Stuff and More Stuff (with apologies to Peggy)!

My friend Peggy really dislikes the word "stuff" but there is really no other way to describe the piles that are accumulating around my house.  There seems to be no end of items that I don't think I can live without for four and a half months.  On a land trip it is usually very easy to get to a store and pick up anything you might have forgotten (or didn't realize you needed).  On a ship - not so easy.  For the last two years I have been building a list of stuff that I think I should take.  I will be the first to admit that some will likely never be used and after this trip I will know better what I really need and what I don't.  So, what is included in my "stuff"?  Here is some of it....

• cameras and battery chargers
• binoculars
• iPhone
• iPad with iPad/iPhone world travel adapter kit
• MP3 player
• extension cord
• Belkin mini surge protector with USB chargers
• portable rechargers
• handheld scanner
• travel steamer (Cunard allows them)
• rollable compression bags and ziplock bags in different sizes
• inflatable hangars
• hanging clothespins
• large clips (holds towel on chairs, etc,)
• magnetic frames with family pictures
• eyeglass repair kit
• sewing kit and latch tool
• lingerie wash bag
• mini flashlights
• over door hangar
• hanging shoe organizer
• Carbona grease remover
• Goo Gone
• large tote (for dirty clothes to take to laundrette)
• small tote (for pool)
• small tote that rolls up for handbag (to hold all the stuff I'll buy!)
• Tervis tumbler with lid
• various shoe pads, cushions, etc.
• cooling towels and hand fan
• First Aid Kit inlucing OTC medicines for almost every possible ailment
• if space, plastic skirt hangars (that won't come home)

I am sure I will find a few more "must take" things before I leave.

I plan on being packed by January 6th so I will have more about the packing experience by then.

Smooth sailing until next time!

Packing

How do you pack for a 118 day World Voyage?

I have been asked that many times.  Here is what I have planned.

Packing Challenge #1 - The Weather

About one quarter of the cruise will be in cold temperatures and the rest in warm to hot.  Possibly the only really cold places will be Southampton (where I will spend two days before the cruise starts) and New York City.  Average daytime temperatures are in the 50s for the other "cold" ports.  I am planning on layering for these places.  I have a great water resistant LL Bean coat with a zip out fleece lining which I will be wearing.

Packing Challenge #2 - Evening Dress

Cunard is probably the dressiest of all the cruise lines.  We will have about 35 Formal Nights.  When I first started planning (and purchasing) for this cruise Cunard had formal, semi-formal, and elegant casual evenings.  Earlier this year it was changed to formal and informal.  This made me change my packing list - removing some of the more casual outfits.  Since I never get to dress up in my regular life, I am making the most of these dressy evenings.  I have mostly separates and won't have to repeat an outfit more than twice.

Packing Challenge #3 - Luggage

I love luggage and would buy new pieces every trip if I had the money.   All of my old luggage was from before the airlines got strict about limits, so I gave some away and the rest went to Goodwill.  After looking at some expensive lightweight Samsonite (over $500 per case at the outlet store), I found International Traveller (IT).  Very light (4-8 pounds depending on size) and a good price.  I bought three large pieces and one carry-on.  Weight-wise I should be okay if I can get everything in (I actually weighed my clothes).  I am also taking a very old frameless bag (which once belonged to my daughter) that I can roll up and put in one piece of luggage for all the mementos I return with!

Smooth sailing until next time!