7 Day Cruise Packing List (What To Pack & More)

Need to know how to pack for a 7 day cruise — even if you’re only bringing a carry-on? This ultimate 7 day cruise packing list shows you exactly what to pack as well as how to pack everything as efficiently as possible.

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How do you pack a suitcase for a 7 day cruise?

To pack a suitcase for a 7 day cruise, use packing cubes, roll your clothes instead of folding and bring minimal toiletries.

Even though it seems impossible to pack for a 7 day cruise in one suitcase, trust me, it is doable. I was able to pack for a 7 day cruise in just a carry-on.

You can learn how to pack for a cruise in a carry-on here.

How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise?

10-14

For a 7 day cruise, you should bring 10-14 outfits in case you get wet or need a nicer outfit for evening dinners.

Below, you’ll learn about what types of outfits you need (casual, formal, etc.) and how many of each type you need.

How many pairs of shoes should you take on a 7 day cruise?

2-4

For a 7 day cruise, you’ll need a pair of shoes for the pool, formal dinners, walking, close-toed shoe activities and the fitness center. Although you could easily bring 4+ pairs of shoes, I recommend finding one pair of shoes that serves multiple purposes, like these.

That way, your shoes won’t take up your precious suitcase space.

7 Day Cruise Packing List

1. 7-8 Daytime Outfits

On your 7 day cruise, you’ll need a casual daytime outfit for each day, plus at least one backup outfit in case you get wet.

Depending on your 7 day cruise itinerary, you’ll want to pack shorts and lightweight tops for your daytime outfits.

Also, to maximize suitcase and stateroom space, don’t be afraid to rewear your daytime outfits, especially shorts. If packing shorts to rewear, you can easily get away with packing only 3-4 pairs shorts and 7-8 different tops.

2. 4-5 Evening Outfits

In addition, between the on-ship entertainment and classy bars, you’ll find that your T-shirts and shorts will feel too casual for cruise evenings. In fact, many cruise restaurants don’t allow shorts.

So, you’ll need to pack 4-5 evening outfits for your 7 day cruise as well. These outfits don’t have to be formalwear (we’ll discuss formalwear next), so packing sundresses, blouses, dress pants, khakis, polos, etc. will suffice.

Moreover, if you’re short on suitcase space, perhaps packing for your cruise in a carry-on, wear your evening outfits throughout the day as your daytime outfits as well. There’s absolutely no problem walking to the pool in a sundress or polo if needed.

3. 2 Formal Night Outfits

Speaking of formalwear, many 7 day cruise itineraries have at least one formal night where everyone dresses in formal attire. Women often where full-length evening gowns, and men wear suits or tuxedos.

Because some cruise sailings do not have official formal nights, check your itinerary for formal nights before packing. Your itinerary tells you if you have any formal nights and how many formal nights you need to pack for.

4. 4 Swimsuits

Obviously, you’ll also need to pack multiple swimsuits for your 7 day cruise.

I naively packed three swimsuits for our 7 day Caribbean cruise, and I often found myself putting on a damp swimsuit. In hindsight, I should have brought at least four swimsuits to always have a dry swimsuit on hand.

If you’re going on a 7 day Mediterranean cruise, I also recommend packing at least 4 swimsuits. If you’re going on a 7 day Alaskan cruise or another colder climate cruise, 2 swimsuits should suffice.

5. Pool, Formal, Walking And Tennis Shoes

As for shoes, you will need shoes for the pool deck, shoes for formal dinners, walking shoes and tennis shoes in order to take part in all of the activities you’re 7 day cruise has to offer.

However, you do not need to pack 4+ pairs of shoes. This will take up way too much suitcase space and weight. Instead, find one pair of shoes that can serve as your pool, formal dinner and walking shoes. Then wear your tennis shoes onto the ship. That way, you only have to bring 2 pairs of shoes total.

Find the best waterproof, cute and comfortable cruise shoes in my guide to the best cruise shoes for ladies.

6. Sunglasses

Next, you do not want to forget sunglasses on your 7 day cruise.

Cruise pool decks are completely exposed to the sunshine from above, and the ocean water reflects the sunshine from below. Basically, if you’re outside, you will be blinded from all directions without sunglasses.

If you need prescription sunglasses like me, I highly recommend buying sunglasses from Zenni Optical for your cruise. Zenni offers cheap (and trendy) prescription sunglasses for as low as $10. This means, you won’t be upset if they get lost, bumped overboard or broken on your trip.

7. 2-3 Bottles Of Reef-Safe Sunscreen (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Similarly, you need to pack a lot of sunscreen for your 7 day cruise.

Just like you need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, you need to protect your skin. No one enjoys being sunburnt on vacation.

8. Pool Bag

9. 1-2 Fitness Center Outfits (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Cruise ship fitness centers offer a variety of free fitness classes and workout machines so you can stay in shape on your 7 day cruise.

If you plan to use your ship’s fitness center, pack just 1-2 workout outfits and rewear them throughout the week. I know this might sound gross, but everyone does it. It will save you loads of suitcase space. You’re secret is safe with me.

10. 4 Pairs Of Warm Pajamas

Although I am very thankful for stateroom air conditioning, staterooms can become surprisingly cold.

Yes, you should have a temperature control dial in your individual stateroom. But, I suggest bringing warm pajamas to sleep in anyway.

The combination of thin, limited bedding and frigid air conditioning makes for a cold night without long pajama pants and/or sweatshirts. I learned this the hard way.

11. Motion Sickness Remedies (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned cruiser, unfortunately seasicknesses doesn’t discriminate. Luckily, most people do not experience severe seasickness, but it’s always best to sail prepared.

There are tons of classic seasickness remedies on Amazon, all of which you can find in my Amazon cruise essentials list here.

12. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

While we’re on the topic of health, don’t forget to bring a few travel-size hand sanitizer bottles on your 7 day cruise. You’ll need them.

13. Minimal Toiletries (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Similarly, this 7 day cruise packing list wouldn’t be complete without toiletries.

I advise only bringing minimal toiletries, though. Toiletry cases and bottles are a sneaky way to quickly run out of suitcase space and stateroom storage.

14. Portable Chargers And A Power Strip

Next, don’t forget your electronics. Notably, besides your phone and travel camera gear, don’t forget a portable charger and a retractable power strip.

15. A Good Book (7 Day Cruise Packing List)

Finally, don’t forget to bring a good book for relaxing pool and beach days.

Have any more questions about how to pack for a 7 day cruise? Ask me in the reply section below or by sending me a direct message on Instagram. I’m happy to help!

More Cruise Packing Lists

How To Pack For A Cruise In A Carry-On (7+ Days!)
Cruise Shoes For Ladies To Fit Your Every Need
Amazon Cruise Essentials You Need In 2023
Cruise Puns You Need To Steal

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