purse/bag question & clothing

sprint180 · #1 (**permalink**) April 9th, 2011, 11:08 AM

OK Ladies what kind of purse/bag do you take? We will be going on excursions, do you take like a backpack or regular bag. I would prefer not to take anything but I assume you need your passport? and other info to get back on the ship?.?.
Also, where is a good place to shop for chothes online. I usually only shop jcpenney but cant find anything I like there.
thanks
Vicki

Trip · #2 (**permalink**) April 9th, 2011, 05:29 PM

For my 1st time to Europe in 3 wks, I am wearing a cross body bag..hands free is a good thing..twice last week on tv, I saw good looking fanny packs are making a comeback...again hands free....if you would wear one, go for it..

For myself, I would never carry a back pack...a light micro fiber shoulder bag could work...you have to start off, with a bag that is lightweight, before you even put anything in it..

As far as clothes...what are you looking for..casual, dressy..larger sizes?
Let us know and we can advise you better..

nlb1050 · #3 (**permalink**) April 9th, 2011, 06:54 PM

Depending on the port I may just use a tote onshore or I have used fanny packs.

I have boughtfrom Coldwater Creek and been very pleased with the clothes from there. There are so many places to buy from and it does depend on what you are looking for.

sprint180 · #4 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2011, 01:20 PM

OK I am 41, size 10. I am looking for comfortable, casual clothes. Not really shorts but nice clothes. I saw some on territory ahead and eddie bauer I like. Kind of spendy have to wait till they go on sale. Are there any other companies out there like those?

sprint180 · #5 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2011, 01:22 PM

Also I read on other sites re: cross body bags that have the metal in them so they can't get cut off. Is this overkill or should I be looking for one of those? Do you take your passport with you everywhere? Just wondering to know how big I need this.

Donna · #6 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2011, 07:27 PM

Always keep your passport locked in you cabin safe. You may want to take a paper copy along with you on shore or your drivers license. There was one port during a Carnival cruise they told us to take pic ID on shore. Not one person asked to see pic ID's., so I don't even do that. I just take enough cash for the day and if shopping is involved, one CC, but if not, those too are locked up in the safe.

nlb1050 · #7 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2011, 08:40 PM

I always take my drivers liscense with me on shore. I would say that at least 98% of the time the guard at the entrance to the port asks for both cruise card and photo id and we have only cruised in the Caribbean.

I don't think that the bags with the cable in the strap is over kill as I have seen them online and they look like normal bags.

LisaK · #8 (**permalink**) April 11th, 2011, 11:08 AM

either the fanny/hip pack or a cross-body bag would be just fine, you don't need anything too big, keep it as small as you can. As for clothing on-line, so many choices, i have had good luck with Chadwicks

cheezz · #9 (**permalink**) May 29th, 2011, 03:37 PM

For clothes I love TravelSmith - nothing wrinkles and it so wash and wear... super comfortable.

For a purse/bag, I always use a lightweight one I can put over my head and carry across my body. REI makes some very practical, cute ones. Inboard I always carry a wristlet (small purse, about 3" or 4"x6" with a small strap to go over your wrist) with my ship card, room key and gum... What more do you need?!

Yes, keep your passport locked in the cabin safe and carry a photocopy when you go onshore..