What to pack for a cruise
I packed for a 7 day cruise + 3 days in Disney in a carry-on and had plenty of clothes. Cruises are super easy to pack for since it’s usually warm and you’ll be in a bathing suit the majority of the time. I’ll do another post on just a packing list for cruises/caribbean trips.
Everyday clothing - I packed about 3-4 bikinis that could be interchanged. I have a pair of black bottoms and a few tops that can go with it. This helps save a ton of space! Same with regular clothes. I had a few white tops and would interchange with the bottoms (maxi skirt, shorts, jeans, etc). I also packed a few dresses for nights I didn’t want to wear pants. Don’t forget a cover up for your swimsuit.
Shoes - I packed one pair of wedges for formal night, 2 pairs of sandals, Chacos, and tennis shoes. This was too much, honestly, but they all came in handy.
Formal night - Anything goes. They won’t bar you from the dining room if you aren’t dressed formally enough. I’ve seen everything from ballgowns to bob’s burgers pajama pants (seriously)… I usually pack a cocktail dress and wedges or something of the sort. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may have 1 or 2. You absolutely do not have to go to formal night and can opt to eat in the buffet. But it is usually pretty fun :) This past cruise, I wore a black cotton midi dress from Target and some cheetah flatform espadrilles.
Room stuff - You can research for days and find things to add to your room. Usually, a small power strip to add to your amount of outlets is good, and maybe a nightlight if you’re in an interior room. Other than that, you can bring stuff to decorate your door or your friend’s door (for bachelorette, anniversary, etc.) and can bring whatever makes you comfortable in your room.
Aloe - Chances are that you will get a little sunburnt on your trip. Bring some aloe just in case and keep your skin happy.
Sunscreen - Absolutely bring sunscreen. You should be wearing sunscreen daily anyway, but especially on a cruise. For facial sunscreen, I LOVE elta MD. It is a bit more expensive, but is a great investment in facial sunscreen. If you’re going to go swimming in the ocean, be sure to get a reef-safe sunscreen so we are nice to our coral friends :) Here are 15 safe sunscreens to choose from. No excuses.
Games - We always bring a few games to play in our room or at a bar. Dylan and I have played Sims allllll over the world now lol. Cards against humanity, left, right, center, What do you Meme?, a regular ole deck of playing cards. Whatever floats your boat!
Hand sanitizer / soap - Cruises are notorious for having norovirus and just lots of germs. They try really hard to get everyone to wash their hands before entering the buffet, but some people sneak by. Bring your own hand sanitizer and your own hand soap if that’s your jam (aka me) and stay safe and clean!
Random stuff -
Water safe shoes - great for beaches and snorkeling. I use my chacos since they’re sturdier than flip-flops.
Dramamine - for seasickness or any kind of motion sickness.
Zofran - if you get nauseous! I stockpile this stuff.
Towel clips - cruise decks are WIIIIINDY. Invest in some towel clips to keep your towel from flying off. But don’t be that person who saves their seat by the pool in the morning and then leaves it for hours.
Walkie-talkies - just fun to have to talk to your group if you don’t have service.
Band-aids - you never know when you’ll need them! Go ahead and pack them.
Waterproof phone case - speaks for itself.
Do you have any must-haves for a cruise? If so, leave them in the comments below!