Since finding it nearly two years ago, my mini weekender has become my go-to personal item, accompanying me on journeys across the world on two-week trips to India, Ireland, home to Rome, and more. Seriously, I might need to get it a passport of its own. Don't let the word "mini" fool you - it packs quite the punch when it comes to organizational capacity.
I come from a long line of overpackers, but I've learned the hard way what can happen to checked luggage if your flight is delayed before a cruise. If your luggage doesn't make it to the ship before embarkation, odds are you won't see it again until the cruise is over. As someone who once spent a week in bright orange Birkenstocks on a Mediterranean cruise, I would know.