Can you really pack just hand luggage for a cruise? For some of you, you have just read the title of this article and thought there is no way you can just pack hand luggage for a 10-day cruise! Well, yes, you can!
How? A capsule wardrobe, clever packing, and leaving a few things at home!
Here are 10 tips on how to pack for a cruise with just hand luggage:
Cruise Packing Tip One
First, you need to check the size of your hand luggage as there are different sizes. As if you are flying to your destination, check the dimensions your airline allows, as of course, they differ!
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Cruise Packing Tip Two
Second, check the maximum weight as some airlines allow 23kg for hand luggage, while others only allow 7kg!
Do not bring bulky clothes. If you want to bring a big puffy skirt, that is all you are going to take! Bring lightweight clothes, and if you are going to a cooler climate, pack some thin layers.
Cruise Packing Tip Three
Are you going to the formal nights? Check how many formal nights there will be on your cruise, usually on a 7 to 10-day cruise, there are one to two formal nights.
These days, you do not need to wear a full-length ball gown. A nice cocktail dress is fine, and there are lots of lovely dresses that are lightweight and pack nicely.
Cruise Packing Tip Four
Use Packing Cubes – These are a game-changer, and I love them. They have changed the way I pack for years now, and I always use them from a weekend away to a four-month trip.
They keep you organised, and they save so much space in your luggage.
Also, vacuum packing bags are good if you have a bulky item of clothing, like a jacket, but best to stay away from bulky clothing, and if you have a bulky jacket, wear it!
Cruise Packing Tip Five
Roll all your small clothing, like tees, shorts, dresses, and nightwear, and fold the larger items and put them under the packing cubes.
Cruise Packing Tip Six
Take fewer toiletries as you can only use that lovely little clear plastic bag that holds 100 ml products, and we all know that little bag does not hold much!
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, and soap are usually in the bathroom of your cabin, so leave those items at home and bring your other essential items, such as makeup, deodorant, perfume, etc.
Cruise Packing Tip Seven
Transfer your own toiletries into small bottles, pouches, and jars, and only take the amount that you are really going to use. I love the jars and pouches, as they save so much more space.
Cruise Packing Tip Eight
Leave the hairdryer at home; there is one on board in the cabin, or if you must bring one, bring a tiny travel-sized one.
Cruise Packing Tip Nine
Try to pack this amount of clothes:
- 7 casual tops
- 7 smart tops
- 2 casual shorts/skirts/trousers
- 2 smart skirts/trousers
- 1 formal dress
- 1 piece of nightwear
- Underwear
- 2 pairs of shoes (not including the pair you wear to embark the ship).
There are washing machines on board for use, or you can use the laundry service.
Cruise Packing Tip Ten
Bring shoes that can be mixed and matched with all your clothes. I always bring nude coloured shoes as they go if everything and they make your legs look longer! Wear a pair of shoes, e.g., sports shoes, on the day you embark.
You may also enjoy reading:
TOP 10 HANDY THINGS TO BRING ON A CRUISE
WHAT TO DO ON THE DAYS AT SEA ON A CRUISE SHIP
TOP 5 TIPS HOW TO USE YOUR iPhone ON A CRUISE SHIP
Cruise Essentials
Here are some cruising products from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise – have a look at my Amazon shop page and click here.
I hope these tips help you on your next cruise vacation. If you have any top tips to share, please do so in the comment box below. I would love to hear them.
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Happy Cruising!
Hi Lucy, we are so lucky to live in Phoenix, AZ. Very hot temps – 110 – but at least no floods. I enjoy reading your Blog. Where are you off to after next week ( 9-24-17 ). Will you be cruising on the same ship? Hello to Hubby…….. Peggy W
Author
Hi Peggy! Thank you so much 😊 I’m looking forward to warmer weather soon! We will be on the same ship, we have one more cruise in Alaska then we head down for a coastal California, then Mexico. Lovely meeting you, take care love Lucy x
I need to do better with packing less, these are great tips! I may have to try the packing cubes.
Author
Thank you! The packing cubes are the best invention!
i loved the tip number 4. It keeps the clothes arranged and segregated. Would follow all these for my next long trip’s packing
Author
Thank you! So pleased you have found these packing tips helpful.
I love the tip about putting toiletries into small bottles! I will have to remember that next time I pack.
Author
This tip makes life so much easier when travelling, just remember to label the bottle. I once didn’t and ended up using my moisturiser as a shampoo!
Hello, I’ve been on 8 carnival cruises. They have never had conditioner in the stateroom. What cruise line has conditioner in the staterooms?
Author
Hi Lori! Most cruise lines have it, but you have to ask for it!