Cruise Packing List for the Minimalist
Introduction
If I had to pick two words to describe myself, I’d go with “ghoulishly pale.” But if I had five words, I’d add “cruise addict” and “minimalist.” Ghoulishly pale, cruise addict, minimalist. That’s me! So despite having to lug along an extra suitcase for my bulk sunscreen, I’m uniquely qualified to write a post about cruise packing for minimalists. Allow me to elaborate just a bit (If I had six words, I’d add “rambling,” because while I’m short on possessions, I’m long on words).
Six years ago I quit my job as a college professor, sold my house and everything in it, and drove my remaining two possessions, a refurbished Vitamix and a shaggy rescue dog called Henry, across the country to begin a new life in Seattle as a professional cruiser. Many thought I was crazy (Seven words? “Crazy!”) and wondered how I would adjust, going from a large four-story house bursting at the seams with belongings to living in small downtown apartment with only the absolute essentials for daily survival. Drum roll please…
I love it and have never looked back! Not only does living a minimalist lifestyle allow me to financially prioritize experiences and travel, not having many “things” makes me feel…free! Untethered! Unburdened! It’s an easier, simpler life. And I can’t recommend it enough. (But, fair warning, if I invite you over for dinner, bring your own set of dishes.)
My minimalist nature and frequent cruises (I lost count after 30) mean that I have cruise packing down to a science. It took me a few years to master it, but these days I generally bring the same items, only the bare essentials, on every cruise and can be packed and out the door in under 10 minutes.
Now I know not everyone is as hard core as me, but I figured it might be helpful for those hoping to avoid hiring a second taxi for their luggage to learn from my experience. Trust me, you DO NOT NEED at least half of the things on popular cruise packing lists. You’ll just end up spending money on unnecessary items (save that $$$ for more cruises!), tired and sore from dragging around heavy luggage, and suffocated in a tiny, clutter-filled cruise cabin.
So, here’s my cruise packing list for the minimalist!
Cruise Packing List for the Minimalist
This is my general packing list regardless of cruise length, but I do modify it some for very short or very long cruises. For me (but keep in mind I still fit into children’s sizes and am not allowed on rollercoasters) all these items fit into a small roller bag and a backpack.
Here’s the downloadable and printable list followed by photos and more detail for each item below.
Clothing for Women
Pack items that don’t wrinkle easily, aren’t too bulky, and can be easily washed by hand in the sink or shower. Also, choose a color palate so you can mix and match all your items. I generally go with navy, black, gray, and white. I’ve linked to the items in the photos below if you like them, but any similar items that you already have will work fine.
- Two pairs of casual shorts. I recommend one pair of jean shorts and one pair of hiking type shorts.
- Two casual shirts. I usually pack one t-shirt and one tank (that can double as a workout shirt).
- One pair of athletic shoes appropriate for walking around port and the ship and working out (if you do that).
- One pair of athletic shorts that can be worn to work out, over a swimsuit, or to lounge around.
- One pair of casual pants or leggings with pockets (I always pack 3/4 length black leggings, which I wear with both casual and dressy tops).
- One dressy top. I prefer something long that can dress up a pair of black leggings.
- One lightweight, neutral colored cardigan. Some ship venues can get chilly. Pack something you can wear over your dressy shirt or dress.
- One versatile, lightweight dress that can be worn onboard, in port, and for formal night dinners.
- Lightweight, versatile dress shoes. These Crocs are my #1 cruise packing hack for women. They weigh almost nothing, are waterproof, are comfy, and look cute with a dress, some leggings and a dressy top, or with jean shorts and a t-shirt.
- One swimsuit.
- Optional pool/beach shoes. If my cruise includes a beach day or other water activity, I always throw in a pair of water socks. You may opt for sandals or flip flops instead.
- Two sets of underwear/socks. If you were skeptical before, you’re probably throwing up your arms in disgust by this point. But seriously, I only pack two sets of underwear (one regular bra, one sports bra, and two pairs of panties) and two pairs of socks for my cruises. I rinse them out in the sink with Tide Travel Sink Packets after I wear them.
Clothing for Men
Pack items that don’t wrinkle easily, aren’t too bulky, and can be easily washed by hand in the sink or shower. Also, choose a color palate so you can mix and match all your items. I generally go with navy, black, gray, and white. I’ve linked to the items in the photos below if you like them, but any similar items that you already have will work fine.
- Two pairs of casual shorts.
- Two casual shirts. I recommend one t-shirt and one tank (that can double as a workout shirt).
- One pair of athletic shoes appropriate for walking around port and the ship and working out (if you do that).
- One pair of athletic shorts that can be worn to work out or to lounge around.
- One pair of khaki or dark colored pants (dark if you’re inclined to spill).
- Two dressier tops. I recommend one button down and one polo. (Many cruise dress codes require a collared shirt in the main dining room on formal/elegant nights, so keep that in mind.)
- One lightweight, neutral-colored sweater.
- Lightweight, versatile dress shoes. These mens boat-shoe style Crocs weigh almost nothing, are waterproof, comfy, and can be paired with either a button down shirt for formal night or a polo for a business casual look.
- One pair of swim trunks.
- Optional pool/beach shoes. If my cruise includes a beach day or other water activity, I always throw in a pair of water socks. You may opt for sandals or flip flops instead.
- Two sets of underwear, two pairs of athletic socks and two pairs of dress socks. You’ll have to SWEAR to wash them out after every use YOURSELF to get your spouse or partner onboard with this one. Feel free to blame it on me: “Prof. Cruise said this was a good idea and that you should rinse them out for me.” Wait, NO! I did NOT say that!
Beauty and Hygiene
All cruise ships will provide shampoo and liquid body wash and some will provide conditioner and bars of soap. You can save luggage space by using the provided products, but the quality will vary depending on your cruise line. I haven’t included them on my list because I never pack them, but try to pack travel sizes if you’re particular about brand and want to bring your own.
- Travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Floss.
- Travel-sized deodorant.
- Daily moisturizer, cleanser, makeup (travel sizes if possible).
- Travel size brush/comb
- Razor
Health and Wellness
I always come prepared with a variety of over-the-counter meds, but generally combine them into one small bottle, container, or bag. You’ll save space by not packing a bunch of different bottles and boxes. Avoid liquid medication in favor of tablets or capsules when possible.
- Sunscreen (reef safe sunscreen is required in some locations like Hawaii, but I recommend everyone switch to it – it’s better for your body and the environment).
- Sunglasses.
- Sun hat (I use one designed for running, because it’s lightweight and small to pack).
- Band-aids.
- Bug wipes (these aren’t always necessary, but I recommend bringing them if you have outdoor activities planned).
- Prescription meds (be sure to pack these in your carry-on bag).
- Pain reliever.
- Sea sick remedy. See my full post on the best options HERE.
- Pepto or alike (I always go with the generic brand tablets).
- Tums or alike (I always go with the generic brand).
- Cold/Flu meds (I always go with generic brand capsules and pack both daytime and nightime).
Optional Ship/Port Extras
These are optional items that I’ve found worth packing on some cruises. Think about your ship, itinerary, plans, and individual preferences to determine if any of them make sense for you.
- Backpack. I use a backpack as my carry-on bag, but also use it in port as I’m exploring around or hiking.
- Travel umbrella. I always check the weather forecast for my ports on the morning of my departure and toss in a small umbrella if there’s a chance of rain.
- Extra outlets. Older ships often lack sufficient outlets (sometimes only having one). Search YouTube for a tour of your cabin category in advance to see if you’ll need to pack extra outlets. I have this one because it’s specifically designed and approved for cruise ships (anything with a surge protector is not allowed).
- Travel clock. Cruise cabins get very dark at night and don’t have illuminated clocks. If you like checking the time in the night, a small travel clock can be useful. You can also rely on your cell phone, but you’ll have to feel around for it instead of just glancing over at the clock.
- Travel mug. If I’m on a cool weather itinerary or one with lots of sea days, I sometimes pack a travel mug, so I can enjoy a hot beverage while relaxing around the ship.
- Small clip fan. I use this in the gym (ship gyms can be very hot and stuffy) and sometimes on hot days in port. It’s also great for ambient noise and air circulation at night.
- Lanyard. I generally prefer to stick my ship card in a pocket, but sometimes I still use a lanyard (and definitely pack one for my son if he’s with me).
- Reusable straws. Most cruise lines no longer provide plastic straws. Some offer gross edible straws and some provide “toilet paper” straws that don’t hold up well. If I’ve purchased a drink package, I’ll pack reusable straws. Otherwise, I don’t bother.
Don’t Forget!
Don’t forget these items! I always run through this list right before I leave my apartment to double check that I have them all.
- Phone and charger
- Travel docs (air, hotel, and cruise)
- Passport (or birth certificate if allowed on your itinerary)
- Government issued photo ID (driver’s license if you plan on driving in port)
- Visas (if required on your itinerary – these will be part of your passport, but I always bring any paper documentation along just to be safe).
- Credit/debit card
- Cash (bring small bills for tips)
- Insurance card
- Travel insurance policy (I always go through this site to purchase travel insurance. You can compare plans and rates and read reviews. It’s almost always cheaper than what’s available to purchase directly through cruise lines)
Final Thoughts
For many, this list will be aspirational and you’ll end up with many more items than I’ve listed. And that’s okay! Do what works best for you! View this as a starting point or as fodder for laughter and eye rolls among you and your overpacking friends. But don’t be offended if this crazy, ghoulishly pale, rambling, cruise addicted, minimalist laughs right back as I sprint past you toward the embarkation line with my tiny, lightweight roller bag. I’ll try not to eat all the buffet food before you make it onboard! And with that…
Class Dismissed!
Wondering what to pack for a cool/cold weather cruise? Go HERE for my guide to packing for Alaska.
Homework (10 points): Share your best cruise packing tips to the comments.
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