All Packed and Ready to Go!

Yep, we're all set! We're going to Alaska!!!

This is the first cruise that either of us have ever been on.
It turns out that it's kind of tricky to pack for a cruise.

First of all, you know you're going to need at least two outfits per day. 3 if you're planning to work out (which I am).

There's the dinners: two of them are formal, and the other 5 are semi-casual, but no jeans. In my world, that's means that it's still dressy. That means cute little dresses, and nice dress shoes.

There's also the pool. That requires a swim suit. And sandals.

Plus, there are all of those excursions.
In Alaska.
The excursions will include going to a glacier and going dog sledding! (whoo-hoo)
That means, layers, winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves and (in my case) Doc Martins.

Then, there's every thing else. The casual stuff. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters...

Plus, there's the bonus that once you're on the ship, you don't have to schlep around your luggage anymore.

Oh, and we're also borrowing stuff from my parents: a couple pair of binoculars (for when we cruise through the glaciers) and their camera (larger than mine, but with image stability and higher zoom).

Dick and I are usually pretty good about packing, but this one kind of stumped us. I believe this is the most luggage we've ever packed on one trip.

The good news:
We're flying on Virgin America to Seattle.

Among many, many other perks, this also means that their weight restriction for luggage is 70 lbs. versus 50 lbs. on other airlines.

This is pretty darn helpful, as one of our suitcases is tipping the scale at around 55 lbs.

I make it sound like we're traveling with all of our clothes. It's actually not all that bad.

We're checking in two bags (one large, one medium) and carrying on a garment bag and a small carry on bag. And my purse, but I don't think that counts.

Now that we're all packed and ready to go, we're getting really excited!

We leave for Seattle today, then board the boat tomorrow morning.

The house and the kitties are being left under very good care. Thanks to Uncle Christopher, Graham and my sister! (Thank You!)