddavid · 08-21-2007, 10:51 AM

Just an after thought to the great advice or suggestions you have been given ahead of this post..

We like to go to the bank and get 50 ones... so we can tip who ever does something special at the pier the luggage handlers..a couple of bucks to room service when they brings us coffee in the mornings .. things like that.. after all as Brab pointed out those left over dollars can still be used at "home" as well

Captain Larry · 08-21-2007, 10:59 AM

Linda, you will always pack more than you need and still find there is something you'd really like to have but you didn't bring. The key to efficient packing is to differentiate between what you like to have and what you really need. I know that. I don't do it, but I know it. As to money, I'd take cash. There's nothing wrong with traveler's checks, except that merchants are now charging rather hefty surcharges for using them. And some are actually refusing them. At least that's true in Europe. I'm not sure about the Caribbean.

**Ally** · 08-21-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Larry

Linda, you will always pack more than you need and still find there is something you'd really like to have but you didn't bring. The key to efficient packing is to differentiate between what you like to have and what you really need. I know that. I don't do it, but I know it. As to money, I'd take cash. There's nothing wrong with traveler's checks, except that merchants are now charging rather hefty surcharges for using them. And some are actually refusing them. At least that's true in Europe. I'm not sure about the Caribbean.

I change my TC's on the ship if going off exploring at a port of call, otherwise I use them as is to pay off my onboard account

wargofive · 08-21-2007, 01:54 PM

Thank you all for the great information. I didn't think of the $1 bills and I think I will rethink all the outfits I am taking.
Hope to report out when I return.
Linda

**alphakitty** · 08-21-2007, 02:14 PM

Have a great cruise Linda..look forward to hearing all about it when you return.