What NOT to Pack for a Cruise: 25 Items to Leave at Home
Packing for a cruise is exciting — but it’s also easy to pack too much or bring things you simply won’t use onboard. Cruise cabins are comfortable but compact, and every unnecessary item takes up valuable space in your luggage.
This guide covers the items most cruisers regret bringing on their trip. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or looking to streamline your routine, here are the things to leave at home so your suitcase stays lighter and your cruise feels easier.
🟦 1. Too Many Shoes
Shoes take up more room and weight than almost anything else.
You don’t need:
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Multiple heels
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Bulky sneakers
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Extra sandals
Keep it simple: 1 casual pair, 1 evening pair, 1 excursion shoe.
🟦 2. Full-Sized Toiletries
Cruise bathrooms are small, and full-size bottles clutter the space.
Better option: travel-size containers or using the ship’s toiletries.
🟦 3. Towels
All cruise lines provide:
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Pool towels
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Beach towels
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Cabin bath towels
Save the space.
🟦 4. Irons, Steamers, or Any Heat Appliance
Prohibited on all major cruise lines.
They’re a fire risk.
Bring: wrinkle-release spray or hang clothes in the bathroom during a hot shower.
🟦 5. Too Many Formal Outfits
Formal night is not as dressy as people expect.
You only need:
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1 elevated outfit
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Simple accessories
No ball gowns or tuxedos required.
🟦 6. Hard Coolers
Most cruise lines only allow collapsible soft coolers for excursions.
Hard coolers = prohibited.
🟦 7. Snacks and Drinks (Mostly)
Cruise ships allow some snacks, but you don’t need a suitcase full of food.
Ships serve food 24/7.
Also?
Most lines don’t allow cases of water or soda anymore.
🟦 8. Expensive Jewelry
Safer to leave valuables at home.
You don’t want to worry about losing something meaningful.
🟦 9. Books (Bring a Kindle Instead)
Books take up weight and space.
Download:
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Audiobooks
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Magazines offline
🟦 10. Hair Dryers
Your cabin already has one.
Maybe not the strongest — but reliable.
🟦 11. Extra Beach Bags
One lightweight beach tote is all you need.
🟦 12. Overpacking Workout Gear
Be honest: most people work out once or not at all.
Bring 1–2 outfits max.
🟦 13. High Heels You Can’t Walk In
Cruise ships move — stability matters.
Choose low heels, wedges, or flats.
🟦 14. Fancy Handbags
You only need:
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1 crossbody for ports
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1 small clutch for evenings
Leave the rest.
🟦 15. Too Many Jackets
Caribbean, Bahamas, and most warm-weather cruises rarely need layers.
Bring:
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1 light jacket
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1 wrap or shawl
That’s it.
🟦 16. Beach Umbrellas or Shade Gear
Prohibited.
The ship or excursion provider supplies shade.
🟦 17. Water Shoes for Every Port
Unless you're doing rocky beaches or waterfall climbs, you won’t use them.
1 pair max — or none.
🟦 18. Multiple Hats
Choose one versatile hat: foldable sun hat or a baseball cap.
🟦 19. Full Medication Cabinet
Pack only essentials.
Avoid bringing a large first-aid kit — the ship has medical supplies.
🟦 20. Laundry Detergent Bottles
If you plan to do laundry, bring:
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Laundry sheets
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A small pod (double sealed)
Not bulky bottles.
🟦 21. Extra Hair Tools
Pick:
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Hair dryer (provided)
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OR curling wand
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OR straightener
Never bring multiple.
🟦 22. Multiple Evening Bags
One clutch or small evening bag is enough.
🟦 23. Outdoor Gear You Won’t Use
Snorkel sets?
Waterproof vests?
Large fins?
These are heavy and rarely worth it.
Excursions provide gear.
🟦 24. Unnecessary Tech
Leave behind:
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Giant power strips (prohibited if surge-protected)
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Wireless routers
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Large speakers
Only bring approved USB power hubs.
🟦 25. Extra Luggage
Don’t pack “just in case” luggage.
You won’t use it and storage is limited.
✔️ Final Thoughts
Packing less makes cruising easier. Focus on versatile clothing, approved items, and essentials you’ll use every day — not “just in case” extras. Your cabin will feel more spacious, your luggage lighter, and your cruise more relaxing.
For more packing help:
👉 Ultimate Cruise Packing List
👉 Cruise Dress Codes Explained
