Yes, learning how to pack light for a cruise and have everything you need is not only possible, but it’s easy even in today’s changed world. We have done it successfully multiple times. The trick is knowing the cruise essentials, including what to bring on a cruise and sticking to a packing light checklist.
It’s true that one of the advantages of cruising is unpacking only once while exploring several destinations. However, you must still lug your belongings to the airport, the cruise terminal, and back home.
Plus, we nearly always tack on days before and after our cruise. Learning how to pack light is a game-changer. It makes for less hassle everywhere we go.
How to Pack light for a Cruise without missing any of the cruise essentials
Dressing for dinners
The dining room dress code is one area that is different on a cruise ship than on other travel. With no shorts, tank tops, swimwear, or sometimes even jeans allowed, and several days often labelled either “smart casual” or “formal,” cruisers need to be prepared.
- Dinnerwear for women: I bring a “little black dress.” For me, it is one of the key pieces of my packing light for a cruise wardrobe. To alter my style, I bring a scarf, black cotton blazer, light-coloured cardigan, and costume jewellery – each completely changing the look, thus appearing as several cruise dresses. It can be worn to multiple dinners without appearing as if I have worn the same thing.
- Dinnerwear for men: Jeff’s dinnertime cruise clothing includes two button-down shirts (one collarless), a solid tie, and a casual dinner jacket. All pieces are interchangeable, creating more looks than pieces of clothing.
Dressing for every day and at port:
Another greaet tip for how to pack light for a cruise is to pick a colour theme and mix and match everything you wear.
- Five to six casual shirts that can layer including 2-3 tanks, 2-3 short sleeve shirts, and one with long sleeves
- Four pants: Men: two long, two short, Women: one long, one mid-calf or skirt, two shorts
- Sleepwear
- One cardigan (women) or fleece (men) – modern ships are air-conditioned and can get chilly
- One sun hat
- Three pairs of shoes per person is all we need: Everyday walking shoes, sandals for pool or beach, and semi-dressy/go-anywhere shoes for dinner
- A breathable rain jacket or rain poncho
- A seven-day supply of socks and undergarments
- Swimwear (you can bring a cover-up or wear the bathrobe provided in your stateroom)
Accessories and other non-clothing cruise must-haves
- Fashion accessories: Jewellery (unless you plan to buy it in port), scarves, a belt, and a Fitbit.
- A first aid kit including seasickness pills that I have never needed while cruising, but having them gives me peace of mind. While I always travel with a fully stocked first-aid kit, it’s not necessary on a cruise as there is a general store and a doctor (expensive) onboard. Our overstocked first aid kit contains the following: sunscreen, insect repellent, motion sickness tablets, paracetamol, ibuprofen, Imodium, sore throat lozenges, antibiotics, band-aids, first aid ointment, and hydrocortisone cream.
- Camera, street lens, extra battery, battery charger, camera raincoat, flash, tripod, extra SD cards
- Sunglasses and glasses (spare pair). If you wear glasses full-time, don’t forget to check out clip-on sunglass options (my daughter loves hers!)
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Electronics including camera (I shoot with an Olympus OMD Em5), tripod, phone, laptop, Kindle, and/or iPad, backup drive, USB stick, and smartphone with charging cable. **Be sure to check with the cruise line as to the outlets and voltages on the ship and bring electrical converters as necessary.
- Documentation – passports, immunisation cards, insurance cards, tickets, credit cards, pen, paper, and a highlighter (you will not regret bringing this on a cruise).
Extra items to add based on current world conditions
- Portable hand sanitiser – while there will be plenty around the ship, sometimes you might want your own.
- Masks – as they may be required at times, or you just might feel more comfortable.
- Books, electronic books, a deck of cards, or other self-contained entertainment – hopefully, these will all stay in your suitcase, but after the past few years, it’s better to be prepared than bored should you end up with an extended stay in your cabin.
How to pack light for a cruise – pulling it all together
My top tip for success is packing cubes. If you don’t know what they are, take a look at this video and then read on.
How to use packing cubes
Our final travel packing tip is to use packing cubes. I know it’s not much of a secret, but packing cubes keep everything tidy and reduce the space needed for packing. They allow us to keep organized and find what we need quickly.
If you have never tried them, I highly recommend them. On a 16-day cruise around the top of Australia, we arrived at the airport with a total of 22kg of luggage for two people. This included camera gear with a tripod, two laptop computers, and backup discs.
Thanks to packing cubes, it all worked out well. (We love these packing cubes!)
What you need for success
- Packing cubes – for two people, we take six cubes: two each of small, medium, and large. (We use five cubes when travelling without a cruise.)
- Toiletry kit – one per person, unless you like to share (we don’t).
- Emergency kit – pack your own or get this one.
- Lightweight digital luggage scale.
- Cruise Packing Light List from Albom Adventures (download below).
How to pack a couple’s cruise essentials into packing cubes
Still want more details on how to pack light for a cruise? Here’s how we do it:
- Small Cube #1: Pack one small cube for your emergency and first aid kit.
- Small Cube #2: Pack the second small cube with the electronics chargers, backup disks, flashlight, highlighters, and any other small accessories.
- Medium Cube #1: Pack one medium cube with sleepwear and undergarments for both travel partners.
- Medium Cube #2: Pack all formal wear in one medium cube that doesn’t need to get opened or disturbed until formal night. This is very helpful if you have a land package attached to the cruise.
- Large cubes: Each family member should have one large cube for all of their remaining clothing items except the rain jackets.
- A separate toiletry kit for each of us.
- Rain jackets are rolled and packed for easy access.
Download our free cruise packing light list when you subscribe to our newsletter here.
⇒ Before you embark on your next cruise, read these tips for cruising that everyone should know.
A few photos of our interchangeable cruise outfits:
- With white capri pants and a black tank top, I could simply add a layer when I got the opportunity to go on the bridge and sit in the captain’s chair.
- Versatile swimwear looks like clothing when worn around town (or on the ship). Perfect for tropical ports like Aruba.
- On a rainy day in Bali, we were glad to have raincoats. This is Jeff watching a monkey that is about to swing right in front of him at the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud.
- Ports are weather dependent, although I tend to be in shorts, while Jeff prefers travel pants usually. Notice the layers on me and the neutral colours on him. Plus, sun hats, as this photo is in Cartegena, Colombia.
Sahana Kulur
I have never been on cruise. But I know those who go on cruise pack trolleys together! I wondered if cruising needs you to pack that much! I shall show them this post and tell them pack light
Anda
Your “lightness” of packing never ceases to amaze me, Rhonda. When I first saw you traveling with two small soft bags on a 6 weeks trip, I couldn’t believe it. Over the years I’ve learned to pack a little lighter. However, when we travel for more than a week, we still can’t manage with less than a checked in bag and a carry on for the two of us. Just my toiletry bag alone and two pairs of shoes occupy 3/4 of my carry on!
Curt Best
Planning on first cruise to Alaska for 7 days than 5 day land tour in mid May. Suggestions for “packing Lite”?
Lonnie Dotson
We’re heading to Alaska from Seattle (where we live) and it’s so heard to guesstamate the weather for June up there…suggestions? Leaving mid-unbe
Rhonda Albom
Plan for it all. Pack so your clothes can layer. I brought a fleece and a gore-tex outer layer. If it was really cold (which it never was on our Alaska cruise) I can wear both. Same with my clothes, I just add layers when it gets cold. Also, check out these tips for cruising to Alaska.
Rh
Travelling light is all good. I did pack for 11 days in London in a 17 inch luggage under 20 lbs. And going on another winter adventure in 2019 probably only using a 22 inch carry on. Since I was told I will be lugging that thing through 6 cities. Ugh!
The KonMari way of packing works very well with my packing instead of the cubes.
But for a cruise, I do pack a 22 inch and check it in. 14 days at sea during Halloween requires special cosplay clothes with nifty accessories. If it wasn’t for that, I think my 22 incher would be just fine. And that 22 inch checked bag always has room for some souvenirs. That is why we travel, right? LOL!
jill
I’m getting much better at packing but there is still room for improvement. My husband has no problem with it all though! Thanks for sharing – I hope to use some of your tips.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Gorgeous photo of the two of you dressed up next to the captain. I’m getting better at packing light. The fact that I don’t have as many clothes in my closet anymore has really helped, too. We’re going on a Disney cruise for Spring Break. I have to add “pirate costume” to my packing list. It will probably incorporate a black skirt that I can also use when I want to look normal.
Rhonda Albom
Double using that black shirt is exactly the idea I am talking about. Also, if it were me, I would get the pirate accessories at a $2 store, and just donate them to the kids camp on board when I was done with them. But I really hate carrying around extra stuff. 🙂
Rob Taylor
I did my first cruise this spring and completely over-packed. True, I did use most of the nice clothes I brought, but I could’ve been smart about it and planned things vs just packing for 8 days. Next time. And spot on with the shoes… I forgot non-flipflops/tennis shoes. #lessonlearned
Kim
For me, just picking dresses that can all have the same pair of heels for dinner saves me a whole small suitcase.
eileen g
we usually live out of our suitcases when we travel, even if we are in one place for a while, but because of the space on a cruise ship you do have to unpack and stow your bags. We like NCL because they are less formal than other ships at dinner time, but they still do have some rules I think for the dining room (shorts, fop flops). I love clothes that serve multiple functions, like swim shorts, sundresses that can go casual or dressy, and so. They are travel essentials.
Rhonda Albom
Sounds like you and I travel quite similarly.
Monika
Packing light is a good skill to have, but why do you actually need to pack light for a cruise? You stay at one place, so why is it important?
Nisha
These are excellent tips. I can quite imagine the predicament when it comes to selecting and packing the right dresses. I keep poring over the itinerary for hours.
Shobha
I’d never have thought about the documentation for side trips. I have the same camera as you – the OMD-EM5 Mark II – and I love it! yes, I use a portable tripod with it too, the photos come out even better.
Trekking with Becky
This is very goid and practical! I’ve never been on a cruise, but this would be great even if you’re not going on a cruise…depending on where you’re going, of course. 🙂
budget jan
Love the little black dress with interchangeable accessory idea. Packing light is great. I usually find I wear the same things repeatedly, but I can never seem to be able to know in advance with few things they will be!
Indrani
Very useful practical list. I haven’t been on a cruise yet, but I am sure those who are planning will find this useful.
Even otherwise it is best to travel light, I do that very meticulously.
Ruth
I am a light packer too! I like when I even surprise custom agents. They can believe how l little we packed for 17 days in Europe! Anyway, I will never go back after experiencing how hassle free is to travel with minimum luggage. You “little black dress” is very nice.
Claudia
I love your packing style! It’s a close match to the way in which we pack as a family as well. I find accessorizing with scarves for fancy cruise dinners is a good way to go too.
Toni Broome
I’ve not been on a cruise but your ideas will work well for a variety of travel situations. I also try to pack co-ordinating pieces but even after all these years of travel mix and match is not my strong suit.
Rhonda Albom
I wear mostly solid colours, and my bottoms are nearly all black or white – pants, skirts, or shorts. It makes it easier.
Chrysoula
Very useful travel tips. Packing is my least favorite. I haven’t been on a cruise yet but I would love to go soon so this post is really helpful.
Karren Haller
I have never been on a cruise, but I can see how muh everyone has.
Thanks for sharing the tips.
Have a great week!
Karren
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe
I enjoyed this post and I enjoy cruising. We have just booked another, a longer cruise where we’ll get to visit some Asian ports we’ve been to before and see Japan and China which is exciting. I’ll have to try and follow your advice for packing lighter than I usually do. We love to dress for formal night and Steve always takes his tux. Wish me luck!
Rhonda Albom
Cruises tend to be getting more and more casual, especially the ones around Australia. However, there were a few that did wear tuxedos. On one cruise when we decided to do that, hubby hired one from the ship. That allowed him to look really smart, and still pack light.
messymimi
Great tips, and i will try to pack lighter the next time i travel. The fact is, the older i get, the more i pack like Grandma, who always brought everything she could possibly fit to bring along.
Rhonda Albom
I am the opposite. The older I get, the less I pack.
Nancy
Excellent packing light list. I haven’t cruised, but I travel with carry-on luggage, and many of your tips and suggestions apply. The photos of each outfit are helpful – great idea!
Lexa Cain
You made it all seem so easy. Thanks for the tips!
Alouise
I’ve never been on a cruise before. I tend to pack pretty light, but I usually pack pretty casually. The little black dress idea with some scarfs and costume jewelry is a great idea for those formal cruise dinners I’ve heard about. Might be worth packing on my next trip even if it’s not a cruise.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
As a fellow “travel lighter” traveler, this is a great article, very detailed! I’m still not sure I’ll go on a cruise (you kind of lost me at the solid tie), but you never know.
Rhonda Albom
If it makes you feel any better, hubby bought the tie in Sydney before we boarded the ship and NEVER wore it. Most of the men did wear a tie at least once, but it’s just not hubby.
Paula McInerney
I have never been on a cruise, but I would pack to capacity if I only had to unpack once. You had a few hats I thought 🙂
Anda
I enjoyed reading your post, Rhonda. I saw first hand how light you guys travel and this post gave me a quick pick into your luggage. I have to confess that I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you two crying just a couple of duffle bags for a three-week trip to the States. I agree that it’s possible to travel light and still have everything you need, but I love to dress up and change outfits, so there is no way I could fit into a duffle bag.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Anda, actually that little bit of luggage we had was for 6 weeks in the USA. You met us on the last of 45 days.
Amy Franks
nice! you can’t do without that little black dress, every female should have one 🙂
Speaking of cruise ships, we’re seeing them every few days here.
Comedy Plus
When you own a boat you learn what to bring and what to leave at home. I do the same as you and can change the look of anything in seconds. I can travel very light. It’s essential.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
I love your black dress. It’s super cute and I like the fact that you can completely change its look with accessories etc.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Thanks Rhonda. We been trying each cruise to get away from a great deal of things to bring. This Christmas I’m giving my wife ( hopefully ) a new piece of luggage. One that should be easier to lug around.One of roller pieces of luggage. Have you ever needed to clean things like the tables, phone, TV, etc about the sicknesses that could still be there from that last people. i worry about that every time I go. I would love to go on a longer cruise but I can’t get my wife to go on it. She says to me ” Paul, 8 days is long enough ” I laugh sometimes but she says to me, ” if you want to go on a longer cruise, get someone to go with you.” Any ideas to help me? Ha,ha,ha.
Have a wonderful day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
I find about 16 days to be perfect. A week seems too short for me, too much effort for such a short time. But, we always travel longer than most people. As for the cleaning, I don’t worry about such things. But you did remind me to add Vitamin C to the list above. I dose up before embarking and take some everyday while we travel.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
It doesn’t matter whether I pack light or take almost everything in my wardrobe, I always end up with mostly the wrong clothes. Half my stuff goes unworn whereas a couple of things get worn to death. I don’t think I am good at packing.
David
Very useful list Rhonda. I’ve never taken a cruise but it does seem like packing appropriately seems more important than usual, particularly when it comes to dinner wear. I appreciate you including men’s clothing as that is something you often see overlooked even when its straightforward. You’ve managed to cruise to some pretty neat places.
Rhonda Albom
True, we have the same problem for hubby. While there were a few people who chose to wear a tuxedo to the formal dinner, most of the younger men, and newer to cruising men just wore a jacket or shirt and tie.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I totally get your POV and you look great in that little black dress and all clothing so appropriate. I remember when my mother and I went to Namibia – where we had to pack very very light and we did … but on our way back from Angola down to Windhoek in a tiny plane a chap got on, who was large to start with, and baggage for Africa – I don’t think he thought of others or the situation … but we weren’t on a cruise ship! Cheers and an excellent listing for any of us who might go on a cruise … Hilary
Lolo
I’ve only been on one cruise in my life and I remember having to bring so many different kinds of clothes! It was crazy! This will certainly come in helpful!
Cile Brooks
Best article by far I have read. We are taking a 14 night Riverboat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest for our 40th anniversary in 3 weeks and we have never been on a cruise before. I have fretted about having the right clothes even though dressy clothes are not needed. Your article really got down to the basics. Thank you!