snowhoney21

Help, I am a Floridian embarking on a cruise to Antartica and trying to figure out how to pack for a 10 day cruise with a weight restriction of 36 lbs.

I have a suggested packing list from the tour company but would love to have some "real travellers" advise.

I will also be spending 4 days in Buenos Aires and it's summer there. Our hotel will store our luggage during the cruise but i would still like to keep it light weight and compact. Do the Argentinians really dress up or can a pair of black slacks and some nice tops fit the bill? Any additional suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time.

janisj

Don't really know where to start since 36 lbs is a huge amount IMO. My bag (no matter the length or destination of the trip) never weighs over 25 lbs and usually less.

For Buenos Aires just think mix/matchable items so you don't need very many garments to get a lot of outfits. Black slacks would be OK for sure - but I'd probably take a skirt in addition (or instead).

suze

I would simply follow the suggested packing list from your tour company.

And add an additional & separate tote with a few days worth of warm weather mix & match pieces and sandals or shoes for BA.

I have never been to Antrtica or on a cruise but similar to Janis, anywhere I travel I go with a 24" roller than weighs around 25-30 lbs. max.

bdjtbenson

I would start with my normal 18 lbs. convertible carry on packing list and add two heavier sweaters instead of light ones and definitely pack a knit cap and gloves and wool hiking socks. I'm not sure what the weather will be when you go but I'd guess nearer the arctic circle is going to be more variable.

nona1

That's quite a generous allowance.

Most of this ships hire out the outdoor wear - boots and parkas - so check that yours does and you won't need to worry about packing any.

I don't think many (if any) of these cruises are 'dressy' in any way, so you don't need a huge range of clothing.

Rastaguytoday

snowhoney21

Maybe if you could share your suggested packing list from the cruise line could be of more help to us.

The bags themselve weight 9-15 pounda, so your choice in luggage can make a big difference.

Mix & match, learn the costs of having clothes cleaned on the ship (not cheap but maybe cheaper than buying something for the trip alone) is an alternative.

Consider carrying on the heavier items that can get by TSA.

Make a list and decide what's the most important to you.

And now, for that stupid old cliche, think outside the luggage box.

NGail

snowhoney21-
We'll be going on a similar trip in February - one that involves hot, then cold, wet weather (zodiac landings and the like). We're only 4 days on board, but have to bring our own waterproof boots, rain pants and jackets.
I'd love to know how your packing worked out and any suggestions.
Thanks.

spcfa

When we went to Africa we had a weight restriction of 25 lbs each and our trip was three weeks. I worried myself silly over it but even with all our camera equipment we only came out to 40 lbs total between the two of us. Is 36 lbs for two people or each? If it's each you should be okay as long as you leave your anvils home.

thursdaysd

"The bags themselve weight 9-15 pounda" - whose bags? Mine certainly doesn't weigh nine lbs. If I can travel for months with one convertible backpack weighing in around 22 lbs packed and a day bag which probably weighs around 7-8 lbs these days with all the electronics, you should be able to manage. And forget the dry cleaning!!! Take drip-dry clothes you can wash in the bathroom sink.

frogoutofwater

I happened to notice the other day that LLBean has some lightweight wheelie suitcases (around 6 pounds) for the carryon size.

I remember once when I was taking a helicopter to Heron Island in Australia. There was a weight restriction on the luggage taken over on the helicopter. I was travelling fairly light, but I still was careful to divide my stuff between my backpack (carryon - dive stuff) and my suitcase (in case I had to put it on the boat - the suit I'd brought for the business trip before Heron Island). When I went to check in for the helicopter flight, I said something like "Where should I check my suitcase; I know there's a weight restriction ..." The woman handling check-in said something like "Oh, love, we don't need to worry about you. You and all your luggage weigh a lot less than most of our customers would weigh in their skivvies.

Iowa_Redhead

One way to cut weight is to take a bag that doesn't have wheels and a frame. I have a convertible backpack that fits just slightly less than my 25" rollerbag but it's a fraction of the weight and is carry on size. By changing bags, I save 5-6 pounds.

A few tricks to packing lighter is to mix and match, and also to use a list. Don't pack outfits so much as pieces that can be combined in many ways. Two to three pairs of pants that can all be worn with five to six tops. Think layers as well. Many women pack scarves or pashminas as they can be used for dressing up a simple pair of black slacks, for warmth, for covering up when going into a church/mosque/other, etc. That's the sort of thing that works well for packing light.

A list really helps me keep my packing under control. Just like grocery shopping, make a list and pretty much stick to it. Lay everything that's on your list out on a bed a few weeks ahead of time and if there's anything that doesn't have multiple uses, consider strongly if you really need it or if it can be replaced by something that does have multiple uses.

36 pounds is really a lot more than it sounds like. Toss together the things you will want to take into a laundry basket and hold it while you stand on a scale. That will give you a better idea of how much stuff 30 pounds really is.

Iowa_Redhead

Hmm, just noticed that this is a pretty old thread.

I feel like a doofus.

spcfa

Join the club!