Next week I'll be leaving to take a cruise to Europe. It is a transatlantic cruise which means we will be at sea for 7 days before we begin making stops in Ireland, Belgium, and UK.
Definitely a long time to be at sea on a ship before we make stops!
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| We are leaving from Miami |
It is my understanding that the staff keeps the passengers busy and entertained with speakers, exercise classes, and many programs for a variety of interests during the many sea days.
I'll be taking my iPad and I have downloaded about 5 books to read.
I'm starting with one of my favorite authors: Kristin Hannah. She writes mostly historical fiction. I downloaded The Four Winds.
I just read her new book called The Women which was about women's roles in the Vietnam War. It was excellent. Her books usually focus on people and their experiences and feelings. Back to the cruise.
At the conclusion of the cruise, we are planning to travel to and spend 5 days exploring London and then 5 days in Paris with family.
We will navigate to the take a train from the cruise port in Southhampton, UK to London, UK and then 5 days later, we will take the fast train from London to Paris before we fly back to Miami. All carrying our luggage.
The dilemma for me right now it how do I pack? My inclination is to pack as smart and light as possible because we will be carrying our luggage to and from the trains. Smart and light to me means color coordinating my clothing (mostly blacks, whites, and blues) so I can cross match outfits and wear them multiple times.
Laundry? We will not have any on the 2 week cruise unless we decide to pay an outrageous fee ($14- for one pair of jeans) or $75 for a very small bag of our clothes to send to their cleaning service.
Hopefully when I get to Paris, we will be able to do wash at our cousin's house. In London, perhaps we will find a laundry facility.
I am planning to wear gym clothes during the day on the cruise. The weather should be moderate with temps in the high 60's.
In the evening for dinner, I will need to dress- but not dress up. I plan to bring white pants, black pants, 2 dresses, 8 tops, and nice jeans. I'll repeat and mix and match.
It will be challenging but I can't carry too much when we are navigating to and from the trains- it will be too heavy and bulky for me.
In my next post I should be able to share how I packed.
If anyone has any suggestions - I am open. I would like to pack more things!!!!
I can't end without sharing a recipe . It is one of my favorites. I make it in the Instant Pot but it can be made on the stove top.
I wish you luck. I'd have the same difficulty packing. Just accept the fact you'll be tired of your clothes during your vacation.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic trip you are taking. I am also taking one, but not as elaborate as yours, only a road trip to my hometown. But all travel makes me anxious, and don't like it at all. But when I see the grandbabies' faces, I automatically melt. Well, you asked the wrong person on packing, as I am the lightest packer in the world. Just take a pair of pants and tops for the days I will be there, and thankfully I always have the girls' houses to do laundry. But, a suggestion, you can wash your laundry by hand. I've done that before as well. I hope your trip goes smoothly, and you have a wonderful time. Paris, oh my, that will be so nice.
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Judee, have the most amazing cruise and journey. We are headed out to Europe, with only carry-on suitcase. I assume it all works out. I have not cruised in years but, I am positive you will be able to do as much or as little as you want!
ReplyDeleteI have read Kristin Hannah's Four Winds too. I love her books.
Velva
Don’t pack more things, pack fewer things. My husband and I used to go to the UK for a month at a time. I would take a carry-on and one suitcase. That’s really all you need. It’s easy enough to rinse things out if need be, and I would have no qualms about wearing the same thing two days in a row figuring that I’m not going to see these people again, what does it matter?
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! We have done several cruises in Europe and last November we took our first river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself and thank you for sharing at #WeekendTrafficJamReboot
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! It sounds like you have your packing and wardrobe well thought out, so smart to take basic colors and mix and match. I can wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteJenna
this sounds like a great trip!! leggins are great to bring, they are so small to pack and can be worn more than once. they could even be washed in a sink if need be. a pair of jeans or 2 also can be worn more than once without washing. sticking to the colors you selected will work out great!! i hope your suitcase has wheels, if not, it may be a good idea to invest in one that does. my suitcase is purple and has great wheels that spin all the way around, it is so easy to navigate with!! your ready, have a great trip!!
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your upcoming trip, Judee!
ReplyDeleteSmart packing with coordinating colors is a great idea.
The soup recipe sounds delicious! 😋
Have a fantastic trip and safe travels!
What a fun adventure; you visit so many exciting places! I look forward to seeing some of your favorite sites. By the way, thanks for persevering with commenting on my blog -- and for your kind words. Someone else was having issues too, and I'm glad they were resolved. Wishing you happy and safe travels! 🚢💖
ReplyDeleteSounds a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI wish you happy travels and safe travels.
All the best Jan
PS That soup looks tasty.
WOW Judee what a grand adventure! Can't wait to hear all about it. Our Audrey and Dagny are leaving for a week in Paris this Saturday! They will be back late in the evening on Mother's Day. Have an absolutely wonderful time! xoxo
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