Bahama Mama is checking out the answer to your question and will get back to you either later today or Monday. This is a very good question and the reply will be posted here.
Happy to hear you're coming with friends. They will be most welcome and they'll have a GREAT time with our freeper group!
Bahama Mama
(start making a list and checking it now!)
Inspect your luggage now. Make sure you have secure luggage name tags on each piece, even duffle bags. Add your email addy on the tags if there's room.
Bahama Mama suggests you purchase colored suitcase straps (J.C.Penney carries them). Mine are day-glo lime green. Put one on each suitcase piece through the handle. You'll find out later why they're good to have attached.
Stateroom closets are limited in size. When you unpack, nestle your suitcases into each other and stow under the beds. There's usually extra blankets in the closet. You probably won't need them. Put them under the bed also. Your life jackets must remain on the closet shelf.
You can always get extra hangers from your room steward. However, they are the "motel" type. If you have room, pack a couple small pants/slacks clamp-type hangers to bring with you. I also throw in a couple wire-type hangers with some safety pins for hanging shorts, etc.
There is plenty of drawer space and bathroom medicine cabinet/shelf space. There's also a safe in each cabin.
Ask your room steward for extra ashtrays if needed.
Buy some of those big 2-gallon baggies with zippers at your supermarket. They are excellent for packing shoes. Then just stow the shoes still in the bags on your closet floor to keep everything neat, handy and organized. I carry my jewelry in smaller baggies. In fact, I use zipper baggies of all sizes for packing a heckuva lot of items when I cruise.
Beach towels are provided by the ship to take ashore with you. Your cabin steward is liable for unreturned towels, so he'll appreciate their safe return.
Make sure your prescriptions are filled and any other health supplies are organized now. Don't wait till the last minute. If your ankles have a tendency to swell, bring prescription water pills with you. They are totally inexpensive. I've had many an occasion to use them. There's a lot of walking on ship and shore, and a lot of tropical warmth, oh, yeah!, so be prepared.
There's no limit to the number of suitcases you bring on a cruise. You tip the baggage redcap one dollar per piece he handles. Carry duffel bags and such up the gangplank with you.
Your baggage is handled with TLC by cruise lines, so don't fret. Cameras, eyeglasses and any fragile items you'll want to carry on with you.
Ladies, forget bringing all those space-consuming purses. All you need is a duffel bag to carry wallets, ciggies, cosmetic bags, etc. up the gangplank with you. You'll find a ship's tote bag waiting for each of you in your cabin when you arrive. Everyone, guys and gals included, use these totes from morning till night on board and on shore. A nice evening bag or two for dinners plus a ROOMY beach bag is all you'll need.
I'm already packing some things. About 1/3 completed. Don't you hate people like this?
Bahama Mama