Calgon's Ultimate Packing List
(for adults only - cool climates)
As published, this Ultimate Packing List was designed for a seven day Alaskan cruise, for two adults (well, one adult and one Calgon), traveling without children, and works fairly well for most cool cruise areas; i.e., Baffin and Hudson Bay, the Baltic, Barents, Beaufort, Bering, Black, Caspian, Chukchi, Greenland, Laptev, North, Norwegian, Okhotsk, Scotia, Siberian, Weddell, White and Yellow Seas, the North Atlantic, North Pacific and part of the South Atlantic Oceans.
His Fanny Pack -
_____ travel documents (air tickets, cruise tickets, insurance forms)
_____ confirmations (taxi, limousine, hotel, motel)
_____ identity documents (passports, birth certificates, SCUBA and drivers licenses)
_____ copy of her credit card(s) *
_____ $ 320 cash ($200/$2s - $100/$20s - $20/$1 coins) **
_____ business cards
_____ calculator
_____
currency exchange card ***
_____ sleep mask
_____ ear plugs ****
_____ his keys
_____ nail clippers
Her Fanny Pack -
_____ copies identity documents (IDs) *
_____ confirmations (taxi, limousine, hotel, motel) *
_____ copies of travel documents*
_____ copy of his credit card(s) *
_____ $ 500 "dual" traveler's checks (in $20s)
_____ business cards
_____ copies of all prescriptions
_____
currency exchange card ***
_____ address/phone book
_____ sleep mask
_____ ear plugs ****
_____ her keys
_____ luggage keys
* - Certified true copies of the originals, w/raised (embossed) notary/official seal.
** - Use the $2 bills and the (new, gold) $1 coins for various tips. Room service, bag porters, etc. You will be remembered.
*** - The link provided allows you to create custom converters for each country you will be visiting.
**** - Noisy children on planes.
Camera Bag (small, belt type) -
_____ small camera *
_____ 4 rolls film *
_____ camera battery
- or -
Camera Bag (large, over the shoulder) -
_____ camera(s) *
_____ lenses
_____ light meter(s)
_____ flash
_____ filters
_____ film (floppies) *
_____ mono-, bi-, or tripod
_____ cleaning kit
_____ batteries (camera, flash, meters)
_____ charging units
_____ cables, etc.
* - Put return address stickers on each film canister (floppy or cassette) and disposable camera. Use the self-stickum kind that you usually put on snail-mail. This will increase your chances of the item being returned if it is lost or picked up by someone else by mistake. Likewise, when you grab YOUR disposable camera, before you start clicking away, look for YOUR sticker. Don't bother labeling a good camera, but do record the serial numbers of the camera body and any lenses. They can identify them as yours if there is ever a question.
Walkman Pack (belt type) -
_____ CD/Cassette Walkman w/adapter
_____ headphones
_____ CDs/Cassettes
_____ mini speakers
_____ batteries
First Aid Kit (pack in 3rd carry-on)* -
_____ Band-Aids ®
_____ Ace ® wrap (2")
_____ adhesive tape (1", water resistant)
_____ nail clippers
_____ tweezers
_____ small scissors
_____ alcohol prep-pads
_____ thermometer
_____ insect repellent (spray w/20-25% Deet)
_____ lip balm
_____ eye drops
_____ ear drops (Star-Otic ®, etc.)
_____ sun-block (SPF 30, or higher)
_____ sinus spray/drops
_____ anti-diahrreal (Imodium AD ®, Pepto-Bismol ®, etc.)
_____ antacid (Tums ®, Rolaids ®, Phazyme ®, Pepcid AC ®, etc.)
_____ analgesic (Bayer ®, Tylenol ®, Bactine ®, etc.)
_____ expectorant (Halls ®, Robitussin-DM ®, etc.)
_____ decongestant (Nyquil ®, Dayquil ®, Benadryl ®, etc.)
_____ triple antibiotic cream (Bactracine ®, Myatracine ®, etc.)
_____ anti-nausea (Bromie ®, Dramamine ®, Sea-Bands ®, etc.)
* - I've found that a medium sized (3"x 6"x 8") men's toiletry bag does very well.
1st Carry-On (toiletries/personals) -
_____ her toothbrush
_____ his toothbrush
_____ toothpaste
_____ denture cleanser
_____ mouthwash
_____ dental floss
_____ her razor w/extra blades
_____ his razor w/extra blades
_____ shaving cream
_____ bath soap
_____ anti-bacterial hand wash
_____ hair dryer
_____ curling iron
_____ her deodorant
_____ his deodorant
_____ her perfumes
_____ his after-shave
_____ her cologne
_____ his cologne
_____ shampoo
_____ conditioner
_____ shower cap(s)
_____ hair spray
_____ combs/brushes
_____ hair items (bobby pins, scrunchies, etc.)
_____ make-up
_____ cotton balls
_____ Q-Tips ®
_____ nail polishes
_____ polish removers
_____ talcum powder
_____ moisturizers
_____ tanning lotions
_____ feminine products
_____ vitamins
_____ medications
_____ spare glasses
_____ magnifying mirror
_____ contraceptives
_____ powdered laundry detergent (in a Zip-Lock ® bag)
_____ $10 roll of quarters
2nd Carry-On (Calgon's survival gear)(see notes below) -
_____ * 2 paperback books
_____ * your family address book (to include e-mail addresses)
_____ * bilingual dictionary
_____ * cell phone w/charger
_____ * flashlight
_____ * notebook/journal/diary
_____ * small binoculars
_____ * cable ties
_____ * 4 pens
_____ * 2 rain gear
_____ * 2 pair sunglasses
_____ * headphones
_____ * folding umbrella
_____ AAA Tourguides ®
_____ area map
_____ cruise brochure
_____ two-way radios (short range)
_____ 4 disposable underwater cameras
_____ nightlight
_____ sewing kit (w/safety pins)
_____ dry cleaner kit
_____ Woolite ®
_____ steamer
_____ power cord
_____ plastic/wooden clothes pins
_____ spare Walkman ® batteries
_____ open mesh pool bag
_____ mesh laundry bag
_____ Duct Tape ®
_____ Post-It ® notes
_____ Zip-Lock ® bags
_____ 2 closet organizers
_____ 2 highlighters
_____ compass or GPS
_____ eyeglass repair kit
_____ Super-Glue ®
_____ 2 Bungee ® cords
* - Keep readily accessible in outer pocket(s).
3rd Carry-On (in case your bags are delayed) *-
_____ 1 blouse
_____ 1 medium sweater (hers)
_____ 1 pair slacks (hers)
_____ 1 pair nylons/pantyhose
_____ 1 brassiere
_____ 1 pair panties
_____ 2 medium/heavy shirts (flannel/wool)(1 each)
_____ 1 pair slacks (his)
_____ 2 pair tennis shoes (1 each)
_____ 2 jackets (1 each)
_____ 2 swimsuits (1 each)
_____ 2 pair underwear (1 each)
_____ 2 pair socks (1 each)
_____ 2 pair gloves (1 each)
_____ First-Aid Kit
_____ * Leatherman ®
_____ * Swiss Army Knife (with corkscrew!)
_____ church key
_____ jewelry (theirs)
* - Use a back-pack style bag, if possible. Will do double duty later as a shore excursions bag!
Large Suitcase #1 -
Their Stuff -
_____ 3rd Carry-on *
_____ 1 large cloth suitcase (empty/folded) **
_____ 2 large, insulated mugs
_____ 1 pair large binoculars
_____ 20 rolls film ***
Her Stuff -
_____ 1 theme outfit (BLT, western, 50's, etc.), if applicable
_____ 1 swimsuit
_____ 1 belt (reversible)
_____ 1 set PJs/sleepwear (if applicable)
_____ 1 robe ****
_____ 1 cap/hat/sun visor
_____ 1 semi-formal outfit
_____ 1 blouse
_____ 1 medium/heavy shirt (flannel/wool)
_____ 1 pair shorts
_____ 1 pair casual slacks
_____ 2 brassieres
_____ 2-3 pair panties
_____ 1 slip
_____ 2-3 pair nylons/pantyhose
_____ 1 pair casual shoes
_____ 2 pair athletic socks
_____ 1 pair hiking shoes/boots
His Stuff -
_____ 1 theme outfit (BLT, western, 50's, etc.), if applicable
_____ 1 swimsuit
_____ 1 belt (reversible)
_____ 1 set PJ/sleepwear (if applicable)
_____ 1 robe ****
_____ 1 cap/hat/sun visor
_____ 2 dress shirts (1 formal)
_____ 1 medium/heavy shirt (flannel/wool)
_____ 1 polo shirt
_____ 1 T-shirt
_____ 2 pair slacks
_____ 1 pair shorts
_____ 1 undershirts
_____ 2-3 pair underwear
_____ 1 pair dark socks
_____ 1 pair light socks
_____ 1 pair athletic socks
_____ 1 pair loafers
_____ 1 pair hiking shoes/boots
* - Remove on reaching your departure city. Replace with any booze, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, etc. you are going to try to smuggle on board the ship.
** - For packing souvenirs in for your return trip.
*** - If you are not using a large camera bag.
**** - Check first to see if your ship provides robes with the cabin; or if they are included in a special package you've purchased.
Large Suitcase #2 -
Her Stuff -
_____ 1 semi-formal outfit
_____ 1 wrap
_____ 1 blouse
_____ 2 pair casual slacks
_____ 1 belt (reversible)
_____ 2 brassieres
_____ 2-3 pair panties
_____ 1 slip
_____ 2-3 nylons/pantyhose
_____ 1 pair athletic socks
_____ 1 pair sandals
His Stuff -
_____ 1 dress shirt
_____ 1 medium/heavy shirt (Pendleton ®)
_____ 1 polo shirt
_____ 1 T-shirt
_____ 1 pair slacks
_____ 2 pair shorts
_____ 1 undershirt
_____ 2-3 pair underwear
_____ 1 belt (reversible)
_____ 1 pair dark socks
_____ 1 pair light socks
_____ 1 pair athletic socks
_____ 1 pair sandals
Garment Bag (shared) (with plastic/rubber coated wire hangers)-
_____ 2 formal outfits (hers) *
_____ 2 formal handbags
_____ 2 pair formal shoes (hers)
_____ 1 tuxedo (w/accruements) *
_____ 1 white dinner jacket *
_____ 1 dress suit or blazer w/tie *
_____ 1 pair black dress shoes (his)
_____ door hangers **
* - To prevent/reduce wrinkles for your hanging clothes, try this. Cover each item with a plastic garment bag from the dry cleaners. It really works!
** - Door Hangers. Plastic coat hooks I found in my local hardware store. They come in two packs and three packs at around $2.00 per package. Use them on the outside of the closet door to have the next outfit ready and accessible without having to leave the closet doors open. Makes it a lot easier to get by in a crowded cabin.
Now, what are some of those other weird things and why does Calgon recommend taking them? Well, primarily because he used to be a Boy Scout and took the "Be Prepared" motto way too seriously. Also, there is a better than even chance that he is obsessive-compulsive and more than a little anal retentive, but that's another story ...
The Kitchen Sink(s) - I think these were suggested as a practical joke, but I just couldn't resist including 'em. So, here you go!
Address Labels - In addition to using return address labels on your disposable cameras and film copntainers,
you're going to want to send snail-mail to all those folks back home, letting them know what a great time you're having (and they're not). Print up some labels for those post cards and envelopes. Don't use an "ink-jet" (water soluble) printer. Your office's laser printer will do fine!
Insulated mugs - They come in various sizes, and keep you from having to make so many trips to the bar (if your ship doesn't have deck attendants).
Business cards - No, you're not going to pass them out and claim the voyage was a business expense. What you are going to do is exchange them with fellow cruisers so you can have each other's addresses, phone numbers, etc. Also, if you have purchases that you will have the merchant ship home, make sure a card is attached to each item as a safeguard. Finally, don't forget to put one in each tip envelope for the crew/staff. You'd be surprised how many thank you notes you'll get back.
Flashlight - I use a Mini-Mag © flashlight. The 2 AA battery size. Invaluable when it comes to finding the earring clasp she dropped. Also, it can becomes a "candle" by removing the head, using it as a stand and placing the tube portion upright in it (neat trick).
Leatherman ® - Let's face it. Men can't travel without tools. A Leatherman ® will satisfy this basic need. It also comes in very handy for a variety of uses.
Cable Ties - Those neat little nylon zip-lock thingies that any good handyman has. Use them to secure your suitcase instead of those cheap little mini-padlocks that every thief in the world has a key for. Use nail clippers when access is needed.
Two Way Radios - Something fairly new on the market. They run about $80 per set. Invaluable for locating each other when she heads off shopping and he wasn't paying attention to where she claimed she was going. Or for when you are separated on the ship and need to get together (I watched the porpoises escort us out of harbor, but she was off somewhere reading).
Rain gear - Stop by a hunting supply store and ask for the pocket sized raincoat. They come in a little package about 3"x 4", cost 87 cents, and are great for those sudden downpours. They take up very little room and can fit in a fanny-pack.
Nightlight - OK, your cabin will be unfamiliar and probably more than a little crowded. Additionally, if you have an interior cabin, it is going to be REALLY DARK once the lights are off! Although he can get away with Band-Aids ® on his shins, they just don't coordinate very well with her evening wear.
Dry Cleaner Kit - Something new in the supermarket. Handy for emergency dry cleaning. Two good brands are: Dryell ® and Custom Cleaner ®. Find them with the laundry detergents.
Steamer - Not a steam iron. Just a nifty little hand-held clothes steamer. Great for taking out wrinkles at the last minute.
Clothespins - In addition to their normal use, Possum recommends putting two or three on the bottom of the shower curtain. That should weigh it down enough so that it doesn't blow in on you and cling to your body. Also, it keeps the curtain from blowing out and getting the floor all wet.
Power Cords - Those extension cords with the built in circuit breaker. Try to get ones with at least a 6' cord. Since most cabins only have one electrical outlet, these will save fighting over his shaving or her hair drying.
Mesh Bags - Thanks to "DebraD56" for this one. They're in the housewares section of K-Mart ®, Wal-Mart ® and Target ® . You'll need one for dirty laundry and one (with handles) for the pool, your shore excursions and souvenir shopping (surprise, many local shops do not have "paper or plastic"). Nylon works best (dries quickly). Get the ones with large (1/4") openings, unless you really want to take beach sand back to your cabin.
Highlighters - Take one yellow and one blue. He uses one color and she uses the other. Mark those activities and excursions each wants to participate in. Whatever ends up in green ... you do together!
Zip-Lock ® Bags - I recommend the one quart, one gallon and two gallon size. Pack liquids (shampoos, lotions, etc.) in them. Also very handy for packing away those items that just didn't get dry by the end of the cruise.
Post-It ® Notes - Use them to leave each other messages and reminders. Stick them to the mirror to save space on the dresser or desk top.
Closet Organizers - Also in the housewares section. Get the one with pockets for shoes. Use this in the bathroom to hold all the lotions, shampoos, shave creams, etc. to free up counter space (SunFlower loves ours so much, she even uses it at home!). The other is the shelf type. Use it in the closet for your belts, hats, purses, and (maybe) even shoes. Your cabin steward will love you!
Duct tape - Invaluable for emergency repair of a torn suitcase or holding cabin curtains together. On hangover mornings you'll be surprised at how bright the Midnight Sun is! Most supermarkets have a small roll, so don't go letting him drag along the large "industrial size". Can also be considered a" tool" to help satisfy his "Home Repair" cravings. Ungh-Ungh-Ungh!
Bungee Cords - What? Is this guy nuts? No, I'm just recommending a couple of two foot bungees for those who have a spring loaded verandah door that just won't stay open, or shut, depending on your preference. Can also be used for lashing two, or more, pieces of luggage together when doing the "duffel-bag drag" through the airport. I've never used them, but they've been highly recommended.
Compass or GPS - This comes in handy for those of you who can't tell direction using your wrist watch. Remember, you're in a new place. If you become separated from your guide or taxi driver, you may be in a bit of a fix. The last thing you need is to miss your return to the ship. If you're using a GPS, lock in the coordinates of your ship BEFORE you get off. If you procrastinate, you may get distracted then later find that you are heading back to the last port!
* To find direction using your wrist watch - If you have an analog wrist watch, you can use the time to find north. Hold your watch up in front of you, and let the short hand, red on the figure, that indicates hours point at the sun. While holding it like this, cut the angle between the red arrow and 12 o'clock in two, (noonwards if the time is before 6am or after 6pm), that way is south. (The reason you need to cut it in two, is because the clock takes two rotations while the sun takes one around the earth, it is of course the other way around, but never mind.)
Many people wear digital watches these days (I do myself, if I wear one at all). If you do, draw an analog watch faceon a piece of paper, and then mark the hour hand on using the digital watch. The rest of the method is identical.
This method can be used even when it is pretty foggy. Although you may not be able to see the sun, it may still cast a shadow. If you take up a straw or a tiny stick, and you may see a shadow. You just have to remember that the shadow points the opposite way from the sun, but the rest of it is quite similar as above.
Church Key (Bottle Opener) - Believe it or not, there are cans that do not have pop-tops and bottles without twist-off caps. Who really wants stitches in their palms while on a cruise?
Please send your additions to: Calgon1@Yahoo.Com . If it's something "weird", please explain. Also, I have referred to various products by brand or company name. I am not trying to advertise for any company. I mentioned things which worked for SunFlower Star and myself. If you have alternatives, great! Use what works for you!
BON VOYAGE!!!!!
Calgon and SunFlower Star
(Calgon1@Yahoo.Com)
You are visitor number
since June 18th, 2000