THE LUGGAGE ISSUE:

I don't know if the number of dress codes has an effect on the volume of anyone elses' luggage or not, but here's my story.

For the 14 night VTC (Panama Canal) cruise last month, there were the traditional three codes. Carol and I each took two pieces of checked luggage and our allowed carry ons at or near the size and weight limits imposed by the airlines. Still, we couldn't squeeze in a full two weeks supply of wash and wear items. We figured we'd use the self serve laundries and the ship's laundry if needed. As the ship was 100% full and just comming off the world cruise with some "straglers" still aboard, the self serve laundries were not sufficient to meet demand, so our timing on those was a problem. We had packed for two formal nights as our docs said, but a third one was thrown in on us and the ships laundry was needed so we could attend it both formal and clean! After the first formal night, reservations and space in the non-formal alternative restaurants became very scarce. Apparently "the word" had gotten out to some guests before "Passages" was delivered that a given night would be formal. By the time we got our "Passages" all alternatives (except room service) were gone

And, as were were at or near the limits for checked and carry on luggage, our ability to buy things in the ports was severely limited.

Maybe I am just a poor planner or packer, but this story is indicative of my experience since the airlines reduced luggage allowances.

Thanks
Richard