med cruise packing tips please
 

Hi, I just booked a 12 day med cruise on Celebrity for June 8. This is a 1st for a med cruise, although I have cruised before and go to Europe about 2X's a year. The packing worries me. Is there anyway to do it simply. Are there washers on board? I hate to deal with all the proper outfits needed that I have read about. Will people "talk" if they see me wearing the same thing twice? I'm a regular on the Europe forum and usually can travel carryon for 10 days in Europe. But, then I don't have to worry about formal nites or dressy casual for dinner. Is the clothing an important part of the cruise?If anyone knows of a web site with sample packing tips for cruises, let me know. Thanks in advance.

I don't know anything about Celebrity - but I kind of assume all the cruise lines are the same. We went on a med cruise on Crystal. I packed exactly like I do when I just travel in Europe - I take about 5 tops, 5 slacks (I don't wear shorts, so I don't take them), and I just wash them out - and I have a few overshirts that I can mix and match.... For the dressy occasions, I did buy a few dresses (Crystal had a lot) - but I'd even mix and match with them. As for people talking - who the heck cares???? I just wanted to be comfortable.... I had one good size suitcase for me - and that was it (including formal clothes....).

I've done 10 cruises, 2 on Celebrity and 1 on Crystal. Really, the formal wear is not that big a problem. It's all in the accessories. Use your basic black, dress it up with some sparkly stuff or a really nice scarf, dress it less formal with a jacket or sweater. I pack a black velour pant and sleeveless top, long dangly ear rings and bracelet and necklace, and wrap a black cut velvet around my shoulders, an evening purse and sandals. On casual, I layer on a sheer sleeved blouse, less jewelry. No one will talk if you are "dressed" i.e. not in jeans. Oh it's fun to go all out with evening gowns etc. but when carrying your own luggage, who wants to? Now if you do, go for it. I'd say about 25% do the whole thing. Most just like to come looking dressy. If you want to actually see what is meant by acceptable, look at what is for rent for women. I think HAL has a picture on their site. II stressed about this my first cruise, but have never since.

I wash out undies and tops too, using the shampoo. I figure that I can't mess up the gray water waste system if I use the soap that the ship provides. I wring out, wrap in a towel and stand on it to get most of water out. It generally dries by next morning.

So figure 1 pair dressy sandles (weigh little) 1 pair clean flat shoes for lunch and informal nights, and the good walking shoes you wear for the cobblestones in Europe.

A warm layer (fleece jacket) and a wind breaker (I
wear a light leather), 5 short sleeved or sleeveless tops, 3 pair light pants, and a long sleeved top. Mix and match.

Undies, sleep wear, toileteries, medicines, camera, and documents.

You know how to do this since you've been to Europe before. Just add in the basic black.

Did you ever find a good website resource for packing for a Med cruise? I am going in April and it's my first also.

Thanks.

I agree with Debi. Pack similar to what you would for a land trip except bring some fancier clothes for dinners. By all means you can wear the same outfits several times.

zwho,
If you have not discovered www.cruisecritic.com, I suggest it. You can find out anything you want to know about cruising and the Celebrity message board will be specific to your cruise. There are packing lists if you do a search.
We have been on Crystal and Celebrity for Med cruises. While many on our Celebrity cruise were very dressy, the advice you have been given is good. You can do wonders with basic black. You will see many long gowns as well.
Whether there are washers depends on the ship. Galaxy does not.
It was a wonderful trip and we found Celebrity exceeded our expectations. Enjoy!
Carol