Essential Cruise Packing: What To Exclude

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 01, 2025

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Unnecessary Clothing Items – Streamline Your Wardrobe

Overpacking clothes is a common mistake. To avoid lugging around unnecessary weight and struggling with overflowing suitcases, focus on versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for multiple occasions. Smart cruise packing means choosing quality over quantity.

Too Many Shoes: The Burden of Footwear

Cruises often involve a lot of walking, exploring different ports, and enjoying various onboard activities. You don't need a shoe for every outfit!

• Avoid: Numerous pairs of dress shoes, high heels (unless absolutely necessary for formal nights), bulky boots, and specialized footwear you might only wear once. Consider the activities you'll be doing. Will you be hiking ashore? Then, bring appropriate footwear. Will you mainly be strolling around port cities? Then comfortable walking shoes are key.
• Pack Instead: Comfortable walking shoes (that are broken-in!), one pair of dressier flats or sandals (for nicer dinners or shore excursions), and flip-flops for the pool/beach. Three pairs, maximum, should be sufficient for most cruises.

Excessive Outfits: Versatility is Your Friend

Resist the urge to pack an outfit for every single day. Think about creating capsule wardrobes that allow you to mix and match.

• Avoid: Multiple outfits for each day, items you only wear once, and anything that requires extensive ironing. Think about the climate you will be experiencing and pack clothing items suitable for those conditions.
• Pack Instead: Neutral-colored tops and bottoms (think versatile colors like black, navy, white, and beige) that can be paired with different accessories. Consider a dress or two for dressier evenings. Scarves, jewelry, and belts can significantly change the look of an outfit.

Bulky Outerwear: Check the Forecast!

Before you even begin packing, check the weather forecast for your cruise destination and ports of call. This will save you from bringing unnecessary bulky clothing.

• Avoid: Heavy winter coats, unless cruising to an extremely cold destination. Even then, consider a lighter, packable down jacket.
• Pack Instead: A lightweight jacket or sweater for cool evenings. A light rain jacket can also be useful, especially if you are visiting regions prone to sudden showers.

Unnecessary Toiletries and Beauty Products – Travel-Size is Key

Toiletries and beauty products can take up a surprising amount of space in your luggage. Choosing travel-sized containers and only packing essentials will help you save space and avoid overweight baggage fees.

Full-Size Toiletries: Downsize Your Routine

Airlines have strict liquid restrictions, and oversized items take up valuable space.

• Avoid: Full-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, and other toiletries.
• Pack Instead: Travel-sized versions of your favorite products, or purchase these items onboard (often at inflated prices). Consider using solid shampoo bars and conditioner bars to save even more space and minimize the risk of spills.

Excess Makeup: Less is More, Even on a Cruise

You don't need your entire makeup collection for a cruise. Choose versatile items that can create multiple looks.

• Avoid: Every eyeshadow palette and lipstick you own. It's better to have a few key products which offer maximum versatility.
• Pack Instead: A few essential items that can create multiple looks. A neutral eyeshadow palette, a couple of lipsticks (one nude and one bolder shade), mascara, and concealer are usually enough.

Hair Styling Tools: Embrace Simplicity

Unless you have specific hair styling needs, consider using the hairdryer provided in your cabin or opting for simpler hair care routines.

• Avoid: Large hair dryers, multiple curling irons or straighteners.
• Pack Instead: A compact travel hairdryer, or rely on the hairdryer provided in your cabin. Think about leaving those bulky styling tools at home.

Gadgets and Electronics – Less is More

Technology can be a great travel companion but overpacking electronics can quickly become a hassle. Consider what you genuinely need and eliminate unnecessary devices.

Multiple Chargers and Adapters: Consolidate Your Charging Needs

Before your trip, check the voltage and plug type of your destination. This will prevent you from bringing unnecessary adapters.

• Avoid: Separate chargers for every device, unnecessary adapters.
• Pack Instead: A universal travel adapter, and chargers that accommodate multiple devices. A power strip can be useful if you need to charge multiple devices at once.

Unnecessary Electronics: Prioritize Your Essentials

Consider which devices are truly essential for your trip and eliminate the rest to minimize weight and prevent potential loss or damage.

• Avoid: A laptop, tablet, and e-reader all at once; bring only one.
• Pack Instead: Your primary device, perhaps your phone or tablet, that can serve multiple purposes (e.g., reading, browsing, taking photos).

Expensive Jewelry: Leave Valuables at Home

Cruise lines are generally secure, but it's always best to avoid bringing expensive jewelry or other high-value items.

• Avoid: Expensive watches, jewelry, or other high-value items.
• Pack Instead: Affordable jewelry for casual wear. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to expensive items.

Books and Entertainment – Utilize Digital Options

Books and entertainment can add significant weight to your luggage. Consider digital alternatives or borrow books from the ship's library.

Many Physical Books: Go Digital!

Digital books save space and weight, and you can easily download as many as you like.

• Avoid: A stack of heavy paperback books.
• Pack Instead: An e-reader or utilize your phone/tablet for digital books and audiobooks.

Extensive Games and Puzzles: Explore Onboard Activities

Cruise ships offer various activities and entertainment options, so you don't need to bring a lot of games and puzzles.

• Avoid: Multiple board games, card games, or large puzzles.
• Pack Instead: One small, compact game or puzzle for downtime.

Conclusion

Smart cruise packing involves strategizing what to exclude as much as what to include. By leaving behind unnecessary clothing, toiletries, electronics, and entertainment, you'll enjoy a lighter, more manageable experience. Remember to prioritize versatile items, utilize travel-sized options, and leverage digital resources. Pack smart and focus on enjoying your cruise! Plan your next trip with a focus on essential cruise packing – it'll make all the difference.