Travelling Light - Packing for Your Cruise in Hand Luggage only

A Challenge for an Over-Packer

Is it possible to pack for a cruise in hand luggage only? Walk this way!

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We’ve been on over 60 cruises, yet every time John and I argue over packing. He thinks I overpack (I do) and I think he isn’t packing enough (matter of opinion).

Over the years, as John has returned from holiday with half his shirts and t shirts unworn, he has subsequently culled his packing, yet he always seems to have the appropriate clothing for the duration of the cruise, although it makes me really anxious (what if he spills something down himself?)

On the flip side, my packing has got out of hand - I now utilise the spare suitcase space that he has vacated and pack everything but the kitchen sink. I like options, for those inevitable “fat days” and also for the “what if” days - What if it’s colder/hotter than expected? What if no one is wearing long dresses? What if EVERYONE is wearing long dresses?

John’s biggest issue with my packing, however, is the number of shoes I take on a 7 night cruise - last time it was 14 pairs! I felt I was justified in the circumstances: I got a blister on my heel from the first pair on the way to the port so had to wear backless shoes for a while (one day pair/one night pair). When they rubbed my toes I had to wear open-toed shoes for a while (again a day and night option). Then there were comfy walking sandals, flip flops, and trainers in case I went to the gym (never happened). Finally it was my “formal night” shoes - high heels for longer outfits, lower for others plus different colours for different outfits. Ok, reading this back I can see this was excessive, by anyones standards.

Then recently I was gifted a garment carrier by Modoker (similar available HERE), and John suggested I set myself a challenge to pack for a week’s cruise using just that one piece of luggage.

After some “discussion” when it was implied that it would be an impossible feat for me, obviously I accepted the challenge just to prove him wrong.

It’s All In the Planning

I’m a list maker, so my first step is always very organised, planning my clothing for each day and evening. My problem always arises when I add in “just in case extras”. In this instance I knew I had to fight the urge, stick to my list and use the opportunity to become more disciplined.

So, list complete I started pulling bits out of the wardrobe, but when I looked at the pile on the bed I realised I’d need a trunk rather than a carry-on. So back to the drawing board. I scoured the internet for packing tips and discovered there were a few basic rules that would help me. Let me share them with you.

Key packing tips:

Make your clothes work hard for you and double up.
Choose a capsule wardrobe with toning colours.
Choose lightweight materials.
Cull your shoes.
Add accessories that will ring the changes to give a different look
Buy mini versions of all your makeup, toiletries & perfume.
Use compression packing cubes
Choose the most versatile and roomiest luggage that meets airline cabin requirements.
Wear your heaviest clothes to travel in

What I Packed for my 7 Night Cruise

Navy & White and Breton stripes work well together.

I decided on a nautical navy & white theme for daytime with both long and short sleeved t-shirts, cropped white jeans and a pair of cropped indigo denim jeans. I added a two pairs of shorts (white and navy), a white strappy vest and a regular sleeveless vest in navy. I also included a microfleece in case the weather turned.

For after dark I chose some lightweight black trousers that could double up as evening trousers and yoga/exercise pants (never gonna happen but I have to at least show intention!) I added two embellished chiffon kaftan-type beach coverups that could be dual purpose - around the pool/beach over swimwear and also worn with the black trousers over a strappy camisole vest top or tankini top.

I couldn’t decide between two Midaxi dresses, but as they were very delicate material I hoped they would both fit in the zipped inner compartment. I also packed a lightweight black sequin jacket.

Now it was time to deal with footwear, and I’m not going to lie - I had a full on panic attack trying to whittle them down to a manageable number. My limit was determined by the size of the internal shoe pocket of the garment carrier, so again I had to think over my options carefully. I selected a pair of tan mules, a pair of silver slip on sneakers and a pair of embellished velvet evening shoes. I also managed to squeeze in a pair of regular well-worn flip flops which would be my go-to if any of the others were uncomfortable!

Next it was the bits & bobs such as toiletries (all mini versions including my favourite perfume which I bought in a travel size), PJs, selection of belts and jewellery plus my paired down tech.

I decided it would be best to layer up for my flight - I would travel in regular full length jeans, a tee shirt under a crisp white shirt, with a sweater and trainers, plus a lightweight puffy water resistant jacket that folds down small into a compression bag.

The Moment of Truth - Did it all fit?

Firstly I unzipped my gifted garment carrier and laid it out flat. I unzipped the internal garment section and slipped the dresses (still on hangers) through the tab and tucked them into the space. I then dropped in the sequin jacket, evening trousers and chiffon tops, none of which were prone to creasing. I zipped the garment section up and then put my shoes into the relevant section. That done, I zipped up the sides of the bag ready to fill the internal cavity. (See how it all fitted in in my video below).

My version is the Modoker Wine Leather Garment Carrier.

I already had some packing cubes so rolled up the remaining clothes and underwear into them and compressed them. They fitted into the bag comfortably with room for my cosmetic bag and hair straighteners. I placed the other bits and bobs (makeup brushes, passport, chargers etc. into the other pockets at either end of the bag before zipping the bag up, and voila! To my absolute amazement everything had fitted in.

My Packing List

Here is my packing list for this particular 7 night cruise:

✔️ Packing Cubes (I previously ordered these compression cubes)

✔️ 2 x Monsoon Evening Dresses

✔️1x sequin jacket (similar to this)

✔️1x pair black stretchy jersey trousers (day/night & gym)

✔️2 x Thin kaftan tops (double up as cover ups)

✔️1 x pair white cropped jeans

✔️1 x pair cropped denim jeans

✔️ 1 x Roman white stretchy denim shorts

✔️ 1 x Roman navy stretchy shorts

✔️white short sleeved t-shirt

✔️navy short sleeved t-shirt

✔️nautical striped Bardot top

✔️ nautical long sleeved t-shirt

✔️ 1 white strappy vest

✔️ 1 x Micro-fleece

✔️1 tankini top

✔️swim shorts (double as regular shorts) (love these)

✔️7 x pairs underwear

✔️1 strapless bra

✔️ pair of evening shoes

✔️ 1 x pair leather flat mules

✔️ 1 x pair silver slip on sneakers

✔️ 1 x flip flops

✔️ Make up bag with minis

✔️ Makeup brushes

✔️GHDs hair straighteners

✔️ Two belts and selection of jewellery.

✔️ Battery pack (like this one)

✔️Phone & charger

Packing Review - Did it Work?

I will admit to feeling a bit nervous leaving the house with my limited allowance, but I consoled myself with the prospect of port shopping should the need arise. This particular trip was an around Britain cruise so I knew an M&S (popular UK store) would be in spitting distance.

As it turned out I did have enough clothes and toiletries etc. with me, although I could have perhaps done with an extra sweater given the UK weather. I found though, that I was so bored with the limited choices. I soon got fed up with the navy and white which punctuated most of my photos, and I knew I had better shoe options at home for the dresses that I took. In fact I felt a little bit disgruntled everyday getting ready.

Have I Changed my (Over-Packing) Ways?

I’ve proven to myself that I can manage with fewer clothes, but perhaps not quite as few as on this occasion. I would definitely try to cut back on a mini-cruise or weekend break, but probably not for longer voyages. I like having choices (and shoes), and restricting them detracted from my enjoyment of my cruise.

However, I now know that if it was more cost-effective on a fly-cruise having hand luggage only, then I could easily manage with less.

See my related posts:

Cruise Dress Codes for First Time Cruisers

5 Useful Things to Pack for your next Cruise

‘Alternative’ Cruise Dress Codes (Adults Only)

Share your packing tips with me in comments so I can learn from fellow experts.

Cruise Packing Tips - Hand Luggage Only