Become a Home Based Travel Agent

The Essential Cruise Carry-On for Women
By Nancy Norris

Years ago, I traveled with two of my girlfriends from cold and snowy Cleveland, Ohio to a small, relatively quiet, resort area in Columbia, South America for spring break. We arrived at the tiny airport on Saturday afternoon, the day before Easter, wearing full winter garb (wool slacks, heavy sweater and boots). However, our luggage did not! As there were no flights scheduled to arrive on Sunday from “the states”, it would most likely be Monday before we could retrieve our missing luggage. So, with carry-ons in tow, we found our way to our hotel to make the best of it. Now, I had learned early on to always pack my carry-on with the necessities to get me through my first 24 hours. Not so my friends (although I had made the suggestion).

The only clothing they had with them was what they wore on their backs and that certainly wasn’t going to suffice for lounging poolside in the sultry heat. So, it was off to find some more appropriate clothing. Ah, but there was a glitch in that plan. It was already late on Saturday and all the stores in the small town (and I use the term “town” loosely) were already closed. To make matters worse, the next day was Easter Sunday and in a town that was 99% Catholic, they would not re-open until Monday. The only store open was the tiny shop at the hotel. Well, they would have to make do with what was available. At this point, I should probably share that my two friends were not small girls and we were visiting an area of the world where beach attire was minimal (think Brazilian bikini). The only thing they found that would fit were a pair of leather short-shorts (and I do mean SHORT) and a tube top. They were good sports though, and I still have the pictures as blackmail! Even today, we think of this and laugh (well, I do at least), but it taught me a valuable lesson that will be with me forever.

Fast forward to today, and the reality that our luggage may not arrive when we do is something that we all must anticipate. As a frequent cruiser, I have refined my packing efforts to arrive onboard with not just what will get me through the first 24 hours, but what will get me through a cruise. Even with all the limits and rules that apply to our carry-on bags in today’s not-so-friendly skies, it IS possible to pack a carry-on bag that will satisfy all your cruise needs in the event your luggage is lost or delayed. The key to packing is to think versatility in cruise wear to satisfy everything from casual to formal attire. Let’s look at my list, which can be modified to suit your needs/tastes.

First, I wear a pair of casual slacks (neutral color) and nice short sleeve top layered with a matching sweater or jacket on the flight. Dependent on weather I wear either comfortable walking shoes/sneakers or flat sandals. Not only does this prepare me to be comfortable with the varying temperature fluctuations on the flight, but I already have two cruise outfits.

Carry-on Packing List:

●1 quart Ziploc bag holding necessary toiletries and make-up (3 oz. or less travel sizes)
●1 change of underwear and bra (opposite color from what I wore on plane)
●1 pair of shorts
●1 casual top or t-shirt (that matches shorts and slacks I wore on my flight)
● bathing suit
● beach cover-up (which can also serve as a casual sundress)
●1 pair of dress slacks
●1 dressy shirt or top
● little black dress (or similar)
●1 pair of black pumps or high-heeled sandals
●1 additional pair of casual shoes (either walking shoes or sandals depending on what I wore on the plane)
●small pouch with glitzy jewelry – just enough to glam up my little black dress for formal nigh

And, YES, it does all easily fit - with room to throw in a book and any meds I require.

Now granted, if your luggage is lost for the duration of the cruise, this may require a bit of laundering, but you will have proper attire that will get you through daytime, evening and even formal night, if necessary. Of course, being women, we can always go shopping. In fact, lost luggage makes it not only an excuse, but a necessity.