Packing Hacks for Cruisers

If you're anything like me, packing for a cruise is a love-hate relationship.
You’re excited for your trip, but the suitcase chaos? Not so much.

After dozens of cruises, I’ve learned how to pack smarter, not harder. I've got some cruise packing tips and packing hacks for you that will save space, time, and be a huge stress reliever.

Cruise cabins are small, so staying organized with your packing is essential!

Whether you are cruising for the first time or looking for some new cruise packing tips and hacks, check out this list of 20 cruise packing hacks to help you save time and stress and make packing easier. Plus, check out what I am glad I am now packing for my cruises.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; if a purchase is made, I could earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

20 Genius Packing Hacks Every Cruiser Should Know

1. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes keep everything neat and compartmentalized—and if you label each cube by outfit by day, you’ll know exactly what to grab each morning.

If I'm staying in a hotel overnight before my cruise, I just pull out the packing cube needed instead of unpacking everything.

Pro Tip: Bring an empty cube (or put your clothes in a drawer) and toss dirty clothes in your empty cube. Instant laundry bag!

2. Shower Caps over Shoes

This is the easiest hack ever. Just slide your shoes into disposable shower caps to keep the soles from touching your clothes. No mess, no smell.

If you don't have a shower cap, then just bring a Wal-Mart bag, we all have those, right?

3. Bring Magnetic Hooks

Most cruise cabin walls are metal. Use magnetic hooks to hang hats, wet swimsuits, lanyards, or even extra bags. I didn't use to pack these in the beginning, but now magnetic hooks are a cruise essential for me!

Why I am glad I bring them now

I actually pack several magnetic hooks, and I use them to hang our bags, jackets, and swimsuits. I didn't realize how essential these were until I brought them for the first time.

4. Use a Hanging Toiletry Bag

Bathroom counters on cruise ships are tiny. A hanging toiletry bag keeps your skincare and essentials tidy, off the counter, and easy to access.

There's typically a hook on the inside of the bathroom door, but if not, you could use your magnetic hooks.

Now, I have gotten to where I put so much stuff in my hanging toiletry organizer that my husband now carries his own.

5. Roll, Don't Fold

Rolling your clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles.

Bonus: it makes packing cubes even more effective.

Free Cruise Packing List

Check out my Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist with Caribbean and Alaska cruise packing lists and ideas of what to pack. Plus, itinerary, and budget planner checklists.

6. Pack Lightweight Backpacks or Totes for Port Day

Use a small tote bag or sling backpack for shore excursions, beach days, or shopping at the port.

Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and your cruise card!

7. Travel Laundry Sheets

Want to wash a few things in the sink? Travel-sized laundry sheets are perfect for rinsing out swimsuits or re-wearing favorite outfits.

Now, confession: I'm adding this in because many of you have told me this is helpful, but I have never actually brought them myself.

8. Non-Surge Protected Power Strip

Cruise cabins often only have one or two outlets, unless you are on one of the new mega ships. A compact, cruise-approved power strip (no surge protector) is a must for charging phones, watches, and more. I do bring a charger block, but now I am bringing a portable battery bank.

Why I am glad I bring this now

A portable battery bank is so helpful to have out at the port or on an excursion if you need to charge your phone. Plus, it's an extra outlet in your cruise cabin.

9. Refillable Toiletry Bottles

Cut down on space in your luggage and your cruise cabin bathroom with refillable toiletry bottles.

10. Collapsible Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important! Bring a refillable bottle to fill up around the ship and take to the port or on excursions.

11. Pill Organizer for Jewelry

A pill organizer is great to separate earrings, rings, and small items in a daily pill organizer to keep them tangle-free and easy to find.

12. Zipper Pouch for Documents

Keep your passport, cruise check-in docs, and any travel confirmations, birth certificate, and any other documents needed in one waterproof zip pouch. Stress-free boarding starts here.

Definitely don't forget your passport (or birth certificate if your cruise line accepts those as an alternative). Unfortunately, I have witnessed someone denied boarding on embarkation day because they forgot their passport.

13. Wear Bulkiest Items on Embarkation Day

This can save space in your suitcase if you wear your bulkier items on embarkation day. For instance, I always wear my tennis shoes on embarkation day and pack my sandals.

I know you are ready to wear your sandals if you are cruising on a Caribbean cruise but maybe pack them in your carry-on bag.

14. Foldable hat or Baseball Cap

When cruising to the Caribbean, I like to wear my floppy beach hat, but I now bring a baseball cap with me.

Why I am glad I bring this now

I almost lost my floppy hat to the sea with the high winds one day. I like having a baseball cap, as it helps to keep the sun off of me, and I don't have to worry so much about it blowing off my head.

15. Entertainment for Sea Days

While cruise ships offer a lot of activities and entertainment, especially on a sea day, to keep you busy, you might want to consider bringing along a book to relax by the pool or even a deck of cards.

Some people like to bring puzzles, and my husband has been known to bring his Legos.

16. Small First-Aid Kit

Consider packing a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain reliever, and seasick meds.

Why I am glad I bring this now

While I always have motion sickness meds with me, I forgot my headache meds, and that was not fun. Cruise ships sell pain relievers, but 2-3 for the cost of a small bottle! I now save myself some money and bring my own.

17. Portable Travel Mirror

Now, this isn't a cruise essential, but I wanted to share it with you because I enjoy having mine when we cruise.

It's especially helpful if someone else is in the bathroom, or if you are cruising with several people in one cruise cabin.

18. Nail Clippers

I know kind of an odd one here, but I used to not bring these in my toiletry bag and now I am glad I do.

Why I am glad I bring this now

Aside from a hang nail that could happen, these are also great if you have a snag or loose thread on your clothing. Plus, cruise ships rarely sell these in their stores.

19. Embarkation Day Bag

An embarkation day bag, or cruise carry-on bag is great to have if you are checking your luggage with the porter when you arrive, which I recommend doing instead of lugging your luggage around the cruise ship until your room is ready.

Items you should have in your embarkation day bag:

• Important documents

• Chargers

• Meds

• Anything valuable that you will need before your luggage arrives

• Swimsuit (if you plan to swim right away)

I carry a sling backpack as my carry-on and also use it at the port or on excursions.

20. Repack the Night before Disembarkation Day

If you choose to have the cruise ship, take your luggage the night before so it will be delivered to the port for you to pick up when you get off.

You will want to make sure you have a set of clothes for disembarkation day set aside. Have a packing cube just for disembarkation day essentials.

This tip may seem obvious, but I have actually seen people at guest services in their bathrobes asking for their luggage back as they forgot to set aside clothes.

Packing doesn't have to be overwhelming and stressful; with the right packing tips, hacks, and packing checklist, you can avoid the stress.

Happy Cruising!

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