Seriously, I can’t believe what fits into a 22 x 14 x 9 carry on suitcase. For a 2 week cruise through the Panama canal, this is what I packed.
10 tops
3 hats
2 swim suits, 1 cover up
2 dresses, 1 skirt, 1 pair leggings
2 sets workout clothes
3 sweaters, 1 wind jacket
3 shorts, 1 zip off pants, 1 skort
5 pairs shoes
So how does all of this fit in a 22X 14 X 9 suitcase? 2 tips: select lightweight, super thin garments (except for the denim shorts) and roll everything. Rolled items can fit into nooks and crannies in the suitcase and rolling minimizes wrinkling as well.
rolled clothes in my suitcase
I also have 8 panties, 2 bras. 2 light scarves, and 4 pairs of socks tucked in here. I plan to wash underwear at some point and there’s a line in the shower on most cruise ships to hang them. (TMI?) Make sure anything you plan to wash is lightweight and dries quickly. Honestly, this is WAY more than I normally take on any trip of any length. Ordinarily, I would take half this much. On a cruise, however, you don’t have to keep carting your stuff around. You board the ship and your bags stay put for the duration. It’s also dressier than most of our travels. We dress for dinner and a 2 week cruise includes a lot of dinners. Because all my clothes essentially mix and match, I have nearly limitless combinations.
In my personal item which is a lightweight back pack, I have:
1 ipad + keyboard
1 kindle
1 small purse
bag of toiletries
bag of meds
empty water bottle
deflated blow up neck pillow
Additional advice: wear your heaviest and bulkiest items. I’m wearing yoga pants, shirt, jacket, scarf, and tennis shoes on the plane. I often get chilly while flying and it’s good to dress in layers so you can put on and take off clothes as needed in flight.
Happy Cruising!
