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🛳️ Cruise Must-Haves: How I Packed for 10 Days, Multiple Countries & Zero Stress

Cruising is magical… if you pack smart. I just wrapped up 10 days of cruising and international travel using only a large personal bag and a carry-on, and honestly—strategy is everything.

Here’s exactly what I brought, what worked, what I’d never cruise without again, and how I avoided extra fees, stress, and overpacking—while still looking cute and staying comfortable.

 

🧳 Luggage Strategy: Small Bags, Big Brain

I traveled with:

  • 1 large personal bag

  • 1 carry-on suitcase

To make this work for multiple countries, I used vacuum seal bags and packed outfits by country, not by day. Total game changer.

👉 Amazon favorites (5⭐):

⚠️ Reminder: Bring the vacuum with you or those bags won’t help on the way home.

 

🚢 Cruise-Specific Essentials (Non-Negotiables)

These made life on the ship smoother:

  • Cruise luggage tags (for checked bags at boarding)

  • Ship pass card neck lanyards (hands-free access everywhere)

  • Small magnetic hooks (cruise cabin walls are metal!)

    • Perfect for keys, hats, wet swimsuits, and clothes drying

👉 Amazon must-haves:

 

🏖️ Beach Days Without the Extra Cost

I refused to pay for beach chairs and umbrellas, so I packed smart:

  • Pop-up beach tent (shade = freedom)

  • Beach bag

  • Reusable water bottle (hydration is key, especially in the sun)

  • Water shoes (essential for coarse sand & rocky riverbeds)

👉 Amazon beach MVPs:

🧴 Towel Hack

I did not bring beach towels.

  • Used cruise pool towels

  • Returned them daily

  • Replaced with fresh ones
    ✔️ Allowed
    ❌ Charged if you don’t return them

 

👙 Swimwear & Style (Functional and Cute)

  • One swimsuit per day

  • Dressy cover-ups that doubled as outfits

  • Nice sandals instead of heels (comfort > pain)

This worked perfectly for:

  • Day excursions

  • Casual lunches

  • Evening dinners

📱 Water, Sand & Theft Protection

  • Waterproof phone case (protects from water and sand)

  • Waterproof fanny pack for:

    • Passport

    • ID

    • Cash

    • Important documents

Some countries require passport or ID to reenter the port, and I also carry my passport so I can get customs stampsfrom nearby offices.

👉 Amazon favorites:

🛂 Passport, Money & Security Tips

  • Keep your passport in your personal item

    • You need it to board the ship before checked luggage is accessible

  • Passport wallet (fits passport, pen, cash, credit cards)

  • Enough cash for each day

    • ATM fees are astronomical

    • Most taxis want cash

    • U.S. dollars are accepted in many places

  • Small luggage locks for all bags

    • Especially helpful when checking into hotels early

👉 Amazon:

 

🧢 Sun, Comfort & Cabin Freshness

  • Always bring a hat

  • I skipped heavy sunscreen to soak up vitamin D and didn’t burn

  • My daughter recommends Black Girl Sunscreen (no white cast!)

👉 Amazon:

Cabin comfort extras I loved:

  • Portable fan (cruise cabins can get stuffy)

  • Air freshener (shared spaces + luggage = necessary)

  • Lysol disinfectant spray for peace of mind in cabins, bathrooms, and hotel rooms

👉 Amazon:

 

📚 Personal Item Essentials

  • A good book (I read one book in a week!)

  • Hand sanitizer & wet wipes

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Snacks if allowed

🧴 Toiletries & Health Kit (Do Not Skip This)

Carry-On Rule:

  • Liquids must be 3 ounces or less

  • Cover all cosmetics so nothing leaks

Buy before boarding:

  • Full-size shampoo & conditioner

  • Body lotion (sun and salt dry your skin out)

Pack:

  • Deodorant

  • Body wash & wash rag

  • Razors

  • Perfume

  • Makeup & wipes

  • Hand sanitizer & wet wipes

  • Small first aid kit (Band-Aids + ointment)

Medications:

  • Allergy meds

  • Motion sickness remedies

  • Pepto Bismol

  • Diarrhea meds

💡 I don’t get seasick, but I did get a headache around 6pm daily, which seemed to coincide with leaving port.

🔌 Electronics, Wi-Fi & Connectivity

  • Charging cords for all devices

  • Portable charger

  • Universal international adapter

    • Even if not required, it helps maximize limited outlets

⚠️ Cruise ships:

  • ❌ No extension cords or surge protectors

  • 💸 Laptops are charged per day per device

💡 I brought my laptop off the ship and used cafés and casinos with free Wi-Fi.

📱 With T-Mobile:

  • Free texting & email in most countries

  • 3G wasn’t great for Google Maps

Some cruisers use walkie-talkies onboard for communication.

👗 Clothes, Themes & Laundry Wisdom

Pack for:

  • Hot days

  • Cool nights

  • Cold AC dining rooms

  • Theme nights

Since we cruised in December, we had:

  • Ugly Christmas sweater night 🎄

  • Family PJ night

  • Dress-your-best night

I wore a dress every evening in the main dining room.

Clothing tips:

  • Light sweater is essential

  • Pack lots of underwear and socks

  • Ship laundry is about $20 per item 😬

Laundry hacks:

  • Tide pen for stains

  • Rinse clothes in bathroom

  • Dry on:

    • Shower line

    • Balcony

    • Window area

  • Towel clips to prevent clothes from flying away

👉 Amazon:

✨ I love returning home with clean clothes—no post-vacation stress, just unpack and relax.

That said, my boutique hotel in San Juan didn’t have laundry, so next time I’ll prioritize:

  • Airbnbs

  • Suites

  • Larger hotels with washer/dryer access

✨ Final Takeaway

Cruising with just a carry-on is absolutely doable when you pack with intention. Think multi-purpose items, organization, and comfort first.

Your vacation should restore you—not create more work when you get home.

Happy cruising 🛳️💙

 

 

 

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