What NOT to Pack for a Cruise
Ilana | LifeWellCruised.com
Overview
Ilana surveyed experienced cruisers on what they no longer bring — and found the answers have shifted significantly even from just three years ago, reflecting how cruising and travel habits have evolved. The two most commonly mentioned items are saved for the end.
Reminder: Everyone is different. Use this list as a guide, not a rulebook — do what works for you.
Items to Leave at Home
1. GoPro / Fancy Camera
Most people realized their smartphone camera does a fantastic job — and that they're on vacation, not filming a documentary. (Ilana notes this is actually what she uses to film her own YouTube videos.)
2. Refillable Water Bottles & Thermal Coffee Mugs
Many cruisers now purchase drink packages, which already include beverages — making personal bottles redundant and just extra bulk in your bag.
3. Printed Documents
Most boarding passes, reservations, and excursion confirmations are now handled digitally. Two exceptions to watch for:
- Carnival still requires printed documents in some cases
- Third-party shore excursion providers often request printed confirmations
4. Towel Clips
The big, bulky novelty clips (flamingos, flip-flops) take up too much luggage space. Most experienced cruisers have switched to thin towel bands, which stretch easily and are surprisingly durable.
5. Too Many Clothes & Shoes
Overpacking clothing is one of the most common cruise mistakes. Notable shifts:
- Many cruisers now travel with carry-on and personal bag only — no checked luggage
- Nobody needs 37 pairs of underwear or a different pair of shoes for every occasion
6. Towels
First-timer tip: The cruise ship provides large, good-quality towels for use on deck and on excursions. Just bring them back — most lines charge $25 per unreturned towel.
7. Large Shampoo & Conditioner Bottles
Many cruise lines now stock decent quality toiletries. If you're picky about products, bring travel sizes rather than full bottles. Ilana's take: a 3-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash is a hard no.
8. Alcohol Hidden in Shampoo Bottles
Cruise lines have caught on to this trick — and they do conduct random luggage checks. If caught, you'll be called to the "naughty room" for confiscation.
9. Prohibited Items (will be confiscated)
- Irons and steamers — fire hazard
- Drones — not allowed without proper permissions
- Multi-tools with a blade (e.g., Leatherman)
10. A Sound Machine
Apps now replicate the functionality well — and take up zero luggage space.
11. Physical Books
Most cruisers who love reading have switched to a Kindle — lighter, and holds an entire library.
12. Excess Gym Wear
Pack for the person you are, not the person you want to be. If you think you might try the gym, bring one outfit — not one for every day of the sailing.
13. Formal Wear (Top Item #1)
Mentioned by hundreds of people. Formal dress codes have relaxed significantly across most cruise lines:
- Men: Ties are largely gone; most are wearing nice pants and a button-down. Some go no fancier than a Hawaiian shirt
- Women: A nice dress or little black dress has replaced heavy formal gowns
- Heavy suits and formal attire are increasingly being left at home entirely
14. A Companion (Top Item #2)
The second most commonly mentioned item. Solo cruising has surged — many experienced cruisers said they've stopped trying to coordinate with friends or family and simply go when they want to go.
Cruise Essentials That Often Go Unused
These vary by person, but commonly cited:
- Over-the-door organizers — newer ships tend to have more built-in storage; also more relevant when cruising with kids
- Water shoes — depends entirely on your excursion plans
- Snorkel gear — same as above; often available to rent or borrow
- Magnet hooks — some swear by them, others never figure out the appeal
Honorable Mentions
Things cruisers have also learned to leave behind:
- Their kids
- Their ex-husbands
- Their in-laws
- Sometimes their husbands
And most importantly — their work, their anxiety, and their stress. The best thing to leave at home.
Ilana's Carry-On Strategy
For those going luggage-free, Ilana packs a compression packing cube inside her personal bag containing:
- 2 days of clothes
- A swimsuit and sandals
- Makeup and toiletries
- Sleepwear and tech items
This covers a worst-case scenario if checked luggage is delayed — and keeps embarkation day smooth and stress-free.