On my first cruise, I brought two suitcases. Two.
One for clothes, and one for “what-ifs.” What if it rained? What if there were five formal nights? What if I suddenly decided to start running laps on Deck 5?
By Day 3, I realized I was wearing the same 4 outfits on repeat. My second suitcase sat untouched like a giant monument to overthinking.
So on my next cruise, I made a bold choice: pack like a minimalist.
And guess what? I felt freer, looked better, and didn’t waste a second stressing over what to wear.
Here’s exactly how you can pack light for your cruise—and still look fabulous from sail-away to the final sunset.
Why Go Minimalist on a Cruise?
Cruises make it tempting to bring your whole closet. But overpacking:
- Clutters your small cabin
- Drains your energy every morning (“What should I wear?”)
- Costs more if you’re flying to port (checked baggage fees)
- Makes disembarkation a total pain
Minimalist packing is about choosing smarter, not less. It’s not about depriving yourself—it’s about curating what you actually need.
1. Choose a Simple Color Palette
Why it works:
A neutral or coordinated palette makes it easier to mix and match. Think black, white, beige, navy, or soft pastels.
How to do it:
- Pack tops and bottoms that all go together
- Choose accessories (scarves, jewelry) to add color or texture
- Let one or two statement pieces shine—like a bold dinner outfit
✅ My go-to: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 dress = 6+ outfits with no stress.
2. Limit Yourself to 2–3 Pairs of Shoes
I used to pack 6 Seriously.
Now? I bring:
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes (excursions + embarkation)
- One pair of sandals or flats (casual onboard days)
- Optional: One dressy pair for formal night (or just glam up your flats)
Pro tip: Break shoes in before your cruise. Blisters ruin fun faster than anything.
3. Pack for Layers, Not Bulk
Even warm-weather cruises get cool at night or inside restaurants.
What to bring:
- A light cardigan or wrap (doubles for dinner & deck evenings)
- A denim or utility jacket (goes with everything)
- A swimsuit cover-up that can also work as a casual dress
Cruise hack: Air conditioning onboard can be fierce. Don’t let it catch you off-guard.
4. Swimsuits: Less Is More Than Enough
You do need more than one—but not five.
- Pack 2 swimsuits: one for wearing, one for drying
- 1–2 cover-ups or quick-dry shorts for poolside lounging
- Don’t forget flip-flops or waterproof sandals
Pro tip: Choose a dark-colored or classic-cut suit—it’ll work for pools, hot tubs, and beach excursions alike.
Do a Little Sink Laundry (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Minimalist packing doesn’t mean sacrificing clean clothes.
Bring:
- A travel-sized packet of detergent or a bar of laundry soap
- A quick-dry towel or a few clothespins to hang your wash in the bathroom
- Optional: a reusable laundry bag to separate worn items
Washing a few items mid-cruise = fresh outfits without extra luggage.
6. Streamline Your Toiletries & Makeup
Cabin bathrooms aren’t huge. Go for a minimal skincare + beauty kit.
What works:
- Travel-sized versions of your daily essentials
- Multipurpose items: BB cream, lip/cheek tint, combo shampoo/body wash
- A small pouch that keeps everything visible and tidy
And don’t forget:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe!)
- A mini first-aid kit
- Razor, hair ties, and any must-haves for personal comfort
Skip the hotel-style overload. Cruise ships have towels, soap, and hairdryers.
7. Use Packing Cubes or Zip Pouches
These help divide:
- Day outfits
- Evening outfits
- Swimwear
- Undergarments
Not only do they maximize space, they also make unpacking into the cruise cabin drawers way easier.
Cabin space is limited. Organization = peace of mind.
8. Look Stylish with Fewer Pieces
The secret to looking great with a minimalist wardrobe? Confidence, comfort, and accessories.
Pack:
- A versatile dress or jumpsuit for formal or casual dinner nights
- A scarf that doubles as a shawl or head wrap
- Statement earrings or a necklace that instantly “dresses up” your look
Style isn’t about quantity. It’s how you carry yourself.
9. Don’t Forget These Minimalist-Friendly Essentials
✅ Lanyard for your cruise card
✅ Refillable water bottle
✅ Waterproof phone pouch
✅ Small day bag or sling
✅ Travel-sized stain remover
✅ E-reader or Kindle (instead of heavy books)
These take up almost no space but solve real problems onboard.
10. The Golden Rule: Stick to a Color Palette
Problem: Most people pack random “just in case” outfits, leading to mismatched pieces and unused clothes.
Solution:
- Pick 2-3 base colors (e.g., navy, white, and tan) + 1 accent (like coral or emerald).
- Every top should match every bottom.
- Example capsule wardrobe:
- 2 swimsuits
- 3 versatile tops
- 2 bottoms (shorts + skirt)
- 1 dressy outfit
- 1 lightweight jacket
Pro Tip: Roll clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.