I still remember standing in my tiny cruise cabin, suitcase wide open, panic bubbling in my chest. It was Day 1 of my very first cruise, a 7-day Caribbean sailing I had dreamt of for years and I was already in trouble. My favorite sundress was wrinkled beyond repair, my power strip was confiscated at check-in, and I had four pairs of heels… but not a single pair of flip-flops.
Welcome to the cruise packing mistakes. I was its newest student and on that trip, I earned a full degree.
If you’re a first-time cruiser, please don’t pack like I did.
Let me walk you through what I got wrong and what I wish someone had told me. Because when you’re in the middle of the ocean, a forgotten item can feel like a big deal.
1. Packing Too Many “Just in Case” Outfits
I brought 22 outfits for a 7-day cruise. Yes, you read that right.
I imagined every scenario: fancy dinners, windy decks, beach days, poolside lounging, impromptu dance nights. But guess what? I ended up living in the same 4 outfits on repeat
What You Actually Need:
- 3–4 casual daytime outfits
- 2 evening outfits for formal or themed nights
- 1–2 swimsuits (and a cover-up!)
- One light sweater or jacket (ships get cold at night!)
- Comfortable shoes — sandals and walking shoes, max one formal pair.
You don’t want to waste precious vacation time ironing clothes or digging through an overstuffed suitcase. Packing light = packing smart.
2. Ignoring Cruise-Specific Essentials
Cruise ships aren’t like hotels—and I learned this the hard way.
I forgot a power strip (and even if you bring one, make sure it’s cruise-approved without surge protection), a refillable water bottle, and magnetic hooks. Yes, the cabin walls are metal!
Also? I didn’t bring motion sickness bands—and trust me, I needed them on Day 2 when the sea got rough. I spent half the day horizontal, praying the ship would stop rocking.
Must-Haves for Every Cruise:
- Cruise-approved power strip
- Magnetic hooks (for hats, towels, lanyards)
- Seasickness remedies (Bonine, ginger chews, Sea-Bands)
- Refillable bottle or tumbler (the buffet’s drinks stations don’t offer bottled water)
- Travel-sized laundry detergent (a few items WILL get dirty)
You’re not just packing for a trip—you’re packing for a floating city. Think ahead.
3. Not Planning for Port Days
I brought all my attention to onboard activities, but forgot to prepare for port excursions. Big mistake.
On a snorkeling trip in Cozumel, I realized I hadn’t packed a dry bag or water shoes. My phone nearly drowned, and my feet still remember those sharp rocks.
In Jamaica, it rained—and I had no poncho. Just a dripping straw hat and wet clothes.
Cruise Port Day Essentials:
- Waterproof phone pouch / dry bag
- Water shoes
- Lightweight backpack
- Portable charger
- Sunscreen (reef-safe!)
- Printed excursion tickets / ID
Port days are the highlight of most cruises. Don’t let poor planning ruin them.
4. Bringing Prohibited Items
I had no idea that cruise lines have strict rules about what you can bring. My trusty power strip with surge protection? Confiscated. My travel iron? Taken. Even my small bottle of wine caused unnecessary drama because I didn’t follow the guidelines. Different lines have different rules, but all are clear: check their prohibited items list.
What to Double-Check:
- Power strips (must be non-surge)
- Liquor and wine limits (usually 1 bottle per adult)
- Clothing irons, steamers
- Extension cords
- Candles or incense
Watching security pull items from your suitcase in front of a line of other passengers? Humbling. Avoid it.
5. Forgetting Comfort Over Style
I wanted to look good in my cruise photos—so I packed heels, strapless tops, and flowy outfits. Sounds cute, right?
Until I realized:
- The ship floors can be slippery (heels = danger)
- Strapless tops don’t stay up during shuffleboard or windstorms
- Some dining rooms are freezing
My most worn item? A soft hoodie I bought in the gift shop—because I forgot one at home
- Comfort-first shoes (you’ll walk A LOT)
- A light sweater for indoor A/C
- Breathable, layer-able clothing
- Sun protection: wide hat, sunglasses, SPF
No one is judging your outfits as much as you think. Comfort wins, every time.
6. Ignoring the Dress Code
I thought “formal night” meant “nice jeans and a blouse.” Nope. I was underdressed, embarrassed, and almost turned away from dinner.
What You Really Need:
- One cocktail dress / suit (Check your cruise line’s policy—some are strict!)
- Versatile accessories (A shawl or tie can dress up an outfit fast.)
- Comfy yet classy shoes (Heels on a rocking ship? Risky.)
“I ended up buying an overpriced dress onboard—lesson learned!”
7. Skipping the “Just in Case” Items
I didn’t bring motion sickness meds (big regret) or a waterproof phone pouch (I almost lost my phone on a snorkeling trip).
Small Items That Save Big Headaches:
- Seabands or Dramamine (Even if you don’t get seasick, better safe than sorry.)
- Waterproof phone case / dry bag (Excursions = splashes!)
- ✔ Small first-aid kit (Band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes.)
“I spent half the cruise nauseous—pack the meds!”
8. Assuming Everything Onboard Is Free
I didn’t realize soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water cost extra (unless you have a drink package).
How to Avoid Surprise Charges:
- Bring a refillable water bottle (Fill up at buffet stations.)
- Check your cruise line’s drink policy (Some allow one bottle of wine per person.)
- Pre-purchase packages if you’re a big soda/coffee drinker.
“My ‘free’ cruise cost me $200 in extra drinks!”