Following my Oasis of the Seas cruise in September, where I only brought one 20kg bag for two people, I’ve been on a mission to pack less and less. There’s nothing more I hate than lugging a suitcase around in 30 degree heat. Especially when you get home and realise that you barely even unpacked, and didn’t wear half the things you packed.
Now, I’m talking about trying to squeeze everything into a backpack. But maybe a 10kg wheely carry-on, rather than a checked bag. Y’know? We’re still wanting to change our underwear, but not 15 pairs for a 7 night cruise.
🧴 Smart, Multi-Use Toiletries for Your Packing List
I am the skincare king, and I can guantee you’re doing, and taking, too much. Plus, cruise cabins are small. So we’re focusing on double-duty (or triple-duty!) products to save space without sacrificing your routine.
What to pack:
- Face & Body SPF: A lightweight SPF 50 that works for both your face and body is a must. You don’t need two separate bottles. And realistically, are you going to use 3 bottles between 2 of you? Probably not. A single 100ml bottle is plenty.
- Hydrating Serum: A simple hyaluronic acid will be great regardless of skin type/conditions! And you can apply it to your body for a lil extra boost.
- All-in-One Wash: Hair, body, and even shaving – choose a solid or concentrated version if possible. I know what you’re thinking… I know. But we’re prioritising space than condition. But if you’ve got bleached or damaged hair, maybe just bring a hydrating mask as well.
- After-Sun Gel or Aloe-Based Moisturiser: Something soothing that doubles as a night-time hydrator.
- Cleansing Balm: This is a must. Removing everything at the end of the day is almost equally as important as your sunscreen.
Tip: Solid shampoos and deodorants are another clever win.
Can’t handle a condensed routine? I’ve got a full skincare blog post here.
👗 Clothes That Wash & Dry Fast
On a cruise, laundry services can be expensive – and you who wants to waste time waiting for a machine? Focus on quick-dry, wrinkle-resistant clothing that can be rinsed in the sink and worn again the next day.
Pack:
- 1–2 versatile dresses or jumpsuits (one can be ‘dressy’)
- 2 pairs of breathable shorts or skirts
- Mix-and-match tops (ideally in lightweight fabrics like bamboo, Tencel, or modal)
- 1 swimsuit + 1 spare
Look for dark colours or patterns – they show fewer creases and stains. Avoid anything that must be ironed.
👡 Shoes That Do It All
The key here is versatility. Women – you want sandals that are cute enough for dinner but comfy enough for port days. And Men – a classic white sneaker will be great.
Bring:
- 1 pair of dressy-but-practical sandals (think leather slides or clogs)
- 1 pair of supportive day shoes – whether that’s cushioned sandals, trainers, or espadrilles
- Optional: flip-flops for pool or spa
Resist the urge to bring heels. You’ll rarely wear them, especially with all the walking and ship movement.
If you’re going on a six-star cruise, you may want to read up on their Main Dining room dresscodes first.
👜 Bags & Accessories
Small things, big difference.
- Lightweight tote: A foldable tote takes up next to nothing in your backpack, but will save you from packing 2-3 bags you may not even use. Great for embarkation, beach days, and exploring ports.
- Packable sun hat: Bonus if you decide to skip the shampoo. And bald men, you’ll safe on SPF if you wear a hat!
🔌 Tech & Essentials
- 2 in 1: Universal travel adapterUSB charger with multiple ports
Also: don’t forget your cruise documents, passport, insurance, and any port entry requirements printed and saved digitally.
🧳 The Packing Strategy
Use packing cubes to compress your clothes and stay organised.
Wear your bulkiest outfit on travel day (your trousers, a tee, and your comfy shoes).
And finally: don’t pack “just in case” items. If you don’t definitely plan to wear it, it stays behind.
Bonus: Cruise-Specific Tips
- Most cruise lines don’t enforce super formal dress codes anymore. One smart-casual outfit will do just fine.
- Laundry tip: A little travel-size laundry detergent, a sink stopper, and a travel clothesline will let you rinse and dry your clothes in-cabin.
- Don’t overpack swimwear – you’ll dry off fast, and one suit can be rinsed and reused.
Final Thoughts
Packing light for a cruise doesn’t mean going without – it means packing smarter. You’ll breeze through airports, skip baggage queues, and never worry about lugging a heavy suitcase through a hot port.
Plus, with fewer decisions to make each day, you’ll spend more time relaxing – which is kind of the point of a cruise, right?
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