Do I really need to pack all that crap for a cruise?

[Anonymous]

We are historically minimalist packers who get by with one carry-on/personal item/capsule wardrobe per person and will be taking our first cruise. I’m on some FB groups and online forums and I’m amazed by the junk people insist you must pack.

We will be taking a 7-night cruise, three days at sea (plus embarkation day), three port days. We don’t plan on eating in the MDR more than twice, no specialty dining, and will just wear the same dressy clothes each time we eat in the MDR. Otherwise we will dress like we dress on every other vacation we take. What am I missing?

Other than maybe/definitely packing a small variety of specialty meds, do we really need all the other junk and tchotchkes? I can’t believe the things people post about packing. But I don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the ocean wishing I had packed a huge pop up hamper or hanging toiletry bag or travel fan. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I’m like you and packed similarly to you. The only one semi regret is that I wish I had packed two nice dresses (not gala, just nicer).

Some people go over board.

[Anonymous]

Overpacker here!

For me, its a chance to wear clothes I don't wear on a regular basis. I have a nice wardrobe, but often end up opting for the comfy old clothes to chase small kids around. That cute summer dress that still fits but I wouldn't wear to a soccer practice? A vacation is a great time to wear it!

[Anonymous]

I'm a minimalist packer (even flight attendants compliment me) and have been on 2 cruises. No, you don't need to pack all the junk others claim you'll need. Most people way over pack.

The most useful tip I got before my first cruise was to pack a night light. If you have an interior cabin, it will be pitch black once the lights are turned off. A night light will be helpful for the middle of the night bathroom trip.

[Anonymous]

A pop-up hamper? Why can't you just ... shove your dirty clothes in a bag like you do on every other trip?

[Anonymous]

Some of this will depend on the cruise line and how well appointed their stateroom is. For the most part, you won't need anything extra and a lot of cruises overstate how dressy the dinners are.

[Anonymous]

No. Bring a sweater (the dining room was always cold) and bring at least one warm-ish outfit if you are leaving from a cool port (24 hours in and back will be in cool weather then)

Otherwise I'm glad I brought shampoo/conditioner vs. their tiny dispenser of all in one stuff, but I needed nothing beyond a normal trip. They have shops on board and laundry if needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a minimalist packer (even flight attendants compliment me) and have been on 2 cruises. No, you don't need to pack all the junk others claim you'll need. Most people way over pack.

The most useful tip I got before my first cruise was to pack a night light. If you have an interior cabin, it will be pitch black once the lights are turned off. A night light will be helpful for the middle of the night bathroom trip.

? Your phone has a flash light

[Anonymous]

Sister recently went on an overseas cruise when the airlines were losing everyone's luggage. Many passengers only packed carry ons and of course none of them were adversely affected. Many of the people who had overpacked were angry and fuming the whole time when their luggage did not make the cruise.

[Anonymous]

No you don’t need any of that stuff. But yes, do pack a variety of specialty meds. Everyone is getting sick on vacation, even moreso on cruises. Easier to have NyQuil in your room than have to go to ship Dr.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a minimalist packer (even flight attendants compliment me) and have been on 2 cruises. No, you don't need to pack all the junk others claim you'll need. Most people way over pack.

The most useful tip I got before my first cruise was to pack a night light. If you have an interior cabin, it will be pitch black once the lights are turned off. A night light will be helpful for the middle of the night bathroom trip.

? Your phone has a flash light

You bring your phone into the bathroom? I've had a cell phone for over 20 years and have never done that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m like you and packed similarly to you. The only one semi regret is that I wish I had packed two nice dresses (not gala, just nicer).

Some people go over board.

I see what you did there.

[Anonymous]

If this is how you would pack for a beach vacation then its fine. You don't need to change cloths multiple time and you can likely do laundry (or send it off) if necessary. If its a Caribbean/warm weather cruise you will likely be in swim gear during the day. I would bring at least 2 suits since there is nothing worse than putting on a wet bathing suit. You will probably want something to wear in the evenings that's nicer. For cruises I would check how many plugs your stateroom has. Some boats only have a few so we have this little cube that gives us more plugs - make sure you will be allowed to bring it on board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a minimalist packer (even flight attendants compliment me) and have been on 2 cruises. No, you don't need to pack all the junk others claim you'll need. Most people way over pack.

The most useful tip I got before my first cruise was to pack a night light. If you have an interior cabin, it will be pitch black once the lights are turned off. A night light will be helpful for the middle of the night bathroom trip.

? Your phone has a flash light

You bring your phone into the bathroom? I've had a cell phone for over 20 years and have never done that!

But if it werepitch black and you needed light but didn't want to turn on the overhead, surely you might consider doing so, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a minimalist packer (even flight attendants compliment me) and have been on 2 cruises. No, you don't need to pack all the junk others claim you'll need. Most people way over pack.

The most useful tip I got before my first cruise was to pack a night light. If you have an interior cabin, it will be pitch black once the lights are turned off. A night light will be helpful for the middle of the night bathroom trip.

? Your phone has a flash light

You bring your phone into the bathroom? I've had a cell phone for over 20 years and have never done that!

Get over yourself