I’m a reformed overpacker. These days, I cringe when I think back to my first cruise when I brought two stuffed, full-sized suitcases.
Since the average stateroom is much smaller than a standard hotel room, I’m a happier traveler when I don’t have a mountain of unneeded stuff.
Learning to pack lighter has simplified my trips and helped me better enjoy my vacations. With that in mind, here are three things I don’t bring on cruises.
Over-the-door organizers aren’t worth the potential hassle of bringing them on board
I’ve seen several articles that advise packing an over-the-door shoe organizer to hold small items in an easy-to-see fashion.
I can see how these organizers might be handy; however, some cruise lines prohibit them because the metal hooks can damage the doors.
Even though you can secure the organizer to a clothes hanger with zip ties instead of directly on the door, you probably don’t want to delay your embarkation or baggage check while you convince the crew that you’re not going to damage the ship.
It’s important to always check your cruise line’s list of prohibited items while packing to avoid any trouble.
Personally, I just make do with the in-room drawers for stowing smaller items, though I have also used magnetic wall hooks on some trips for extra storage.
I’ve also heard of other passengers using suction wall hooks to hang lighter items in their rooms.
You can dress up without packing bulky formal wear
For some passengers, dressing for dinner is a high point of cruising.
However, formal wear often requires steaming and ironing after it’s unpacked — plus full-length gowns and suits can take up a lot of space in your bag and stateroom closets.
Many cruises have formal nights, and I also enjoy dressing up, so I try to balance elegance with minimal packing by bringing four to six black outfits, usually a mix of dresses and rompers with varying hem and sleeve lengths.
These basic black staples are easy to dress up or down. They can be styled with sparkly sandals, a wrap, and statement jewelry for a fancier look, while also being versatile enough to dress down with flip-flops for a swimsuit cover-up or paired with tennis shoes and a hat for a comfortable port-day fit.
My husband brings one blazer and a pair of dark jeans that he usually wears on and off the ship. Beyond that, he’s set with a single pair of khakis, a couple of button-downs, and T-shirts that also work with shorts.
This has worked well for us across different cruises, but always check your ship’s dress-code requirements before you leave. Some are a bit more strict than others.
I skip packing heated hairstyling tools, like my flat iron
At home, I do my hair with a flat iron — and my bathroom cabinets contain more products than anyone probably needs — but I never pack the styling tool for cruises.
On board, I prefer quick, simple hairstyles that get me from snorkeling to drinks and dinner.
I bring hats, headbands, and a supply of bobby pins and elastics. I also pack beach-waves spray, so I’m set for updos and braids that go with everything.
I can fuss with my hair at home when I don’t have a tantalizing list of fun activities to choose from. Plus, if I want to splurge, I’ll get a blowout at the onboard salon.
This story was originally published on February 26, 2022, and most recently updated on March 23, 2026.
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