Jan and I have finally settled in on what we like for luggage.
We each take a 25 inch soft side with rollers.
We each take a 16 inch satchel.
Those we check thru.
Then we take a 16 inch satchel as carry on. Sometimes we each take one.
The 25" is lighter so we do not worry about the 50 pounds. The 16" satchel is perfect for putting all the shoes, and things like that in. Plus it hooks over the luggage handle so you are only pulling one suitcase around the airport etc.
So far it has worked well for us.

03/22/80 MS Caribe
02/15/03 Paul Gauguin
02/22/04 Norwegian Dream
11/12/04 "MINT" on Mariner
02/15/05 "ADRIFT" ON Diamond