Having packed for over twenty cruises over the past twenty-five years, one would think I would know how to pack efficiently. Unfortunately, that would not be the (suit) case.
We have two weeks before our vacation begins, and I’m in full-blown panic mode.
Our trip this time is different, we will be on a three-week cruise. The occasion is to view the solar eclipse from the Mexican Pacific coast near Mazatlan on April 8th.
My husband’s college friend began posting about this particular sailing last Fall on Facebook, and we became interested. A total solar eclipse won’t occur again for twenty years, and this cruise offered lectures, like-minded stargazers, and a chance to reconnect with friends.
We had initially planned a Mediterranean cruise that offered a very long flight, choices of over forty excursions per port, and no downtime.
In contrast, having two weeks of sea days sounded much more relaxing and would give me uninterrupted time to write.
San Diego, here we come!
This trip is my first time taking a camera other than my cell phone. Recently, I’ve been researching how to take photos of the eclipse using my new solar filter. The tripod, camera, lens, and extra batteries take up additional space in my carry-on, but that is for a greater purpose. We will also spend time in Hawaii, so I’m sure I will want to have my camera there.
I also want to do some writing this trip, so I’ll be bringing my laptop, mouse, SD transfer, and notes for the first time.
Since we will be cruising for so long, we decided to purchase the ship’s laundry package with the idea that we would not have to pack as much. The package allows you to place your dirty laundry in the bag provided and receive your clean-smelling folded clothes laid out on your bed the following day. (I wish I could have that service at home.)
Anyhow, the laundry service, which we paid extra for, isn’t helping my anxiety at all, but actually increasing the pressure to fit everything in one suitcase.
In addition to the laundry, do I really need to pay the airline for an extra bag?
I have never packed only one suitcase for a seven-day cruise, let alone one for twenty-two days!
There is also a month’s supply of toiletry items to consider, a stowaway bottle of wine, emergency items such as cold medicine and seasickness pills, three weeks’ worth of medications and vitamins, and extra swimsuits, shoes and jackets for cooler weather.
Oh my.
Our traveling companions, like my husband, are also low maintenance. They told us about the laundry option and suggested we bring clothes for no more than a week.
I replied that I would “Do my best,” knowing full well that it would likely never happen.
I genuinely want my choices to matter.
Each item should be worth the cubic space it is taking up.
Before packing, I write down my daily itinerary, including any formal nights or special excursions and what I plan to wear for each day and night—all twenty-two of them. It might seem a bit excessive, but it seems necessary for me.
I am okay with changing the look of an outfit by adding a scarf or coverup or dressing up or down one piece of clothing more than once.
I have a closet full of clothes, begging for the occasion of a cruise.
At home in Florida, a typical day’s attire involves shorts or yoga pants and T-shirts. An occasional party, holiday, or appointment may offer a chance for an outfit upgrade, but it is rare.
As you might guess, I have many clothes that don’t get much wear. This trip offers an opportunity for a more formal wardrobe which seldom makes it out of the closet.
I have never been accused of being low maintenance or underpacking on a trip. Well, maybe one time I could have brought an extra bathing suit when I didn’t know there was a pool where we stayed. I ended up buying one. Oops.
I’ve invested in lightweight luggage, packing cubes, toiletry bags, cord organizers, magnetic hooks, and gadgets galore to try to compress and divide what I bring for this trip.
I’ve watched countless YouTube videos to refresh my mind on what to pack and to remember items that are not necessarily problematic if they don’t make the cut.
My goal is to have a variety of clothing for half the time we are away and then start to change up my outfits so they will not look previously worn.
I am determined to wear and use everything I bring, even if I change clothes four times daily.
I’m pretty sure I’ll have two suitcases, my carry-on, and some room to return gifts, even with all the travel accessories and planning.
I usually do well until the end, when I start questioning if I could use another one of this or that, like a T-shirt, shorts, or sandals. Suddenly, extra lumpy piles are on top of the neatly organized cubes.
Whether I pack too much or too little, each scenario is anxiety-producing. I can’t order from Amazon or hop in the car to pick up some forgotten something.
I must bring all of my “necessary” earthly belongings until we arrive home, except for sundry items sold for inflated prices in tiny tubes at the ship’s stores.
If I pack too much, we will be overcrowded and uncomfortable for the three weeks. I’ll feel like a failure and receive “I told you that you didn’t need all this stuff” looks from my husband.
My nightmares will involve bags, toiletries, clothing, and unnecessary items taking over our tiny cabin and leaving us to sleep on the bathroom floor.
Yet, I’m your gal if anyone needs anything, such as bandaids, Neosporin, sunscreen, imodium, nightlight, etc.
If I forget something, I will berate myself for being a poor planner.
If you also identify as a serial over-packer or have been on an extended cruise or vacation, I’d love to hear any suggestions you might have for bringing only what is needed.
I will take all suggestions under advisement. I promise.
Thanks for reading!
Keep smiling!
xx
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