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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Homework (10 points): Share your best cruise packing tips to the comments.
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