I treat cruises like resorts and pack very similarly. However, there are some items that are specific to time at sea. Here’s what I pack

Must bring:

• Passport (if needed)
• wallet
• phone (+charging cable)
• visa (if needed)

My tips: Avoid packing for the fantasy self! If limiting your outfits to an extreme is not for you, I understand. What I suggest is that you make your selections as multi-functional as possible. Can you wear that same dinner dress as a coverup later in the week? Can those dinner sandals be poolside sandals too? I find it’s less obvious to repeat solid colors so consider them over patterns or metallics. I also like to use easy-to-pack accessories like a scarf, jewelry, or make up and different hairstyles to change up the look.

Years ago I found one article of clothing that changed it all for me: a jumpsuit that can be tied in a myriad of ways. It gives the allusion of variety without having to pack multiple options. Find something like this and it is a whole new world.

OKAY, ONTO THE LIST!

Clothes

• 2x swim coverup dresses (I like one that can double as an evening dress)
• 2x dresses or jumpsuits (exclusively for evening wear)
• 1x linen button up (doubles as evening wear)
• 1x cotton tee 
• 1x cardigan or sweater (I like that they work with both day and evening wear)
• 1x pair of linen or cotton shorts/skort (I bring a black pair so they can double in the evening)
• 1x pair of linen, wool, or cotton pants (for the plane and colder evenings)
• 1x scarf (to visually mix up my dinner outfits) 
• 1x set silk pajamas (top can double duty for evening wear)

Swim

• 3x bikinis (I pack one that can bandeau)
• rash guard 
• sarong (100% cotton. It’s softer to lay on than the towels and doubles as a coverup)

Unders

• 2x wool underwear (wash one, wear one)
• 2x bras (1x regular, 1x sport)
• 1x pair of wool socks

Activewear

I’m not a gym rat, but I like sports and activities. Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, or organized group games like volleyball. This is what I bring in addition to my regular clothes. 

• 2x athletic tops (I like super light merino)
• 2x athletic bottoms (tennis skirt and shorts)

Shoes

I will sometimes bring three pairs of shoes. If I need water shoes and hiking sandals, Chacos all the way! If there is only soft sand and no sporty adventures, I’ll just bring my Birkenstocks. If I have the space and feel I want a bit more variety, I’ll bring the third shoe choice instead of another outfit.

• Sneakers
• chacos
• Birkenstocks

Toiletries (decant because you de-can, and opt for solid toiletries when possible)

*Verify with the cruise if they are providing any shampoo etc.

• Baking soda deodorant (decanted into a small tin)
• UL toothbrush (or a more reasonable Travel toothbrush)
• 1x Bite guard 
• Toothpaste tabs (or tiny airplane tubes)
• 2x Tooth flossers 
• SPF 50 Face moisturizer (decanted into a lip gloss tube)
• Tinted sunscreen in 1 oz. tin (for my face)
• Sunscreen stick (for everywhere else)
• Diva cup 
• Aloe vera or Sun Burnt
• Cocoa butter stick (solid full body lotion)
• Mini razor 
• Solid conditioner bar in matador case (conditioner is not guaranteed. They also sell solid shampoo bars)
• Dr Bronners soap in a matador case (soap for body, hair, and clothes)
• Hair Kit: hair brush, 1x hair clip, 2x hair ties 
• Makeup kit: SPF lip balm/blush, mascara, tinted brow gel, liquid eyeliner, makeup wipes in a ziplock baggie
• Lanolin lip balm (The best for chapped lips. Ignore the packaging in the link. I buy this one and decant it into lip gloss tubes)

Miscellaneous

• Thermos for beverages (keep them from melting or getting hot)
• Thermos for water 
• Tote for beach/pool
• Sunglasses (polarized, UPF protection)
• Lanyard for sunglasses 
• Hand fan or battery powered fan (for air flow in your cabin)
• Collapsible straw with cleaning brush (if your thermos doesn’t have a straw)
• Bandana (sun protection, headband, and a board game)
• Goggles (for laps or if needed to swim)
• Cute/fun magnet for the cabin door (helps me find it easily)
• Ink pen
• Backup pair of prescription glasses or readers
• MagSafe wallet (for keeping room keycards on your phone)
• Laundry kit: Downy wrinkle release, Tide to Go mini pen, mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached to it in a baggie. I include flat dental floss in mine), 9′ of paracord (DIY laundry line).

Electronics

• 1x 30w charger (check if you need an adapter)
• 1x 6’ charging cable (plugs can be in the weirdest spots)
• 1x USB-C to USB-A adapter (not all public ports have upgraded to USB-C)
• 1x Set headphones
• External battery bank (for day trips or being poolside all day)
• Magnet motion detecting night lights (sometimes the bathroom light in the middle of the night is too bright or you want a light for your nightstand)

First Aid (*I am not a doctor, these are suggestions) I keep these in tiny ziplock baggies in a pouch. Although available on board, basic first aid or over the counter meds are SO expensive. Do your future self a favor and bring some with you.

• 4x bandaids (different sizes)
• 1x “Swiss army knife” (never had an issue with TSA or EU equivalent)
• Assorted meds in a 1 oz. tin or tiny zipped baggies
  • Imodium, Gas x, Pepto, Tums, Tagamet (for sensitive travel-bellies)
  • ibuprofen, Excedrin, melatonin
  • Azithromycin (for travelers diarrhea. Prescription often required)
• 1x Contact lens container with hydrocortisone cream and bug balm
• Electrolyte chewable tablets 

Organization Ideas

Space to put your things is hard to come by in your cabin. This is where magnetic hooks or some other clever items come in handy. Here are some recommendations:

• Over the door 5 pocket organizer 
• Over the Door Shoe Organizer
• Suction Cup Hooks
• 3” Heavy duty magnetic hook 
• 1” Heavy Duty Magnetic Hook

Baggage

–good ol’ sling bag

-a very packable bag for day trips (here’s a fave of mine—look at how small it packs down!! It’s also waterproof.).

-I feel bougier opting for a rolling carryon instead of my usual backpack on these trips. Although you can find these on Amazon, Costco has a great deal for a Samsonite carryon AND checked luggage bag. 

eSIM

If for whatever reason you need some data outside of your usual cell phone plan before you can connect to the on board WiFi, I suggest Airalo.

I use Airalo when I travel abroad because it’s easy, works well, and the price is right. This is a data only eSIM. Through experience I’ve learned that I only need a data plan, and that it’s much cheaper than upgrading my domestic cellphone plan. Use referral code GWACO8480 to receive $3.00 off your next eSIM with Airalo!

I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next adventure. Less is more!

*Some of these links are affiliate links. By clicking on them you will support this site at no extra cost to you. Thank you!