Ahoy there, fellow cruise enthusiasts! If you’re like me, gearing up for an unplugged 7-day cruise is as exciting as it gets. But hold onto your sun hats because I’ve got some insider tips on how to pack light for a 7-day cruise while ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable voyage. Say goodbye to bulky luggage and hello to stress-free, minimalist travel!

Embracing Minimalist Travel for Your Cruise Adventure

Packing for a 7-day cruise might seem daunting at first, especially when you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on suitcase. But it is entirely possible! With a bit of strategic planning and some savvy packing techniques, you’ll be sailing with ease. Read about my first ever week-long cruise here.

My First Week-Long Cruise on the Norwegian Prima

Why Go Carry-On Only?

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of packing, let’s talk about why opting for a carry-on-only approach is a great idea:

• Convenience: Not having to check your bag means less waiting at check-in and less time waiting at baggage claim upon reentry.
• Save a Few Dollars: If you carry your bags onboard and offboard, you don’t have to worry about tipping staff to assist with the relocation of your bags.
• Mobility: Carrying around large bags is not at all convenient. They get heavy and are sometimes difficult to maneuver through doorways, carousels, and other highly trafficked areas.
• Peace of Mind: Never worry about lost luggage disrupting your cruise vacation. This is a big one for me!

Now that we’ve established the benefits, let’s move on to crafting your perfect packing list for a week-long cruise adventure.

How to Pack for a 7-day Cruise

*Many of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you click the links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!

Clothing Essentials:

• Versatile Outfits: Pack mix-and-match pieces to maximize your wardrobe options while minimizing bulk. Solid color items are super easy to mix & match together.
• Daytime Attire: Depending on where you’re going, you’ll want to have an outfit that is comfortable for walking around if you’re visiting a port.
• Specialty Dinner Attire: If you’re planning on attending a specialty dinner, make sure you know the attire. I typically bring one or two nice dresses and where the same fancy sandals and jewelry with both outfits.
• Evening Wear: It can get pretty chilly on deck in the evenings so bring something for those colder evening strolls around the ship.
• Swimwear: Essential for soaking up the sun on deck or taking a dip in the pool. I am not an affiliate, but I ordered all my new swimsuits this year from Cupshe and Popvil and I absolutely loved every suit! I also purchased this adorable top for pool days.
• Activewear: If hitting the gym or participating in onboard activities is on your agenda, be sure to pack appropriate attire.

If you’re feeling like you’re forgetting something, that’s absolutely okay. Most cruise ships offer onboard laundry (for a fee) and you can always buy items you forgot at ports. Just ensure you’re bringing the necessities and the rest can be improvised! Even those of us who know how to pack for a 7-day cruise often forget things when we’re excited!

Accessories:

• Footwear: A comfortable pair of walking shoes, sandals for the pool deck, and dressier shoes for evening events should cover all your bases.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun in style while lounging on deck or exploring sunny ports.
• Jewelry: Keep it simple with a few key pieces like this or this that can elevate your look without taking up too much space. Think simple anklets, small hoop earrings, etc.

Toiletries and Personal Care:

• Travel-Sized Toiletries: Opt for mini versions of your favorite toiletries or invest in refillable travel containers to save space.
• Sunscreen and After-Sun Care: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and soothe any sunburns with these essentials. This includes chapstick with SPF! Between the sun and the wind, your lips can get fairly dry on a cruise.
• Medications: Don’t forget any prescription medications you may need during your trip, as well as non-drowsy motion sickness medication or patches.
• Hair Care: Simplify your hair routine with travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.

Miscellaneous Items:

• Travel Documents: Keep your passport, cruise documents, and any other important paperwork organized and easily accessible.
  • A Lanyard: Not all cruise ships will provide you with a lanyard to carry around your keycard while onboard. Norwegian did not so I was glad we brought our own lanyard so we didn’t have to buy one on board or potentially lose our cards.
• Electronics: Don’t forget your camera, GoPro, or smartphone to capture all the amazing memories, along with chargers and adapters. Often rooms only have 2 outlets so bringing a non-surge-protected extension cord is a must!
  • There are limited outlets on cruise ships. Each ship also varies on what kind of adaptors you can and can’t bring so be sure to look at the policy, however, most ships will allow plug-ins that are NOT surge-protected. (the opposite of what we usually need).
• Filtered Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated onboard and during excursions with a refillable water bottle. I advise bringing a filtered bottle so you can fill it up at any port without fear of water contamination.
  • Hydration Supplements: Being in the sun all day in addition to potentially consuming alcohol, dehydration can occur. Take care of yourself by bringing some hydration packets. My 3 favorite supplements are Salud, Prime, and KAGED Hydra-charge.
• Entertainment: Whether it’s a book, e-reader, or deck of cards, having some form of entertainment for downtime is essential! *If they require charging, don’t forget the chargers for these either.
• Money: Although you may have the all-inclusive package, you may want some cash on hand to tip staff, to spend at the casino, or to purchase souvenirs at the ports.

If Space Allows:

• Towel Clips/Bands: It can get pretty crowded on the pool deck and wind can blow your towel away while you’re at the bar or in the pool. These clips and bands are inexpensive ways to reserve your spot.
• Waterproof Storage: A phone case or storage bag for electronics is super convenient. Not only does it keep your items dry, but keeps sand out of places it shouldn’t be.
• A Pool Bag: I packed a lightweight backpack to take extra clothes, a water bottle, my Kindle, and sunscreen to the pool. It would have been great for excursions as well.
• Scarves or Wraps: Perfect for adding a touch of warmth or dressing up an outfit for cooler evenings.

Tips for Efficient Packing

Now that you have your packing list sorted, let’s talk about some tips for making the most of your limited space:

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimize wrinkles.
• Use Packing Cubes: Keep your suitcase organized and maximize space with the help of packing cubes or compression bags.
• Wear Bulky Items: If you’re bringing along bulkier items like jackets or boots, wear them during travel to free up space in your suitcase.
• Limit Shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space, so try to limit yourself to just a few pairs that can serve multiple purposes. Watershoes, a pair of walking shoes for shore excursions, and a nicer pair of sandals/heels for dinner.
• Mix and Match: Stick to a cohesive color palette to ensure that all your clothing items can be easily mixed and matched for various outfits.
• Multiuse: I packed just one pair of jean shorts, one pair of jeans, one pair of comfortable athletic shorts, and one pair of linen pants. I wore jean shorts or linen pants over my swimsuit almost every day! I just changed my swimsuit and top and it looked like a new outfit.

And That’s How to Pack for a 7-day Cruise. Bon Voyage!

Armed with your minimalist packing list and these handy tips, you now know how to pack for a 7-day cruise adventure with just a carry-on suitcase. Embrace the freedom of traveling light and enjoy every moment of your seafaring escapade. Smooth seas and happy travels, my friends! 🚢✨