Are you guilty of overpacking? You’re not alone! Packing for a cruise can be tricky, but the key is to bring only what you truly need. In this guide, I’ll share the best tips and tricks to help you pack efficiently and travel light—without sacrificing comfort or style.
Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Pack in Outfits, Not Individual Pieces
One of the biggest mistakes when packing light is bringing too many separate items instead of complete outfits. Rather than packing seven different shirts and shorts for a seven-day cruise, focus on mixing and matching pieces that can be reworn in different combinations. Prioritize versatile clothing to cut down on the number of items you bring.
For example, instead of packing both a suit jacket and a blazer, bring just one blazer that can be dressed up or down. Pair it with a button down shirt for formal dinners, a polo for casual dinners, or even a T-shirt for a laid-back look.
Plan to Repeat
When packing light, plan to repeat a few key pieces that can be worn multiple times. While you’ll want a fresh shirt and underwear each day, bottoms can easily be reworn.
For example, jeans take up a lot of space, so rather than packing several pairs, bring one that you can wear more than once. If they need a refresh, simply hang it up to air out and use a fabric freshener to eliminate odors and keep it feeling fresh.
Stick to a Coordinated Color Palette
The easiest way to mix and match outfits is to stick to a specific color palette. The goal is to ensure everything coordinates effortlessly.
For example, if you prefer colorful shorts, pack white or beige tops so everything pairs easily. Personally, I love wearing stripes, so I stick to striped tops with solid-colored bottoms for a cohesive look.
Limit Your Shoes
Shoes take up the most space in your luggage, so try to limit yourself to three pairs: flip-flops, comfortable walking shoes, and dress shoes. To maximize space, wear your bulkiest pair on embarkation day. For example, I usually wear sneakers when boarding and pack my flip-flops and dress shoes in my luggage.
Wear Bulky Items on Embarkation Day
The same strategy applies to bulky clothing. Be intentional about what you wear when boarding to save space in your suitcase. Wear your jacket and jeans on embarkation day instead of packing them.
Choose Multi-Purpose Items
Packing multi-purpose items is one of the best ways to save space in your suitcase while still having plenty of outfit options. Choose clothing and accessories that can be worn in different ways or for multiple occasions.
For example, a scarf or pashmina can serve as a beach cover-up, a cozy blanket on the plane, or a stylish wrap for a dressier dinner. A maxi dress is another great choice—it’s comfortable for sightseeing with flip-flops during the day but can easily be dressed up at night with sandals, jewelry, and a light sweater.
Minimize Your Toiletry Bag
Most cruise ships provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so there’s no need to pack full-size bottles. Instead, bring only the essentials, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any must-have skincare items.
To save space, transfer lotions and creams into TSA-approved travel containers (3.4 ounces or less). For example, I always scoop a small amount of my face cream into a travel-sized container instead of packing the entire jar.
For short cruises, sample-sized products (that I get free from beauty counters) are a great way to minimize bulk while still having everything you need.
If you wear makeup, keep it simple with a few versatile items—such as a tinted moisturizer with SPF, mascara, and a lipstick that works for both day and night.
Limit Accessories
When packing accessories, choose versatile pieces that work for multiple occasions. Instead of bringing several purses, pack one bag that works for both day and night. I like this crossbody bag, it has anti-theft protection and RFID protection plus it’s versatile enough for a day at the port or to use in the dining room.
Use a Packing List
The key to avoiding overpacking is to have a packing list—and stick to it. Think of it like grocery shopping with a list: when you have one, you’re more likely to stay on track and avoid unnecessary purchases. But if you shop without a list, impulse buys can quickly add up. The same goes for packing—without a plan, you’ll likely bring more than you actually need. Check out my cruise travel planners to help you stay organized.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a must-have for staying organized and maximizing space. They compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your luggage without needing an extra bag. Plus, they keep everything neatly arranged, so you don’t have to dig through your suitcase to find what you need. I like this packing cube because it compresses and is also expandable.
For even better organization, label your cubes or use different colors for each family member. This system makes unpacking in your cabin a breeze—just place the cubes in drawers or on shelves, and you’re all set!
Bring a Foldable Bag
Instead of packing an extra suitcase, bring a foldable duffel bag. It takes up minimal space but gives you an extra bag when needed—perfect for bringing home souvenirs. Since it folds up compactly, you won’t even notice it’s there until you need it. It’s also a good idea to bring a foldable backpack or tote for shopping when at cruise ports.
Pack Space Saving Items
When packing accessories, look for foldable or collapsible versions to save space. For example, don’t pack bulky water bottles, bring collapsible water bottles that takes up minimal space when not in use.
Instead of bringing beach toys for your kids, choose a set with a collapsible bucket instead of a full-sized one. If you’re packing an umbrella, bring compact umbrellas. Small swaps like these can make a big difference in your luggage!
Plan to Do Laundry
Be prepared to do some laundry during your cruise. Pack a small travel-size detergent to wash essentials like underwear, swimsuits, and quick-dry clothing in your cabin sink. Some cruise ships also have self-service laundromats, so check in advance if yours offers this option.
If self-service laundromat isn’t available, you can use the ship’s wash-and-fold laundry service. Many cruise lines offer discounts on laundry if you buy the service in advance, and some give special deals for loyalty program members. Keep an eye out for these discounts to save money.
Bring a Luggage Scale
To avoid overweight baggage fees, bring a travel luggage scale. This is especially helpful if you’re flying to your cruise port, since it allows you to weigh your bags before your flight and adjust accordingly. If your luggage is over the weight limit, you can redistribute items between bags instead of paying extra airline fees.
What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)
What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
12 Things to Bring from Home to Save Money on Your Cruise
10 Ridiculous Time Wasters to Avoid on a Cruise
I’ve Been on over 25 Cruises, Here are 17 Things I’ll Never Do on a Cruise